We are experiencing tremendous shifts in roles like bookkeepers, clerks, and non-technical staff. Tools like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and general ledger coding systems have automated what used to be manual tasks, such as journal entries, data entries, and basically anything that needs a black-or-white process. And while automation only deals with absolutes for now (unlike a Sith), you need to adapt to a tech-savvy world if you want your accounting firm to keep thriving.
Just as our founding fathers adopted Excel back in the day, modern accountants must incorporate new technologies like cloud computing, data analytics, and automation into their everyday tasks to stay competitive in the current market.
And before you ask, accountants won’t be replaced by AI, but there will be changes nonetheless, and we need to be prepared for when they happen. In fact, more than replacing us, these new technologies can help accounting firms focus on analytical processes. So, retaining and developing skills in complex accounting areas such as managing fixed assets, leases, revenue contracts, debt, equity, and inventory costing are valuable and irreplaceable skills an accountant has, as they cannot be easily automated but can be improved thanks to a technological boost.
First things first, you’ll want to polish your skills with these three software packages if you want to be a tech-savvy accountant yourself or make your team the tech expert kids on the block:
We know you’ve heard about this one, but it’s worth knowing that QuickBooks Online can handle a lot of data, from keeping an eye on stock levels to figuring out taxes. QuickBooks Online is a strong option if your business grows fast, sells many products, or deals with complex tax scenarios, and with so many people using it, it's easy to find help or advice on how to get the most out of it.
One of the most adaptive tools in the market is Xero, and it’s becoming one of the essential must-haves for accountants who want to stay ahead in the tech game. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for financial management and tech fans — everything you need is in one online spot, and it even comes with a cheese sample, or so we were told. Accountants can see the complete financial story of a business, make smarter decisions using real-time numbers, and connect clients to bank accounts for real-time transaction flows in Xero’s well-integrated and optimized platform.
If you know these tools like the palm of your hand, you can make everything smoother for clients, give smart, real-time advice, build trust, help deliver reports faster, and work smarter while handling your clients’ questions quickly and accurately.
And with an accounting CRM (Customer Relationship Management), you have an online platform where clients can securely view their documents and access their data anytime. This tool also keeps track of all past conversations and financial data and helps you better understand and communicate with your clients and their needs.
To become more tech-savvy, accountants must learn to use automated tools, and AI tools like Microsoft Copilot would help them make confident decisions based on hard data. If you’re looking for seamless bookkeeping while optimizing your workflow using the latest tool in the market, you can always count on us.
Botkeeper Infinite is an excellent modern solution for automating bookkeeping tasks. We offer features like auto-categorizing transactions and secure, efficient data management that pave the way for advanced accounting practices. And for the very nice price — if we say so ourselves — of $69.00 per client per month, your accounting firm is ready to go infinite. Reach out now.