The new year is a great time to set aside to review all of those filings/paperwork requirements and make sure you are current!

Have you posted your new Labor Law Poster?

Have you filed to renew your business license?

Are you current with your I9's?  (Employee required information)

Are you current with your W9's?  (Vendor required information)

If you undergo annual inspections...are you ready?

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR MAKING THIS ALL EASIER?  I'D LOVE TO HEAR THEM?

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Mary Baird CMA
Chief Executive Officer
Dublin OH
United States
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It can be easy to miss some of these tasks without a reminder. I maintain a checklist that I can filter by cadence, subject matter, and responsible party. It provides clarity on who needs to do what, and when it needs to be done. I know most of it in my head, but this checklist would be a big help in the event of my absence. Not the most exciting method, but it works! 

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Jennifer Pinder, MBA, CMA
Controller
Watchdog USA, LLC
Philadelphia, PA
United States
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I like what you guys are talking about here. Makes me think of SOPs.  @JenniferPinder and @MaryBaird

@RenataSerban and myself wrote an article that can give you some ideas. SOPs are a one and done and then just tweak as necessary, but someone has to write them out. We shift that responsibility on the person whose job it is, then we catalogue it.

ilya i.

The Value of Standard Operating Procedures for Small Businesses | IMA

The Value of Standard Operating Procedures for Small Businesses | IMA

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Ilya Ilienko, dual MBA, CPA, CMA
Board Member / Director
East Coast - United States
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Interesting article, Ilya! 

Having employees help write their own SOPs is a great way to capture small things that managers may not be aware of, and writing out procedures is also a great learning tool. They say you don't fully understand something until you can teach it to someone else.

As you mentioned, I agree that SOPs should be refined and updated on an ongoing basis. Many companies write them once, potentially causing them to be outdated and not very useful when needed.  

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Jennifer Pinder, MBA, CMA
Controller
Watchdog USA, LLC
Philadelphia, PA
United States
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2025 09:22 AM
From: Ilya Ilienko
Subject: Do you have tips on making annual/mundane tasks easier???????

I like what you guys are talking about here. Makes me think of SOPs.  @JenniferPinder and @MaryBaird

@RenataSerban and myself wrote an article that can give you some ideas. SOPs are a one and done and then just tweak as necessary, but someone has to write them out. We shift that responsibility on the person whose job it is, then we catalogue it.

ilya i.

The Value of Standard Operating Procedures for Small Businesses | IMA

The Value of Standard Operating Procedures for Small Businesses

July 15, 2024

By: Renata Serban, CMA, CPA; Ilya Ilienko, CMA, CPA

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Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are often overlooked by small businesses, but they can yield many tangible benefits.

This educational piece will discuss the often-overlooked application of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in business. What are they and what information do they convey? Why are SOPs, particularly for small- and mid-size businesses, paramount for seamless continuity? SOPs are in essence how-to manuals that describe tasks, job descriptions, processes and operating procedures. Many companies adopt the use of SOPs to support their operations, with enhanced compliance, among other reasons for their use. SOPs enable documented workflows, efficiencies, standardization, compliance, and safety protocols.

SOPs are important for small businesses for a number of reasons, some of which include:

1. SOPs help standardize processes and procedures, ensuring that tasks are performed consistently. This consistency is crucial for maintaining product or service quality and meeting customer expectations.
2. SOPs provide a roadmap for the company and its divisions, departments, and employees, reducing the likelihood of errors and minimizing the time and resources required to complete tasks.
3. SOPs serve as valuable onboarding and training tools for new employees. . . . 

The Value of Standard Operating Procedures for Small Businesses | IMA

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Ilya Ilienko, dual MBA, CPA, CMA
Board Member / Director
East Coast - United States
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Thanks Jennifer!

Yes I think these tools are great as well.

They say you don't fully understand something until you can teach it to someone else.

I completely agree with you!!! I like cross-training folks. Its a pain though, that's why many don't do it like the SOPs. And, to your point, its tedious to keep up w it, even though its not a lot of maintenace at all, but like paying bills we just put it off . . . Then boom, something happens and someone leaves, takes time off, or something happens and you have no one to turn to?!?! 

Agree . . .? [asking for a friend, shhh] 😋

As you mentioned, I agree that SOPs should be refined and updated on an ongoing basis. Many companies write them once, potentially causing them to be outdated and not very useful when needed.  

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Ilya Ilienko, dual MBA, CPA, CMA
Board Member / Director
East Coast - United States
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