Tax season can be tough. CPAs deal with piles of paperwork, tight deadlines, and endless forms. It’s like running a marathon… backward… in the rain. But what if there was a way to make it easier, faster, and way less stressful? Good news! There is. Say hello to Accounting Virtual Assistants or AVAs for short.
These virtual helpers are like the superheroes of tax season. They don’t wear capes, but they do help CPAs fly through tax prep. Let’s break it down in a simple and fun way.
What Is an Accounting Virtual Assistant?
An Accounting Virtual Assistant is a remote worker who knows accounting. They are trained in bookkeeping, software tools, and, yes — taxes.
- They can work from anywhere in the world.
- They use cloud-based tools to stay connected.
- They work flexible hours – even Saturdays at 10 p.m. (if needed!).
Instead of hiring extra staff, CPAs can bring in AVAs to handle the boring parts of tax time.
What AVAs Can Do for CPAs
Think of an AVA as your sidekick. They don’t take over your job. They make your job easier. Here’s how:
1. Organizing Client Data
Before even thinking about numbers, a CPA needs info. Lots of it. W-2s, receipts, bank statements, and more. AVAs help:
- Request missing documents
- Organize digital files
- Label everything clearly
Result: No more hunting down that one blurry receipt from last July.
2. Data Entry and Software Setup
AVAs enter clients’ info into accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero. Fast and accurate.
- They set up or clean up Chart of Accounts
- Input income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Check for missing entries
Fun fact: AVAs can catch errors that humans often miss!
3. Prepping Tax Return Files
Before it lands on the CPA’s desk, the tax file must be prepped.
- AVAs double-check client data
- Ensure receipts match expenses
- Flag anything that looks fishy
Result: CPAs start with clean, ready-to-review files.
4. Communicating with Clients
AVAs can handle non-sensitive communications during busy season.
- Send deadlines
- Give status updates
- Answer simple questions
CPAs only step in for the technical stuff.
A Real Time Saver
Let’s face it. Tax season is no joke. But imagine if 40% of your to-do list vanished. That’s what AVAs can do. They give CPAs their time back.
Time to:
- Focus on complex returns
- Review deductions carefully
- Plan clients’ tax strategies
More time means better service. And maybe even a coffee break.
The Tools AVAs Use
Accounting Virtual Assistants work smart. How? With smart tools.
- Cloud Accounting: Xero, QuickBooks Online
- Document Sharing: Google Drive, Dropbox
- Task Management: Trello, Asana
- Messaging: Slack, Zoom
These tools keep the CPA and AVA in sync — even if they’re miles apart.
More Than Just Tax Help
Accounting Virtual Assistants can do more than just help with taxes. They can also:
- Help with monthly bookkeeping
- Prepare invoices for clients
- Reconcile bank statements
They’re like your all-season helpers — not just your April sidekicks.
The Takeaway
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a skilled AVA, CPAs gain a helpful partner. Someone to do the grunt work. Someone who loves spreadsheets (yes, they exist!).
Faster files. Cleaner data. Happier clients.
If you’re a CPA looking to level up your tax game, consider adding an Accounting Virtual Assistant to your team. Your calculator will thank you.
