[Anonymous]

So maybe I am overreacting but my boss always reuses paper (prints again on the opposite side). So a client file will have workpapers that have old crossed out workpapers of other clients on the backside. It drives me bonkers. I understand saving paper but I feel a client file should only have info in it for that client. I can’t imagine how embarrassed I would be if a client noticed during an intake meeting.

Do I have a right to be agitated? Would you say something? I have been here for about 8 months and just can’t let it go.

[VDP]

That would drive me crazy, too. It seems unprofessional and unnecessarily cheap…there are other ways to save money.

Could you offer to print the workpapers for your boss? Or file away the previous workpapers so they're not handy for printing new workpapers?

[Tncincy]

Well the best thing to do is ask the question, is this about not having paper and maybe remind the others concerning privacy. I would not want to come in for an appointment and see any of my information on scrap paper. But don't suffer in silence you certainly don't want be apart of negligence if someone accidentally takes the paper out of the office and obtain more information than work paper stuff.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[SuckItUp]

Right to be agitated? No.

Should you say something? No.

Unless you are an owner or been there much longer than 8 months I would just deal with it and get your work done.

Trust me.

[Anonymous]

I guess it is just frustrating because these are high net worth clients. There returns are expensive and it seems so cheap to do this. With how much they pay they deserve their own paper. I will probably just keep my mouth shut. The partner seems to think it is for our reference only.

I mean I am new to the firm but definitely not new to tax. I have nearly six years of public accounting experience and have never seen any firm do this.

[Anonymous]

It could be that your boss is reusing the paper for environmental purposes, too. I'd definitely say just keep quiet for now, and after you've been there a lot longer, if there's a way that it comes up, you could mention it.

I'd be more in favor of printing double-sided for each client than reusing the paper; perhaps that is a small change that you could start yourself and it no even be noticed?

[Author]

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