Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/132857
WHO WE ARE We believe in the value of client accounting process as well. Te goal is to support a completely Cloud-based workf low to more efciently serve clients. "Te plan is to move completely to the online versions of client accounting sofware, like Peachtree and QuickBooks Online. We don't want to be in the hosting business, maintaining multiple versions of sofware. We want to be in the Cloud where everyone is using the same system and data f lows seamlessly from initial entry on the client's end to document delivery through portals. This will support real-time collaboration with clients." Ackerman added that his firm uses CCH Portals to securely deliver their clients' tax and accounting documents. "It's one more critical element of our technologically advanced internal system." Reducing IT costs is another goal at BNA, and Ackerman knows that mov ing to the Cloud is how to accomplish it. "Te more technology in a frm, the stronger the need for IT support … whether it's an onsite person or outsourced. Cloud technologies are a great alternative for minimizing IT costs." What's Next for BNA A true visionary, Bernie Ackerman knows that you can't take your eyes of of technology for very long. "Te minute you do, it changes. We want to stay up-to-date on changes and make sure we are always operating as efciently as we can and ofering the most sophisticated level of client services possible." BNA is partially in the Cloud today—having migrated from the on-premise versions of practice and ta x solutions to SaaS. A nd the journey is not over. " We are ver y encouraged by CCH's commitment to ofering an open platform. This promises a world of opportunity for building a fully integrated solution set, whether we are using all CCH products or not. Tey've worked with our frm to help us integrate a third-party legacy product so all our applications can 'talk ' to each other," explained Ackerman. Ackerman's grand vision is to work on a system that runs completely within a browser. "I want to see all products running from a browser. Tis would allow us to work not only from anywhere and at any time, but also from any device of our choosing … and we love our iPads here!" W it h Acker ma n lead i ng t he charge, there is no doubt that BNA w ill remain in the vanguard of technology-adept frms and that his goal of working entirely in the Cloud will come to fruition. "It's the way the profession is moving," Ackerman said. "The Cloud is where vendors are committing their resources, and where frms will find the most advanced solutions. Tat's what we discovered by adopting a cloud-based tax solution, and we have a relatively smooth tax season under our belt to prove it." Kristy is a partner in RootWorks Communications (RootWorks.com) and president of SAS Communications 360 (SAScommunications360.com) — frms 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 at University of Phoenix and Cleary University. You can reach her at kristy.short@cpapracticeadvisor.com. relationships. We view every client relationship like a partnership, and truly believe that our success is a result of your success. We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and fnancial acumen. Our continual investment of time and resources in professional continuing education, state-ofthe-art computer technology and extensive business relationships is indicative of our commitment to excellence. 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. June 2013 • www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com 23