Firm Management
New billing system gives clients greater insight
A new, cloud-based billing system is catching on with accounting firms and other professional service providers, and giving their clients real-time access and insights into the firm's billing, activities and time entries.
May. 06, 2013
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A new, cloud-based billing system is catching on with accounting firms and other professional service providers, and giving their clients real-time access and insights into the firm’s billing, activities and time entries.
Launched in March, Viewabill.com is geared toward improving outdated billing practices by providing a transparent, seamless product that lets clients know where their money is being spent in real-time. It gives control over “billable hours” back to the client, increases accuracy and incentivizes service providers to keep current billing and performance updates. Available via web and mobile applications, clients now can access their bills anytime, anywhere.
Viewabill was co-founded by entrepreneurs David Schottenstein and Robbie Friedman, along with Alan Dershowitz, one of America’s most distinguished legal scholars.
According to Friedman, the accounting and legal industries have been plagued by billing issues, specifically the “sticker shock” associated with clients opening their bills each month. Previously, there was no way for clients to monitor whether hours were being entered regularly and accurately, or crammed in at the end of each month.
“For more than a century, CPA, law and other firms have provided complicated, murky and inaccurate bills to their clients, leaving them paying more and understanding less,” Friedman said. “Viewabill eliminates surprises and provides a safe, efficient process.”
Viewabill’s unique software utilizes advanced cloud computing technology that enables clients to maintain visibility on work being performed on their behalf across multiple firms, even industries. The dashboard also lets clients request real-time clarification regarding activities, receive alerts or emails when specified thresholds are reached, and utilize the “Pencils Down” feature to notify providers when to stop work. Viewabill integrates quickly and seamlessly with existing billing software systems, providing bank-level security of data.
Schottenstein, who grew custom clothier Astor & Black into a $45 million company before selling his interests in 2011, said the team realizes transforming the broken billing industry won’t happen overnight.
“We feel like David taking on Goliath,” he said. “But as clients continue to push for it, everyone will eventually embrace transparency. If a firm refuses to adopt Viewabill, the client should ask why.”
The app is available on the iTunes store.