While accounting may not appear as glamorous as, perhaps, your sales department, they shouldn't be taken for granted. They're likely working hard to close out the end of the year, keeping away IRS audits as well as ensuring that you have enough money to pay employees, vendors, and overhead. If you haven't already, you might offer some appreciation during the holidays.
Here are the best holiday gift ideas for your accounting department.
The Accountant's Desk
Bookkeepers and accountants sit at a desk all day. Help brighten up the area with these holiday gift ideas:
Flowers or a plant. Bring some nature indoors to give eyes something fresh to land on other than a computer screen.
Zen. Whether it's a sand garden or a Buddha Board, it's nice to take a moment and zen out.
Coffee warmer. Sometimes the work won't let you leave the desk to get a fresh cup. This coffee mug warmer is a best seller on Amazon.
Ergonomic desk gear. Consider an ergonomic chair, a raised desk, or other ergonomic desk equipment to reduce the physical stress on your accountants.
The Accountant's Sanity
Taking brain breaks are good for any role in your organization. Encourage your numbers person to rest their math mind with these thoughtful suggestions:
Rest. While you can't physically make them rest, you can buy the book. Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang explains how the mind is sharper and ideas clearer when we take breaks during our workday.
Good co-workers. One of the best ways to encourage a positive mindset in your organization is to hire good employees. Good co-workers are great for any employee to turn to when it's time to step away from their desk.
Games. A fun work environment will also help relieve some stress. If you don't have a game room like Google, set out a deck of cards or dominoes in the breakroom. Create a nook with board games or any space to unwind and forget about work for a few minutes.
The Accountant's Job
Believe it or not, you can also make the accountant's job easier too. Use these best practices to show your accounting department that you really do care:
Accounting software. If you haven't already, ask your accounting department about an investment in accounting software. They will likely suggest, or will gladly research, a program that will help organize your bookkeeping and accounting records.
Hire help. A growing business may mean an accounting department that is overwhelmed with new business and not enough time for following up on past due invoices. Enterprise Recovery offers Accounts Receivable Clean Up as a proactive approach to collections. At a lesser cost than traditional debt collections, A/R Clean Up works with your accounting department to:
- Review current accounts receivable and determine repeat offenders
- Encourage late payers to pay on time
- Offer best practices for accounts receivable procedures
- Reduce days sales outstanding and
- Increase cash flow
Thank You. There are numerous ways to say "Thank You" to your accounting department. From a celebratory lunch to sending necessary client agreements for invoicing, it's the simple things that make your accountants feel like you understand and care. Remember all that they do for you throughout the year and you'll appreciate them even more.
