by
Leonard C. Green, CPA, CEO and founder of The Green Group
| April 23, 2019
Tax season can be stressful for accounting firm employees, but rather than focus on the long hours we see it as an opportunity to develop new ways to give back to our community. One way in which we donate and de-stress from the tax season is to go on what we call, “The Snack Run.”
Every other week of the tax season, we selected two team members who ask everyone in the office what they would like as snacks and treats during their workday — a list that often tops between 30-40 items. As the company founder, I accompany the two team members to our local Wegmans and give them fifteen minutes to get everything on the list and whatever else they can within the prescribed time limit. Once we check out, if all of the staff wish list items have been found, we then match the amount of the total receipt and make a donation to a charity of the team members’ choosing.
I have always believed in the power of giving back and in helping others; it is something I encourage all of our team members to do and I share this story to lead by example. Although I try to make the activity fun and a little competitive by giving a time limit to find everything on the list, the message behind “The Snack Run” is the most important part.
As accountants we all get busy with the details and intricacies of our profession especially during the busy tax season. We worry about deadlines, fret over our clients getting everything in on time, and suffer from fatigue. However, when accounting for every detail of our clients’ finances, it is important to take a step back, breath some fresh air, and focus on a different activity for an hour or two. We are fortunate enough to restock our kitchen with healthy snacks and treats for our firm this tax season and it is even better that we can match our food spending with donations to charity. We have donated to organizations such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House and our local food banks in the hopes that our support contributes to the well-being of our community and their families. After the tax season, we look forward to doing a firm Habitat for Humanity project.
We hope you are able to dedicate time, money, or your expertise, free of charge to deserving individuals. You never know when you will be on the other side and in need of help. After being in the accounting business for over 50 years, I can tell you with certainty that “paying it forward” is the ultimate success story.