Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
Have you embraced cloud computing for your practice? Are you moving your clients to the cloud? Pierce Cook Jennifer CPA — 28 Owner/Partner, Hardee Accounting, PC Hendersonville, Tennessee Yes! We have some clients who utilize online software (Bill.com, Intuit Online Payroll, QuickBooks Online) and others who utilize online hosting (Right Networks) or remote viewing services (gotomypc.com). We have gotomypc.com for our work- stations to allow our team the flexibility of working remotely as needed. Online hosting or web based is a top priority for us when considering new software. Hobbies: Food (continuous pursuit of a healthy lifestyle), reading, family, friends How is cloud computing changing the accounting profession, and how con- cerned are you with the security issues related to cloud computing? Cloud computing is changing the world. The sweeping movement for knowledge workers to regain freedom and control Website: www.hardeecpa.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Hardee-Accounting-PC/313264067178 Twitter: www.twitter.com/ahsumcpa LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/chris-farmand-cpa-citp/9/43a/29b Education: Bachelor's (Business Admin, emphasis in Accounting) and Master's (Master of Science, emphasis in Accounting) degrees obtained from Middle Tennessee State University Professional Associations/Memberships: AICPA, THRIVEal + CPA Network of their own life is amazing and inspiring. Why did it ever become the norm to work 9-5? Why is work performed at 9 am any more valuable than work performed at 9 pm? And regarding safety - I worry more about online storage (losing documents) than I do online hackers. What if a pdf file becomes corrupted? That is why we have multiple back- ups at our firm (both onsite and offsite). How mobile are you re- garding your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your pro- ductivity and work-life balance? Very! We are still working on our "legacy" clients, but all new clients that come onboard must understand and agree with our semi-mobile practice. As a team, we do spend a considerable amount of time in the office (because we enjoy the camaraderie and the ability to collabo- rate). However, we must be able to work remotely on all projects as needed. We respect our team and we want them to be fulfilled both professionally and personally. Have you found business success via so- cial media, either via recognizable ROI, new customers, marketing or network- ing? Yes. I find that it is very helpful with simply staying visible. We are active in marketing, but there are those busy weeks when you don't make it out to pursue new clients because your current demands are high. What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by professionals? Understand the science (or coding). Be open-minded. Be fluid. Be current. Face- book and Twitter have different rules, but the rules must be followed. You risk losing your audience if you don't stay on top of how the software works. Tag folks. Retweet. Give praise. What ONE piece of technology could you absolutely not live without? Probably still my laptop, but I think that is because of my profession. Although I did tell my husband the other day that I would rank the iPad right up there with other stuff you need to survive. You know – like food and water. What sports team/championship event do you absolutely refuse to miss? I actually don't watch sports at all. The only events I can't miss are times with my family and friends. How many monitors do you have on your desk? We have dual monitors at all workstations. We also all frequently have our laptops running as well. I recently purchased a mobile monitor to work with my laptop (Lenovo Mobile Monitor). It's very difficult to work on one monitor when you get used to two. 20 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 3