The Expert Webinar Series is free to all accountants, but space is limited, so please register today.

The series kicks off on May 16, 2012. Here's the current lineup of speakers and topics (All times Eastern):

How the Cloud is Transforming YOUR Core Services

Presented by: Dr. Chandra Bhansali
May 16, 2012 - 3:00 pm ET

CPA Practice Development

Presented by: Rick Telberg
June 6, 2012 - 2:00 pm

The 15 C's of Buying, Selling or Merging a Practice

Presented by: Chris Frederiksen
June 18, 2012 - 2:00 pm

Culture Rocks!

Presented by: Rick Solomon, CPA
July 11, 2012 - 2:00 pm

New Repair Regulations: Capitalize or Deduct?

Presented by: E. Lynn Nichols, CPA
July 25, 2012 - 2:00 pm

How to Create A Lifestyle CPA Practice

Presented by: Salim Omar, CPA
August 15, 2012 - 2:00 pm

The 10 X Mindset - Increasing Your Firm’s Performance

Presented by: L. Gary Boomer, CPA.CITP

September 19, 2012 - 2:00 pm

Technology Update 2012

Presented by: Randy Johnston
October 10, 2012 - 2:00 pm

Accountants Are Changing Their Tune and Offering Payroll

Presented by: Bob Torella, MBA
November 7, 2012 - 3:00 pm

So, to summarize:

• 9 great webinars
• 9 thought leaders in the accounting industry
• 9 ways to transform your practice in 2012
• 9 FREE CPE

What's not to love? Register today!

Quantitative Results

You can view the full quantitative results by clicking here. A couple of highlights:

• 69% said that they spend a significant amount of time cleaning up errors that clients make in QuickBooks, while only 11% disagreed with that statement.
• 46% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement "QuickBooks gives too much control to my clients", while 33% disagreed with that statement.
• 17% strongly agreed with the statement "QuickBooks has broken client accounting", while 24% strongly disagreed.

Your Comments

Now for the best part - below are about 100 comments that represent all sides of the QuickBooks issue. (The respondent's zip code is in parentheses.) If you didn't get a chance to vote, use the comments box below to let us know what you think!

QuickBooks is the CPA's biggest enemy.  They kiss up to CPA's and at the same time take all the business they can from the public accountants.  They act like they are our friend, but in reality they are our competitor.  And they charge us to send them business. If they can figure out a way to provide traditional accounting services directly to their clients, they will do it. It's just a matter of time. (84123)

Do we want to go back to the days of shoe boxes? (06903)

Accountants have made it easy for clients to choose QuickBooks - we haven't taken the time to explain why the numbers matter. Shame on us, not QuickBooks. (94559)

"Fire Your Accountant" has turned into a $1B industry of fixing QB setup, QB training and QB error fixing. If I saved time from fixing errors, I could provide real Value-Add services, strengthen relationships and get more clients. (08857)

"We must deal with reality as it is, not as we wish it were."  - Jack Welch.  Quit whining, and figure out how to make a profit providing the services clients actually want to pay you for. (43219)

90% of my clients have no clue how their businesses are doing because their books are always a mess.  Instead of helping them make better decisions for their future, I spent all my time trying to catch up in fixing their errors from their business past. By the time the financial data of the past is cleaned up, it's too late to change the course of their business disasters. (91607)

All the different versions of Quickbooks makes it difficult to assist clients and have software available for our staff.   (40202)

Before QuickBooks, clients were mucking up using all types of complicated bookkeeping software that we couldn't access, so QB has been a huge benefit. (90210)

Client training make a world of difference. (14221)

Clients always expect the accounting fees to be less because they think they've done all the work getting info together for us. (44663)

Clients always have been able to make mistakes. QB just lets them do that more efficiently now.  With QB controls it's also easier for me to find those mistakes. (27104-4208)

Clients should have control over their own businesses, and QB allows that.  However, they should not be allowed to do the set up as most of them have no clue how to do it correctly. (68114)

First question IRS asks is if bookkeeping was done on QuickBooks - good reason NOT to use it. (37040)

I am really on the fence. On one hand, our CPA firm would become mostly a bookkeeping practice if we took over all the duties of entering data ourselves, however, the ridiculous mistakes that cause everyday irritations and hours of re-doing clients files can cause lost time and revenue.  Not sure which way I'm leaning on this. (11946)

I don't really care if clients have more control.  BUT... our clients with QB mess up their books too often, and QB makes lousy accounting decisions without telling the user. If the user isn't an accountant and QB makes large mistakes, then bad surprises can happen when the books need to be fixed. (50309)

I don't want to be a bookkeeper, I am a CPA.  I want to spend my time helping my clients with their business needs. (10583)

I find clients are able to weird and wonderful things within quickbooks and then expect me to maintain what they have started regardless of whether it is correct or not. (98282)

I find the amount of time spent finding and adjusting client errors is insignificant.  After a couple months, I know each client's idiosyncracies. (92625)

i just wish my clients knew the difference between an asset and liability when they make entries in quickbooks. (61938)

I love QB!  It has brought me clients and helps my clients stay in compliance and helps me keep on top of their transactions. (80911-3813)

I love QB. It's an excellent and affordable accounting system.  I do make money when my clients make mistakes. But then I train them how to do it right the next time.   (30290)

I refer to Quickbooks as numerical vomit. We generally increase our prices if Quickbooks is used. (60175-6200)

I set all of my clients up on QuickBooks.  I do NOT let them set up themselves. (65340)

I set up Accounts/Categories for my clients and tell them to not make new ones without consulting me or at least emailing me what they are doing.  I have a few special Accounts/Categories for them to use when they don't know which one to use so I can just look at those few special Accounts/Categories to quickly reclassify entries correctly. (46901)

I specialize in setup training & support of QB - QB IS my practice :)  I love to empower my clients to understand the finances of their company. (98014)

I think it is foolish to debate this issue. If we don't help our clients with what they use, the clients will find someone else who will be happy to. (32217)

I think that Intuit should offer QB Pro Advisor service with the purchase of the software. Intuit would then have to hire local Advisors to go out for initial consultations to assist with setting up and training. (87508)

I would like to have a white label version that allows me to customize it.  (94538)

I would rather clients make a mess of QB than not use a computerized accounting package and have to enter all of that data each time we compile their financial statements or try to do their tax return. (30022)

I would rather fix errors than do 100% of the data entry (49444)

In last 10 years I've changed my model from bookkeeping to consulting.  Sure QB broke client accounting, but I don't miss it at all. (49686)

Intuit broke client accounting by marketing its product as a replacement for professional accounting advice that went way beyond basic bookkeeping. (37602-5769)

Intuit has become a monopoly and the fees are too high for their software programs, including the tax software. (77845)

Intuit is the trojan horse of the 20th century to the accounting industry.  Look at how Intuit markets Turbo Tax to both paid preparers and individuals charging vastly different amounts for the same program. (73159-6356)

Intuit took a very good program, Quicken, and created a monster with no controls, no real retained earnings, no ability to adjust payroll, AP and AR accounts. (78749)

It seems like every time we get a back up file from a client, they go back to the prior year and make changes.  QB makes some easy jobs much harder than they have to be.   (02917)

It's an elephant: you either learn how to lead, follow or get out of the way otherwise you get stepped on. (33311)

It's gotten WAY too hard for a client to transfer files to us; the combination of our clients messing it up and also the frequency of us getting read errors on our side after we spend 30 minutes converting and opening a file- it's incredibly frustrating and a waste of productive time! (33704)

It's ironic that ProAdvisors pay dues, educate themselves, yet QuickBooks constantly competes with those same ProAdvisors (example-payroll services, etc) in the marketing they do inside their program, on their website, and even on the ProAdvisor portal.  In my opinion Intuit/QuickBooks crosses a line of integrity. (59601)

It's like being a doctor, if people go and injure themselves despite your advise, you will be there to patch them up. (91011)

I've found that fixing clients' mistakes takes as long as doing the accounting myself in many cases. (45432)

Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, in comes a client dumber than the one before them!!  It's getting impossible!! (02903)

My clients have no idea, none of them do the classes.  We are always fixing the mistakes. (12449)

Not only has QuickBooks broken accounting, Intuit isn't responsible for the mistakes it allows clients to make! Intuit should be held accountable when it allows a client to change prior year data. (63301)

Not user friendly for professional CPA's. Gives some clients false sense of security. (27511)

Only 50 percent of my clients who use QuickBooks use it with any degree of accuracy, and only because they have in-house bookkeepers who are well versed in accounting.  The worst don't know a debit from a credit, or a balance sheet from an income statement, and the results are sadly predictable.  Yes, I make extra money correcting their work, but some days it's just not worth the aggravation. (70663)

Our clients' ability to enter their own transactions frees us up to bring them greater value. (44122)

Our firm has been certified as a QuickBooks Pro Adviser for years. We began using it when it was a DOS program. All of our clients' bookkeepers are well trained on QuickBooks. We could not operate our practice without it.  (36609)

People starting a business believe QB's advertising and therefore do not call us in at a time when they need us the most. (94588-4337)

QB encourages closer client/CPA communication, it's important to keep current with the client's changing business needs. (78101)

QB gives the uneducated, untrained client a false sense of understanding accounting - the client is often shocked by the bottom line after an accountant makes adjustments. (80228)

QB has given accountants a great oppurtunity to become valuable to their clients in other areas. If they do not, someone else will. (29142)

QB is changing the way we think about accounting and accountants need to break their paradigms to offer coaching and training to clients in order to help them adapt to behind the scenes (built from transactions) accounting.  After all, most accountants are locked on  a system and processes developed in 1492AD! (67220)

QB is CPA unfriendly because it requires that I have each annual QB version.  I stopped using QB years ago.  Have clients print TXT files for me. (30329)

QB online is a great tool for efficient accounting.  No exchange of files, mismatched data.  (85044)

QB should stress at purchase the importance of working with an accountant right away. (54449)

Quick Books used by a good bookkeeper is truly a valuable tool. (44115)

QuickBooks allows us to work corroboratively with our clients which has allowed us to increase revenue and keep happy clients.  (49506)

QuickBooks can be a great tool, but boy, do clients really screw it up! (60012-1809)

QuickBooks fools the client into thinking they're a bookkeeper because it's so user-friendly.   Client thinks they can save money by doing their books themselves but in actuality they create a mess. (27892)

QuickBooks gives some smaller clients a greater understanding of how they are spending their money.   (27596)

QuickBooks has generated more billable hours for me rather than less. (97031)

Quickbooks has given small business owners a false sense of the economic realities of their business.   (98133)

Quickbooks has ruined the accounting and writeup profession. (70460)

Quickbooks has ruined the accounting profession by competing directly with the profession. (78022)

QuickBooks is a great source of revenue:  training, fixing, set-up, the list could go on. (33458)

QuickBooks is a monopoly. Its prices for products and services are too high. I am waiting for the day when there's a viable competitor. (80112)

QuickBooks is distorting the image of an accountant & the profession. (47304)

QuickBooks is for children and crooks.  It allows backdating postings without audit trails.  It is not for serious accounting.  In sum, "QuickBooks sucks!" (92011)

QuickBooks is good for what it is - a bookkeeping tool.  It makes a good starting point for an accountant who wishes to prepare statements or tax returns.  (90403)

Quickbooks is great for people who do not understand accounting and a nightmare to those who do (07731)

QuickBooks is so user friendly that clients truly think that they are doing everything right.  We have a very hard time convincing them otherwise. (78746)

QuickBooks is the biggest problem with our firm.   Our clients that use it think its great because it lets them do anything.  We spent so much time fixing their errors and they wonder why our bills are so high.  The phrase that sums it all up is "QuickBooks is very abuser friendly."  (27511)

Quickbooks is the worst accounting program I know. (83709)

QuickBooks lack of security and audit trail make it unacceptable (33431)

Quickbooks leads clients to believe they can handle their own accounting and not use a professional.  It's a great example of the old saying, "garbage in, garbage out." (53222-1528)

QuickBooks needs to quit nickel and diming my clients on yearly updates. (50010)

QuickBooks online is even worse.   (22301)

Quickbooks should refine their software so that clients can not change past years.   (81301)

Quickbooks takes me from accounting to planning. I love it. (35406)

Quickbooks tends to lead small buiness owners  to think they "know it all" (26003)

Show your clients how to enter transactions into QB! Charge for the consulting time! Your practice should be about your clients, and helping them to have an easy-to-use accounting system that can give them quality information on which to base management decisions. It's not about you being "in control"! (20116)

Small business clients don't see the value in us "fixing" their errors - they purchased accounting software to reduce their bills, even though their bill for housekeeping is sometimes higher than ours.  Then we have to explain our bills, which takes up even more  time and leaves the client feeling we are not billing fairly.   (55313)

The biggest problem is that clients all have different versions not compatible with my system. I'm migrating my clients to the cloud to alleviate this problem. (02459)

The interesting thing about QuickBooks is the security or lack of it.  Financial periods which are seemingly closed can be reopened and that is a major frustration of mine. (92630)

The object should be to take over and replace the client bookkeeper. (87508)

The price of QB is too low. Clients spend $200 to get into trouble, then pay CPA rates to get out of trouble, which could be thousands of dollars over a fiscal year. (89451)

The problem with quickbooks is that it is a bookkeeping program trying to be an accounting program. (33065)

The time I spend correcting mistakes is time taken away from helping clients understand & improve financial performance. Quickbooks is the worst accounting package I have ever worked with. (75007)

Their screwups are my revenue. (90254)

There should be more controls in Quickbooks.  The client does have free reign. (94612-4711)

This is just a change in revenue sources.  Clients appreciate us more when we fix their QB and give them private bookkeeping lessons than they did with write up.  They often viewed write up as a commodity. (48917)

To limit client mistakes, we password protect prior periods, and we always instruct clients not to even attempt preparing reconciliations as mistakes are difficult to undo.  Otherwise, we're experiencing pretty good results when clients do their own entries into QB. (60029)

True, we get additional revenue for fixing client errors in QuickBooks, but if the program were working as intended there shouldn't be client errors. (83301)

Ultimately it's the clients business, not ours. (04083)

We are extremely frustrated most of the time with QB.  (93905)

We believe that empowering our clients to take charge of their accounting helps them be better business owners and managers. Yes, we have to spend some time training and explain how to keep accurate accounting data, but it can prove helpful to provide timely accounting and reporting business managers and owners are directly involved with. Without that connection it really isn't servicing the business,  it's only serving the accountant. (53717)

We recommend QB to our clients and do training with them.  Some clients struggle and we need to fix their mistakes but for the most part they do well with it. (17331)

We use QB strictly as a source for data - we frequently describe it as a glorified check book. We create our own compilations. (90815)

Yes, I get paid for correcting their mistakes, but usually it's when I am caught in the crunch of taxes and would really prefer the extra hour of sleep. (32765)

You cant fight change!  Learn quickbooks and show your clients how to use it better. (02660)

You'd rather do the accounting manually?  Really? (94574)

Looking for a viable alternative to QuickBooks? The award-winning Accounting Relief from AccountantsWorld puts you back in the center of client accounting. In Accounting Relief, you and your clients work collaboratively in the same online environment, with you serving as their financial coach and advisor. This new Accountant-Centric model of client accounting eliminates many of the key challenges you currently face in your practice, including client bookkeeping errors and file transfers. Click here to learn more.

Chandra Bhansali on Accounting Today TV

Some highlights from the interview:

- The biggest challenge facing the accounting profession today? The amount of inefficiency that exists in client accounting. We at AccountantsWorld just did a poll, and 3/4 of accountants who responded said they spend a significant amount of time fixing client mistakes. The problem is that in desktop accounting applications, accuuntants lose control of client accounting. Many of the small businesses who buy these systems don't know anything about accounting, and so they make a mess in their work - a mess that their accountant then has to clean up. But that's not all. There are also cumbersome file transfers. Clients have large files on their desktop, and it's a burden to bring them to their accountant's desktop.

- The Internet has already transformed other services - like payroll. In the past, very few accountants did payroll, because only the huge payroll bureaus had access to powerful processing centers. So for accountants, payroll required a lot of work, and the gain was seen as minimal. Now, via the cloud, we're giving access to the same level of processing power directly to accountants. And thousands of accountants are building a very profitable new revenue stream by offering payroll services in-house. In fact, our Payroll Relief solution is the fastest growing part of our services.

- Now, we believe the clouds are going to bring the same type of transformation to accounting. The way it's going to happen is that with the cloud, we've created one system that includes everything that both accountants AND clients need. So our Accounting Relief application includes bookkeeping for clients, and write-up, trial balance and financial statements for accountants. So clients do their work, and accountants log into the same system to do their part and create financial statements.

- Another advantage: our system lets accountants customize the system for each individual client. So if you have a client who doesn't know anything about accounting, you can give him access only to write checks or enter deposits. If another client has a professional bookkeeper, you can give them access to do accounts receivable, accounts payable, and bank reconcoliations. So this eliminates a lot of the challenges accountants face, and solves the inefficiencies in client accounting today.

- You know, everyone talks about outsourcing. We're going from outsourcing to insourcing. For years, clients have used desktop accounting software to try to do part of the work themselves, or hire someone else to do it. Now, with collaborative cloud solutions, accountants can bring that work back in-house very efficiently. This saves time and expense for your clients, and lets you add more value.

Check out the full video here.

1. Choose an Accountant-Centric processing system.

Solutions designed for end-users are usually very different from ones designed for accountants. Don’t settle for a generic payroll system! Systems designed exclusively for accountants offer a host of features not available in other systems, including:

• A powerful management console that gives you an overview of payroll statuses and upcoming due dates for all clients. This type of console lets you easily stay on top of all client payrolls at any time.
• Ability to configure your services for each client. When you can give each client full or limited access to the system, based on their comfort level with payrolls and technology, you control who does the work.
• Not competing with you for your clients! (What a concept!)

2. Automate, automate, automate.

Find a system that takes advantage of the latest technology to make payroll processing less work-intensive for you. Ideally, your system should perform all of these tasks automatically, without you having to remember to do them:

• Complete computation for federal, all states and all localities
• Direct deposits
• E-payment of federal and state taxes and child support
• E-filing of quarterly and yearly tax forms

To learn more about how the Innovation Award-winning Payroll Relief from AccountantsWorld can help you make more money from your payroll processing service, please click here.

3. Be flexible – and make sure your system is, too.

The more different types of client scenarios you and your system can handle, the easier it becomes to attract new clients and grow your payroll practice. Make sure you’re ready to handle:

• Multiple pay schedules
• Multiple checks for an employee per pay period
• Multiple withholding states per employee
• Multiple locations where your staff or your clients can enter payroll data remotely – including away from their offices
• Contractor (1099-MISC) payrolls
• Employee bonuses and commissions in various structures

4. Focus on Total Processing Cost.

When comparing different systems, make sure you look at the Total Processing Cost - not just the sticker price. Besides the cost of your payroll software, the most important consideration is staff time and cost. In-house PC-based systems are very inexpensive, but because of the tremendous amount of work that has to be done manually by your staff, their total cost of processing is often higher than cloud-based solutions that do all these tasks automatically for you. Also watch out for add-on fees for functions like direct deposit, tax deposit, and W-2’s.

5. Market your payroll services aggressively - and smartly.

Don’t assume that your existing clients already know about your payroll services – or that new clients will know to ask for it. Here are four simple marketing tips to start acquiring and retaining payroll clients:

• Focus on what makes you unique. For example, explain how your local presence lets you offer a better range of services, flexibility and client support than the service bureaus.
• Network with local bankers. If you refer customers to them for banking, they can and should return the favor.
• Send a direct mail piece or brochure to all of your clients and leads to announce your payroll service.
• Create a separate Web page on your site for payroll, explaining the services you offer and their benefits to your clients. If you’re already offering payroll, include a testimonial from an existing client.

6. Price for success.

Many accountants have found that the best way to price their payroll offering is an all-inclusive fixed fee per month. This gives you some predictability around payroll revenue and profits, and your clients appreciate not being nickel-and-dimed for additional services or support calls.

Ready to learn more about how innovative payroll solutions can help you make more money in less time? Check out the award-winning Payroll Relief from AccountantsWorld. Click here for details about our special offer - a full year of unlimited payrolls for just $997. Or call 888-999-1366.

AccountantsWorld President Chandra Bhansali is featured today on a story on CPA2Biz called "Are You Still Using DOS?". Here's the opener from Rick Telberg, president of Bay Street Group and editor of CPA Trendlines:

“Cloud computing is like going from DOS to Windows,” quipped Rick Telberg at last month’s Accounting Technology Show in New York.

Sounds about right.

The rest of the article is Dr. Bhansali demystifying the cloud at the same NY show. He highlights eight key benefits of cloud computing that accountants can't do without. A couple of the highlights:

• Enhance client satisfaction by working collaboratively with them and by providing convenient 24/7 access to their documents
• Improve cash flow and cash management
• Tap into untapped pools of professional talent who no longer need to travel to a physical office

That's just for starters. You can read the full list here.

Dr. Bhansali concludes, “It's time to bring all components into your virtual office. Cloud computing is here to stay. What are you waiting for?"

Dr. Chandra BhansaliIf you missed Dr. Bhansali's Webinar, no need to worry - we've got it available on demand. Just click the link below for the .wmv recording:

Ten Unexpected Benefits of Cloud Computing for Accountants, by Dr. Chandra Bhansali (.wmv file)

Haven't registered yet for the Expert Webinar Series? What are you waiting for? We've got 9 more informative Webinars coming up from some of the most trusted thought leaders in accounting, including Gary Boomer, Randy Johnston, Lynn Nichols, Rick Telberg and more. Attendees can also earn free CPE for participating in the Webinars.

Click here to register today.

The Expert Webinar Series is free to all accountants, but space is limited, so please register today.

The series kicks off on May 11, 2011. Here's the current lineup of speakers and topics:

10 Unexpected Benefits of Cloud Computing

Presented by: Dr. Chandra Bhansali
May 11, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

Latest Marketing Ideas To Build Your Practice

 Presented by: Chris Frederiksen
June 22, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

I’ve Seen the Cloud from Both Sides Now

Presented by: Gregory LaFollette, CPA, CITP
July 20, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

Seven Keys to Successful CPA Firm Management

Presented by: Rick Telberg
August 17, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

Best of Breed Computing Solutions

 Presented by: Randy Johnston
September 14, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

Faster, Better, Easier & Cheaper – What the best are doing to get better

 Presented by: L. Gary Boomer, CPA, CITP
September 28, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

Regulation of Federal Tax Practice

Presented by: E. Lynn Nichols, CPA
October 19, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

How Automation is Turning Payroll Services Into Big Profits

Presented by: Bob Torella, MBA
November 16, 2011 - 3:00pm ET

Free Webinars to help you grow your practice. CPE credits for each Webinar. Industry leaders sharing their expertise. What's not to love? Sign up today!

By now you’ve probably heard that cloud computing offers numerous benefits to accountants. You can work from anywhere at any time, easily share documents with your clients, and find the information you need quickly and easily. These benefits are proven and well-documented.

But that’s not all. You can also realize some unexpected benefits when you start to take advantage of integration between cloud solutions and collaboration with your clients. Integration between various cloud solutions has far greater implications than integration between Windows applications. While the integration between Windows applications allows seamless data exchange, the synergy between cloud-based solutions goes a step further.  This new type of integration can streamline processes and create a much smoother work-flow than ever before possible.

The ability to work collaboratively with your clients has completely changed the dynamics of two core services: accounting and payroll. And this capability offers truly innovative ways for you to make more money while you work fewer hours.

Here are some unexpected benefits of cloud computing you may not have thought of.

1. Enhance client satisfaction while reducing your cost and hassles
2. Improve your cash flow and cash management capabilities
3. Strengthen your business continuity and disaster recovery plans
4. Tap into an untapped pool of professional talent and save money in recruiting
5. Make money from "insourcing"
6. Make reviews and audits pain-free by eliminating the headache of shuffling through boxes of source documents
7. Streamline your payroll service by eliminating compliance headaches, data entry and check and report printing
8. Become a virtual controller/CFO for your small business clients
9. Eliminate client bookkeeping errors
10. Eliminate unnecessary trips to client offices

Because of the space constraints in this white paper, it’s not possible to discuss the ways in which each of these benefits may apply to your specific situation. But we will illustrate how a new breed of cloud-based accounting, payroll and document sharing portals can offer some of these remarkable benefits by seamlessly working together.

Accounting

The new-breed of Accountant-Centric accounting solutions include everything you and your clients need - bookkeeping, trial balance, write-up and financial reporting - in one integrated system.  An important feature of these systems is that they let you customize the system for each client and limit their access only to the functions they can perform. For a client who doesn’t know anything about accounting, limit their access so they can only write checks and enter deposits. For a client who has a professional bookkeeper, you can provide access to accounts receivable, accounts payable and bank reconciliation. Because you maintain this level of control, you significantly minimize client errors - a major source of wasted time in accounting.

Document Management and Integration

The document sharing portals let you share your documents with your clients, and also have the ability to store scanned documents. Now let’s see what happens when document sharing portals are integrated with the type of cloud-based accounting system described above. This union changes the landscape for accounting services. Now accounting firms can offer complete end-to-end accounting services at high profit margins for service industries. Here’s how it works.

• Your client scans her invoices and all source documents.
• These documents automatically go into the appropriate folder in your document management system.
• When your staff logs in, all the unpaid invoices are displayed. Your staff enters the amount and the invoice is attached to the data field.
• Your client scans their credit card statements (or better yet, you electronically download those so the credit card transaction can be entered painlessly).
• A clerical staff prints the self-adhesive checks and mails them.
• To make cash receipt entries, you just need your client to scan the checks received from customers and bank deposit slips.
• You download bank statements to quickly perform bank reconciliation.

This is how the cloud makes in-sourcing easy and profitable. It can be your firm’s next big growth area.

Payroll Processing

Now let’s see how the clouds have revolutionized another core small business service - payroll processing. Ever wonder how payroll service bureaus have made payroll processing so highly profitable? It's because they have achieved high levels of automation. Now cloud computing has leveled the playing field. A new breed of cloud-based payroll solutions eliminates all the headaches associated with payroll processing - tax payments, compliance forms, direct deposit and even printing and mailing of paycheck and reports. Innovative cloud-based payroll solutions do all of these functions for you.

• Your client emails payroll data in an Excel spreadsheet. The data flows right into your payroll system.
• The payroll system performs direct deposit, deposits all required taxes, and electronically files all compliance forms.
• You create a PDF of the paychecks, if any, and place the files in the client portal. From the portal, your client can log in anytime to download the paychecks and print them.
• Similarly, all reports are automatically stored in client portal for easy access 24x7. There is no hassle of printing and mailing paycheck and reports.

Summary

The common thread in all of these scenarios is that cloud computing solutions are working to let you do more in less time. By integrating previously disparate functions and solutions, you can see benefits that transform your practice.

To learn more about what cloud computing can do for you and your firm, please call 888-999-1366 to speak to a practice development consultant. Also, be sure to view Chandra Bhansali's recorded Webinar, "Ten Unexpected Ways Cloud Computing Can Revamp Your Practice" (.wmv file). This Webinar is available for free on demand, and is part of AccountantsWorld's Expert Webinar Series. To sign up for future free Webinars, click here.

First, CPA Trendlines reports on a study of Top 100 accounting firms conducted by the Bay Street Group. Some of the key findings:

• The accountants surveyed agreed that adopting Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technologies provides a competitive edge over low-performing firms.
• In fact, high-performing Top 100 firms are twice as likely as low-performing firms to be aggressively adopting SaaS.
• The top firms aren't satisfied yet, though. They also agree they need to adapt to these solutions at an even faster rate to provide greater client service and maintain a more productive staff.

Firms surveyed said they're adopting these technologies in order to become more competitive, provide better client service, and improve client retention.

Next, accounting firms of all sizes should check out Jim Bourke's excellent presentation, "3 Key Tech Strategies of Successful Accounting Firms" (.pdf). Jim focuses on cloud computing / SaaS and document management as two critical factors for smart firms to differentiate themselves. He mentions that cloud computing can level the playing field for smaller firms who are competing with larger firms for clients, by allowing any firm to provide more strategic value to their clients.

And then Jim drops this key insight:

"There are a number of accounting-related vendors who have developed solutions to meet the specific needs of a CPA firm. Although many of the solutions are simply transformed-ASP (application service provider) platforms, there are still others, and some of the best, who have built “pure” SaaS solutions from the ground up."

That's where firms like AccountantsWorld really shine. By building cloud computing solutions for accounting, payroll and your entire practice from the ground up, AccountantsWorld can offer benefits to you and your clients that converted cloud solutions simply can't match.

(To see the responses to our first question, What were you most thankful for from 2010?, click here.)

What are you most looking forward to in 2011?

Growing my payroll business -Michael, Louisville, KY

Riding from Amsterdam to Bruegge Belgium in June -Kevin, Cincinnati, OH

Growing my buisness.  Reaching a million dollar mark -Kirt, columbia, MD

Having a new grandson. -Pam, Frankfort, IN

I am looking forward to a busy year and most hopeful for a job in the accounting field.  -Charlene, Clinton Township, MI

Vacation! -Doris, Hawthorne, NJ

All being better for all of us & rest of world. . . that there's is greater peace & love to one anyother.  The prime directive being "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". –Andrea, Tulsa, OK

I look forward to servicing more clients in 2011 with better health.  I want to prepare more tax returns.  Obtain better computer equipment and expand my business. -David, Philadelphia, PA

A prosperous year! -Sergio, Belmont, CA

A sustained economic recovery for everyone's benefit -Kay, Bloomfield Hills, MI

2011 just sounds lucky to me. So I'm going in with fingers crossed and a sharpened pencil. -Patty, Lenexa, KS

In 2011, I am looking for clearer direction from GOD for my life and career.  With clearer direction in my life, I can live a more purposeful and fulfilling life. -Kelcey, Lithonia, GA

The birth of my second grand child - what a joy! -Gayle, Plano, TX

More of the same.  I plan to grow my Payroll Practice and to continue benefiting from Accountant's World's expertise and professionalism.    Happy New Year to all. -H., Tampa, FL

In 2011- I am looking at cherishing the precious moments with my children as they continue to grow way too fast.  Delegating and not working so much- to be comfortable in managing as I am in my personal life.  Of course BSU football as they continue to grow and will have a much harder season next year.  Most of all to continue to grow and prosper as much as possible. -Amy, Boise, ID

Hoping for job growth to help the displaced workers. -Theresa, Upland, CA

Continuing to grow my business, -Scott, Menomonee Falls, WI

Continuing to spend time with my mother and to continue learning the new job I started 3 months ago. -Della, Coal City, WV

In 2011, I hope to meet the challenge of the CPA exams with success; I plan to seek employment in my chosen field, apply the knowlege I've gained from a higher degree to become an asset to my employer, continue to grow in knowledge of my discipline and world finance, and contribute productively to my country and society. -Kitty, Layton, UT

Finding a job. -Anonymous, , OH

Looking forward in 2011, to good health in body, mind and business for my clients, family, friends and that we all stay safe, especially those in all military branches of service so that they all may come home in good health, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. -Gail, Irving, TX

Less mudslinging from politicians - since the next major election is almost two years off we should have about ONE year of peace from their sniveling.  I wish I could get my clients to pay me while I go out and look for more business.    I'll also be celebrating 10 years with my best friend and wife next year. -Gene, Felton, DE

Surviving a successful tax season -Phil, Farmington, CT

I am most looking forward to a healthy 2011 financially, physically, and emotionally. -Gary, Leechburg, PA

To redine some goals and been able to develop a more stable source of income. -Orlando, Toa Alta, PR

What I have written above. -Harvey, Denver, CO

Wanted best out of AW -Tajul, Plano, TX

In 2011, I'm looking forward to the economy getting back on course.  It will take longer than 2011, but it has to start somewhere and 2011 is the year. -Mark, Phoenix, AZ

Busy season as I enjoy seeing my clients.  My trip to Florida to spend time with my brothers.  My weekends in Seco.  Relay for Life 2011.  Happiness and peace. -D., Salinas, CA

Watching my little sons grow up. -Parker, Manassas Park, VA

Each day is a learning experience and I look forward to learning more and just trying to improve. -James, Bridgeport, OH

A Supreme Court that is more centered and focused on justice, morality and mercy than on being politically correct.  A Congress that is working for the people and is keeping the laws and rules simple and overhauling the tax codes to be more fair to everyone according to their ability to abide by them.  Everyone should pay taxes.  The questions is how much.  The tax codes could be overhauled and should be.  It won't be easy but nothing worthwhile is. -Sam, Seymor, IN

I am looking forward to my son's return from his deployment in Iraq.  I am also looking forward to a personally prosperous and healthy year. -M., Whitehall, MI

Improving economy and bottom line -Jeff, Pensacola, FL

Improved job market and housing starts. -rafael, Oxnard, CA

Growing my business and lowering my golf handicap. I started the year as a 13 handicap and ended with a 9 -Mel, Jackson, NJ

Potential retirement -Anonymous, ,

I am looking forward to know the accounting field's future.  Which field in accounting is doing good and how can I learn more about accounting softwares which use in corporation.  Also, about the IFRS information. -Sally, Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Another successful and healthy year -Anonymous

A healthy and prosperous year provided the federal government gets out of the way! -Carl, S. Charleston, OH

A prosperous new year -Richard, New Port Richey, FL

New tax laws -David, roseville, CA

Wish whole world enjoy  the prosperity and peace. -Surendra, Muscat, NJ

I am looking forward to a repeat of 2010 or better. -Sondra, Fairburn, GA

More good quality clients.  Improving quality of staff  Internationa linkages with professional accounting firms  International participation in accounting related conferences -R.A., Colombo, Sri Lanka,

I am looking forward to life, uplifting my career and volunteering my free time to helping those that are less fortune than I am.  Also, looking forward to more changes in medicine for cures to such illness like cancer since having a friend who passed away from breast cancer this year.  Also, not to sweat the small stuff in 2011. -Gail, Milton, GA

Those that are involved in the improvement process are increasing in numbers. Because of that, I believe that 2011 will be a better year than 2008 and 2009 -Jim, San Jose, CA

Expanding the universe of thoses that I serve. -JESS, PISCATAWAY, NJ

That our troops that are abroad will come home safe and sound. -Reynaldo, Harlingen, TX

JUST HAVING TIME WITH MY ILL HUSBAND. -CARLA, HOUSTON, TX

I'm looking forward to having only 1 year left of college, before I complete my Master's Degree. I'm just ready for whatever changes and surpises that God has in store for me. -Betty, Virginia Beach, VA

I am looking forward to continued blessings from God, increased opportunities to serve others, and not cause any harm to those around me. -George, Alexandria, VA

Uptick in the economy. -Barton, Allen, TX

A change in fiscal and monetary policy that hopefully will result from the changes that will take effect with the new Congress.  A change that will focus on a sound U.S. Dollar, a reduction in gov't spending with a corresponding reduction in the budget and the size/scope of gov't, and a completely new & simplified tax code. -E., Springfield, MA

Improved economy for our many friends suffering from no work or less work or more work for less pay or slow business at their struggling small firms.  More WORK from federal employees who are taking years to approve a new flood plain designation that the ACE approved in 2006.  Hope is dim, however.  >More honesty in news reports about the threats we face from without and within.  That the new congress will truly move to reduce and/or eliminate the deficits that threaten my grandchildrens' future. -John, St Louis Park, MN

Accountants World helping me find a permanent career, being debt free, my husband finding a career, and helping God's kingdom become debt free. -Tashimia, Atlanta / Chamblee, GA

Good Health -George, Katy, TX

Looking forward rather than back.  Its time we start thinking with a air towards making things work, seeing the light, advancing good causes.  We are stuck right now in a loop of despair over where we are economically, politically, and socially.  If we concentrate only on these things and how bad they are, we will not advance. In 2011, start looking forward. -Richard, Cupertino, CA

Life! -Sean

I am hoping (perhaps foolishly) that the members of Congress can put aside petty political differences and do what is best for the economy . -Charles, Woodbridge, VA

Less of Congress! -Dave, sacramento, CA

The opportunity to continue to be a difference, and to see tools from Accountants World that will help me take my Financial Planning practice to more clients. -Ken, Citrus Heights, CA

New opportunities and choices every day. Thanks for asking.  Happy holidays. -Sheryl, Indianapolis, IN

No more recession -Nora, Pittsburgh, PA

TO REACHING 74! -ARTHUR, GLENWOOD LDN, NY

Finally passing the CPA exam, finishing ALL my DIY/Remodel projects on my home in only 18 months(!!), and starting my own practice. -Christopher, Knoxville, TN

Peace -Richard, Santa Monica, CA

Tax season and improved cash flow !!! -Michael, Columbia, SC

Health for myself and family; cooperation among our elected officials to be able to truly accomplish needed legislation. -William, Brackney, PA

I look forward to asking the 3-year old, "Why did you feel the fish was thirsty for Kool-Aid while swimming in a 30-gallon tank?"  I look forward to wrong notes on the piano, tuba and other instruments, scraped knees, tears that need to be kissed away, and the oldest saying "You just don't understand me!".  I look forward to waiting for the cell phone to ring and my son or daughter telling me that the game just ended and that they are on their way home.  I look forward to hearing children call me Mom instead of Nana and asking if it is alright - knowing that they finally have found a place of love and safety and feel comfortable that I am their mom.  This is what I look forward to in 2011. -Tammy, Harker Heights, TX

New business opportunities. -Bob, Seminole, FL

I am most looking forward to enjoying my two new grandchildren and my children as they grow, learn, and experience life. :) -Jennifer, Clarksville, IN

Good health, and successful running -Benjamin, Jacksonville, FL

Accounting firm merging with other firms to grow bigger. -Kenneth, New York, NY

To include full payroll as part of the package -Luis, Yabucoa, PR

I am looking forward to new changes and new challenges.  In addition to death and taxes, change is a constant in our 21st century lives. -Susan, Olean, NY

Peace and Justice. -Leon, Ellicott City, MD

We are looking forward to more visits with grandchildren. -Jacquelin, Etna, CA

A quiet house. -Anonymous, Phoenix, AZ

Another year of accounting and tax returns!  My mind is still active! -Maurice, Chicago, IL

The effect of the new tax law changes and strengthening relationships -Brian, Lincoln, NE

Economic recovery -Perry, Rapid City, SD

A better junk mail filter. -Diana, Council Bluffs, IA

Watching my son grow into a sweet toddler. -Shannon, Atlanta, GA

Assisting my clients with their tax preparation, taxpayer representation and wealth retention considerations needs...and the fact that I will likely not have to clean up so many messes of other paid tax preparers that abused the trust of their clients in not only tax preparation but also with ill-conceived RALs to folks who really couldn't (and shouldn't have) afford(ed) using that "loan-sharking" at rates beginning at 58% (when quoted as a APR) for a 8 to 12-day loan. -Thomas, Callahan, FL

Just want to make sure that the new withholding table is enhenced in your payroll  program -Mary, Flushing, NY

A new year and a new attitude. -Janie, Alamo, CA

Saying good-bye to another chapter in my life and moving forward. Sounds generic but if you knew me you would totally understand! -Melisa, Litchfield Park, AZ

My the God of GOOD THINGS come your way -Dr, Media, PA

I am looking forward to Lasik Eye surgery in 2011 - the better I will be able to read the AccountantsWorld daily e-mails!! -Chris, Eau Claire, WI

A better economy -Dave, cave junction, OR

New opportunities, time with my family. -Feliks, Northglenn, CO

I hope I pass the rest of the CPA exam at my first try as well. And I hope I get a job in one of the biggest CPA firms in NYC. -Uzma, New York, NY

Another great and exciting tax season -Ricci, Pflugerville, TX

Hopefully that the economy will improve. -Donald, WALLBURG, NC

A brand new practice of my own -Ben, St. Anthony, ID