Firm Management

Another busy season is under our belts and one of the most productive things a firm can do in the next few weeks is to take time to formally debrief the past few months, acknowledging what worked well and identifying where there were bottlenecks that could be improved upon.

Late nights of tax filings and days dispensing client advice are easily worth your fees. But how about valueless hours spent tracking down documents, exchanging e-mails, or educating staff? Compounded across all your clients, engagements, and staff, imagine how it adds up. Is this what’s (literally) keeping you up at night?

Innovation and growth are directly linked, and it should be no surprise that the most successful accounting firms commit focus, time, energy, and money to innovative services, processes, and technology.

Most of the time in this column, discussion of the best or most promising technology tools is a primary source of interest. However, every once in a while a return to fundamentals is needed. One fundamental that has been consistently problematic for all size of firms is training. Frequently the need for training is either ignored, put off, or simply done poorly. Rarely do we see training done right. Why is that?

The latest issue of CPA Practice Advisor offers reviews, articles and columns focused on helping accounting firms be more productive and work more efficiently with their clients.

Leaders from RootWorks, LLC today announced the launch of the company’s new website, rootworks.com. The completely redesigned website features highly advanced education resources for both the accounting profession at large and exclusive resources for RootWorks members.

“This is an important day for the American taxpayer,” said AICPA President and CEO Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA. “By signing the DATA Act into law, President Obama has paved the way for implementation of a system that will allow each and every one of us to more easily track federal spending data.”

Intuit has entered into an agreement to acquire Lettuce, a start-up focused on helping product-based small businesses succeed by providing easy to use cloud-based solutions, including a robust inventory and order management system.