Going Paperless -- Recent Trends

Source: Solutions for CPA Firm Leaders

The following is a complete blog entry, reproduced with permission, by Rita Keller.

Roman Kepczyk, one of the most recommended consultants to the CPA profession, has released results of the Association for Accounting Administration's Paperless Office Practices Survey. The survey has been conducted every other year since 2003 to identify digital trends and opportunities for improving firm production.

The survey is available to the members of AAA, and highlights were published in CPA Practice Management Forum. 196 firms completed the survey with an average firm size of 55 team members. Here are some highlights of the survey:

• 63% were scanning at the front end or at mid-level and completing production of the return on-screen.
• 72% (up from 32% two years ago) are using software to organize and bookmark source documents.
• 29% of the firms were planning to use OCR technology for the 2011 busy season.
• 38% (up from 10% two years ago) are using triple monitors. 11% are using four.
• 70% are now tracking due dates electronically via document management software (rather than with their practice management software).
• 73% are using portals for transferring files.
• 63% are using digital fax systems.
• 80% are using the dynamic linking between the trial balance and financial reports.
• 71% are using tax groupings to transfer the data from the trial balance directly to their tax application.
• 40% of auditors are taking dual monitors out to the client site.
• 68% have implemented remote-access technology.
• 10% are providing mobile tablet devices (netbooks, iPads).
• 67% are delivering internal firm financial reports electronically.
• In eliminating paper storage, 70% (up 11%) of firms have implemented a document management application.
• 52% of firms are using a remote check scanner for making deposits.
• 46% are backing up their digital files via the Internet.

Lots to think about. I have found that AAA member firms are some of the most progressive firms nationwide. They stay in tune with current trends and implement ideas and tools to effectively and efficiently serve their clients.

From Solutions for CPA Firm Leaders, the blog of Rita Keller, president of Keller Advisors, LLC, [email protected], March 9, 2011, “The Paperless CPA Firm – Status Report 2011.” Visit http://ritakeller.com/blog/.