This article provides practical tips and reporting combinations for Workflow Managers or anyone responsible for these tasks.
Workflow managers oversee team productivity, address bottlenecks, and keep firm-wide projects on track. Not all firms have a dedicated Workflow Manager and these responsibilities may be handled by different roles in the firm. Regardless of the title, the focus is on managing workloads, deadlines, and effective planning.
ℹ️ Note: “Workflow Manager” is not a defined role in Cimplico Workpapers. This article uses the term generically to refer to individuals who manage workflows, regardless of their formal job title or role in the firm.
Key Priorities for Workflow Managers
Workflow Managers typically focus on:
Monitoring workloads across teams to ensure balanced distribution.
Identifying bottlenecks or stagnant tasks requiring intervention.
Tracking team and project progress to ensure deadlines are met.
Planning ahead to allocate resources effectively and avoid delays.
Note: These common goals inform the workflow tips and combinations provided below.
Reporting Combinations
Home Page
Evaluating Average Turnaround Time for Workpapers
Metric: Average Completion Days
Outcome
Provides insights into the average time taken to complete workpapers within the firm, helping identify inefficiencies and areas for process improvement.
💡 When to use it: Periodically, to assess overall efficiency and implement strategies to reduce turnaround times.
Assessing the Percentage of Workpapers on Schedule
Metric: On-Schedule Percentage
Outcome
Shows the proportion of workpapers that are on schedule, offering a snapshot of the firm’s adherence to deadlines.
💡 When to use it: Regularly, to monitor performance and ensure that the majority of workpapers are progressing as planned.
Workpapers Page
Identifying Stagnant Workpapers
Filters
Status: Open
Last Updated: Before [Date 30 Days Ago]
Sorting
• Last Updated: Ascending
Outcome
Highlights open workpapers that haven’t been updated in over a month, indicating potential bottlenecks or workpapers that may no longer be relevant.
💡 When to use it: To identify and address stagnant workpapers that may require follow-up or reassessment.
Monitoring workpapers certified by approvers but not yet completed
Filters
Status: Open
Certified: Approver
Outcome
Displays workpapers that have been certified by an approver but remain open, which means they still need to be completed.
💡 When to use it: To ensure that workpapers move efficiently from approval to completion without unnecessary delays.
Tracking overdue workpapers firm-wide
Filters
Status: Open
Overdue: On
Outcome
Lists all overdue workpapers within the firm, allowing you to identify tasks that require immediate attention.
💡 When to use it: To keep on top of overdue work across the firm and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.