Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
What are some ways your company has gone "paperless" and/or "green" in the last few years? Louie J. Calvin 36 Product Manager – Accounting CS, Thomson Reuters – Tax & Accounting Dexter, Michigan At Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting, all internal processes are paperless and have been for a number of years. Sale proposals, software licensing, product delivery, etc are all paperless and can be handled via our website, some exclusively so. We also offer incentives for customers who choose to receive soft- ware updates via download rather than on a physical disk in the mail. It's more efficient, more cost effective for all involved, and leaves a small environmental footprint. How is cloud computing changing the accounting profession, and how concerned are you with the security issues related to cloud computing? The impact of cloud computing is epic and still hasn't been fully recognized by professional accountants. Firms that were early adopters are seeing the benefit and impact on their business. No more installs or updates, fewer challenges getting source data from clients, and no need to Blog: cs.thomsonreuters.com/blogs/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/louie-calvin/27/bb2/72b Education: Adrian College – BA in Accounting/Economics Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Snowmobiling provide technical support for clients. Not to mention shared data entry between the accountant and client that leads to improved accuracy and faster turnaround on deliverables. We've also heard from owners whose cloud-based setup has saved them from losing everything in a natu- ral disaster. Instead of a long and costly recovery process, they can just set up shop down the street or from home. Reuters software users. I enjoy reading customer posts and following hot topics in the tax & accounting industry. How mobile are you regarding your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your productivity and work-life balance? I am always on the run to the next meet- ing or location. Working outside of normal business hours is necessary and often can- not be tied to the office. Thank goodness I work for a company that understands this and provides the tools needed to be responsive to customer needs. The abil- ity to confirm direction on projects and remotely assist coworkers allows us to be timelier and I believe stay ahead of the competition. What ONE piece of technology could you absolutely not live without? Probably spell check in Microsoft Word. (You don't have to be able to spell to be nominated do you?) My F7 button has no print on it. Beyond that, I don't under- stand how people made it to their desti- nation without a GPS in their vehicles! What sports team/championship event do you absolutely refuse to miss? Go Detroit Tigers! What is your favorite professional mo- bile app, and why? ARNE – Accountant's Resource Network: It provides me with a quick and easy way to get caught up on the voice of Thomson What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by professionals? I am surprised when I hear firm leaders say "My customers don't want online business tools and social media is purely recreational." I believe that there is a false perception that customers are not using these channels and that, because of the demographic of their customers, social media efforts will not provide ROI. Survey results may prove otherwise, so I always suggest keeping an open mind to the impact of social media. How many monitors do you have on your desk? Two monitors at least depending on the task of the day. 36 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 3