Firm Management

Some of the most successful technology executives in the country are joining small business cloud accounting developer Xero Limited (XRO), the company announced on Tuesday. The include a new chairman of the board, adding a further U.S.-based director, and establishing a new role of CEO, North America, following its $150 million capital raise in October 2013.

Benson COO and Rebecca Ryan discuss The Advisory Board's Winning is Everything conference

Online data security is always a concern for businesses large and small, and accounting firms should be especially cautious since they frequently manage the most sensitive client information. A new email encryption tool is now available to help these professionals keep that data safer.

Effective data management is one of the biggest challenges accounting firms face. Implementing an Electronic Document Management (EDM) system allows companies to reduce costs, improve service, increase productivity, and meet regulatory requirements. Accounting firms who stay with a paper record and filing system are creating a logistical nightmare for themselves, especially during the busy tax season.

I’ve been doing a lot of work writing and consulting on the topics of document management and workflow, and had seriously written off the hardware side of those critical accounting functions. After all, what more could be said about buying printers and scanners.

“Being found” by potential clients can be a challenge. How do potential clients find you? The best way is always word of mouth from your colleagues and clients who know the work you do and your areas of expertise. But, word of mouth alone does not get the job done. People need a way to validate your skills and experience and learn a little bit more about you before they pick up the phone.

Cloud technologies equal convenience for you and your team. You can run cloud technologies from public cloud providers or choose to build private cloud access yourself.

Cloud computing continues to be the topic of much discussion and debate as firms map out their future technology roadmaps. Much that’s written is about the benefits and challenges of the cloud as a whole.