[natcpa]

This is a question for those who work within larger firms with a formal review/workflow process.

Our work product (tax returns, audit reports, financial statements) get reviewed by either a partner in charge or a manager and then a partner in charge. Our workflow processes are designed to facilitate a back-an-forth review process, so I know this is just a part of the job, and I’m not striving here for perfection.

I know over the years I have been given more and more difficult tasks (harder returns, being in-charge on audits), but I can’t stop beating myself over review points that I need to clear. I still seem to get quite a number of them. Although they don’t repeat (once I learn something I tend not to make the same mistake again) and I know the firm is really focused on the quality of our work. I no longer get many accuracy points (transpositions, missing input), still, it feels like I’ll never be good enough. Some days I just feel I was not meant to do work that requires so much detail (indexes, cross-referencing, multiple pages of sign offs on audit programs) and that I’ll never turn out a job that could technically go out the door without some corrections. I do feel like I do better reviewing jobs from staff accountants – I seem to notice a lot more stuff needing improvement/planning opportunities for a client than when I’m the preparer.

All in all, can anyone tell me they feel my pain? Or is this not how it’s supposed to be? All insight will be appreciated!

Thanks!