Being a CPA has more upside than most people know. Especially for Stephanie, being in tax gives her a sense of pride that she can help people with their finances through taxes. Helping a small company grow wildly successful can be pure bliss or taking care of the elderly through a tough time feels good. One person told her, "a noble action isn't something you can just hang your career on, but you can hang your life on." Being extremely wealthy wasn't her main focus and it should never be. But with the delights that her job brings it also takes on unnecessary headaches, especially, headaches of clients expect her to get their returns done on a minutes notice.
On April 15th at 2 p.m. expectedly, her phone rings. Stephanie knows who it is, a typical last minute filer wanting her to jump through hoops for him or her to file their return by the end of the day. Since, this is her first year with her own business, she told herself that she wasn't going to do this. She isn't a dog or a slave. She's in the business of helping people, the kind of people who value her and understand what she does.
"Stephanie Smith's CPA's. How may I help you?" She answered.
The man's voice was rugged and grizzly a man's man voice, "I was hoping to get my taxes done."
Stephanie didn't recognize his voice and was somewhat relieved it wasn't one of her regulars. She's glad they didn't take the time to look her firm up. In the first year in business it has been a challenge and she didn't want the same old client challenges. "Sir, it's a bit late. Plus, I don't know your situation."
"I know and I am very sorry. I just finalized my divorce and could use some good help for once."
"I'm sorry for your situation but I really don't have time. If you want to make an appointment for next week I can fit you in early in the week."
"I might get penalized then?"
"If you owe taxes and don't pay in an estimate by the end of today, then yes, you will be subject to penalties."
"I can't afford to pay any penalties. I ended up paying a lot over the last year and really need to save all of my money. Is there any way you can fit me in, please? I have a small business and it's straight forward. I promise I won't be like this again and I will be a compliant client from here on out."
His pleading and the combination of his voice made her lady parts tingle. She hasn't felt anything since the start of tax season which was over three months ago. In her head she weighed the options, I get to make a little more money and hopefully, he can be a good and profitable client from now on.
Her phone vibrated against the desk and it was Tom, her boyfriend. Sorry, won't be home until after midnight. The text read. Great it's been three months since I was taken care of and he isn't going to be home. His boyish antics of him coming to my house anytime he wants is wearing thin on me. Loneliness has crept over her the last three months. Seeing nothing but frozen entrees, clients and the pizza delivery boys can weigh on someone over tax season.
"Ma'am are you still there?"
Her mind had drifted off and forgot she had the grizzly voiced potential client on the phone. "I'm sorry. What was your name again?"
"Mike and my business is MKH Construction."
"Your business is MKH Construction?"
"Yes. Is that a problem?"
"Well, a minute ago you said your return is straight forward. MKH is a large company and a successful one." MKH was responsible to build the local sports team's new stadium. The company is in hundreds of millions of dollars.
"Well, no, you will have to do just my personal. I have the tax form from the business return for you."
Her mind is set to ease and unsteadiness at the same time. Having a large company as a client would be great for her business but doing the return right now would've been a disaster. "Okay Mike, I need you to get here soon." She said with a stern voice.
"Yes, I can be up there in fifteen minutes."
The combination of not seeing Tom, her boyfriend and getting another client made her decision easier. "Okay, I can't guarantee you I can get it done today but I will try. Please be here as soon as you can."
"Okay, thank you for doing this. I'll see you then."
She hung up the phone and started to breath heavily. "Just one more client. " She said to herself.
"You're taking on another client?" Jesse her only helper has his lunch box around his shoulder and is heading out for the day asked.
"Yes. The last one."
"Geez, Steph. I thought we were done?" His boyish face slightly grinned.
"I know, I know."
He looked back to his desk and she glanced over there. His lamp is shutoff and he's looking for the approval to leave for the day. "It's okay Jesse, I can do this by myself."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, you worked really well this season. Thank you for your hard work. If you keep working hard and continue to learn, you will do great in this profession."
"Thanks. My first tax season was an experience."
Stephanie looked off into space, "I remember my first tax season, fresh out of college. What a nightmare. I hope you at least enjoyed it a little."
"I did." Jesse said while his undeveloped college body pointed towards the door.
Exhausted, Stephanie gave a half of a smile. Jesse was good but not great, his
wardrobe needs to be more professional and his punctuation sucked, but hey, she guessed she should give him a little slack. "Remember, we have tomorrow off."
"Yes and are we still doing the party? Are you ready to let your hair down?" He asked while dorkishly doing a shimmy.
Shit, she forgot about the party. Well, it isn't much of a party when there is only two of us. "Tom is working late tonight so, it will be just you and I."
"And Jane." He excitedly replied.
"Who's Jane?"
"My girlfriend, she really wants to meet you."
Oh, great, a thirty six year old successful woman is hanging out with two barely out of diapers college graduates. Is this what my life has become? "Yeah, we can still go out. Let's push it back an hour."