Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
What are some ways your company is help- ing professionals go "paperless" and/or "green" in the last few years? Jennifer M. Lowe JD — 39 Director of Federal Tax Publishing, CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business Riverwoods, Illinois CCH has been at the forefront of the paper- less movement. Even in our publishing lines, we have seen an almost expo- nential movement away from print to electronic media. This includes core research, news and, journals, as well as produc- tivity tools and look-ups. Have you embraced cloud computing, and how are you helping professionals move to the cloud? fessionals to be more mobile, better serve customers and clients, and grow business. Hobbies: Cooking, Home Improvement, Gardening and Exercising Absolutely! I have a busy family and professional life and cloud computing/ applications help me manage it all and get everything done in a day that I need to. From a professional standpoint, CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business, has devoted numerous resources to cloud-based solutions and con- tinues to see increased adoption across all markets. How is cloud computing changing the ac- counting profession, and how concerned are you with the security issues related to cloud computing? Cloud computing continues to represent possibility. It has given many professionals access to systems and solutions that were previously out of reach. Further, it allows pro- Education: BA, Political Science & Psychology, University of Michigan; JD Thomas Cooley Law School I think it is always prudent to be savvy about security issues and take the necessary steps to ensure that your information and data is secured. At the same time, you do not want to be so crippled by security concerns that you do not embrace the options and technology avail- able. How mobile are you regard- ing your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your productivity and work-life balance? The ability to work anywhere is critical to effectively balancing work and home life. I think that for most people – myself included – having a classical 9-5 job is impractical if not impossible. I like to be able to move seamlessly from one area of my life to the next. I could not do that if I were tied to the office or without the help of mobile devices and apps. I do tend to use more mobile apps in my personal life than I do for work. But, I think even that will balance out in the fore- seeable future. What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by profes- sionals? Social media can be a very useful network- ing tool but should not replace in-person connections. Social networking sites, Twitter, blogs and other social media tools are a very good way of staying in touch with a lot of individuals at once and absorbing or dissemi- 21 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 4 nating a lot of information quickly – particu- larly in a demanding profession. But, they are not a substitute for face-to-face conversa- tion. What ONE piece of technology could you absolutely not live without? My iPhone – it does just about everything and can be carried everywhere. NOT including your current employer, what company do you most admire and why? Apple – I am not a die-hard Apple devotee, but I have to admire a company that has so dramatically altered and defined the way we consume and use technology. What sports team/championship event do you absolutely refuse to miss? I will not miss the Stanley Cup Championship (especially if the Detroit Redwings are play- ing) and Michigan-Ohio Football (Go Blue!) What is your favorite professional mobile app, and why? I recently downloaded Dragon Dictation, which allows you to transcribe voice into memos and emails. I cannot wait to test it out – I have high expectations.