This might sound like a crazy question but never having worked in public before: Billable hours - if you’re very efficient at your job, do you stretch out the time and work slower to get to your billable hours or do you safe the client the money. In a Situation where you don’t have other projects to work on. Tell me the ins and outs of working billable hours for a complete newbie.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I have heard a lot of people that spread the time in a week. For instance you had 10 billable hours on Monday and 6 billable on Tuesday. They just move 2 hours from Monday to Tuesday so they keep utilization up. Haven’t heard about people that slow down though lol.

like

The denominator is still 8 hours a workday. Admin time entered is irrelevant.

like

If you got a good large client and budget for that week is 40 and you worked hard and efficiently and finished in 30 you put down 40

like

I definitely recommend what Crowe 1 is suggesting. It might not be the right thing to do but we are forced to play this utilization game, which rewards more time charged. If we weren’t held to such high requirements, then we could have the luxury of deciding what’s right or wrong

like
Recent IconRecent

Lots to unpack here…

First, a client doesn’t get charged less if we complete the project under budget. Most engagements have a set price and we’re going to bill the client that amount regardless of the WIP. So if we agree on 20k for the tax return, the client is getting charged 20k regardless of where our WIP ends up.

That leads to the second part, what to do when you’re efficient. Bill your actual time, always. If it takes you 30 hours for a 40 hour project during a week, 30 hours goes on your time sheet. Yeah, you pick up “extra” work to fill those 10 hours but it’s not extra. You gotta work 40 hours either way in a week.

If you put your actual time you become known as an efficient preparer / reviewer that everyone wants to work with because the projects you work on will have higher realization. You see more, you learn more, and you’ll get better comp adjustments.

If you spread your time out as some have suggested doing then yes, you’ll have an easier workload. But you’ll be seen as another average preparer, hide how good you are, average comp adjustments, etc…

If you’re there for just a job, spread it and take the easy route. If you’re there for a career, bill your actual time.

like

Thanks D1. Very interesting.

I grew up in the Chicago burbs myself. Based on that description, it makes me think you work in the woodfield area 😂. (At least I think I’ve seen mid tier offices there).

Unfortunately the reward for efficiency is more work. Bill what you work and if you need more work ask for it.

like

This is the problem and dilemma with billable hours. What incentive do you have to get things done faster or more efficiently? I don’t understand this unless you’re the partner since our salaries are fixed but billable hours is potentially unlimited. Technology is going to allow us to do things faster and more efficiently and we are still going to be charging the client the same if not more. Billable hours will be on its way out and value pricing will eventually kick in if it hasn’t already for firms.

like

You bill what you actually worked. Putting down time that you didn’t work is unethical and considered stealing time. I do think it’s natural that outside of busy we slow down a bit as we’re not trying to push out as many daily or weekly deliverables.

like

Its a game. If you are true to your hours and are efficient, you get the gift of more clients. (Especially if youre good)

I learned that if i bill what was scheduled on my time, people will leave you alone in terms on trying to add you to new clients/projects. Then you can seem like more of a herp when you can assist in other people clients when you "have time".

Hero*

Related Posts

I’m finding it so hard to be motivated at work. I think it’s a mix of wfh burnout, living at home and not socializing/doing anything new, scope creep on my project leading to long hours, and being intellectually bored. What keeps you in this job? What has motivated you to stay?

like

Idk, maybe it’s time we bring these engineers and techs down. If my 🧠 links to a 💻 , all of my non-billable work will come to light. 😤

Post Photo
like

Decided that I’m leaving audit today. Trying to understand the full range of opportunities in forensics. Will have my CPA and CFE. So far, I understand that there are client-serving firms like FTI and then the B4 will have forensics arms as well. What are some other forensic accounting roles? Pros and cons? Better than audit? Honestly just looking to learn anything.

like

Does EY GDS and EY Global have separate sets of clients or does GDS aide Global in its operations ? I have an SAP offer from GDS but worried if I'll actually get any direct client exposure.

like

Any thoughts on Phillips Lytle? If you could please provide insight on culture/billable requirements? Thank you.

like

Anyone know what the current atmosphere is like in McCann New York after they lost one of their biggest clients, U.S. Army? Does losing such a client deteriorate an agency’s culture/career prospects?

like

I’m in a tough spot—still waiting for conflicts to clear and out of the blue, a partner reached out regarding a project that they’ve staffed me on. They want my availability to begin working on the matter next week…how do I handle this? I haven’t given notice, but expect to do so soon…I don’t think it’s prudent to start a new matter esp. since I know I’m leaving…but I can’t turn down work with a straight face (especially because my hours are in “checked out” mode)…

like

Taking an informal survey how many firms (I) have the junior and midlevel summer associates plan the bulk of the summer events (lunches but also evening events) and (ii) count time spent on the summer program as qualified billable work (in that partners see how much you bill to it on your time sheet)?

like

What is the most memorable thing a client has ever said to you?

like

Without asking or confirming, account lead booked an in-person client meeting that requires travel. Who books ~any~ major client meeting without first checking with the team ?

like

Have any of you taken "low bono" clients while working at a firm? I want to take on a low bono client or two but not sure who would get the money. This is a contract opportunity through a non profit so I'm assuming a 1099 will be issued. The per hour rate is significantly less than my billable rate. I would (obviously) like the money but my real objective is just getting experience/networking since I recently moved to a new state and don't have clients of my own.

like

Is it just me or the average billable work in infrastructure transactions has blown off steam in the last couple of weeks?

Hello all,
Looking for a consultant position in healthcare consulting. I have an MBA with 5 years in the healthcare industry, 7+ years of strategic program/project management and I’m am lean six sigma green belt certified. Know of any companies currently hiring? (I am willing to travel. )

Feel free to PM me to further discuss.

like

AA looking for a project coordinator role. Any advice for making the jump?

like

Really jazzed about this project… love the art and that cause.

Post Photo
like

When the client and your team is checked out for the holiday weekend but your partner says he’s coming to town Friday to check the status

Post Photo
likefunny

What certifications are good for technical project manager? I was thinking to start with PSM and PSPO and then move to ITIL, ITSM. Not sure about this though. Not planning to do PMP as I think it’s more waterfall focused. Was also thinking about AWS. Any other certifications recommended?

likehelpful

Are any other paralegals struggling with billable hour requirements? I have 5 years of experience in corporate transactions, M&A, and real estate work, and have never had billable hour requirements. I'm in a new job now where I do and I'm nowhere near meeting them. I'm getting a lot more admin work than billable work, and it's stressing me out.

like

I am going to join CitiusTech in 40 days. the hr said i can opt for 1 day wfm in a week. but if i am in a phi project then i am not eligible for wfh. can anyone tell me what are phi projects in CitiusTech

like
like

More Posts

What will be my in hand salary??
Can anyone explain what is BOB and how it's works?Larsen & Toubro Infotech Mindtree L&T Technology Services Tata Consultancy

Post Photo
like

Hello! Does anyone have any feedback they’d like to share on BIP (Business Integration Partners) specifically the Milan/Rome offices? I really like the way the firm presents itself online, though the lack of diversity in their leadership is astonishing…
Thank you!

Hello Fishes, did you receive market correction of salary in October 2022 ? If so, what is the % correction ?

like
like

Back to your regularly scheduled programming

Post Photo
likefunny

Hello Everyone!
Glad to have fellow KP employees on Fishbowl. Please feel free to post any resources, questions, etc. on here to get the ball rolling.

Hi all! Ex SCPMG employee looking to boomerang back. May someone provide an employee referral?

How is John St these days for accounts?

like

Cool to see new agencies launching in Toronto during (in spite of?) the pandemic!

Post Photo
likeuplifting

Good morning everyone! I am currently working as an Occupational Therapist at a Level 1 center but am looking to pivot into the clinical research field. Can anyone give any insight into transitioning from bedside to clinic research? Everytime I look online there seems to be certificate programs that may or may not be a scam/waste of money. Would appreciate any thoughts, insight, personal experience, referral., etc.!

Thank you!

like

Any idea, How much salary can Citius Tech provide for a position of Sr. Software engineer with exp of 7 years? I am already holding an offer of 16.5LPA in other company. Bangalore location.

like

Any fishes here born in 2000’s ? How do you adjust yourself to the generation gap in your team?

like

What is expected CTC for lateral hires for PWC AC for the position of guidewire business analyst ? Total YOE-7..5 as BA, 2 as others.

like

I am looking for a workato Developer
EXP:+1 years in workato
if anyone know any opportnuties Please let me know Thanks in advance:)

like

Thoughts??
Also, what do you prefer WFH or WFO?

Post Photo
like

I am a proposal manager for federal consulting company. My base is low (112000) but I make up upto 50-70% of my base income with win bonuses. But I get the bonus only after the completion of one year of the base period of the contract. My question is -is this arrangement good or should I negotiate for higher base instead ?

like

For people who have profit sharing what have your experiences been? Ours is every March but it is a variable number based on how we do the prior year (duh obviously) but also only my boss gets to decide and he gives no criteria on why he chooses what he does. Don’t get me wrong I am super thankful to be in a location with great PS opportunity and upside but it is so hard to plan my life out not knowing what my income will be that year. Also there’s no way to know how my bonus compares to my peer

like

Hello Fishes, I have two offers in my hand
1. L&T Technology Services: 22LPA(8% variable) + 1L JB
2. KPIT : 22LPA(Fixed) + 1L JB

TS : Infotainment Testing, YOE : 8
Which company I should join?
It would be helpful if I get to know about the benefits of both companies
Need suggestions!!

Bosch KPIT L&T Technology Services Continental Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India Wipro Tata Consultancy Tata Elxsi Altran Capgemini

like

Hi all, which companies in the Federal space can I target that work in the healthcare implementation space? Most openings I see are on the strategy/advisory side.
I have a lot of experience in the Medicaid world and have led and managed implementation projects there. Thanks.

like
like

Additional Posts in Tax Bowl

I interviewed for KPMG on 11/15 for a Senior role and the HR emailed me on 11/16 that everyone liked me but they think I should be hired as an Experienced Associate. I had a call with the HR on 11/17 wherein we discussed about my salary expectations and the HR said he will get back in a day. It’s been more than 10 days and multiple follow ups but still no response. I don’t think I was rude while talking to the HR, I just told my current salary and asked for min. that no. Did i miss the chance ?

like

It’s hard to trust the partners/leadership when they want us to return to office as being better when we increase offshoring? Also, the pressure on billable hours when all that really matters is how much our fixed labor costs vs. how much we can bill (which is usually fixed fee or at least a range) and the fixed labor costs of offshoring is significantly cheaper so the hours don’t matter. Am I mistaken by this viewpoint?

like

LA vs Boston. Which city pays higher? Big4 tax

like

Once a vaccine is found (assuming it'll be in the next 12 months) how long do you think it'll take the economy to rebound?

like

Anyone looking for new opportunities with middle market firms after the 9/15 or 10/15 deadline? Message me if you are interested in BDO. Most tax positions are still fully remote or flexible. Busy season you average around 55 to 60 hours, rarely goes over 65.

likefunnyhelpful

I have a real estate client who at the top of his organization chart owns is 50/50 partners in a real estate investment company. First question is it advantageous to have the top of the organization 50/50 partners own the r/e company as an s-corp? That 50/50 company then owns 70% of holding company they own all the real estate as a partnership that the original partners are 35/35 and the investors own the remainder. All the real estate deals are then owned by this holding company.

like

Recruiter is telling me that fund administrators pay more than private funds at SM/Director levels. Are people seeing this? I always thought it was the other way around

like

Real estate Tax question: I have a personal property and investment property in Florida. I am about to pay one off. Should I pay off the investment property or the personal home?

like

Hey guys I’m trying to figure out the market rate for a staff tax accounting position as I am new to the industry. I am looking in Long Island New York any help would be great. Looking to start at a mid sized firm.

like

Whats the easiest way to start your own tax return preparation practice (part time at first) then maybe full time if worth it? Which tax preparation software is best to use? Or is it better to start off at HR block or similar places to learn some of the ins and outs before going solo?

like

Processing time for cpa license in MA?

like

Do you play phone games during busy season?

Salary range for a tax associate in Canada?

Went from a big firm to work for a smaller firm. The people in the smaller firm are protective of their work and are good by their work too. I no longer feel chaos or stress. I am treated with respect and my schedule is more normal. I am even working more billable hours than before, but it feels like a seamless experience. I don’t work then past 5pm or anything out of the ordinary for this time of the year. I am so grateful!

likeuplifting

Am I understanding utilization rate correctly? It’s chargeable time over total time? Charged 40 hours and had 10 hours non-charge so my utilization is 80%? If so, wouldn’t it benefit me to understate non-charge hours so my utilization is higher since they only really care about chargeable time anyways? Charge 40 hours still but only put 5 hours non-charge for utilization to be 89% instead of 80%? Or am I misunderstanding how utilization works?

like

In 2015 different governments in the US collected $5,175,829,952,000 to service 321,230,000 people. That’s over $16,000 per person. Anyone else find this shocking?

like

Through a lot of comp discussions I heard a lot of talk of “making you whole” when things get better. Am I drinking the kool-aid by believing this? Is this just meant to prevent further questions that the firm does not know the answer to?

like

Working for a senior who is beyond horrible. She talks to you like you’re stupid and makes it sound like you’re absolutely terrible at what you’re doing. She’s made 5 other associates cry during her 5 year career. Got someone fired and made another person quit. It’s known around the office that she can no longer have a female associate, because she talks down to females more than she does males. I came along and thought I could deal with it but she literally makes me want to not log on tomorrow.

like

What big firms let you get to manager and above with an MBA and/or EA for tax?

like

How long does it take for PwC to send out rejection email? I interviewed with the team like a month ago, the recruiter called me the next day and told me that congrats, everyone likes me and told that they were working on my official offer. 3 weeks later, nothing. I followed up 3 times already and got the answer that I should expect to hear by the end of the week. My last follow up email, no response lol. Should I just move on now?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal