{"id":22055,"date":"2021-01-06T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2021-01-06T14:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taxprocenter.proconnect.intuit.com\/?p=22055"},"modified":"2022-04-22T08:26:47","modified_gmt":"2022-04-22T13:26:47","slug":"technology-to-make-your-life-easier-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/accountants.intuit.com\/taxprocenter\/practice-management\/technology-to-make-your-life-easier-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology to make your life easier in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

If pressed to sum up 2020 in one word, I\u2019d have to say \u201cchange.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2020 forced the profession to disable auto-pilot mode, and as a result, very few firm leaders came out of the year the same as they went in. 2020 also sent us home to work<\/a>, and through distractions and learning curves, we managed to create a new \u2013 and many would argue better \u2013 way to operate.<\/p>\n

The year also drew a defining line between those who were prepared for the shift to remote work and those who weren\u2019t. Firms that transitioned more easily and continued to thrive were those already focused on technology and operating in the cloud. Firms that put technology changes off found it more difficult to find their bearings.<\/p>\n

The good news is that it\u2019s never too late to transform your firm into a successful modern business or to take your already-modern firm to the next level. The technology is out there, so let\u2019s dig in.<\/p>\n

The Modern Firm\u00ae wheel<\/b><\/p>\n

\"TheThe Modern Firm wheel illustrates how the right tech stack<\/a> can bring a firm\u2019s front and back office together for end-to-end streamlined workflows. The concept is similar to that used by successful modern businesses such as Amazon and QVC, companies that have taken the time to think through their processes and remove any friction from the client experience. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why should tax and accounting firms be any different?<\/p>\n

Before you answer, \u201cBecause they\u2019re massive businesses and I\u2019m a small accounting firm,\u201d the concept is the same for any size business. It\u2019s a matter of putting some thought into your end-to-end processes and taking a holistic view of operations, which include the client journey and the technology that supports it.<\/p>\n

Firms are more than aware of the back-office technologies available, from tax and accounting suites to stand-alone browser-based tools. What is less well-known are the front-office solutions. The front office represents a new space and requires a new way of thinking about firm operations. Front-office technologies promote your brand, enrich the client experience, and further fuel efficiencies.<\/p>\n

It all starts with your website<\/b><\/p>\n

At the heart of the front office is your website<\/a>, the digital front door of your business. Modern firms have deployed advanced, mobile-friendly website platforms that promote positive brand awareness; offer prospects<\/a> timely, helpful content; and provide clients with a convenient online option to confidently conduct day-to-day business with your staff using technologies core to business operations, including QuickBooks\u00ae Online<\/a> and portals.<\/p>\n

Further, best-of-breed website platforms enable you to collect and organize valuable visitor data. This makes easy work of identifying and following up with qualified prospects. You can also aggregate and review client data in real time to better understand client needs and proactively offer advisory services<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In line with your website, you should consider other online presence tools that support a modern firm, including:<\/p>\n