4 New Year's Resolutions to help accounting firms be more profitable in 2013

4. Publicize Expectations, Show Results. Resolve to motivate staff with open communication about expectations. Go beyond sharing strategy and objectives at company-wide meetings and infuse a culture-of-accountability into the firm’s daily operations. Imagine firm-wide clarity on individual, group and corporate expectations– with everyone making proactive adjustments if anticipated results slide off target.

Staff can be demoralized by hidden expectations or unclear status– a risk when those accountable see only after-the-fact results. Prevent this by making key performance indicators widely visible, and publish performance status as it happens. If staff is to make proactive adjustments, KPI status can’t be outdated– so you need constant updates as WIP is completed. To do so, have all key information connected in a single environment.

What will your firm resolve to do better in 2013? Maximizing people, gaining insight, leveraging technology and clarifying expectations are four ideas to help your firm achieve the best results.

Drew West is the director of marketing for Deltek, a leading provider of enterprise software and information solutions for professional services firms and government contractors. With headquarters in Herndon, VA, the company has more than 1,600 employees worldwide.