Process Template

The Rapid Workflow

Transform your tax filing from a multi-week marathon into a streamlined sprint. This battle-tested workflow has processed thousands of returns.

Workflow Overview

Fast Turnaround

Total elapsed time

3 Touch Points

Processor, Reviewer, Approver

Zero Rework

Right first time

Critical Success Factor: This workflow only works with clean, reconciled books. Client readiness is non-negotiable.

Hour-by-Hour Breakdown

Hour 0-4: Intake & Validation

Processor Role

Required Inputs

Trial Balance (agreed to GL)
General Ledger (full year)
Fixed Asset Register
GST Returns (if registered)
Prior Year Tax Computation

Processing Steps

0:00 - 0:30: Document receipt and completeness check
0:30 - 1:00: Import into working papers/system
1:00 - 2:00: Apply standard mapping rules
2:00 - 3:00: Run exception reports
3:00 - 4:00: Prepare missing info list

Quality Gates

Stop if:

• TB doesn't balance
• GL total differs from TB by more than $100
• Prior year figures don't match
• More than 20% accounts unmapped

Hour 4-24: Core Processing

Processor + AI Role

Parallel Processing Tracks

Track A: Tax Adjustments

• Identify non-deductible expenses
• Calculate capital allowances
• Apply Section 14Q deductions
• Process donations/grants

Track B: Compliance Checks

• GST reconciliation
• Related party transactions
• Director remuneration
• Transfer pricing review

Exception Handling Matrix

Exception Type	Action	Escalation
Mixed deductibility	Split & document	If exceeds $10k
Missing invoice	Request from client	After 2 hours
Unusual transaction	Flag for review	Immediate
Prior year adjustment	Document reason	If material

Output Checklist

Draft tax computation complete
All adjustments scheduled
Supporting documentation linked
Exception report generated

Hour 24-40: Review & Refinement

Reviewer Role

Review Protocol

1.
Analytical Review (2 hours)
Compare to prior year, check ratios, identify anomalies
2.
Technical Review (4 hours)
Verify tax treatments, check latest regulations, validate computations
3.
Documentation Review (2 hours)
Ensure audit trail complete, check support for adjustments
4.
Client Query Resolution (4 hours)
Address missing info, clarify treatments, obtain approvals
5.
Final Adjustments (4 hours)
Incorporate feedback, update computation, prepare final draft

Review Focus Areas

High Risk Items

• Related party transactions
• Transfer pricing
• Capital vs revenue
• GST treatment

Common Errors

• Double deductions
• Missed add-backs
• Wrong tax rates
• Calculation errors

Hour 40-48: Finalization

Approver Role

Final Approval Checklist

Tax computation mathematically accurate
All adjustments properly documented
Reconciles to financial statements
Prior year comparatives reviewed
IRAS requirements met
Client queries resolved

Deliverable Package

📄 Tax Computation Statement
📊 Supporting Schedules
📝 Tax Adjustments Summary
📋 Review Notes (if applicable)
✅ Filing Checklist
📁 Source Documentation References

Client Communication

Standard delivery message template:

Dear [Client],

Your tax computation is complete. Key points:

• Taxable income: $[amount]

• Tax payable: $[amount]

• Key adjustments: [summary]

Please review and confirm to proceed with filing.

Role Definitions

Processor

Junior to mid-level staff responsible for initial processing and data preparation.

Requirements:

• 1-3 years experience
• Basic tax knowledge
• Attention to detail
• System proficiency

Reviewer

Senior staff or manager responsible for technical review and quality assurance.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years experience
• Strong technical knowledge
• IRAS regulation expertise
• Problem-solving skills

Approver

Partner or director with final sign-off authority and client relationship ownership.

Requirements:

• 5+ years experience
• CA(Singapore) or equivalent
• Risk assessment capability
• Client management skills

Preventing Bottlenecks

Common Bottlenecks & Solutions

Bottleneck	Impact	Prevention
Client delays	+24 hours	Pre-engagement checklist
Review queue	+12 hours	Staggered processing starts
Partner approval	+8 hours	Scheduled review slots
System downtime	Variable	Backup workflows ready
Complex queries	+4 hours	Escalation protocol

Capacity Planning

Maximum concurrent filings per role:

• Processor: 5-7 filings
• Reviewer: 3-4 filings
• Approver: 8-10 filings

Rule: Never load beyond 80% capacity to maintain flexibility

Implementation Roadmap

Week 1-2: Preparation

• Map current process and identify gaps
• Create role definitions and responsibilities
• Set up working paper templates
• Establish quality checkpoints
• Train team on new workflow

Week 3-4: Pilot

• Select 5 simple clients for pilot
• Run through rapid-turnaround workflow
• Document issues and bottlenecks
• Refine process based on learnings
• Update documentation and training

Week 5-6: Scale

• Expand to 20 clients
• Test concurrent processing capacity
• Optimize resource allocation
• Establish monitoring metrics
• Create exception handling protocols

Week 7+: Optimize

• Roll out to all suitable clients
• Monitor and track metrics
• Continuous improvement cycles
• Regular team feedback sessions
• Quarterly process reviews

Get the Complete Workflow Package

This overview covers the core concepts. The complete package includes:

✓ Detailed process flowcharts
✓ Role responsibility matrices
✓ Exception handling decision trees
✓ Quality checkpoint templates

✓ Client readiness checklist
✓ Time tracking templates
✓ Performance metrics dashboard
✓ Training materials

Try the Workflow More Resources