Technology promises convenience and a revival of efficiency and accuracy — the accountant’s dream. However, as professionals and CPAs have an ever-growing arsenal of tools — ranging from cloud computing to blockchain (a term so mystifying it could easily be a spell from Harry Potter) — it’s critical to ensure these investments aren’t merely shiny new toys but powerhouses that drive progress. Let’s explore how to evaluate your tech solutions and ensure these investments genuinely pay dividends.
Employee Usage of Technology: The success of any tech investment depends on its regular use. Low adoption could indicate complexity or even misalignment with workflow. Almost all businesses (96%) have faced challenges resulting from low tech adoption, and only 37% rate their employees’ adoption as “Excellent.” Revisiting training or involving employees in the tool selection process could ensure actual solutions.
Usability of Output: The final output must be accurate, comprehensive, and coherent with your operations. If additional hours are spent deciphering or correcting this output, the tool shouldn’t make the cut. To achieve this, schedule regular reviews, implement a feedback loop, and plan for continuous training.
Frequency of Technical Issues or “Breaks”: Downtime is not just frustrating; it’s costly. When your tech is down more often than it’s operational, it can hamper productivity significantly. Implementing proactive measures such as investing in monitoring tools, regular maintenance, routine check-ups, and assistance from a knowledgeable tech team can help keep operations up and running.
Cost Savings Analysis: Time, Effort, and Money: A cold, hard look at the numbers often reveals the truth behind an investment. Compare the time and effort saved against the monetary cost. If the math doesn’t justify the expenditure, your tech may be ill-fitting in your accounting firm.
Integration with Standard Onboarding Processes for New Employees: An effective onboarding process should train new team members to use the company’s systems and tech tools. Besides, technologies with a gentle learning curve bridge the gap between employment start dates and full productivity.
To encourage employees to use new technology, it’s essential to focus on motivating them and monitoring their progress. Adding some fun competition, offering rewards, and clearly showing how these tools can make their work easier can persuade staff to try new technologies.
Begin with a needs assessment to identify unique requirements and develop customized training materials accordingly. To accommodate various learning styles, incorporate a mix of e-learning, hands-on workshops, and continuous support, such as a helpdesk. Continuously collect feedback to refine the program and incentivize engagement and participation to ensure all employees are proficient and confident with the new technology.
Although infrequent, businesses can face technology breaks that can disrupt operations and lead to significant losses. System failures, cybersecurity breaches, network issues, neglected software updates, and data loss can cause downtime, reduced productivity, revenue loss, and reputational damage. These issues can be particularly costly if not taken care of.
To mitigate these risks, companies must take proactive measures to prevent issues before they occur. Regular monitoring of systems, networks, and infrastructure can help identify potential problems early on. Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity protocols, including firewalls, EDR systems, antivirus software, and access controls, is crucial to preventing breaches. Regularly backing up data and training employees on best practices for data protection and cybersecurity can also help. Finally, consulting with experienced IT professionals can ensure proactive management.
When keeping up with digital tools, equipping new employees with the necessary tech skills is as essential as their first “hello.” By doing this, we’re not just handing them a playbook but offering them the secret gadget to productivity.
Offering technical instruction tuned to individual roles, incorporating methods like e-learning and virtual simulations, assigning tech mentors, and fostering a collaborative environment through diverse platforms accelerate the newcomer’s integration. Regularly hosting learning events such as workshops and webinars is another way to commit to the ongoing professional growth of your teams. It’s all about creating an environment where learning is as routine as your morning coffee run — energizing and essential to tackling the day’s challenges.
Tech in accounting is more than a convenience; it’s a catapult to peak performance. By proactively reassessing and refining your tech stack, you safeguard your investment and propel your firm toward greater efficiency and enduring success. Team up with experts and ensure your technology serves its primary purpose: to streamline, not complicate, the world of numbers and financial foresight.