Best way to deal with your client

I think your blog has been very helpful to all of us working on Auditing (whether Big4 guys or not), for the prospects on the practice or even for all those interested on understanding how things work in Audit firms and how to work hand in hand with auditors when asking us for additional work when auditing the companies we work for. 
I would really appreciate if you could share with us the insights (or at least some tips) on how to deal with them based on the experience on this new stage on you career.


If I'm reading this right, is the question on how to deal with clients now that I've seen both sides? The best way to do it is to prove to them that you're adding value. This means that when they ask you an accounting question, you make that your top priority and get them the answer. If it means running it up the chain, that's what you'll do.
You'll also want to only ask for the support that's necessary to get you the answer you want. Also, make sure you understand what you're asking for. And be polite. Listen, it's client service, so you can't go around like you run that place. And then when they run into an issue, work with them to get to a mutually beneficial answer that is both something you can live with as an answer and something that's not too painful for the client. It's a delicate relationship, but you need to get them to trust and respect you, and the way to do that is through helping them come up with answers to dealing with accounting issues. Yes, there's independence issues, etc, but all you're doing is helping them interpret guidance.This will certainly help as you progress in your careers.

Oh - and if you can shoot the shit with them, and they are willing to do the same with you, by all means do so. What also helps is if you take them out to lunch or dinner once in a while - doesn't always have the C-suite, can even be the senior accountants or managers at your clients. Goes a long way.