This article provides practical strategies for reviewers and approvers using Cimplico Workpapers to effectively manage their responsibilities. While each firm may have unique processes, these tips are broadly applicable to those overseeing workpaper reviews and approvals.
Common goals for reviewers and approvers
Reviewers and approvers typically aim to:
Ensure workpapers are progressing smoothly through the review and approval stages.
Address overdue or incomplete workpapers.
Manage team performance and client deliverables.
Prioritise time-sensitive workpapers.
The reporting tips below are based on these common goals.
Reporting Combinations
Use the following filter and sort combinations to get helpful insights across your team and make reviews and approvals more efficient.
Home Page
Assessing a specific team member’s workload
Filters
User: [Specific Team Member]
Outcome
Gives you a snapshot of what one team member is working on and how they’re progressing. Handy for checking in or making sure their workload is balanced.
💡 When to use it: When reviewing individual workloads or checking in during catch-ups.
Evaluating client group workpaper metrics
Filters
Group: [Specific Client Group]
Outcome
Displays the average time taken to complete that group's workpapers, offering insights into efficiency and assisting in billing assessments.
💡 When to use it: To evaluate client group's average turnaround time and likeliness of staying on target due date.
Workpapers Page
Identifying stagnant workpapers
Filters
Status: Open
Last Updated: Before [Date 30 Days Ago]
Assigned: [You + Your Team]
Outcome
Highlights open workpapers that haven’t been updated in over a month, indicating potential stagnation.
💡 When to use it: Regularly, to keep things moving and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Focusing on workpapers nearing completion
Filters
Status: Open
Progress %: Greater than 90%
Assigned: [You + Your Team]
Sorting
Due Date: Ascending
Outcome
Shows which workpapers are close to being done, so you can jump in and review or approve them. Sorting by due date helps you prioritise what’s due soon.
💡 When to use it: When planning your week or trying to clear out work that’s nearly over the line.
Addressing overdue workpapers in your team
Filters
Status: Open
Overdue: On
Assigned: [You + Your Team]
Outcome
Lists any open workpapers assigned to your team that are now overdue, so you can quickly see what’s behind and needs attention.
💡 When to use it: Often - this is a good one to check weekly or during team meetings.
Planning for upcoming deadlines
Filters
Status: Open
Due Date: Between [Start Date] and [End Date] (e.g., Next Month)
Assigned: [You + Your Team]
Outcome
Gives you a view of workpapers coming up soon, helping you plan ahead and make sure your team is ready.
💡 When to use it: At the start of each month, or when scheduling team workloads.