In the United States, we accountants are approaching the April 15^th income tax deadline, so I thought I’d keep my blog post brief. Read further >

While in a waiting room last week, the cover of Forbes magazine caught my eye. It was entitled “The Death of Cash.” I’ve noticed even the smallest of retailers now have systems to swipe charge and debit cards. Maybe you’ve noticed it too, like the restaurant at the airport where you order your meal on an iPad and then pay for it in the same manner. Books and music are now dispensed through online means with a card number and a PIN number or other security code. Read further >

CPA Trendlines has some great content. I was just browsing their article on Accountants’ New Year’s Resolutions 2013 and noticed the emphasis on marketing and firm growth. I’ve got a few ideas on where you can start. Read further >

Mobile & Cloud

The world is becoming a smaller place in 2013. I say that because cloud and mobile services are allowing us to collaborate with our peers and reach our clients in so many new ways. However, Cloud usage and mobile apps should be evaluated closely as to security of sensitive data. There is a proliferation of cloud-based services that are being rolled out by mega-corporations such as Apple, Google and Microsoft that ultimately encourage mobile communication.

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While attending the CCH User’s Conference 2012, CEO Kevin Robert spoke about the results of CCH’s recent nationwide survey of accountants. The study found that improved client service drives the adoption of new technology, with about two-thirds stating that leveraging technology is important to their success. Large firms (with 50 or more employees) were most likely to embrace these technologies, with 84% planning to implement more cloud solutions and 81% planning to increase mobile technology. Accountants are beginning to trust the security features of cloud and mobile solutions. The amount of time CPAs and Chartered accountants work remotely ranges from 5.8 hours per week in a mid-size firm to 8.6 hours per week in a large firm. Read further >

As I write and speak on the topic of accounting associations frequently, I was only too happy to read a book called Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations. Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers, CAE, share my passion for working in and with groups that provide not just social functions and networking, but support the needs of the industry they serve. This book has broad application for the issues that face your group, whether you lead or sit on a committee in your firm, belong to a board of directors, or attend the functions of a volunteer or fundraising organization. In the extremely busy environment of today’s firms and our technology-driven lives, groups are challenged to maintain relevancy, retain members and stay in-demand. Read further >

Ultimately you started out in business to make money. Yet you find yourself working longer hours and earning less than expected. There is always the risk of a bad economy, the loss of an employee or a big customer, or other unexpected expenses. It seems outside of your control, and yet there are things you can do to identify the time sinks that keep your firm from experiencing greater realization. Read further >

We as professional accountants join groups all the time, some for personal reasons and others for business purposes. We join these groups to better ourselves and collaborate, or to obtain some benefits. Affinity programs that state societies offer are good if you are looking for discounts on insurance, CPE, etc. Read further >

Remember when all you did was find an office, hang up your sign, put an ad in the newspaper, and word of mouth did the rest? Things aren’t so easy anymore. You may think globalization has nothing to do with a small mom and pop firm, but in reality you may be doing more work for clients at a distance. You have individuals and businesses relocating that may keep you as an accountant because they can get their tax return via encrypted email, a file-share site on your website, or FedEx. You may have military families that handle their affairs from bases all over the United States and while deployed overseas. You may even do expatriate returns. Read further >

Your initial plan to relax after a long and stressful tax season in a fun, tropical location might be better spent at a conference. I’ve been to four conferences this year and met new contacts as well as shook hands with old friends. Read further >