Any time of the year is an excellent time to consider changes you would like to see in your practice, especially when busy season closes and you have the space to work through upcoming adjustments and advancements or test new technology tools.
Working more closely with your technology vendors is key. Having been on both sides, first leading a Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice, and now having the opportunity to lead an Intuit team, I am privileged to see from both perspectives how technology changes can benefit an accounting practice. As advancements continue, it is increasingly essential for firms to work closely with—I like the term technology consultants—to reach solutions that can ultimately help clients and employees.
One of the most crucial aspects of successful consultant/firm interaction is the shared vision and goals between the two parties. Imagine deciding to train for a marathon, but not telling anyone. It is significantly harder to reach such a massive goal without a support system, and it is especially difficult if that support system does not know your specific goals and how they can help. This is true of the partnership between a tech consultant and a firm. A shared vision and aligned goals can provide the necessary support to help the accounting practice use technology to its fullest potential.
4 ways technology consultants can help you
In the spirit of tackling this metaphorical accounting marathon together, I want to share our vision from a technology advisor perspective. Here are four ways we sincerely want to help you.
1. Every practice is different; understanding your practice is the ultimate goal
Understanding your firm, goals, structure, clients, and employees will, in the spirit of Jerry Maguire, help us help you. Generic solutions may be fast, but are rarely the best. To help your practice, we want to know your practice. This takes time, back-and-forth, questions, and answers. Our ultimate goal is to understand you better to help you reach your goals.
You know how your team is using technology. You know how you want and need to use technology. You know your clients’ needs. Sharing your knowledge of these pieces with your vendors can help make connections that could be missing.