We all know that Engagement Letters are necessary for properly outlining the scope of work, cost, the expectations of your client and your firm, and the time to completion. Unfortunately creating and executing the letter has become a burden for many CPA firms. When asked, the following list of concerns continually up: Updating or making… Read More
Throughout the year I always try to read as many books as possible. Due to the longer days and more relaxed feel, during the summer, my reading always tends to kick in to high gear. Like many, I am always looking for recommendations on what to read next. While doing my own search, I stumbled upon… Read More
What do our client’s value? This question is at the core of every lean initiative. The idea is if you eliminate waste in your processes, your services will be more aligned to what your client’s value. The Accounting profession is currently facing increasing pressure from clients on fees. If you become commoditized in the mind… Read More
When most firms began implementing workflow applications, they only considered tracking basic service areas. As firms have seen the benefits of workflow and have evolved to offer more services, they are looking to move beyond simply tracking workflow to manage processes across more areas of their firm, such as: Miscellaneous tax filings such as sales… Read More
As your firm continues to grow through acquisitions, expansion in to niche markets or by other methods of gaining new clients, there will come a point when you realize that your workflow tool of the past is no longer cutting it. Two of the main reasons you first started using that particular system – out… Read More
In any given year there are several opportunities to attend accounting conferences. Is it necessary or even possible to attend all? Absolutely not. However, if you want to stay current, it would behoove you to choose a few that line-up with your firm’s vision and attend. Many use the excuse “I’m taking away from my… Read More
CPA firms tend to be a cautious when it comes to technology – with good reason. Mistakes, even small ones, can create client issues or potential compliance problems. One technology issue other industries have been working on – and solving – for years is becoming increasingly important in the Accounting Industry: application integration. Our technical… Read More
Many firms often use the terms Workflow and Business Process Management interchangeably. But are they? If you were to look on Wikidpedia, Business Process Management (BPM) is described as “a discipline in operations management in which people use various methods to discover, model, analyze, measure, improve, optimize, and automate business processes. BPM focuses on improving corporate performance by… Read More
With tax season over, and extensions filed, it is safe to say that CPAs everywhere have earned a much needed vacation. However, before putting the 2018 season behind you, take a moment to reflect on the following key questions: What went well and smoothly this season? What gave you the biggest headache and needs improvement?… Read More
