Accounting firms don’t just crunch numbers while finding the occasional tax loophole.
That’s an understatement. In truth, accounting firms do much more.
In today’s fast-moving, globalized economy, accounting firms are management consultants, technology strategists, financial planners, and HR advisors, in addition to providing traditional accounting services.
A shifting landscape
Like all industries, the accounting industry is constantly shifting. Just consider:
- Client companies have increasingly global operations.
- Technological innovation is driving new models and practices.
- Regulation, tax, and business come from multiple bodies, including national governments, trading blocs like the European Union, and transnational trade agreements.
Accounting firms must stay on top of these challenges. As their clients’ businesses grow, accounting firms are called upon for strategic input at the highest levels. Just consider these questions that a client may ask:
- What are the immediate cost considerations when implementing a new product line?
- Do you foresee any revenue complications when acquiring a competitor?
- What must we consider when expanding into another country?
Moreover, most small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) now use accounting software to prepare their own books, often without professional oversight or guidance.
It’s a lot for modern accounting firms to take in.
Leveraging technology for growth
Accounting firms and client companies should understand that when it comes to growth — introducing new product lines, new teams, or expansion plans — the first step should be to invest in a comprehensive solution for collaboration. A sophisticated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform is a highly effective tool for keeping everyone connected and informing both day-to-day and long-term decisions that will drive success.
Let’s look at some of the CRM features that accounting firms can leverage to drive their clients’ business growth.
Seamless QuickBooks sync
This is your important starting point. If your client’s business uses QuickBooks, then the power of Method:CRM takes effect instantly.
There is no data migration and no double data entry. Instead, Method:CRM is a unique solution that syncs automatically and seamlessly with QuickBooks, allowing you and your client to focus on your areas of expertise.
Comprehensive picture
When accountancies provide analysis and advice on growth plans, they need more than just the spreadsheet numbers.
In fact, they need the entire business picture broken down by:
- Industry
- Region
- Timeline
- Company size
- Among other factors.
And that’s where an effective accounting CRM comes in — by providing a comprehensive view of the client’s customers, transactions, and prospective sales.
Detailed insight
The big picture helps accounting firms get a high-level understanding of where a business is headed, but deeper insight on specific deals or relationships makes a difference too.
A good business advisor will find a tool that provides that level of detail as well.
Luckily, a CRM serves as a single source of truth by compiling each customer’s notes and purchase history into one centralized system.
New tools for ongoing success
Accounting firms are increasingly becoming full-service business advisors, playing a key role in the trajectory of growing companies.
Going from number crunchers to corporate strategists is a big shift.
Doing it well requires a comprehensive system that both accountants and their clients can leverage to:
- Streamline operations
- Manage customer data
- Analyze sales and revenue.
For QuickBooks users, Method:CRM provides that capability.
See how a CRM can help modern accounting firms drive client growth with a free trial of Method.
