How Are CPA Firms Thriving In Today’s Competitive Market
Looking back at the year 2020, when most of the world was shutting down, and accounting firms were gearing up for their busiest time of the year; tax season. During this time, accountants were handling tax write-ups and other tasks for their regular clientele when new clients suddenly started pouring in with fear and panic behind their eyes. Business owners were frantically looking for solutions to their challenges and ultimately wanted to keep their businesses alive and well despite all that was happening in the world.
An urgent need for practical solutions presented established CPA firms and accounting professionals with a unique challenge. This challenging situation tested professionals in the finance industry and introduced new ways of handling their day-to-day operations. While small CPA firms may not have survived this intense time of growth and change, the majority had to shift and elevate their current business effectiveness.
The Ability to Adapt to Current Circumstances
While some CPA firms may have worked remotely before the pandemic, most of them did not and therefore had to make the shift to remote work – the ability to work from home was and still is a notable contributor to many CPA firms' continuous strides to increase profitability moving forward. In addition, accountant's roles have adapted to also become an advisor to their clients through these unprecedented times.
So why are some CPA firms thriving while others struggle to stay afloat?
Keeping Up With Latest Technologies
One of the biggest reasons is the inability to keep up with technological advances. Accountants have an inherent need to update their firm's technology to provide better and more efficient services to their clientele.
The best thing accounting firms can do, is find a trusted service provider to help guide them in their decision-making process. Top-of-the-line service providers will grant CPAs access to new accounting technology such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Process Automation at a fraction of the cost.
Utilizing these technologies to facilitate efficient workflows and automate mundane tasks such as bookkeeping, appointment scheduling, and transaction processing can be extremely cost-effective.
Staying Cost-Conscious
Another competent that is helping CPA firms thrive is low operating costs. This goes hand-in-hand with working remotely and staying up to date with current technologies. Utilizing both factors alleviates the pain of costly employee salaries and overhead costs you would otherwise be forced to maintain or let your business crumble.
The ability to have a hybrid schedule or work from home eliminates a multitude of costs associated with working in an office five days a week. Also, if you are making use of modern technology, there is no need to invest more money into resources promising to drive revenue or complete work faster.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Even though cybersecurity and data privacy are essential in all aspects of any business, it is especially prominent for accountants and accounting professionals. A security breach has the ability to steal sensitive information and harm a CPA’s reputation.
The best way to protect clients' data privacy is by using an integrated IT security system instead of a plethora of unintegrated software products. In addition, thriving CPA firms use secure client portals and are constantly reviewing their security systems to analyze further how to prevent data from ever leaving their firm.
Final Thoughts
Truth is, there is a lot to keep in mind and figure out in order to have a thriving accounting firm, but you do not have to do it alone. At Intuitive Networks, we are not solely focused on IT services – our business is centered around providing an unforgettable customer experience. Your success is our success, and that’s why we deliver progressive IT services customized to alleviate your unique pain points while growing with you into the future.
Are you interested in a consultation? If so, give us a call today to discuss IT service needs for your business. After all, we want you and your business to thrive!
5 Crucial Technologies to Improve Your Tax Practice and Increase Your Profit Margin in 2022
The accounting industry is swiftly changing due to the effectiveness of modern technologies. Thanks to these advances, certified public accountants, also known as CPAs and other finance experts, are able to take advantage of essential technologies and accomplish their daily duties without being bogged down with repetitive tasks.
Accounting procedures are becoming more efficient through automation and other present-day technologies, changing the way accountants operate on a daily basis. Today, accountants can help businesses make critical decisions regarding their finances without having to collect and track the company's finances with a naked eye. This shift in daily operations enables CPAs to dive deeper into their client's records, serving as an accountant and business advisor at once.
Needless to say, modern-day technology is key to increasing the annual revenue of any business. Here at Intuitive Networks, we know how much automated processes can benefit your tax practice, so we have decided to compile a list of five crucial technologies to help streamline your business and increase your profit margins in 2022. Continue reading to find out what technologies you need to make this shift in your tax practice in 2022.
Automation
While face-to-face communication and detailed human review are essential to a successful tax preparation procedure, a balance of both human reviews along with digital automation is game-changing for all accounting professionals. Softwares such as ProSeries Professional, ProConnect Tax, TaxAct Professional, Drake Tax, Lacerte, and CCH Axcess Tax are all among a list of the best tax software programs today. Ultimately, automation reduces errors and removes uncertainty, which is why tax preparers choose automated solutions in the first place.
Cloud-Based Technology
If your business is not utilizing cloud technology, you are definitely missing out on effective tax solutions. Cloud-based technology permits clients to receive updates in real time.
At Intuitive Networks, we have a team of experts who specialize in resolving challenges and collaborating with your business to optimize your bookkeeping and accounting activities. Our team combines companies with the most up-to-date technology and innovations to revamp your tax practice.
Blockchain
Another way to improve your tax practice is through blockchain technology. Blockchain technology deals with the transfer of ownership of assets and maintaining accurate financial records. The finance industry is being altered by decreasing the expenses of balancing and managing accounting data through blockchain technology. It also gives the necessary accuracy in profitability, safe asset keeping, and source.
Remote Accounting
Working remotely has been an upward trend over the past couple of years due to the pandemic. While it can be tough to accomplish all work-related tasks from home, CPA firms can still provide impeccable service to their clients through digital accounting practices. CPA firms must take into account several factors regarding information security to minimize cyber attacks and data theft. Regardless of possible security threats, many areas of accounting operations can be done remotely and correctly.
Social Media Marketing
There's no doubt that social media can benefit all businesses in a positive way. From establishing relationships to gaining visibility online and increasing revenue, social media marketing can positively impact your business's profitability. Although social media can't do it all, it can boost growth, reach, and exposure when used correctly.
Final Thoughts
Utilizing automation, blockchain, social media, and cloud-based technology can significantly increase profitability in 2022. Technology can be a deciding factor between a decent and phenomenal tax professional. These are just five of the many ways business owners can advance their tax practice. With the appropriate technology, accountants can have a more efficient and effective tax practice which would provide advancement to their profession. Talk to an INI specialist and start building a plan for your CPA firm today!
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