Technology 101
By Eric Hayes, CPA
Those of us who have been in the accounting profession for any length of time know that, as a group, we tend to be resistant to change. In the area of technology, this couldn’t be more true. With the advent of services such as e-file, IRS e-services, or even Web-based automated payroll processing services, the public accounting profession has embraced and adopted these technological advancements very slowly, if at all. Unfortunately, this has translated into lost productivity, lost efficiency, and lost profits.
In addition, concepts such as “Software as a Service,” Customer Relationship Management software (CRM), wireless communications, etc. have continued to improve and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of those who use them. Utilizing accounting and tax programs to their fullest potential, along with other office utility programs, can help streamline the internal office operations and create time saving opportunities and other efficiencies.
Part of the goal of the ASCPA Technology Steering Committee is to make information available to the accounting profession about recent technological developments and changes and improvements in technology that can change the way we as professionals approach our daily work activities. By keeping abreast of these advancements, we can have more control over our environments and increase our effectiveness.
For those in public accounting, a side benefit can be assisting clients by recommending and/or implementing new technologies in clients’ own office environments to create efficiencies, increased productivity and hopefully, a positive impact on bottom-line results. This is an incredible way to be actively involved in your clients’ businesses.
We’ve recently launched some exciting programs that we believe will help keep us in touch with the accounting profession and will also provide useful information and updates in the ever-changing world of technology … so stay tuned!
Eric L. Hayes, CPA, CVA, is a principal at Seely, Mullins & Associates, PC. He is recent past chair (for the last two years) of the IT Section and can be reached at eric@seelymullins.com.
AZ CPA – July/August 2007
