[kdawg22]

I currently work on a client who is just horrible to deal with. There is always a delay with him paying my firm and responding to my emails/ phone calls.The work isn’t hard its just there is always a bunch of open items and they take forever to get resolved. The return almost went on extension last year because he kept on delaying getting us one piece of info. I have worked on the account for a few years now and he seems to be getting worse and worse. Our firm deals with an actuary that helps use calculate Profit Sharing Contributions and the client ended up cursing him out over the phone and complaining about the fees charged. This year the partner told me not to do any work (monthly write up & tax return) since he hasn’t paid us for last year’s tax service. The partner spoke with the client on the phone recently and I heard a lot of yelling from my desk. At the end of all it, the client agreed to pay so the partner told me that he will schedule me to work on it within the next couple of days. My response was “oh great.” The partner said he could have someone else work on it if I did not want to deal with the client anymore. The partner knows the guy is miserable and the only reason the partner is continuing to do work for him is because he finally paid us.

Does it look bad if I tell him yes I no longer want to work on the client?

[PJ]

Yes. I wouldn't ask that. Plenty of clients/coworkers/bosses out there like this guy.

[Recked]

Eh, I would probably try to be a team player for one more season on that client.
If you are having problems getting the information I would kick it up to the partner who handles the client. A lot of times your boss will have much better success.
I would also hope your are getting a retainer for work this year, and increasing the rate.

Sounds like a client that needs to be fired.

[Go.For.Broke]

@kdawg22 I would just grit your teeth and provide services to the client. It won't be fun, but – in the long run (and short run) – it will make you shine before the partner. He or she will appreciate your willingness to deal with a difficult client and – as another poster said – be a team player, or take one for the team.

[alloverit]

Those clients are rough to deal with, but if you can handle these types without complaining that's best. Think of it as job security. I have three of these clients (2 are really bad) and I think it increases my value to the firm that I deal with them without so much as a peep.

Do everything correctly and when these type clients call you take notes and whenever possible communicate in writing. Don't give them the opportunity to have their bill written down due to something you failed to do because you were sick of them and you know they're behind on their account.

[kdawg22]

yeah that's what i figured. thanks for the input everyone!

[Author]

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