Preparing for a Seamless Tax Season As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, accountants everywhere know that tax season is just around the corner. The key to a smooth and successful season lies in meticulous preparation. Here is your preseason accounting checklist to ensure you are ready to tackle the busy months ahead…
Understanding the Implications and Preparing for the Transition The End of an Era: Windows 10 Support Ending Microsoft’s announcement that it will end support for Windows 10 marks a significant turning point for businesses and individual users alike. As October 2025 approaches, it is crucial to understand what this means and how to prepare…
A Guide For Accountants Tax season can be a stressful and hectic time for accountants, but with the right preparation and strategy, it doesn’t have to be. By breaking down the year into manageable segments and focusing on specific tasks during each period, accountants can not only survive but thrive during tax season. Here’s a…
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of securing sensitive information has never been more critical for accounting firms. A Written Information Security Plan (WISP) serves as a comprehensive policy document that outlines how a firm protects its sensitive data. This blog post delves into the essential components of a WISP and highlights…
Our Recommendations for a Seamless and Efficient Workflow In the dynamic world of accounting, having the right tech stack is paramount for startup firms aiming to streamline their operations, ensure accuracy, and deliver top-notch services to their clients. It is important to pick tools that not only are optimize for a startup firm but that…
Based on the available information and my knowledge, here’s a comparison between Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS and Drake Tax software across key categories: Category Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS Drake Tax Software Key Features Comprehensive tax preparation for individuals, businesses, and trusts; integration with other CS Professional Suite products; automated data entry; real-time diagnostics. Full-featured tax…
As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based solutions, many who rely on QuickBooks Desktop are looking for ways to modernize their accounting processes without fully migrating to QuickBooks Online. Qbox offers a seamless transition by providing a cloud collaboration tool that enhances the functionality of QuickBooks Desktop, offering numerous benefits. Enhanced Collaboration Qbox allows multiple users…
A guide for accounting professionals who want to leverage AI without compromising security Transformation through Automation AI is revolutionizing the accounting profession by automating tedious tasks, enhancing accuracy, and providing valuable insights. This transformation allows accountants to save time, reduce errors, and improve decision-making. Additionally, AI enables accountants to offer more value-added services to…
Even if you are not planning to sell your business anytime soon, it is wise to have it ready for acquisition. Here are some tips on how to do that. Why prepare for acquisition? As an accountant, you may have built your business from scratch and invested a lot of time, money, and energy into…
Why Proactive IT is Better Than Reactive IT How we use our suite of monitoring tools and our customer service to prevent problems before they occur Many IT service providers operate on a reactive model, meaning they wait for problems to arise and then try to fix them. This can lead to downtime, data loss,…
Comparing Canopy and TaxDome: Which Accounting Software Fits Your Practice? In the ever-evolving landscape of accounting software, two names often emerge in discussions: Canopy and TaxDome. Both platforms offer robust features tailored to the needs of accounting professionals, but each has its unique strengths and nuances. This comparison will delve into their offerings, using broad-based…
Streamlining Your Accounting Practice with Zapier: A Guide for Accountants In the fast-paced world of accounting, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Enter Zapier, a powerful automation tool that can transform the way accountants manage their data. This blog post explores what Zapier is, how it works, and the specific ways it can help accountants automate…
How the Corporate Transparency Act Can Launch Your Compliance Business Learn how the new legislation creates a demand for compliance and advisory services and how you can position yourself as a trusted partner for your clients. What is the Corporate Transparency Act? The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a new federal law that was enacted…
How to Use Offshore Employees for Accounting Firms A guide to the technology, workflow, and processes that are needed to make the most of your global talent pool Accounting firms are always looking for ways to reduce costs, increase productivity, and expand their services. One of the strategies that many firms have adopted is to…
Five Essential Technologies for Contemporary Accounting Firms In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, accounting firms must leverage technology to stay competitive and meet the ever-changing demands of clients and the market. Below, we explore five pivotal technologies that modern accounting firms cannot afford to overlook, along with our top recommendations for each category. Advanced Communication Systems…
Operational Efficiency After tax season is a great time to look at ways to increase operational efficiency for your business. This article will be different from your typical post tax season review process. We will discuss ways you can transform your business by implementing strategies that can vastly improve the operational efficiency of your business.…
Streamlining Success: The Integral Role of Technology Accounting in Business Evolution How has ‘technology accounting’ changed the way financial data is managed and analyzed? In an era defined by digital transformation, accounting practices are evolving rapidly. This article takes a direct look at the potent combo of technology and accounting, detailing essential tools and approaches…
Revolutionizing Finance: How Data Analytics Accounting is Transforming the Industry Navigating the intersection of data analytics accounting can be complex. This article cuts through the complexity to deliver the essentials of how data analytics is revolutionizing accounting work – from forecasting and risk management to fraud detection. Discover the key tools and strategies that are…
Navigating New Waters: How Accounting Firms Can Capitalize on Compliance Demands The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for accounting firms to broaden their service offerings. This new legislation, affecting millions of small U.S. businesses, introduces Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. Accounting firms are well-positioned to leverage this by educating themselves and…
Top Benefits of IT Support for Small Business: A Must-Have for Growth In searching for ‘IT support for small business’, you’re undoubtedly looking for assurance, guidance, and solutions that fit your company’s scale and goals. This article delivers straightforward insights into securing, optimizing, and growing your business with the right IT support. As you read…
Risk Assessment It is a new year and that often can trigger some annual activities that now need to be revisited, or completed for the first time. One thing we see more and more insurance and vendor requests for is a risk assessment. Risk assessments are often to be made out to be complicated processes…
Accountant Mental Health Check During Tax Season During the whirlwind of tax season, it feels like an endless race from one urgent task to another, with stress levels mounting steadily. It’s crucial, though challenging it may seem, to carve out a little oasis of calm. No, I’m not suggesting a full-blown vacation amidst the tax…
The 2023 Review and look forward to 2024. In 2023 we returned in semi-normalcy in filing periods (except for a couple of states) after a couple of years of a moving target for filing deadlines. There are three main themes we saw become the headline for the industry in 2023: AI, talent shortage and offshoring,…
Maximizing Efficiency: The Advantages of Modern Accounting Technology Accounting technology is reshaping the business world. This article examines the tools and systems at the heart of this transformation. Discover how innovations like cloud computing, AI, and data analytics not only optimize accounting but also redefine the skills and roles within the profession. With real-world applications…
Charting the Future of Accounting: Essential Insights and Predictions for Tomorrow’s Finances The world of accounting is undergoing a transformation, as new technologies and industry changes redefine the profession. Are you ready to embrace this shift and seize the opportunities it presents? In this blog post, we will explore the future of accounting and how…
How Much Does ISO 27002 Certification Cost in 2023? Imagine having a complete set of best practices, guidelines, and control objectives at your fingertips, all designed to help your organization implement and maintain an effective information security management system. That is precisely what ISO 27002 offers. In this blog post, we will explore the ins…
What is Cyber Security Training? Definition, Benefits, and Importance In an increasingly interconnected world, protecting sensitive data and preventing cyber attacks are crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. So, what is cyber security awareness training, and how can one stay ahead of the curve and ensure…
10 Causes of Failed ERP Implementation and How to Avoid It ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems can revolutionize the way businesses operate, streamlining processes, and providing valuable insights. However, ERP implementations can be complex and fraught with challenges. Are you prepared to navigate the common pitfalls and set your business up for success? This blog…
An Essential Guide to Cyber Security Audit Checklist in 2023 In today’s interconnected world, cyber security is more crucial than ever. With the increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches, businesses must stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their valuable assets. A comprehensive cyber security audit checklist plays a vital role in identifying and…
What is BYOD? A Comprehensive Guide to Bring Your Own Device. The workplace as we know it has evolved, and with it, the way we use technology. The rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies has reshaped how employees interact with technology, blurring the lines between personal and work life. But what exactly does…
It is Time to Upgrade your Communication Game In today’s technology-driven world, effective communication is crucial for accounting firms to build strong client relationships and deliver exceptional services. As a technology expert, I believe that by focusing on three key themes – onboarding and setting expectations, security, and availability – accounting firms can elevate their…
The advantages of AI – How does AI help accountants with decision making, intelligence gathering, business strategy and customer service The emergence of artificial intelligence has led to immense advantages for accounting professionals and accounting firms. With AI, accountants have access to more efficient decision making, greater intelligence gathering, and heightened customer service. Through the…
Importance of Integrations Software integrations are becoming increasingly important when making decisions on which applications to utilize for your business. Integrations have quickly gone from features that were “nice to have” to requirements when considering new applications. We will explore 5 important types of integrations that SMBs should consider when looking to use a new…
What does a SOC (Security Operations Center) do? A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a team of analysts that analyze logging and audit information from a specific system. Plus 1 Technology uses a SOC to analyze, log, and audit user activity that takes place in Microsoft 365. The SOC team works 24/7/365 to spot and…
How to implement new technologies in your accounting practice Research the technology and understand its features and capabilities In today’s constantly evolving accounting industry, staying up-to-date on accounting technology trends is crucial for success. As more businesses move towards automation and efficiency, it’s important to research the technology available and understand its features and capabilities.…
AI Revolutionizes Small Business – Unlocking Growth and Streamlining Operations Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing small businesses by streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving growth. In this article, we dive into AI’s transformative impact on small businesses, exploring its role in shaping jobs, workflows, customer service, and the emergence of private AI bots. Shaping Jobs:…
Enhance Your Business Mobility with Remote Computer Access: 5 Must-Have Tools for Productive Remote Work Summer has arrived and that means that leadership and employees are looking for ways to get work done from outside the office. Thankfully, remote computer access makes it possible for professionals to work from anywhere, any time. This article explores…
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Accounting As accountants, CPAs and industry experts, we are constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve. As technology advances, so too do our strategies for staying relevant in an ever-changing marketplace. Nowhere is this truer than when looking at the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on accounting—an industry…
Crafting an AI Action Plan: A Guide for Small Businesses As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the business landscape, small business owners must adapt to stay competitive and capitalize on the benefits AI has to offer. Designing an AI action plan can help businesses identify areas where AI can augment or replace existing processes,…
How I would do it Today A technologist’s ideal startup framework for an accounting firm in today’s environment. For any aspiring accountant wanting to open up their own practice, the task of learning all the latest information can be daunting. With technology continuously advancing and business structure changing, it can be difficult to understand how…
The Future of Accounting: Automation and AI As accounting professionals, it’s no secret that times are rapidly changing. With advances in technology and the emergence of automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other new innovations, it’s essential to stay on top of these exciting developments so you can make sure your own accounting firm* is prepared…
Why Automation is Imperative for Accountants to Survive. As the world of accounting evolves, automation of accounting records is quickly becoming an essential tool for any firm looking to remain competitive. As more firms are turning to technology for quicker and more accurate data entry, those who don’t may find themselves struggling against the current.…
Trends in the Accounting Industry for 2023 and Beyond Accounting is a constantly evolving field of business, with new regulations and technology lifting the accounting industry to new heights each year. As we look ahead to 2023 and beyond, there are numerous trends that accounting firms and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) should keep an eye…
5 Top Trends Impacting Accountants in 2023 Accounting professionals in 2023 are navigating an increasingly complex landscape, with new challenges and opportunities arising. This article highlights five key trends that are shaping the accounting industry this year: Talent Shortage, Recession Fears, Automation and Offshoring, Compliance, and Workplace Wellness. 1. Talent Shortage: The accounting industry is…
Tax Season Debrief: The Post-Mortem Review Checklist for Accounting Firms A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlining Technology, Processes, and Stress Management for Future Tax Seasons As another tax season comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for accounting firms to reflect on their performance, assess their technology and processes, and gauge the overall stress level…
Microsoft 365 offers a variety of mailbox types that can help you manage your email communications more efficiently. In this flyer, we will explore four main types of Microsoft 365 mailboxes: Exchange Email, Distribution Lists, Shared Mailboxes, and Archive Mailboxes. By understanding the differences between these mailbox types, you can choose the right one for…
ChatGPT: What is it and what are the benefits? ChatGPT, as a large language model, can be a useful tool for small businesses in various ways. Here are some uses and benefits of ChatGPT for small businesses: Customer Support: ChatGPT can be used as a customer support tool to provide instant responses to customer queries…
Performing an annual security risk assessment is critical for small businesses for several reasons. A security risk assessment is a comprehensive review of an organization’s security posture, including its systems, processes, and policies, to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber attackers. Here are some key reasons why small businesses should…
How to create an effective employee handbook Employee Handbooks – Establish and Review with Ease with Nester Insurance A well-designed employee handbook is an invaluable asset for a company to have. It can provide a communication gateway between management and employees concerning employer expectations, policies and company background. In addition, a handbook provides a consistent…
FTC Guidelines – what you need to know The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions, including accounting firms, to have measures in place to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information. This includes developing and implementing a written information security plan that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to…
Stay Productive During the Busy Season We are starting to get into the busy season for accountants. Here are 5 tips to stay focused during tax season: 📆Create a schedule and stick to it: It can be helpful to create a schedule for the day or week, and try your best to stick to it.…
What is 2-factor authentication? Two-factor authentication is when an additional “factor” is required for you to login to a system other than just a password. This is typically a numerical code sent to either a text message or email. It can also be done via a phone call or a mobile app. These solutions can…
Today we are going to talk about cyber insurance. What is it and do you need it. Cyber Liability insurance is used to provide financial assistance in the event of a cyber-attack. Often your general liability insurance policy or professional liability will contain some basic cyber liability coverage but with the increased risks and potential…
What are 4 Technologies you can implement today that will increase your productivity and cut your administrative costs? In our current economic cycle, where labor is tough to find and the workload is larger than it has ever been, it is critical to have technology solutions in place that can maximize your staff productivity and…
Am I Secure? The cybersecurity solutions you must have in place to answer YES Many firms have seen the recent cyber security headlines or were given a 10-page questionnaire when they went to renew/order cyber insurance. One thing is for certain, and that is you can’t hide anymore. More and more of the public is…
Cybersecurity Horror Movies It’s October and that means there is only one type of movie you’re allowed to watch. That’s right, horror! Even the scaredy cats like a good horror movie near Halloween whether it’s Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, Paranormal Activity, or, well, Halloween. But very few horror movies are realistic. People are always…
Recipe for Strong Cybersecurity Cookies. Cakes. Pies. Brownies. All fantastic treats to have when you’re feeling down. But you know what the easiest and most satisfying dish to make really is? Strong Cybersecurity! Let’s quickly go over what you’ll need and the steps you’ll need to take to have a truly cyber-safe digital presence! Ingredients:…
Doctor’s Visit – Cybercriminals I want you to take a second and imagine the thing you dread the most in the world. The thing that brings you the most anxiety when you know it’s coming up. Everybody has something. Got it? I bet at least a quarter of you thought of an appointment with your…
The Best Offense is a Good Defense It’s fall and for most of us, that means one thing: football season! Most Americans love sitting in front of the TV on Sunday to watch their favorite team battle it out on the gridiron. The touchdowns, the field goals, the interceptions, the big hits. It’s very exciting.…
Microsoft will be turning off Basic Authentication for E-mail for all tenants starting October 1, 2022. You can read the official announcement from Microsoft here: Microsoft Announcement This means that any device that is sending/receiving email must use modern authentication. Depending on the age and technical capabilities of your device it may or may not…
Small firms are facing very difficult staffing challenges. Smaller firms are losing current employees and finding it hard to compete with larger firm’s dollars. I offer a couple of ways to retain your current employees and possibly attract new ones. Studies have shown that more and more workers are opting for flexibility over salary. This…
Almost every firm is experiencing staffing issues. Leadership must ensure they are maximizing employee productivity. I divide these productivity enhancements into three categories: hardware, software, and time management. Hardware improvements can be the addition of monitors, replacing aging hardware, and if applicable, providing remote work abilities. Adding just 1 additional monitor to workstations can boost…
After Tax Season Technology Checklist: Review hardware replacement schedule and schedule replacements Your It provider should be providing you with a list of all your equipment with a 5-year replacement schedule and budget. Review this plan and schedule this year’s replacements. Schedule any application updates (QuickBooks, Sage, and etc.) Do you need to update your…
Having the right protections in place won’t alone protect you from today’s cyber attacks. Companies should also ensure they have the proper policies and procedures in place to protect against human mistakes. Some of these would be policies around money transfers, bank wires, and credit card activities. Also policies around sending passwords or other company…
Companies should not use Windows Home editions for business. There are many reasons why but the major highlights are: Windows updates can’t be properly managed in Home OS, they simply push all updates as they are released. Devices don’t come with BitLocker data encryption to protect your data in case of lost or stolen device…
During tax season we see a big up tick in tax scams. We suggest using the ARP method to protect from tax scams. Act Fast – File your taxes early and any attempts to trick you will be easily identified and protect you from someone trying to maliciously file with your social. Recognize – Educate…
Starting May 30, 2022, Google will no longer support the use of third-party apps or devices using only your google username and password. What does this mean? It means if you are using mail applications, older mobile phones, or using scan-to-email features on a copier they may no longer function. We have seen some firms…
Now that the craziness of tax season is over, it is a great time to get some strategic planning done. While tax season is still fresh of mind, we recommend you make a list with these items: What was the biggest frustration during the season? What was the one thing that you and your staff…
In a press release from the White House on March 22, 2022, the President states: “ I have previously warned about the potential that Russia could conduct malicious cyber activity against the United States, including as a response to the unprecedented economic costs we’ve imposed on Russia alongside our allies and partners. It’s part of Russia’s…
Spear phishing is an email targeted towards a specific individual, organization, or business. The intent of these emails is to steal data for a malicious purpose. The information they are after can be many things such as: bank accounts, credit cards, social security numbers, EIN, or other sensitive information. Accountants are often the target of…
Who listening here has perfect employees? Can your employees make the right decision over 100 times a day? Without proper e-mail protection and training that is what we ask our employees to do. We have discussed training before, today we are going to discuss e-mail protection options. Good e-mail protection add ons can either help…
Don’t use Free Email for business Are you still using a “Free” Email service for your business? You need to stop today! Gmail, Verizon, Comcast, Yahoo, AOL, and many others offer you a free email address. This is ok for organizing a golf trip, or sending cat videos to grandma but not for your business.…
We see countless businesses still using a gmail, comcast, or other isp email address on their website and business cards. Domain names are so inexpensive, and security is such a priority, this is a mistake. Not only does it look unprofessional for you to be utilizing a free email service, IT IS! By using a…
Now that we are in tax season you should make your clients aware of multiple tax and IRS scams that will be circulating this year. Please make all your clients aware that the IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, test, or social media. There are two major types of IRS scams we see…
It is OK to delete an email. It is Ok and I know for many of us it goes against everything we feel in our bones, to delete an email. That email with the Kohl’s sale from last Christmas or dad jokes from Uncle Tommy from 2008, I think we can live without permanent record…
Over the past 10 years or so “the cloud” has become a somewhat vague technology term that often confuses business owners. One simple way to think about the cloud is simply “someone else’s computer”. Using the cloud simply means you are renting space or processing power on a server in a datacenter that isn’t located…
Cyber Liability insurance is used to provide financial assistance in the event of a cyber-attack. Often your general liability insurance policy or professional liability will contain some basic cyber liability coverage but with the increased risks and potential financial exposure a standalone policy should be considered. There are numerous attacks that can happen to a…
Fraud, account impersonation, and phishing scams are on the rise and every company should be looking at ways to combat this risk. Inky email protection helps users combat this risk by categorizing emails by risk. The inky protection puts colored banners at the top of every email to indicate risk level. The tool can help…
Creating an IT budget is something that every company should do, if you have no employees or 10,000 budgeting is important. The budget should include hardware replacements, subscriptions, support costs, and any other It related purchases. Your MSP should be providing these numbers to you but if not you can gather them yourself. We typically…
We are all installing smart devices in our homes such as thermostats, cameras, light switches, coffee makers, and smart hubs we talk to. How do we ensure these devices are secured and don’t threaten other devices on our networks? There are three things we believe are important when using these devices at home or office.…
When purchasing a new computer either from an MSP or retailer you are often offered a warranty. Should you purchase a warranty for your computer. A warranty is essentially a risk management to avoid large expenditures during a specified time. We typically do not recommend warranties on desktop or tiny computers because most of the…
As the holidays approach there are 4 types of phishing scams everyone should be on the lookout for. Fraudulent Shipping notifications – this is probably the most common attack during the holidays. The malicious actors will send you an email pretending to be from Amazon, Zappos, Apple, or more. The message may say there is…
We all want to send our prospects an email, postcard, flyer, or some other marketing and have them buy from us. Unfortunately, we all know it isn’t that easy. When we send our campaigns only about 1-2% of the prospects are looking to make a purchase for the products/services we sell. What do we do…
Technology is a great tool to help improve the productivity of employees. Technology helps alleviate employees of menial, repetitive, and data entry tasks. The productivity gains from technology have been increasing every year for the last twenty or so years. We have seen an evolution from replacing people having to file folders, looking up pricing…
You understand the importance of creating and using budgets for benchmarking company performance. How can you properly budget for IT spend. IT spending has evolved in recent years with the advent of subscription licensing, leasing, and more necessary services. In this article we will break the spending down into three parts: subscriptions, hardware, and services.…
The robot overlords we have been waiting for haven’t arrived yet. The conflict between human jobs and robotic automation is still in its infancy. The most important asset, technology or otherwise, companies have is their employees. Robots, automation, video conferencing, and cloud solutions are being used by employees every day but their tools aren’t replacing…
Qbox Solving one of Accounting firms largest challenges, access to Quickbooks Desktop files. Plus 1 Technology in partnership with Qbox has a solution for accounting firms and their clients to seamlessly work with the same Quickbooks desktop files without the need for email or FTP of the files. Qbox stores the file in a cloud…
Ransomware: Why Backups Are No Longer Protection We have all heard of the threat of ransomware and how malicious actors encrypt your files and demand a payment to provide access to your data. Until recently there were two major ways firms protected themselves from the threat of ransomware. The first protection was prevention by implementing…
Why Avoiding Cyber Security Training Could Cost You Your Business By now, most leadership has heard of cyber security training, but why is it so important? Almost 90% of all data breaches are caused due to human error. Financial firms’ employees performed the worst regarding cybersecurity awareness out of the seven industries evaluated. 85% of…
Today we are going to discuss keeping your Stakeholders in the loop when making changes. For managed services providers that means obvious items such as new computers, networking, and new employees. Clients should also remember to keep their managed services provider in the loop for other items such as a new phone system, new software,…
Today we are going to discuss password hygiene and no we are not talking about a teenager not using deodorant. We are talking about not making stinky habits when it comes to your passwords. There are 3 big mistakes people make when managing their passwords. Number 1 is using the same password. Don’t use the…
There are a ton of new options for setting meetings and appointments for your clients and prospects. Gone are the days of “what times are you available”, “that doesn’t work I have to pick up the kids” or “this guy thinks I want to meet at 3 on a Friday?” We recommend 365 bookings but…
Today we are going to talk about Video conference tools. A quick note before we go much further, just because everyone now has video conference tools doesn’t mean what used to be a phone call now needs to be a video. I don’t need to see Mary’s cat or Little johnny running around with no…
Should I allow my employees to work from home? The pandemic has escalated the need for employees to be able to and their desire to perform their job or a subset of their duties away from the office. Should your firm allow employees to work from home? What are the risks of your employees working…
Is Data an Asset or Liability? For years we were all taught to “save everything” or “never delete anything”. The principles of this argument may be changing. With the rise of cyber risks, we must start weighing the importance of the data we keep especially when it comes to our client’s data. In this industry,…