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? I am in Assurance (Audit) at my firm, and our engagements are almost 100 percent paperless. We have audit pro- grams that allow for a more "green"/paperless audit, and I love it! Abdur-Rahim Noel CPA — 29 Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Atlanta, Georgia Have you embraced cloud computing for your prac- tice? Are you moving your clients to the cloud? I definitely embrace cloud computing. I use it more so for my personal life than work at the present time. I share documents/pictures with my family through a cloud computing service. It's extremely convenient. 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 profes- sion by allowing more data accessibil- ity and reliability to firms. However, the security issues surrounding access to data and potential for data manipulation are an increased risk. I do believe that there are some great vendors out there that are aware of these risks and are doing the right things to mitigate them. Hobbies: Shopping & Reading How mobile are you re- garding your work? How have mobile devices and apps impacted your pro- ductivity and work-life balance? Mobility can stretch you places that you never imag- ined but it can also keep you constrained to work. I like to leverage mobility positively, but encourage those that work with me not to let the ease of laptops and handheld devices restrain you from having fun and enjoying life! NOT including your current employer, what company do you most admire and why? I love the family/teaming philoso- phies at Disney. They create such a beautiful experience for their employees and guests all the same. Additionally, their LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/noelar Education: BA in Accounting (Michigan State University) & MS in Accounting (Eastern Michigan University) Professional Associations/Memberships: Michigan Association of CPAs, American Institute of CPAs, National Association of Black Accoun- tants 40 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 commitment to diversity is amazing! What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by professionals? My #1 rule is, if you wouldn't say it to your mother; don't put it on the internet! What sports team/championship event do you absolutely refuse to miss? I'm an intense Detroit Lions fan; through the good, bad, ugly, and ugliest. What cell phone do you carry/use? I have an iPhone for personal use, and I have a firm-issued BlackBerry for work. Do you have a tablet? Yes - my cherished iPad! What is your favorite profession- al mobile app, and why? My favorite app is the CNN Headlines application. Even when I'm busy working, it keeps me updated on the headlines and breaking news for the day. How many monitors do you have on your desk? Two – (1) on my laptop and (1) on a main screen connected to my clients' network. BACK TO PAGE 4