Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
What are some ways your firm has gone "paperless" and/or "green" in the last few years? Washington Joyce M. CPA — 39 Founder/CEO, Common Cents Consulting Baltimore, Maryland With my business being virtual in nature from day one, being "paperless" and "green" has been a happy by-product. Some specific things that I have encouraged to promote this happy by- product is: using a virtual fax service that converts incom- ing faxes into PDF files; using multiple monitors for the ability to view both a source document and the program on separate screens, decreas- ing the amount of printing that needs to be done; and we all work from home, elimi- nating commute times. Hobbies: Blogging & reading, tinkering with anything tech, yoga & jogging, retail therapy been an uphill battle because they are so accustomed to seeing me or staff in-per- son. They are accustomed to and some- how comforted by giving and receiving physical documentation. At this point, 100 percent of my client base are in the cloud. Documen- tation is sent virtually and finished product (financial statements, tax returns, pay- roll/pay stubs, etc) are sent virtually via client portals. How is cloud computing changing the accounting profession, and how con- cerned are you with the security issues related to cloud computing? The only thing certain in life Have you embraced cloud computing for your practice? Are you moving your clients to the cloud? Absolutely. For some of my clients, it has Website: www.thecommoncents.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecommoncents Twitter: www.twitter.com/thecommoncents LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joycemwashington Education: Bachelors of Science – Accounting, Morgan State University Professional Associations/Memberships: AICPA, Thrive+AL is change. For anything to survive, it has to change, innovate, and adapt. The ac- counting profession is not exempt. I think the introduction and the slow embracing of cloud computing is a breath of fresh air. Opening the profession to people that never fathomed the idea that they would ever say to someone, "Let me check with my accountant." I really feel that it erases borders and lowers barriers to entry for everyday people that want and need the council of an accounting professional, es- pecially for the small business owner. How mobile are you regarding your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your productivity and work-life balance? I have a few more things to untether (like 28 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 3 internet service – getting a mobile WiFi) but for the most part, my office is about 90 percent mobile. I could work anywhere. My small team and I get a lot of stuff done! Admittedly, because my office is lit- erally across the hall from my living space and my devices allow me to work any- where, sometimes I probably work a little more than I should but I enjoy what I do – helping small business owners get the numbers and build their businesses. So it's a labor of love (but I still need to work on the work-life balance thing). What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by professionals? Be consistent. Remember that social media is about being social and building relationships. People want an opportunity to engage with you and get to know you. The name of the game in marketing and buying behavior is people buy from those that they "know, like and trust." What ONE piece of technology could you absolutely not live without? My Android smartphone. It's like having a super-tiny computer in the palm of my hand. I can do just about anything from it – email, view/review documents, create documents, check in with staff, etc. What sports team/championship event do you absolutely refuse to miss? I love sports and I love my team (Balti- more Ravens) but I don't think I'm an "ab- solutely refuse to miss" kinda girl.