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Best CPA Software for Accountants & Tax Professionals
You already know how many online reviews matter for your firm on CPA Websites. In today’s world, simply running from online review sites is not an option. The fact is, whether people are insanely happy or unhappy with the services that you give, they will likely take to the CPA website to direct their satisfaction or lack thereof. Although the reviews are positive or negative, it is always in your best interest to give a reply, as more than half of customers assume to hear back from businesses within 7 days of posting an online review on the Best CPA Websites. Moreover, 78% of consumers say that seeing a business reply to an online review makes them believe that the business cares about their clients. When replying to online reviews, utilize these best practices to certify that you don’t dig yourself into a hole:
Remember, negative reviews are not the end of the world, especially when they’re opposed by multiple positive reviews. People can form their rulings and can tell when an online review is a one-time rage or if there seems to be an overall trend of poor service on best CPA firm websites. The most essential thing is to show potential new clients that you do care about reviews and are dedicated to providing great service and care.
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“A man is only as good as his tools.” Emmert Wolf Today, tools that are mostly in use are software, spreadsheets, and apps, etc but you get the point. Anything that helps you to maintain a good system to run a successful business is a tool. You can not only do your job in a better way but also manage the information you need to avoid any errors and trouble in the future. In such a case a good document management system is one of the most crucial tools. Why? It's the location where all of an organization's factual facts and proof are held. When a document management approach is ad-hoc i.e. files stored in random cabinets or Dropbox folder etc. information can be easily misplaced. So what’s the power solution? Online document storage for business is helping a lot. Especially in the accounting world, where it’s all about files, spreadsheets, and every possible financial record online file storage happens to be more crucial than ever. When organizations are unaware of proper document management, it can create utter chaos. Instead of maintaining documents in hard drives, which is not a safe option, the use of online drive storage is a lot better way. Besides, it covers a lot of crucial areas as well like; 1. Safety ConcernsNaturally, documents stored in the computer systems of local drives can raise safety concerns. Using an online file storage system, for instance like My CPA Dashboard or Xero, adds much-needed protection for all the documentation. Documents uploaded on these client portals are safe and sound. Confidential information is not accessible to malicious hackers and third parties. Security due to the online document storage is well maintained. The extra layer of control is possible as the accountant has the access to the files and can choose to share a specific document with a limited number of people. 2. Facilitate The SearchAnother classic advantage of using online document storage solutions is that it’s easy to upload, download and find a file in the software’s dashboard. The volume of documents in a month let alone a year is a lot. In case a document is lost, it will cost even more to find a misfiled document. Cloud storage software is known for its efficient and effective filing systems. It's easier to categorize the files into new folders, or even create custom folders either alphabetically or date-wise. This gives the management the upper hand in terms of planning the workflow. 3. Support Product DevelopmentHow difficult is it for the small manufacturing business to streamline production? In case of low budget or more credit items, productions can get halted and delayed deliveries will result. The entire product development life cycle depends on the latest updated files like cash flows, account receivables, and account payables, etc. To achieve a timely product development lifecycle you have to make sure that the financial aspects are managed and updated. The use of online storage can save you loads of trouble and keep you notified about the inflows and outflows. 4. CollaborationThe actual key lies in the collaboration and communication between the accountants and clients and the rest of the team players. If you want your department to remain upgraded, use of online tools is an hour of need. From solving the problems like missing files or wrong transactions to allowing members the file access etc. are part of the benefits you can enjoy by using the online document storage portals. It's easier to update and notify the client and team members about the changes. You can notify them about the payments that need to be recovered or paid and so on. Using online software tools is crucial these days due to the nature of remote work. To ensure your business is running smoothly while employees operate remotely, this can be possible by using the latest tools that help the Accountants, Bookkeepers, and CPAs to manage the files.
Remote work is one of the ways businesses have survived and thrived so far during the pandemic. Almost 66% of US employees are working remotely at least once a week now as compared to the pre-pandemic scenario. There is an increase of 7% remote work now. With some required adjustments made by the employers for the employee, remote work has been made possible, easier, and efficient with time. With time, now as people have settled into the “new routine” some don’t even want to go back to the office saying that remote work is more accommodating! It’s not a surprise as employees are saving a lot and so is the company. As a business owner, you have to accommodate the employees for as long as remote work continues. They have to provide certain management tools, apps, and take care of the work digitally. Companies also have to take care of the remote accounting solutions among other various tasks to make things work. Tools to Manage the Remote WorkWork from home / remote work is a bit competitive as you do not have access to the usual tech support channels that a company usually provides. But no worries, there are some tools that make remote work easier for remote employees too. Let’s take a look at the remote tools used excessively for better management. 1. CPA SoftwareOne of the adherent things of doing a business is to manage the cash flows. Even with the remote strategy in place, you cannot ignore the needs of managing the budget, expenses or it will affect your future investments. So as a business owner you need to invest in the right CPA solution to take care of the financial tasks. Remote work cannot be properly managed without either so it is compulsory for you to take care of the books. Your accountant will need to use the best and easy to navigate CPA Accounting Solution which will make the completion of the task easier for him. This way the CPA can keep track of all the activities of the employees and manage the transactions smoothly. 2. Remote DesktopIf the employee is using the office-provided laptop then it’s great. It’s better yet to install Microsoft Window 10 Pro because it comes with a remote desktop. The employee can download it for free from the Windows App store. As long as this version of the desktop is available, you can log into your computer, get the files, or just even work remotely. The employee just needs to make sure that it is configured properly. The IP address must be given to the tech support person. 3. Remote PCAnother remote tool to use effectively is to use a Remote PC. Companies can use it for remote support so that you can collaborate with voice chats, online messaging, and a whiteboard. Set it up for one-time access so that you can have continuous remote access. This can be made possible with the HelpDesk pan so that companies can use the Remote PC to their full advantage. Besides, it also allows you to record the remote sessions which comes in handy during the training sessions. Also, the logs and reports will make you aware if someone from the back end (like tech support) is accessing the computer remotely or not. 4. Project ManagementThere are a lot of options you can choose from to manage the regular workflow. Try using Trello or Wrike. These are the simplest project management software available for remote teams. All you need to do is create a separate board for each project, add the list, add members. You can even download the mobile app for easy access. Once installed on the computer, now all team members, heads, and accountants can be added to the board as “board members”. So surely you can manage the workflow in a flexible way. 5. Cloud Storage With so many options to choose from you have the leniency to choose from Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, and many others. Now all the viable options are easy. Most companies are focused on using either one. So according to your company needs you can make your pick. Cloud Storage is perfect for sharing, storing, downloading, and uploading all the required files. All you need is to provide access to the respective members. You can enjoy the unlimited benefits by buying the premium plans but if not needed then using the free version is completely fine too. Plan ImminentlyFor the remote work to actually “work” you need to start using the remote tools to help with the workflow. These are just a few, basic, remote tools discussed for your understanding. There are a number of certain factors to take into account before using a certain tool or app. So always look carefully into the features of each program before you start using it in the long run.
Times are tough and so are the competitors. If you want to generate a five-figure business then you need to do more than just following the regular business strategies. It’s time you start to think to create a box within the circle of your limited resources. So what could be the best possible way to attract new business? Emails are one of the oldest marketing techniques that sadly some businesses had let go of. It is a high possibility to get the right prospect to turn into a strong lead. Even email marketing for CPA is effective if done the right way. Email marketing is an old trick in the house of marketing and also the most overlooked. But with the right marketing tactics, you can make an email work ten times better than other options. For your better understanding, we have concluded the list of easy to follow tips that will help you write convincing emails. 1. Re-Label Everything! Why do people sign up for the newsletter? Who will be interested enough to read about the debits and credits? Every business owner or other accountants would. CPA email marketing is as effective if you are conveying the right tone to your reader. Focus on your target niche when writing an email for CPA. Small business owners want to earn more profits and if you are a sole entrepreneur then you’d want to increase your wealth by including more assets and so on. An accountant can pitch all the key factors that would be of interest to these clients. The topic of the email should pique the interest of clients like profits, wealth and success, and so on. 2. The Following Matters Writing an email is great, this way you can attract the clients if you are able to convince them about your CPA services but what sort of clients are on your list of following? You need to add at least one magnet to your website with an option for an opt-in. This way you can add people to your list. The lead magnet can be “content” that explains the best features or highlights the excellent services or reviews and so on. The email marketing for CPA is workable if you’re able to educate the client on how your accounting services will help manage and boost their profits and wealth. For example “5 things to learn to protect your wealth when about to divorce” sounds crystal clear rather than a “protect your ways in easy ways”. Although both subject lines do provide the message the first one is loud and clear about the situation. 3. Consistency is Key to Success Be consistent with the weekly emails, tips, news, or any form of content that hits inspiration for your clientele. For CPA email marketing you can always share the latest tips and rules about the dos and don’ts with your clients. It tells a lot about the way you manage the accounting services for the clients and also is a telltale sign that you remain up-to-date with related information. Once you are successful in delivering value to your client, there’s a high possibility that they will require your accounting services. 4. The Pitch and Tone Accountancy can be pretty much dry, to begin with. When writing an email explain in a brief but clear tone of how your CPA portal is effective to use even for small businesses. Pitch the email marketing software for CPA that guarantees an instant “yes” from the client. How to do so? Offer the client what they want to hear. The email must be scraped together from the CPAs that are self-explanatory. For instance, MY CPA Dashboard offers an exclusive payroll system at discounts for the Holiday Season” will pique the interest of the consumer because you are offering the service + discount + holiday offer, an all 3 in 1 bundle package is the best selling point. You can monitor the success rate of your CPA email marketing by tracking calls, appointments, and the open rate. The standard for accounting email opening is usually 15% if you do achieve this point then you are going in the direction.
Try these tips now let us know what you have anticipated so far. A client portal is a secure web-based gateway that allows CPAs to share, sign, and manage financial statements, tax returns, invoices, and other important documents. Client portals are designed in a way that they simplify the document sharing between CPAs and their clients, portals can offer a variety of features and functions including document storage, e-signature, as well as the ability for clients to easily upload relevant documents directly to the portal, where a CPA can easily access them. In turn, CPAs can share completed tax returns safely and securely with their clients. Then clients can electronically sign the completed documents and return them to their CPA, all through the portal. Secure firm portals also allow firms to share large files or confidential emails and other mail securely, without the need for additional encryption. 8 Fundamental Characteristics of Client Portal
My CPA Dashboard is the best available client portal. They started out with the mission to develop game-changing accounting firm technology. The success of My CPA Dashboard shows the power of technology. They created a dashboard to meet the needs of the Accountants, CPAs, bookkeepers, and tax professionals.
The advantages of digital signatures make it very clear that traditional signatures are old-fashioned and pointless in the age of technology.
Quick, secure, and cost-efficient, e-signatures are the most appropriate way for both clients and corporations. How to Create E-Signature?Electronic signature software is used to generate E-signature online.
Electronic signatures are finally common enough that people would not ask curious questions when introduced with a document that needs to be signed electronically. Online document storage for business is progressively becoming an integral part of any company offering accounting and/or bookkeeping services. It offers a sense of protection to the small business owner because hard copies can easily be spoiled or misplaced, and a way to store files long term without having to invest in extra filing space for the physical files. But it’s not enough to just store all of the files in a database as it will cause problems when it comes time to review or recover them. Having a system in place to organize and archive files will prove to be a big aid to businesses in the years to come. Although it is becoming extremely easy to store accounting and bookkeeping linked files online, it is important to store them properly in order to minimize the hassle of finding through archives when a file is required. It is also essential to know which files to have on hand. Here are some notions to help provide a better understanding of appropriate file storage. Steps to Adopt Online File Storage Avoid problems early on by implementing an organized Online file Storage system where files can be easily stored, accessed, and collaborated on in one suitable location. A good place to start would be to understand which file is required to be on hand as per the law and follow up with a well-organized organization strategy.
Conclusion
Using online document storage solutions will let access to files at any time or location, but without being organized it may be tremendously difficult to retrieve all of the files required. This could lead to additional glitches down the road when there is a need to retrieve files from a certain year or precise job. There are also legal problems that may arise with respect to abolishing records and documents. These problems can be evaded with the simple solution of archiving the files online, in an organized and well-organized manner. How many tasks do you manage each day in your small business? Entrepreneurs and small business owners often easily assign tasks to accountants throughout the day, and it can be hard to keep up with the long list of responsibilities while assigning tasks to accountants or assigning tasks to team members. Too often, business owners are subjected to daily stresses of managing a company, and standard business practices. If you are letting important bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities stay on non-priority, then you are setting yourself up for problems in the future. Here is a list of tasks that should be included in your business fiscal plan:
Task 1: Check Your Cash Position Daily When you have cash flow in and out of the bank account, you need to make sure that there is always plenty to cover the payments that will be coming through. It has been said that money is a king, and there is no doubt that the business will run into trouble if you don’t have money. Some business owners start their day by checking their email and looking at local news sites. You need to log into your financial accounts to see the position for the day. Task 2: File and Document Transactions If you want to maximize the productivity of your company, then you need to be leveraging tax. But it is hard to track these expenditures if you aren’t keeping records and documentation. Everyone agrees that it can be a hassle to manage receipts and paperwork, but it is a necessary part of owning a business and is easy if you online assign tasks. Without this documentation, you will either miss potential deductions, or you could be confronting an issue if the IRS audits your company and you don’t have the receipts to back up the write-offs. Task 3: Send Outstanding Invoices Invoicing is an important task to ensure that you are receiving the money to pay for your business expenses. Sometimes, the invoices get lost in the stack of paperwork. If you have sent services to a customer, then you need to make sure that you follow up with an invoice to get paid. Putting together an invoicing system is important to ensure uniformity when you send each request for payment. Many accounting software has built-in invoicing features, so you don’t need to worry about creating invoices manually. Task 4: Review and Pay Your Bills Sort through the bills that you have received from your vendors to make sure that you know the prices that are due for the week. Staying ahead of these invoices will aid you to avoid unnecessary costs for late fees and interest payments. As you look at your Accounts Payable report, you need to make sure that you were charged correctly for the products or services that you received. Also, consider if any of the vendors offer lucrative discounts for early payment. Task 5: Assess Costs and Expenses Instead of paying every bill that comes across your desk and then moving onto the next task, consider the benefit of assessing each expense to determine if it is an essential cost for your business. Too often, small business owners have a long list of payments and services that add to the bottom line. You need to go through these line items to know if they are required. |
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