A technology forward accounting firm offers clients and staff a more modern firm experience

Despite its reputation, the accounting profession often embraces change, especially when it comes to technology. Many technology-forward firms have been innovating the profession for decades, pushing forward with advanced technologies to improve accuracy, build efficiency and overcome staffing challenges.  

Based in Georgia, Taylor CPAs & Associates is a full-service firm that serves regional and national clients. In a recent interview, Christopher Smith, Director of Accounting and Financial Services, discussed how the firm has embraced the technology-forward firm model, using the CCH Axcess platform. 

He says, “We saw where everything was going. You need to be more virtual; you need to get away from the server-based environment. We've got a couple of virtual employees now, and that was becoming an issue.”

“We don't want to be left behind,” he continues. “We know that that's the future. Even though we're not a first mover, we certainly don't want to be left behind.”

Moving to a virtual firm model

While the firm is not completely virtual, the cloud technology supports virtual work when needed. To make it work, firms need to look at the processes and technology together.

According to Smith, “See if you are set up to work virtually. Your processes may not be designed where you can work virtually. So you may have to add additional processes, you may have to add additional level of reviews, or you may need reporting capabilities. You may need additional technology in order to facilitate a virtual environment. So you really have to examine yourself first.”