Mistakes happen. You’re a human CPA (smiles).
In career, in business, in dealing with a particular situation, mistakes will happen.
You’ll miscalculate, misread, or miss a deadline. It’s not the mistake that defines your integrity, it’s how you respond to it.
There’s a dangerous delay that happens when CPAs notice something’s off but freeze, hoping it won’t matter. Hoping the client won’t catch it. Hoping it somehow resolves itself.
It won’t. And that is not that path of professionalism.
And when the client finds it before you do or before you’ve said a word, the damage multiplies.
What could’ve been a small fix now becomes a breach of trust. It’s no longer about the mistake. It’s about the silence that followed it.
I’ve been there. I’ve stared at an oversight and thought, Maybe this doesn’t need to be brought up. But every time I’ve leaned into that discomfort, picked up the phone, and said, “I made an error. Here’s what happened. Here’s what I’m doing to fix it.”, the outcome was better. Sometimes harder, yes. But always better.
Owning your mistakes early gives you control. It lets you lead the conversation, shape the solution, and protect the relationship with your client.
Let me share with you how I currently handle mistakes with clarity and care as a CPA if or when they do happen:
- Step 1: Spot the mistake. Don’t downplay it. Don’t justify it.
- Step 2: Assess the impact. What’s the scope? What’s affected?
- Step 3: Communicate immediately. Not next week. Not when you feel ready. Now.
- Step 4: Take responsibility. No blame-shifting. Own it.
- Step 5: Offer the fix. Be specific: timelines, steps, and follow-up.
Clients don’t expect perfection. They expect accountability and professionalism.
And ironically, when you handle your mistakes well, you earn more trust, not less. You show them they’re working with a professional who’s honest, responsive, and capable of handling pressure with integrity.
Some action for you:
Think back on the last month. Did something slip through the cracks, an email unanswered, a form filed late, a client misinformed?
If so, take action today.
Don’t hide behind silence. Lead with courage.
Ready for lesson 9 tomorrow? Don’t miss it.
Book your free 15 minutes clarity session today: 757-977-8911 or email [email protected]
If we haven’t met,
I am Dr. Lilly Mbinglo, CPA,
❤️Daddy YONGKA’s Nyomshiliv,
💃🏾Abakwa’s FINEST and SMARTEST CPA,
💸Tax Strategist and Tax Alchemist Extraordinaire,
👩🏽💼Regent University MBA Professor,
I serve through The Ark NPS, a full-service Accounting Firm, where we provide Accounting services, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Tax Preparation, Planning, Resolution and Consulting, as well as Startup services to Individuals, Businesses and Nonprofits.
Let’s Connect!
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