A Distributed, More Virtual CPA Firm and A&A Practice
Today, firms are working more virtually than ever before, but there are challenges in managing a virtual working environment. Not only does staff need to be equipped for success in a virtual working world, but firms must also ensure customers are cared for and have a positive experience.
In the world of audit, there are steps firms should be taking now to more holistically digitize their financial statement services to drive efficient, high-quality work and value for clients. Even for firms who have pivoted well to working in a virtual environment, it’s important to stay vigilant about what is working well and what needs to change in order to maintain success.
To help audit and assurance (A&A) firms quickly adapt to the current business landscape and transition their firm and A&A practice to a remote working environment, we have curated and developed resources around some key areas where we feel we can most help transform firms and this practice area.
Questions? We are here to help.
A&A Business Continuity
How can you run your audit and assurance business in an increasingly digital and virtual environment? How can technology support this? Change in the below key areas is no longer optional for A&A firms, as client and staff expectations around services have been forever impacted by the pandemic:
- Enable A&A staff to work effectively with a Cloud-based work eco-system with clients and each other
- Enable a remote A&A workforce
- Help clients with their critical needs and act as even more of a trusted advisor
- Standardize on electronic report delivery, tracking and management
Kim Moore, Director of Audit at SummitCPAs, joined us for a LinkedIn Live session to share wisdom and practical advice for auditing firms who are trying to adjust to remote working conditions.
Client Interaction
Ensure you and your clients stay connected and in sync, this means evolving the pre-engagement meeting, the engagement wrap-up meeting and everything in-between.
Professional Electronic CPA Report Delivery at no cost
Staff and Team Engagement
Look at how changes in technology and process can help keep your team working together effectively from anywhere.
Videos
Revisiting Staffing and Cultural Challenges in Attest ServicesJason Miller (Partner) and Meg Hampton (Audit Supervisor) at Anglin Reichmann Armstrong peel back the curtain to discuss some positive takeaways from their firm’s journey during these challenging times.
(NOTE: Watch both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ interviews in the Educational Videos playlist below)
Technology Resources
Explore how technology can strengthen your firm’s efforts right now.
Professional Electronic CPA Report Delivery
With RIVIO, there is no longer a need to rely on inefficient, unsecured methods for exchanging sensitive financial documents such as email and courier services. RIVIO ensures the delivery of unaltered financial information to key stakeholders and offers the technology needed to keep pace with an evolving environment.
Collaborate Effectively in Real-time
Ensure your team and clients stay connected from anywhere with these cloud-based solutions.
of accounting professionals reported that “Receiving information from clients in a timely, complete manner” was their top assurance engagement challenge Source: 2019 CPA.com Poll of 400 accounting professionals.
End-to-end preparation, compilation and review engagements
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Secure, effective collaboration around PBC documents and requests
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Learn about these solutions by attending an upcoming product webinar
Members of the A&A community share how virtual solutions are supporting their transition to a distributed workflow.
“There are so many times that a client will email us and ask for copies of old financial statements. With RIVIO, we have a permanent online repository of this information that clients can easily access themselves, without having to call us. It’s better for us — and better for them.”
Jeremy Dilliard, Partner, SingerLewak
“This is an historic time for CPA firms to help their business clients and play the trusted advisor role,” said Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com. “We are hearing from many firms that their clients are so thankful they implemented cloud-based operating. Those firms that have already embraced cloud solutions are well positioned to be trusted advisors during this time of need. Firms that have not are scrambling a bit.”
Erik Asgeirsson, President and CEO of CPA.com
“For us, it was important to have a single, centralized tool for managing our work — to move away from the piecemeal approach that was holding us back. Now I can’t imagine us doing this work any other way. We’re moving almost totally online, not really using paper anymore.”
Larry Lowery, Partner, The CPA Group
Transitioning to a Distributed CPA Firm: Educational Videos
These educational videos have been curated to help you deepen your knowledge in topics such as new skills and competencies, technology, staffing, and gaining a competitive advantage through simplification and innovation. Click each video to learn more.
Questions? We're here to help
Please contact our team at inquire@hq.cpa.com or by calling 1.855.855.5CPA.