Admin is quietly killing your margins 

Accounting workflow automation UK firms rely on is transforming how practices manage admin overhead. Manual processes and repeated tasks drag down efficiency, but automation tools like MyWorkpapers help reclaim hours and boost margins.

It starts small. A spreadsheet here, a manual rollover there. But before you know it, your team is knee-deep in rework, duplicating tasks, and burning hours on non-billable admin. 

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many accounting firms accept admin overhead as the cost of doing business. But the reality is, it’s avoidable and expensive. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the hidden costs of inefficient admin and how firms are using platforms like MyWorkpapers to reclaim lost time through automation and standardised processes. 

The hidden cost of admin overload 

Let’s be clear: it’s not just about annoyance – it’s about efficiency and profitability. 

• Manual file rollovers that take 30-60 minutes per client 

• Trial balance mapping rework every year 

• Copying data between tools (with all the risks that come with it) 

• Time chasing documents instead of delivering insights 

• High-paid staff doing low-value tasks because there’s no better system 

Add it all up, and even small firms are losing dozens of chargeable hours each month. 

Repeated tasks with no standard process 

Without automation, your team ends up redoing the same work year after year: 

• Manually creating new job files 

• Copy-pasting trial balances 

• Chasing the same client queries 

• Mapping TBs to financial statements manually 

This isn’t just slow, it’s demoralising. And with the right tech, it’s entirely avoidable. 

Non-billable work is blocking growth 

Most firms underestimate just how much time is spent on admin. When highly skilled staff are bogged down with basic prep, that time isn’t going towards: 

• Strategic advisory work 

• Client relationship building 

• Upskilling or training 

• Higher margin services 

Admin-heavy processes hold back your team, your profitability, and your ability to scale. 

The MyWorkpapers solution: automate the routine, standardise the rest 

MyWorkpapers tackles these pain points head-on with smart features designed to save time and drive consistency: 

• Automated file rollovers: No more manual resets – just roll forward your job files with structure intact 

• Trial balance mapping: Pull data from Xero, Sage, IRIS and map it instantly 

• API-powered workflows: Custom data flows to integrate with your wider tech stack 

• Pre-built templates and checklists: Standardise how jobs are completed 

• Task assignments and dashboards: Stay on top of workload with visibility and accountability 

And with everything stored securely in the cloud, your team can work from anywhere without repeating steps. 

Why now? Time is your most valuable (and wasted) asset 

Admin creep happens slowly, but its impact grows fast. If you’re: 

• Still setting up files manually 

• Repeating tasks across clients 

• Doing things “the long way” because that’s how it’s always been 

…it’s time to rethink your process. Because firms that master their time, master their growth. 

Your next step:  

Want to see how MyWorkpapers can help you win that time back? 

👉 Book a free demo 

FAQs 

1. Can MyWorkpapers help reduce year-end prep time?
   Yes. Automated rollovers, smart templates, and mapping tools slash setup time per job.
2. Do we need to change our whole process to benefit?
   No – MWP adapts to your workflows and integrates with tools like Xero and Sage.
3. Is this just for audit firms?
   Not at all. It works across year-end accounts, reviews, and internal quality control.
4. Can junior staff use the platform easily?
   Yes. With checklist-driven workflows and standardisation, it’s ideal for onboarding and delegation.
5. Will we lose our current files?
   No – your historic data can be migrated into the system securely.
6. How do we get started?
   Book a demo for a walkthrough.