Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
How is cloud computing changing the accounting profession, and how con- cerned are you with the se- curity issues related to cloud computing? Dan Nicholson CPA, CGMA — 31 Founder/CEO, Nth Degree CPAs, PLLC Seattle, Washington Cloud computing is expand- ing the opportunity for smaller accounting firms and the small business community at-large to access a wider breadth and depth of tech- nology solutions by reducing the cost of entry. Security is a huge concern. We hear two main concerns from our clients: 1. What happens if the cloud service pro- vider goes out of business? 2. What if the cloud service provider launches a competing product? How mobile are you regarding your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your productivity and work-life balance? Website: www.nthdegreecpas.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/nthdegreecpas Twitter: www.twitter.com/nthdegreecpas Education: Seattle University Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with emphases in Accounting and E-Commerce Information Systems Professional Associations/Memberships: Seattle Rotary #4, WSCPA, AICPA With the combination of our cloud server for QuickBooks, Dropbox, our client portal and Remote Web Workplace, our team can work from anywhere with internet ac- cess. Despite all of these tools, we still consistently find that being together in the office work- ing together as a Hobbies: Marathons, triathlons, live music, building our business team results in the best possible service to our clients. Effectively, we've learned that technology is great and really complements our service offering but as a professional service provider we cannot replace face-to- face interactions. As such, the work we do outside of the office tends to be more related to business develop- ment. Have you found business success via social media, either via recog- nizable ROI, new customers, marketing or networking? Yes. Our social media strategy incorpo- rates Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and is part of our overall business develop- ment plan. We use these tools to interact with clients, referral partners and targeted clients. Our end goal of these interactions is to start conversations that result in a face-to-face meeting. It's in those face-to- face meetings that result in closed busi- ness. What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by professionals? Our tips for social media are as follows: 1. Be consistent with the frequency that you use each social media tool; 2. Provide meaningful content to your fol- lows – don't try to direct sell; 3. Drive your interactions on social media to face-to-face interactions; and, 4. Be intentional with who you follow – you can't follow and interact with every- one. What ONE piece of technology could you absolutely not live without? I cannot live without Dropbox. It's a critical component of our accounting process as it creates a seamless way to share docu- ments with clients near real-time. NOT including your current employer, what company do you most admire and why? United Parcel Service. UPS gave me an opportunity at the age of 19 to run a team of 20 auditors within the finance department. This opportunity was a mas- sive springboard for my career and gave me real world insights while in school. I'm not the only one with this story. Every year, UPS gives opportunities to countless young people similar to me to move into leadership positions quickly and define their futures. To me, UPS is as much a shipping com- pany as they are a technology company. They are able to leverage their technology infrastructure globally on a daily basis. What sports team/championship event do you absolutely refuse to miss? I am continuing to hold out hoping that my favorite sports team will return to Seattle – the Supersonics. I don't miss Seattle University Men's Basketball games. We just joined the WAC after making a full return to Division 1 athletics. 15 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 3