Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/80319
What are some ways your company has gone "paperless" and/or "green" in the last few years? Hanthorn Sean MBA — 33 Director of Education Services, RootWorks LLC Van Buren Township, Michigan We do very little with paper. Between scanning everything, storing everything electronically, having our contracts, etc. signed digi- tally, I have a pad of paper on my desk but it still is three-fourths of the size it was in 2011. The addition of everyone having scanners has aided in the paperless goal. Have you embraced cloud computing? Are you moving your clients to the cloud? We have. Between my work with Root & Associates and RootWorks, both have em- braced the cloud. For the accounting firm, we have our clients doing their bookkeep- ing work in the cloud either with a hosting service or an online bookkeeping solution, using online technology for bill payments and document storage as well. For Root- Works, we use cloud-based solutions to communicate with members, for digital signatures, and to keep track of our inter- nal accounting. Facebook: www.facebook.com/seanhanthorn LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/sean-hanthorn/12/5b2/aa Education: BA in Finance from Michigan State University; MBA in Management from Cleary University How is cloud computing changing the accounting profession, and how con- cerned are you with the security issues related to cloud computing? Hobbies: Playing Sports, Attending Sporting Events, Traveling Around the Country and World, Technology It's definitely changing the way we com- municate and collaborate with clients. Instead of get- ting backup files, sending and receiving paper checks, the use of cloud computing has made this much easier for the client and accountant to work in a more efficient manner. What tips on social media do you think are essential, but perhaps missed by pro- fessionals? I think LinkedIn is essential for finding talented staff and Facebook and Twitter are important for connecting and relaying information to colleagues, clients, and potential clients. The tip I would have is before you jump in and start actively using these applications, you really need to know the nuts and bolts of the applica- tion. Things like secu- rity options and branding come to mind first. The final thing is to be active on these apps, but not obnoxiously active on them. What ONE piece of technology could you absolutely not live without? Honestly my phone. It is my lifeline for contact information. 45 | 2012 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 BACK TO PAGE 3 I have become dependent on my calendar on it, and it's my personal GPS. NOT including your current employer, what company do you most admire and why? Google. They have become a household name to everyone with a pulse. We don't search for things on the internet, we Google them. Also, after reading about their culture with an office having bocce courts, a bowling alley, etc. it also shows their commitment to keeping employees happy and ultimately retaining those em- ployees. What sports team/championship event do you absolutely refuse to miss? Many, but I attempt to watch or attend every Michigan State Football and Basket- ball game. Do you have a tablet? Not yet. Soon, very soon! What is your favorite professional mobile app, and why? Either the LinkedIn App or the Bill.com app would be my favorite mobile apps. LinkedIn for networking and Bill.com because it is a pretty slick app to approve and pay bills. How many monitors do you have on your desk? Two at the moment.