REVIEWS
Practice Management
A Revolution Waiting To Happen
By Matt Altman
This product lineup consists of vendors that have been in the Practice Management arena for several years. At the time of the review, some products were undergoing large-scale rewrites, while others were in the process of releasing new editions.
W-2/1099 Tax
That's Mister Stand-Alone If You Please!
By Mark Weinstein, CPA
With all the discussion these days of the power of integrated accounting products, you really have to look up and pay notice to what is certainly a full fleet of available products — ready, willing and capable of annual processing of Form W-2 and information returns. Competition is intense. And without a doubt, that intensity has bred an environment — raised the bar — leading the savvy purveyors of these fine products to offer many (and in some cases every) annual reporting forms. The W2/1099 programs reviewed here serve many masters, needs and purposes.
Not-For-Profit Accounting
By Mary Girsch-Bock
Nonprofit organizations present a unique challenge. Not only do they require a comprehensive financial software system, but they also have unique tracking and reporting requirements that are not met in a general accounting program. That's why it's important for even the smallest nonprofit organization to look at nonprofit software. Keep in mind as you read these reviews and the product ratings that entry-level products can be rated excellent right along side those products with the multiple modules. They are designed to accomplish different things for different organizations and, as such, cannot truly be rated against one another. Rather, they can only be rated on what they set out to accomplish, and if they have attained that goal.
The Battle Begins For The Hearts And Minds Of America 's Public Accountants
Microsoft officially launched its Small Business Accounting program on September 7, 2005. This long-planned launch just happens to coincide (well, within a few months anyway) with rival Intuit's release of QuickBooks 2006 , which just happens to be the most revolutionary rewrite of the company's flagship product since it's original release. What does this mean to us, the practitioners, and what do we say to our clients when they ask the [inevitable] question: “Which product is better?” Contributing writers Randy Johnston and Doug Sleeter have crafted an outstanding article dedicated precisely to helping you answer that question. You'll also find excellent analysis from developer Shafat Qazi and from Technology Editor Isaac O'Bannon. Productivity in Practice
Frog Kisser
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Technology Editor
This feature highlights a different firm in each issue that has taken the Productivity Survey. The firm shares its stories and the practices that work, and those that don't. We hope you'll see your firm in these pages … or at least a firm very much like yours.
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COLUMN HIGHLIGHTS |
Accountant Tech-Talk
Take It In The Shorts
By Brent Goodfellow, CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Mr. Goodfellow examines several “short” subjects he's been thinking about, from Wi-Fi to backups to the new Samsung SCHi730. |
Final Thoughts
The ‘O' Word
By Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, Executive Editor
Mr. LaFollette explains why outsourcing means much more than tax return preparation in India . Today's buzzword is business integration . Find out what this really means. |
Tricks & Tips
Picture This
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Technology Editor
Along with a network server and workstations, printers, scanners and other hardware and devices that accountants typically use, another item is making its way into the professional accountant's electronic tool chest — the digital camera. Mr. O'Bannon takes a look at some of the key concepts involved in selecting one for your firm. |
The Bleeding Edge
The Dark Side Of Technology
By Dave McClure
In the coming years, the dark side of technology could threaten everything for which the accounting profession stands. The point is not that the world can be a dark and scary place, but rather that the accounting profession now has four critical new roles that must be mastered and embraced. Mr. McClure discusses those four new roles.
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From The Trenches: Real-life solutions for real-life accountants
Has So Much Change In Technology Made You Tired Or Complacent?
By Randy Johnston
Mr. Johnston is fairly certain that we need to be in the process of preparing for a significant change in the hardware and software landscape. And he wants you to be thinking about how you plan to respond to what he anticipates will be the most significant changes in the computer industry in the last 10 years. |
The QuickBooks Advisor
Online Banking In QuickBooks
By Doug Sleeter
QuickBooks has a variety of online services that help you streamline the processing of banking and credit card transactions. Mr. Sleeter gives a brief overview of how you can get your clients up and running with online banking for checking accounts and credit cards.
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Marketing Hot Spot
Rethink Your Nonprofit Prospecting Process!
By Bob Lewis
Mr. Lewis outlines how you can use simple technology to get your nonprofit prospecting organized. |
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WANTED: PEOPLE TO HELP US CREATE AN EVEN BETTER CPA/NSA TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR |
October 2005:
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September 2005 SURVEY RESULTS
We asked: As compared to other firms in your general trade area, how do you think your firm adapts to take advantage of available technology (software, hardware, service, etc.)?
- 21.3% of you answered, "We are significantly ahead of most of the competition."
- 31.9% of you answered, "We are somewhat ahead of most of the competition."
- 31.9% of you answered, "We are about the same as most other firms."
- 14.9% of you answered, "We are somewhat behind most other firms."
- None of you answered, "We are significantly behind most of the competition."
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EDITORIAL CALENDAR |
| November 2005: |
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Time & Billing |
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Tax Planning |
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POS/Retail |
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Financial Statement Analysis |
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VAR Programs for Accountants |
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| December 2005: |
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Fixed Assets |
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Web Site Builders |
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High-End Accounting |
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Tax Utilities |
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MEDIA INFORMATION |
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No matter what your current marketing plan, custom reprints enhance your efforts. Among other applications, reprints are excellent tools for marketing presentations, trade shows and media kits. To discuss details on how you may obtain reprint information contact:
Mary Mullen Cygnus Reprint Services
Phone: 405-275-3100 ext. 104
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Advertisers: Plan to include this magazine or our website in your media schedule. To request a copy of the The CPA Technology Advisor media kit, click here .
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To request online advertising information, contact: Susan Douglas by e-mail or at 405-275-3100 ext. 103.
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The CPA Technology Advisor & The NSA Technology Advisor.
110 North Bell, Suite 300 , Shawnee, OK 74801
Phone: (405) 275-3100 or Fax: (405) 275-3101
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