CPA Practice Advisor

OCT 2012

Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.

Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/83146

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 34 of 39

Buller was able to move on to bigger items, like pricing. He admited that no one really knew what to charge clients because everyone performed work differently. To make matters worse, more oſten than not, staff had no idea where a client's project was in the process. "Once we started using Practice CS effectively, we could track client projects with pinpoint accuracy. Tis was a huge step in the right direction because once we had project manage- ment under control, I was able to implement value pricing and put an end to the pricing guessing game. Efficient workflow, standardized " processes, and a fully integrated soſtware suite allowed Buller to set prices based on the value of the service, not on billable hours. "We weren't going to be truly profitable as long as we were billing by the hour. " Today, the firm's clients are happy, and so are staff members. Tere are no more yelling matches in the hallway. "Our clients are now geting the efficient and dedicated service they deserve. We also have them set up on portals, which offers 24/7 access to their documents and data. " Buller fully understands that the Web is the way to go—the way today's clients want to work with their accounting professionals. "No one wants to drop off files in person or even call anymore. Clients want things to be easy. Tey are busy, and portals support a far more convenient way of working." Specializing in the physician niche, Buller reported specifically that his doctor clients wouldn't want to work any other way. "Our doctors love the File Exchange option in the portal. Communicating with us online simpli- fies the process, which is exactly what we want to offer our clients. " If I Can Do It… Buller's experience with his firm in Jennings provided the insight and know-how to continue to build his practice. Te transformation of his firm was so successful that he opened a second firm in Covington. Kristy Short, Ed.D Kristy Short, Ed.D, is partner and Chief Marketing Officer in RootWorks LLC (RootWorks.com) and rwc360, LLC (rwc360. com)—firms dedicated to providing practice management education, branding, marketing, and public relations services to the accounting profession. She is also a professor of English and marketing. Reach her at kristy.short@cpapracticeadvisor.com. The firm's play area allows clients to meet with their accounting professional while their kids have fun. In photo: Ella and Sarah. "It was a journey of discovery, but once I figured everything out, I simply applied the business model from the firm in Jennings to the new firm. Richard Buller CPA Services, LLC " is a great example of what can come when the right changes are imple- mented—and you stick to your guns. By applying the basics, such as inte- grated soſtware and standard processes, and making new processes mandatory firm wide, he turned a once chaotic office into a thriving and smooth operation. "If I was able to turn my firm around, I believe anyone can do it," Buller asserted. "I faced the same issues as many firms, like outdated technology, but I would guess that most firms didn't have staff and clients in screaming matches. If we can go from that level of chaos to harmony, other firms can too. " If you'd like us to consider sharing your firm'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. October 2012 t www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com 35 RICHARD BULLER CPA SERVICES HAS BEEN GOING GREEN SINCE 2008 Our green initiatives include: t 8F OPX TDBO BOE SFUVSO BMM DMJFOU EPDVNFOUT t 8F TUSJWF UP EFMJWFS BMM DMJFOU EPDV- NFOUT GSPN mOBODJBM TUBUFNFOUT UP UBY SFUVSOT WJB FMFDUSPOJD NFEJB POMZ t "MM QSFQBSFS DPQZ EPDVNFOUT GSPN m- OBODJBM TUBUFNFOUT UP UBY SFUVSOT BOE AXPSL QBQFST BSF OP MPOHFS QSJOUFE CVU BSF TBWFE UP PVS FMFDUSPOJD mMF DBCJOFU t 8F DVU CBDL PO PVS IFBUJOH BOE DPPMJOH BGUFS IPVST BOE PO EBZT XF BSF OPU PQFO 5IJT IBT DVU PVS FOFSHZ CJMMT CZ BCPVU t #FUXFFO OFX *34 NBOEBUFT UP F mMF BOE PVS WJHPSPVT FGGPSUT UP FMJNJOBUF QBQFS BOE QSJOUJOH BT NVDI BT QPT- TJCMF GSPN IPX XF EP CVTJOFTT XF IBWF TJHOJmDBOUMZ SFEVDFE PVS DBSCPO GPPU QSJOU "OE BT B CPOVT XF IBWF SFEVDFE DPTUT BOE JODSFBTFE RVBMJUZ PG UIF TFSWJDFT XF EFMJWFS

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of CPA Practice Advisor - OCT 2012