Latest Articles

Firm Management May 12, 2014 

If you haven’t heard of the YOUtility concept, you are missing out on the most important marketing concept of the mobile age. YOUtility is a new way of marketing your firm’s services that enables you to become inherently and genuinely useful to prospects and clients.

Kristy Short, Ed.D.

May 12, 2014 

While tax and accounting professionals were feverishly trying to finish the 2014 tax season, Microsoft dropped two bombshells on the Windows Operating Systems.

Dave McClure

May 12, 2014 

Another busy season is under our belts and one of the most productive things a firm can do in the next few weeks is to take time to formally debrief the past few months, acknowledging what worked well and identifying where there were bottlenecks that could be improved upon.

Roman Kepczyk

May 12, 2014 

Intuit takes a look back at Tax Year 2013 and projects what changes lie ahead for the tax profession and its products.

Taija Sparkman

May 12, 2014 

Late nights of tax filings and days dispensing client advice are easily worth your fees. But how about valueless hours spent tracking down documents, exchanging e-mails, or educating staff? Compounded across all your clients, engagements, and staff, imagine how it adds up. Is this what’s (literally) keeping you up at night?

Drew West

May 12, 2014 

Innovation and growth are directly linked, and it should be no surprise that the most successful accounting firms commit focus, time, energy, and money to innovative services, processes, and technology.

Jim Boomer

May 12, 2014 

Most of the time in this column, discussion of the best or most promising technology tools is a primary source of interest. However, every once in a while a return to fundamentals is needed. One fundamental that has been consistently problematic for all size of firms is training. Frequently the need for training is either…

Randy Johnston

May 12, 2014 

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS – 5 Stars FUND E-Z is easily installed in just a few minutes, and potential users are able to download a 30-day demo from the website for a trial run.  A recent redesign offers users an easily navigatable ribbon-style menu similar to the ribbons found in the Microsoft Office products.  Fully customizable,...…

Mary Girsch-Bock

May 12, 2014 

Basic System Functions – 5 Stars The Financial Edge is available as an on-premise product or as a hosted product.  Though a robust system, The Financial Edge is easily navigated, with a drop-down menu at the top of the main screen offering access to system modules. A vertical navigation bar offers quick access to all...…

Mary Girsch-Bock

May 12, 2014 

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS: 4.5 Stars 100 percent cloud-based, Aplos requires no product installation, a plus for small nonprofits with limited staff.  The main user interface contains several tabs listed vertically on the left side of the screen: Dashboard, Settings, Accounts, Transactions, Contacts, and Reports.  Rather than continuing as an App-based system, Aplos made the transition...…

Mary Girsch-Bock

May 12, 2014 

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS – 5 Stars Fully scalable, with users able to add to the core system, AccuFund is available in three versions: a traditional desktop version, an online version of the desktop product and AccuFund Anywhere, a cloud-based system which currently offers the core system modules plus Accounts Receivable and Allocation Management(these were both...…

Mary Girsch-Bock

May 12, 2014 

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS – 5 Stars The web-based version, Serenic Navigator Express, removes the need for Serenic personnel to install and configure the system.  System implementation is wizard-driven, with ongoing product support provided by Serenic support staff as needed, though some initial training could be beneficial. Assistance with implementation is available if requested.  Using Serenic...…

Mary Girsch-Bock