Our hearts go out to those that have been affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus). In response to the increasing number of cases and uncertainty domestically and around the world, I want to make you aware of the precautions Riney Hancock CPAs is taking to protect the health and safety of our employees, their families, our clients, and our communities while maintaining a consistent level of client service. The Governor has requested that as leaders in our communities, we take very aggressive steps to minimize the risk of mass spread, so it is important that each of us take steps now.
We are making every effort to ensure that this situation will not affect the timeliness or quality of the work we are doing for you.
We are proud to have the technology in place that enables our employees to efficiently and effectively provide client service remotely if they are unable to report to our offices or your place of business. We have also established remote working guidelines in each of our lines of business to help ensure we meet deadlines to deliver our work to you.
Our teams who are working onsite at your office have been advised to consult with you on whether your offices are open or if there are any special guidelines they need to follow. If you are expecting one of our teams and there is a reason why they should not come to your place of business, please notify your engagement leader.
The health and safety of our employees, their families, our clients, and our communities is of critical importance to Riney Hancock.
We have advised employees who are ill or who have family in their homes who are exhibiting any symptoms of respiratory illness not to report to our offices or any client site. If they feel well enough, they may work remotely. We recognize that if employees are not well, they may also need to take time off to manage their health needs.
Although we have had no team members to which this applies, we will be following strict quarantine rules in alignment with the most up-to-date CDC guidance for employees who have been (and those who have family members who live in their homes who have been) in contact with someone who has been exposed to or diagnosed with coronavirus.
Flexibility and remote work options are available for employees, including those who are at a higher risk of contracting or suffering complications from coronavirus and those who are affected by school and childcare center closures.
We have instituted additional cleaning protocols for our offices to help keep them healthy and safe for our people and our clients.
Also, effective on Monday, March 16, 2020 until April 6, 2020, we will be limiting all in person meetings with clients as much as possible. We strongly suggest that you drop off your information or electronically send your tax information rather than meeting in person. Once drop off occurs we will schedule a teleconference to replace the normal in person meeting.
Other precautions we are taking include changes to our drop off and pick up procedures. In our Owensboro office, we will be placing a table inside the glass entrance of our lobby door. Please place all drop offs on the provided table. If you need to pick up your information, please call our front desk at (270) 926-4540 when you arrive at the office and we will assist you. Please know that you can send your information to us electronically and we can also send you your finalized returns electronically so that you do not have to come to the office. Please contact your Riney Hancock financial advisor to discuss your options. In our Evansville office, we have an intercom at our entrance, or you can call our front desk at (812) 423-0300 and we can help you with your information. Please know that we want to do what is in the best interest of our employees, their families, our clients, and our community. In doing so, we feel at this time, it is best to limit physical contact and take all precautions necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.
While it is impossible for anyone to predict the spread of the coronavirus and fully understand its impact, it does not alter Riney Hancock’s focus on continuing to serve you and meet deadlines. We have the people, technology, services, and tools to do just that.
We value our relationship with you, and we commit to staying connected with you and helping you through this unprecedented situation. If you have any questions, concerns, or if there is anything we can do to help you at this time, please contact your Riney Hancock financial advisor.
We wish you and your loved ones all the very best.
Sincerely,
J. Adam Hancock, President