July 2008
In This Issue...
Online Tools & Resources
- Productivity Survey - Free benchmarking tool for you to get your firm's Productivity Score and helpful report
- Accountants Video Network - The cable channel of the Internet just for accountants in public practice
- Webcasts - Register for upcoming educational events and receive Free CPE, plus you can view archived programs
- Podcasts - Check out our monthly podcast programs:
- TheTechGap.com - Blog from Executive Editor Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP that covers the random musings of this thought leader
- Online Buyer's Guide - Relevant search tool for the accounting community where you can search by company name, product name or product category
- Document Management Product Selector - free survey that offers suggestions for document management/storage products that are the best fit for your firm based on your responses
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The 2008 Tax & Accounting Technology Innovation Awards were presented in Los Angeles in June, and technologies focused on streamlining productivity and efficiency for tax and accounting pros took top honors. Now in their fifth year, the Awards honor new technologies and advancements to existing ones that offer significant promise to the profession.
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How’s a tax or accounting professional supposed to keep up with the overwhelming market of software, hardware, web-based programs, services and other technologies? You’re already doing it. In each issue of this magazine, we keep you apprised of the ever-changing technologies available. One step further, we provide this annual Software Selection Guide — a one-stop reference guide to keep year-round for when you or your clients need tech advice. More than just a software guide, this annual directory provides a reference of hundreds of products and services, broken down into various categories to help make the selection process easier.
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REVIEWS FOR YOUR FIRM
One Size Doesn’t Fit All for Document Management & Storage By John H. Higgins, CPA.CITPIn the June/July issue, John reviewed Document Management systems, which provide advanced workflow tools and other functions designed to play a larger role in practice productivity. In this review section, John looks at Document Storage programs, defined similarly to their Management siblings, but focusing more directly on the nuts and bolts of saving and organizing files in a more effective system than Windows Explorer. Read more |
Planning Services Keep Clients Ahead of Tax ChangesBy Mary Girsch-BockEvery year brings new tax laws and regulations, which makes strategic tax planning a valuable service, and not just for upper echelon clients. Planning can help almost all taxpayers and, if you can save them at least the cost of your services, the value comes through clearly and also strengthens the relationship. Professional planning programs provide the tools to be prepared for any contingency that could affect client taxation. Read more
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Streamlining Engagement Processes is Key to Maximizing EfficiencyBy Isaac M. O’Bannon, Technology EditorThe movement toward greater efficiency in the professional practice is gaining momentum, and it’s no wonder. Maximizing efficiency can not only decrease wasted time and thereby increase profitability for a practice, it also can help firms who have faced staffing challenges, enabling them to offer greater services to larger client bases without increasing staff. Programs designed for performing trial balance functions, as well as multi-purpose engagement management systems, are integral components of a well-tuned professional practice. Read more |
REVIEWS FOR YOUR CLIENTS
Redefining Sales & Use Taxes
By Isaac M. O’Bannon, Technology Editor
If it seems that the tedious process of managing sales and use tax compliance keeps getting more difficult, you’re right. While compliance for very small entities hasn’t changed much, the changing world of commerce and especially e-commerce have had a dramatic effect on compliance issues. For businesses with sales in more than a few locations, a specialized sales and use tax system is essential. Fortunately, there are options for virtually every need and budget.
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Productivity in Practice
By Isaac M. O’Bannon, Technology Editor
See how one firm has scored on The CPA Technology Advisor’s Productivity Survey and learn more about what practices have worked and not worked for this firm. We hope you’ll see your firm in these pages … or at least a firm very much like yours.
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 The number of document management products aimed specifically at the public accounting profession abounds. And perhaps it's that expansive array of choices that's paralyzed nearly two-thirds of the public accounting firms in America to the point of inaction, leaving them without the one tool absolutely required as the centerpiece of their journey toward the digital future.
The CPA Technology Advisor's document management solution product selector presents a series of comprehensive questions for you to answer. Your responses will trigger a report upon completion of the survey that suggests three appropriate DMS products for your firm. We believe that this tool will help your firm narrow the available products to those that best fit your stated criteria as you begin your journey into the era of digital documents. |
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Tech2Go provides a fast-paced roundtable discussion with Executive Editor Greg LaFollette and regular columnists Brent Goodfellow, Randy Johnston and Dave McClure. These thought leaders tackle current technology issues that are impacting the tax and accounting profession.
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SBC2Go features nationally recognized accounting software expert Doug Sleeter. He and Greg discuss technology, QuickBooks and other small business consulting accounting software, integration, add-ons, online software, and the process of developing an accounting software consulting practice.
Sponsored by A/R Connection
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DMA2Go is our newest monthly podcast series that features Executive Editor Greg LaFollette and the country's foremost document management consultant, John Higgins. John is a CPA and a CITP and has been helping tax and accounting firms move to "the digital world" for over 20 years. He and Greg talk about product and system evaluation factors, scanning, workflow, portals, Adobe Acrobat -- all with a laser focus on the special needs of the practicing accountant.
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IBI2Go (Intelligent Business Ideas 2 Go) features Executive Editor Greg LaFollette interviewing various thought leaders in the profession to discuss "Intelligent Business Ideas" and best practices. Meet these movers and shakers and glean insight into the minds of today’s mavens as they discuss topics such as staff training, health in the workplace, effective staff communication, and “How to Grow Your Business.”
Sponsored by CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business
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We would love to hear from you. Call 800-456-0864, ext. 2106 to ask questions and leave comments. Or tune in to future episodes where you'll be able to ask questions LIVE during the podcasts via Talkshoe.com | |
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Columnist Corner
Up Front
The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades
By Melody Wrinkle, Managing Editor
Innovation, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. So how do you define innovation? Melody offers a few ideas, along with some insight from a renowned economist, then points out several of the innovative highlights in this issue. Grab your sunglasses!
Accountant Tech Talk
Accounting Tech Potpourri
By Brent Goodfellow, CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
With the busy season in the rear view mirror, Brent looks at several tech topics that should be top-of-mind for accounting professionals.
Tricks & Tips
Web 2.0 Continues Internet’s Evolution, But What Is It?
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Technology Editor
Is Web 2.0 more than just a buzzword? Isaac takes a look at the phenomenon and provides a subjective definition in the first of a two-part column.
Technology IN Practice
IN-FIRM Integration and Streamlining Opportunities
By Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA.CITP
Many firms experience a post-tax season slowdown, and Roman suggests this is the perfect time to evaluate and implement new technologies that can help streamline core production processes. He also points out a few areas that should be top-of-mind when assessing firm productivity and potential enhancements.
The QuickBooks Advisor
Taking Your Practice Online
By Doug Sleeter
Software as a Service continues to make major inroads in the accounting world, so Doug continues his discussion on how SaaS can benefit professionals. He also introduces a couple of recent additions to the tax and accounting technology market.
From The Trenches
Good Products Make Sales Tax Easier
By Randy Johnston
With increasingly complex jurisdictional concerns and more aggressive enforcement by states, managing sales tax for a business is becoming nearly impossible to do without advanced tools. Randy points out some key things you should know whether you’re selecting a sales tax solution for your practice or for your clients.
Better Technology For Better Clients
Tax & Spend: Be Sure the Spenders Pay the Tax
By Lisa Kianoff, CPA.CITP
Sales taxes are a chore, and improper filings can result in significant financial penalties. Lisa identifies some of the potential pitfalls, and also looks at the benefits that the Streamlined Sales Tax Project may offer.
The eSecurity Advisor
The Threat From Inside
By John D. Anderson, CPA.CITP, CIA, MCP, MSA
When data security is involved, professionals often focus on the electronic threats from outside a firm, but John points out 10 sources of potential data loss that could happen internally. He also gives some advice on how to manage these threats.
The Bleeding Edge
USB Synch for XP Laptops
By Dave McClure
Dave looks at the options available for users who need to synchronize data files between a Windows XP laptop and a desktop computer running on the new Vista operating system. The process can be easier, he points out, once you have the right tools, like a USB cable, the same Office version on each computer and optional synch tools.
Final Thoughts
It’s the ’80s All Over Again!
By Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, Executive Editor
If you’ve been in practice long enough to remember the mostly manual accounting processes of the 1980s, then Greg’s got a treat for you. In his column, he discusses his recent exchange program trip to Brazil, which he states has a “solid financial infrastructure,” but the accounting profession there is only starting its technological revolution. |
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