Anybody have any tips?

Seeking Advice for Managing an Overwhelming Workload

Hello everyone,

I’m currently juggling quite a few responsibilities as the sole team member in our company’s “accounting” department. Essentially, my role covers everything that doesn’t require manual labor. Annually, I’m responsible for managing approximately $12 million in accounts receivable and $10 million in accounts payable. Within the accounts payable, there are about ten credit cards that collectively amount to around $100,000 each month. Additionally, I manage accounts payable for nearly 200 vendors, mostly on net 30 terms, although the largest ones are on Net 10th, which is a relief. Besides these tasks, I also handle all of our insurance requirements, which are particularly complex in this industry.

I recently transitioned to working remotely, and it sometimes feels like everything is falling apart. Have any of you been in a similar position? I would appreciate hearing about your experiences and any organizational tips you might have.

On a personal note, although I’m generally satisfied with my salary, I’m curious about what others might expect in terms of compensation for a role like mine.

Thank you!

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One response

  1. Transitioning to remote work can be challenging, especially when you have a wide range of responsibilities like managing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and insurance needs. Here’s a detailed response to help you manage your workload more effectively and understand compensation expectations:

    Organizational Tips

    1. Utilize Technology for Efficiency

    • Accounting Software: If you’re not already using one, consider investing in robust Accounting Software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks. These platforms streamline A/R and A/P processes and can handle multiple transactions efficiently.
    • Expense Management: Use tools like Expensify or Concur to manage and track credit card expenses. These can integrate with your Accounting Software and reduce manual entry.
    • Vendor Management: Tools like Bill.com can help automate vendor payments, reducing the manual workload associated with processing invoices and cutting checks.

    2. Schedule and Prioritize Tasks

    • Daily & Weekly Planning: Start each day by identifying key tasks. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Box to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance.
    • Block Scheduling: Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks (e.g., Mondays for A/R tasks, Tuesdays for A/P). This consistency can improve your focus and productivity.

    3. Documentation & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

    • Document routine processes for A/R, A/P, and insurance management. This not only helps maintain consistency but also simplifies training if you ever need to delegate or onboard someone in the future.

    4. Regular Reporting & Reviews

    • Implement weekly financial reviews to assess cash flow, pending A/R, and upcoming A/P. This can help you catch issues early and keep stakeholders informed without reacting to emergencies.

    5. Leverage Remote Work Best Practices

    • Establish a dedicated workspace and set boundaries with household members.
    • Use communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to stay in touch with colleagues and maintain transparency.

    Compensation Considerations

    Factors to Consider

    • Role Complexity: Your job involves multiple responsibilities, which would typically require more than one individual. This should be reflected in your compensation.
    • Industry Standard: Research similar roles within your industry and consider both geographic and remote work factors.
    • Experience & Qualifications: Your experience level and any certifications (such as CPA, CMA) can influence compensation.

    Resources for Salary Insights

    • Salary Websites: Use platforms like Glassdoor, PayScale,

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