portals, encryption boost client security

computer security concept - motherboard lockedthe right portal depends on the level of security needed.

by roman h. kepczyk
quantum of paperless

when dealing with digital files, the most effective way to transfer them is electronically over the internet, either with email or through a portal. many firms have emailed clients copies of tax returns and financial statements over the years.

more on tech spending: daily billing cuts month-end load, creates audit trail | streamlining audits by breaking old habits | why accounts payable should go digital | how smart accounting firms use intranets to get smarter | unified messaging boosts security

unfortunately, this is not the most secure method as the firm does not have control of the various internet service providers and the relay servers between the firm’s email server and the client’s email account.
read more →

daily billing cuts month-end load, creates audit trail

businessman with laptop and papers3 ways pdfs can benefit your business.

by roman h. kepczyk
quantum of paperless

studies done over the past two decades have clearly shown that there is a significant improvement in realization for firms that enter, release and post time and expenses on a daily basis. this process allows for daily or “hotel” type billing that is sent out with the completion of each billable project.

more on tech spending: streamlining audits by breaking old habits | why accounts payable should go digital | remote deposit is a no-brainer | stop paper at the source: the client | scanners allow data capture at the source

the next step in the evolution of time and billing systems provided real-time dashboards to report on firm activities and effectively allow firms to generate invoices. this can work only if all time and expenses for all personnel are captured within the system. while most firms have a daily time entry “policy,” the biggest abusers of the policy are owners and managers, so it is about time for them to get on board and use the system.
read more →

why accounts payable should go digital

businesswoman using calculator while reviewing something on laptop screena dedicated credit card can handle all those payables with one monthly payment.

by roman h. kepczyk
quantum of paperless

processing accounts payable is another of the manually intensive processes within the firm’s administrative department that can be significantly streamlined through digital processes.

more on tech spending: remote deposit is a no-brainer | field auditors need right equipment, connections | 3 steps for firm procedures manuals | stop paper at the source: the client | digital workflow systems make tax season easier | who decides what to keep?

consider how many “touches” a single payable creates:

  • receipt of the invoice,
  • timing of payment in a folder,
  • writing the check and attaching the stub,
  • sending it to an owner for signature,
  • filing a copy of check with backup in its own folder, and
  • stuffing, sealing and sending the check to the vendor.

read more →

field auditors need right equipment, connections

dual monitors on the road? twain-compliant scanners? check and check.

lenovo thinkvision lt1421 14-incj portable monitor
lenovo thinkvision lt1421 14-inch portable monitor

by roman h. kepczyk
quantum of paperless

the advent of today’s audit “document container” applications has transitioned every aspect of audit production into a digital format. the key to successfully using these engagement applications is to make sure your personnel have the optimal equipment with them to work digitally.

more on tech spending: 3 steps for firm procedures manuals | stop paper at the source: the client | how and why to set optimal scanning practices | digital workflow systems make tax season easier | who decides what to keep? | firms need document management standards | unified messaging boosts security | ready for a revolution? your phone is | remote access boosts productivity, requires planning | get ahead of your software updates | ready or not, here comes windows 10 | laptop-only workers more common | scanners allow data capture at the source | in pc monitors, more is better

this includes

  • multiple monitors,
  • image capture equipment and
  • remote communications capabilities.

read more →

stop paper at the source: the client

businessman with stack of foldersuse inbound digital transfer tools to smooth the office workflow.

by roman h. kepczyk
quantum of paperless

one of the most critical steps in transitioning a firm to a “paperless” environment is capturing information in a digital format at its “root” source as that information enters the firm.

more on tech spending: how and why to set optimal scanning practices | digital workflow systems make tax season easier | who decides what to keep? | how smart accounting firms use intranets to get smarter | ready for a revolution? your phone is | remote access boosts productivity, requires planning | get ahead of your software updates | blame accounting vendors: accountants stuck with outdated versions of microsoft office | ready or not, here comes windows 10 | back up and check your backup | cloud computing can cost less | laptop-only workers more common

at the base level, this means having clients provide you information in a digital format, which can be done via email, digital fax or through a portal rather than with a physical document. while email is currently the most prevalent tool utilized by clients, it is anticipated the security concerns will help clients transition toward portals.

read more →