#23 Copy Machines
Feb 27th, 2009 by pfi
Accountants rely on tools to make their workload a bit more manageable. One tool accountants require is a copy machine. It’s at the top of their list of things needed to get work done, and it also holds a top spot on the list of most tedious tasks.
Paperless workflow? Please, accountants use so much paper that even if they switched to printing on both sides of each page, they would still go through reams of paper before AND after lunchtime.
An accountant’s productivity is strongly correlated to the efficiency of their copy machine. The sad reality is that a copy machine that never jams is as likely as a company that never makes financial errors.
As documented in Office Space (a authoritative source along with The Office), copiers and printers make all sort of paper jams – usually at the worst time possible. Michael Bolton:
PC Load Letter? What the fuck does that mean?
Accountants photocopy everything from testwork support to 10-K drafts. Accountants are very cautious about using original documents, so they make a copy. Accountants are also worried about writing the wrong tickmarks, so they make a copy. Accountants get lots of comments when workpapers are reviewed, so they may make a copy. You see where this is going.
During peak hours, if there is only one copy machine in a given area of the office, there will be a long line of people waiting to copy things. It also gets worse if the office has the inconsiderate jerk who uses the copy machine as their printer even though they have a dedicated printer nearby.
If you want to gain an accountant’s friendship, you should tell them about the copy machine downstairs by the lunchroom that nobody ever uses. Just like that, an accountant owes you one and you will be on their good side.
Another tip, if you can’t find an accountant at their desk, you will find them at the copy machine. That or the fax machine.