I wrote the following several years ago.
When hiring a new employee, we put them through a two day test where we learn about their strengths, and their weaknesses. If they get through those two days (most don’t), I’ll then read our Team Ethos to them.
I kindly ask those who then look at me with trepidation and anxiety to leave. Those who are still excited about the opportunity are invited to stay.
I’ve always thought that a person should know what they’re in for when joining an outfit. So, without further ado, here’s our…
Team Ethos
I am a Sentinel. My job is to watch over the financial systems of the United States, keeping things fair, reasonable, and lawful. Without me, the system breaks down into lawlessness and anarchy. I am a common citizen with an uncommon desire to succeed at my God-given calling; which is to protect my fellow Americans, their families, and their businesses. On my worst day, I am equal to this task.
Each and every day I’m called upon to enforce the laws of our great nation and to somehow please my clients. My job is impossibly difficult. But I protect my clients through properly enforcing those laws. Without that enforcement, their lives and their businesses would be in peril. I will always do whatever I can to protect my clients.
I perform my profession in an ever-changing environment. Though it’s impossible to know every tax law, I strive to do exactly that. My education never ends. As the laws change, my job is to know them so thoroughly, that I can explain the most complicated code section to even the youngest and most inexperienced entrepreneur. I will continue to study, making sure that my clients are always put into the best possible positions.
I work every day to not only save them as much money as is legally possible, but to not be overly aggressive. I will not put my clients into a position that might jeopardize them or their businesses. Although perfection is impossible, I will do everything possible regardless of time or cost, to try to reach that standard.
I realize that doing the best bookkeeping, accounting, and tax work is only a part of my job. Providing the best customer service possible is equally important. Helping clients navigate and understand my complicated world is not only necessary but imperative.
My loyalty to my team and my country is beyond reproach. I realize that I’m just a small part of a group of hard-working professionals who share my goals and beliefs. I understand that my job is to help my team in any way possible and to make it better every day. Being a part of my team makes me stronger.
I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans, always ready to defend those who cannot defend themselves. I do not help thieves steal or cheat. I will only serve those who are honorable and will only serve them in an honorable fashion.
The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from others. Uncompromising integrity, independence, and professionalism is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond. I lead by example, always.
Professionals who came before me, established the principles that guide my actions. They taught me to be the best. I know that I’m part of a long and proud tradition where I’m bound to maintain the highest possible professional reputation. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my Teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed.
I will not fail my Brothers and Sisters who have gone on before me. I will not fail my Teammates. I will not fail my clients. I will not fail my Country.
I am that Citizen, so help me God…
Chris Amundson
President
Let me leave you with this…
Deadlines like April 15th bring out the best in most individuals. I’m constantly reassured that the vast majority of my clients have come to me because they want their work done right, they want to save as much money as they legally can on their taxes, and because they want to be put into a solid position where if they were to be audited, they wouldn’t have a problem.
But these deadlines also bring out the worst in people as well.
Every year I have at least one individual who actually thinks they can ask me to help them cheat on their taxes. They do it with a straight face and act like it shouldn’t be a problem.
After 37 years of doing this, the tax seasons run together in my memories, but the clients who have the unmitigated gall to actually ask me to break the law have a tendency to stand out.
You should know that how the IRS manages the reality of bad practitioners is through the process of auditing returns. If they audit a return and find that the practitioner aided in the perpetuation of a fraud, they’ll then audit another five cases similar to the first that were completed by that same preparer.
If they have a similar finding on those where the tax professional helped people cheat, they’ll then send out audit notices on all of the returns signed by that preparer. This will effectively shut down the business after the IRS is done assessing additional tax, interest, and penalty to all of the taxpayers.
Further, the preparer penalties on all of the cases become so egregious that the bad practitioner can no longer practice. This is how the system is managed and regulated.
Please understand that the individual who signs your return has everything to do with whether or not you’ll be audited. If your tax preparer let’s things slide, doesn’t ask for evidence, or just lets you deduct anything you want, you should be very concerned.
Sooner or later that preparer will get caught, and you’ll probably have a problem.
If you find yourself in this situation or are having problems with your accounting and tax work, I’m waiting for your call.
We’re all going to get through this. Let’s get through it together…
Chris Amundson
President
Accounting Solutions Ltd.
773-267-7500
888-310-0300
www.AccountingSolutionsLtd.com
www.SalarySolutions.net
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