How Terrell Turner Manages His Team and Streamlines Workflow

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Terrell Turner, the founder of TLTurner Group, to discuss how he has successfully navigated the complex landscape of bookkeeping and CFO services for law firms since April 2020. With a growing team of 10 staff members spread across different countries and time zones, Terrell's systematic approach to managing his team and technology is impressive.

Terrell's Approach

Managing a geographically dispersed team requires a strategic approach to ensure productivity and cohesion. Terrell emphasizes the importance of clear communication and well-documented processes. Each team member has a defined role within the firm's workflow, minimizing confusion and fostering accountability.

"We document our processes meticulously and ensure everyone knows their responsibilities," Terrell explains. "Consistency in following these processes and regular meetings to promote them are crucial to our success."

Terrell's Advice to Other Accounting Firms

For accounting firms considering implementing a workflow solution, Terrell offers valuable advice:

1. Document Your Processes: Before adopting any tool, clearly document your processes. Understand who does what within the workflow to maximize the tool's potential and avoid confusion.

2. Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Adhere to your documented processes and establish a regular meeting cadence to reinforce and promote these processes within your team.

3. Prioritize Training: Ensure your team is well-trained in the new software. Terrell emphasizes the importance of investing time in training to maximize features. "A tool is only as good as the people using it," he notes.

4. Foster Open Communication: Encourage open communication within your team. Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their feedback and suggestions on the tool's usage. This can lead to continuous improvement and better adoption of the software.

5. Leverage Community Insights: Engage with other professionals in your field to gather insights and feedback on potential tools. Platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable for this purpose. "Learning from the experiences of others can save you a lot of time and effort," Terrell advises.

Terrell's Journey to Canopy

In the early stages of TLTurner Group, Terrell experimented with various workflow tools, including spreadsheets, Asana, Monday.com, and ClickUp. However, he found these tools needed more features and functionality to manage his firm's operations efficiently. Determined to find a comprehensive solution, Terrell turned to Canopy after extensive research and positive feedback from other accounting professionals on LinkedIn.

"Canopy was a game changer for us," Terrell remarks. "It had all the missing features, such as streamlined workflows and a dedicated client portal."

Key Features that Transformed TLTurner Group

1. Workflows: Canopy's workflow capabilities have significantly enhanced the firm's project and task management. By automating routine processes, Terrell and his team can focus more on delivering high-quality services to their clients.

2. Client Portal: The client portal centralizes communication, making it easier for clients to access documents, updates, and interact with the firm. This feature has not only improved client satisfaction but also boosted overall efficiency.

Terrell's experience showcases the transformative impact of the right software in an accounting firm. By leveraging tools with comprehensive features and maintaining clear, documented processes, the TLTurner Group thrives and delivers an exceptional experience to its team and clients.

Watch the full interview here: