Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/146073
And working at max productivity is critical, as is evident in the firm's tagline: "a responsive, full-service accounting frm." "We have a 24-hour return call and email policy. We pride ourselves on being very responsive to clients," stated Polyak. "Having integrated cloud-based applications helps staf adhere to this policy because it enables them to get to the data and get back with clients quickly." Beyond the Effciency… Polyak was clear to articulate other benefts of working in the cloud… beyond gains in efciency. "Because we perform so much bookkeeping work, there's a lot of daily exchange of documents. Just having the ability to get our hands on documents instantly, instead of waiting for drop of of a CD or paper copies, allows our staf to control the workfow. Tat's important because we can then turn around critical data to our clients much faster." Old ways of operating, that is, waiting for clients to drop of CD's or paperwork, puts the client in control of the process. Work cannot begin until the client takes action. An advanced online system supports real-time data entry, meaning that the frm has instant access to client information—eliminating botlenecks in workfow. Tis also allows frm staf to deliver the most accurate and current reports and statements to clients. "Beter business intelligence" is how Polyak described this key client deliverable. Bookkeeping data is complex and can get away quickly from a small business owner who isn't always as adept at translating what the numbers mean. Because the frm's advanced technology platform supports real-time information exchange, staf is positioned to work collaboratively with clients and ofer up-to-the-minute views of their financial status, complete with guidance from an accounting expert. "This allows us to provide our clients with the business intelligence they need to make informed fnancial decisions," stated Polyak. "Tis level of service is what our clients need to aid in their success." The collaborative nature of the client-accountant relationship also enables Knutson professional staf to give clients as much atention as required. "Our clients appreciate the personal atention we give them. We do ou r best to ma ke each feel important," said Polyak. Te use of mobile apps is also part of the frm's advanced platform. "We started using SmartVault's mobile app the first day it was released," Polyak recalled. "It's so convenient and efcient to pull up a document or report on the iPhone while at a client's ofce. It also makes us look even more technolog ica l ly advanced." Lastly, Polyak added that the team stands frm on being 'green.' "It feels good to lose the paper and go digital." documents directly within the frm's online document management system through QuickBooks Online. Tis has all but eliminated time spent locating documents manually. • Several minutes saved at both the start and end of the tax process. Te frm uses the SmartVault Portal for exchange of client documents. Clients can easily upload source documents at the beginning of the process. Staf delivers documents within the portal to complete the process. Instant exchange signifcantly speeds up the tax process. • Significant reduction in paper has been a tremendous cost savings. There's been a clear savings by reducing the amount of paper used. Tere is also a noticeable boost in efciency because the frm now has a central "fshing hole" (portals) to retrieve client files, according to Polyak. Knutson CPA, PLLC has long been a tech-savvy frm, and they will continue to keep their eye on new tech nolog ies to prog ressively advance their frm and improve the client experience. "We are able to provide a more valuable experience for our clients at a price that is comfortably afordable. Clients love that, and it's another reason they will stay with us for the long-term. You can't put a price on that level of loyalty…though as CPAs we'd like to," Polyak joked. Savings at a Glance It's clear that the efciency gains for Knutson CPA, PLLC since adopting integrated cloud-based technologies have been vast. Polyak provided additional information in regards to time and cost savings: • Approximately 15 minutes per client, per month saved across the board due to the ability to atach Kristy Short, EdD, is president of rwc360, LLC (rwc360.com)—a frm dedicated to providing branding, marketing, and public relations services exclusively to the accounting profession. She is also a professor of English and marketing. ABOUT KNUTSON CPA We are focused on the responsibility of understanding each client's needs and the challenges unique to their business. We provide our clients the proper tools to make informed decisions for their current and long-term goals, and are committed to their success. Our goal is 100% client satisfaction through a high standard of quality, timely work, and ethical standards! Individual or business, large or small, you can depend on Knutson CPA for: • Individual Taxes • Corporate Taxes • Corporate Bookkeeping • QuickBooks Expertise • Payroll Services If you'd like us to consider sharing your frm's story of innovation in a future issue, go to www.CPAPracticeAdvisor. com/great-practices and complete the short form. We'd love to hear from you. August 2013 • www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com 13