(Timely communication)
Arjun (A) – Oh God! I am really tired. March is a nightmare!
Shrikrishna (S) – YI know. But you are quite used to such pressures.
A – I agree. But too many things come at a time. Advance tax, Service tax, time-barring returns and on top of it, gearing up for bank audits! Attend seminars!
S – Time-barring returns? Why? They remain pending for two years.
A – Yes. Our clients simply don’t move. They are lethargic and don’t respond to our calls!
S – But do you write to them in time?
A – Who has time to write? We make phone calls. Our staff reminds the clients and their staff. Somehow, writing becomes difficult.
S – Why? You have technology at your command. You must initiate your action in time, by writing to the concerned people. You need to communicate with the client’s staff as well as with the client directly.
A – What you say is right. Otherwise, clients keep on blaming us only, for their own lapses. They expect too much from us.
S – Yours is perhaps the only profession that takes the burden on its own head to remind and follow up with the clients.
A – You said it!
S – You develop bad habits for the clients and then keep on crying. This is solely because you don’t communicate in appropriate manner and time! And with appropriate person ! It is the key of success in all walks of life; even in personal life.
A – True. But we are always doing fire-fighting. There is no peace of mind to sit and write.
S – That reminds me. You were saying, bank audits will be allotted and you need to gear up for it. But do you write to the previous auditor?
A – It is allotted by the banks who are Government organisations. Where is the need to take NOC from previous auditor?
S – You are mistaken. Firstly, there is no requirement of obtaining NOC as such. You have to simply communicate with the previous auditor in writing. That too, before accepting the audit. And the Council has recommended that it should be sent by registered post only.
A – But even for Government audits?
S – Of course, yes. It is immaterial who appoints you. I understand that bank branch audits are to be completed within a short time. But you can’t escape the requirement of writing. Also verify whether his undisputed audit fees have been paid.
A – Oh My God ! Many of us don’t do that. They are under an impression that it is not required for Government audits.
S – Remember, it is required not only for statutory audit; but for all types of audits – be it concurrent, internal, tax-audits and whatever.
A – Email won’t do? or courier ? or hand delivery ?
S – Why do you always think of bypassing the norms? Is it so difficult to send by registered post? If you send by hand, there should be clear proof that the previous auditor has received it.
A – What if his address is changed?
S – See, you have to send it to the last known address. And there are many ways of finding out the address, if you really wish.
A – Anyway. Where else we need to be alert?
S – Good question. See, Finance Bill is presented in February and it takes effect from April. There are many changes directly affecting your clients. Do you ever take the trouble of preparing a list or a note of provisions affecting your clients.
A – Actually, so much literature is available. Why do the same effort?
S – My dear Arjun, how many clients will understand what is relevant for them? There is so much of material; but one has to give them tailor-made suggestions. One has to pin-point what action and caution he should take. And also explain the gravity.
A – I understand. It is always good to educate the clients.
S – Not only clients; but your own staff and articled trainees. Do you ever take any trouble of training your own team? Otherwise, how will they perform well? How will they deliver what is expected of them?
A – I agree, Lord !
S – And remember, you have to do it now. Well in time !
A – But many of our articles are on leave these days for their exams. That is another trouble.
S – But you can do it as soon as they resume working.
A – Good that you told this. I will plan it properly during this May. Ours is a group of CA firms. I will share this idea with them so that there will be many articles who can benefit.
S – Good. But do it in time. You need to be proactive. Timely planning and communication is in your own interest. And a trained staff can make your life simpler.
A – Yes, My Lord. I will try to inculcate this habit. Otherwise, things will go beyond our control; and every year, same stress will continue. Namaskar to You.
S – You are blessed!
Om Shanti.
Note:This dialogue is based on clause 8 of part I of First Schedule to the CA Act; and also underlining the importance of timely communication.
