AAA 2010 Accounting Technology Administrators Survey
The Association for Accounting Administration (www.cpaadmin.org) has released the findings of their 2010 technology survey which focuses on six production areas including: Security, Productivity, Infrastructure Management, Mobility and Governance, according to Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA.CITP at http://itpna.com/Vision/2010/20100420AAAITSurveyResults.htm
About 115 firms participated in the survey with a goal of finding out what the top technology initiatives were that firms should be looking at implementing this year, and what the current adoption of those technologies was within participant firms.
WHAT’S WORKING IN TECH AT LEADING LOCAL FIRMS
(percentage of firms that have deployed these solutions)
| SECURITY | |
| Firewalls/Internet Security | 60% |
| Remote Access Security | 51% |
| Encryption | 37% |
| System Access Controls | 36% |
| Building Security | 34% |
| Intrusion Detection | 30% |
| Security Awareness | 29% |
| Web Monitoring and Filtering | 29% |
| Social Engineering Training for Staff | 13% |
| FIRM PRODUCTION, IMPROVEMENT | |
| Scanning Technology | 47% |
| Portals for client/document delivery | 45% |
| Document Management | 38% |
| Intranet/SharePoint | 35% |
| Remote Check Scan | 35% |
| Electronic Data Retention Policy | 34% |
| Internal Accounting Administration | 34% |
| Digital Firm Reporting | 26% |
| Workflow Applications | 18% |
| Next Generation Integrated Applications | 14% |
| CRM Applications | 12% |
| Core Accounting Application Performance | 10% |
| Auto-Populating Software | 10% |
| Evaluating ERP for the CPA Firm | 9% |
| NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE
|
|
| Multiple Monitors | 47% |
| Server Virtualization | 36% |
| Backup to Disk | 32% |
| Internet Connectivity | 30% |
| Single Desktop Infrastructure | 26% |
| Unified Communications / Messaging | 25% |
| SAN Technology | 25% |
| Windows 7 | 19% |
| Internet Based Backup | 18% |
| Desktop and Application Virtualization | 10% |
| Monitor Utilities | 23% |
| Email Remailer Services | 35% |
| FIRMWIDE MANAGEMENT
|
|
| Controlling System and Application Changes/Updates | 32% |
| Electronic Data Retention Policy | 31% |
| Disaster Recovery/Business ContinuitY | 30% |
| Next Generation Practice Management | 22% |
| Outsourced IT Implementations | 20% |
| Best Practices Documentation for Firm Processes | 17% |
| Strategic Technology Management | 17% |
| Outsourced Backup/Disaster Recovery | 15% |
| Social Networking Opportunities and Guidelines | 13% |
| Cloud Computing/SaaS | 7% |
| MOBILITY
|
|
| Remote Access Tools | 65% |
| Mobile Communication Devices | 51% |
| Standard Audit Kits in Field | 37% |
| Digital Cellular Access | 37% |
| Field Networking Best Practices | 33% |
| Netbooks | 5% |
| COMPLIANCE, GOVERNANCE
|
|
| IT Acceptable Use Policy | 39% |
| Training Firm Personnel on Firm and Departmental Apps | Z5% |
| Compliance with State/Federal Regulations | 30% |
| Training for IT Personnel to Keep Current | 30% |
| Creating an Information Security Program | 22% |
Source: Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA.CITP at http://itpna.com/Vision/2010/20100420AAAITSurveyResults.htm
One Response to “Top Techs in Six Key Areas for CPA Firms”
Mathew Heggem
As firms are integrating these focus areas and technology into their firms, what will they be looking for in new recruits? What are the changing expectations of the employer and how does that shift the training of future CPAs?