Workflow Tools Can Deepen Client Relationships

BONUS CASE STUDY: How We Work with Our Direct Small Business Clients

By Penny Breslin
It’s Not Just the Numbers

Managing tasks and workflow through email, handwritten notes, telephone messages or walking down the hall is a recipe for disaster. A web-based tasking app, preferably linked to your document management system, allows the back office support to inspect what they expect:

Recurring tasks done on time and accurate load leveling of resources
Audit trail of work
Set up, review, make notes, share information and complete tasks while maintaining the relationship with the client

MORE: Find the Best Tech for Your Team and Clients | Choose Your Little Black Dress of Technology | Pick Your Favorite Clients | Keep the Accountants Focused on Accounting | What Do You Want Advisory Services to Be?
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Tasking applications come on the market regularly and there are a few that are specific to the accounting industry. They can run the gamut in price ranges and capabilities. From Advance Flow to 17 Hats, a firm large to small can find one that will work and fulfill 80 percent of their needs. Below are some we work with and that get high reviews with our staff:

Posted on December 27, 2022

Penny Breslin

About the Author

Penny Breslin is co-author with Damien Greathead of It's Not Just the Numbers, published by CPA Trendlines.

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Co-author Damien Greathead

She is the founder of MoneyPenny, a consulting firm specializing in helping accounting firms and other businesses embrace the power of technology to simplify their operations and increase their profit margins.

Drawing on her years of experience and her knowledge of what it takes to run a successful business, Penny oversees the development of back-office processes for her client firms. From the initial evaluation of the firm’s workflow to technology selection to assisting in the on-boarding of the firm’s clients, Penny works with her clients to maximize the benefits of a paperless and cloud-based firm. Penny has been recognized by Worldwide Who’s Who for showing dedication, leadership, and excellence in providing quality consulting services to an international clientele made up of CPA firms and other businesses.

Penny holds a Master of Business Administration in Global Management and is a member of the Intuit Pro-Advisor Group. She's also a Xero Certified Advisor, a member of the Wave Pro Network, and a FreshBooks consultant. She has also co-authored the book, “CFO Services for the Accounting Firm: How to Start.” A firm believer in being able to work from anywhere, you’ll often find Penny running her business on the beach after a morning surf session. She’s also an avid supporter of Meals on Wheels and Oxfam.

Damien Greathead is Head of Accountant and Advisor Marketing for Intuit Quickbooks, based in Sydney, NSW, Australia. He's passionate about helping accountants and bookkeepers have a lasting impact on their small business clients. He's worked with hundreds of firms around the world to help evolve their business models for great growth and profitability. He speaks to accountants and bookkeepers on cloud technology, service definition and pricing, and marketing. Prior to joining Intuit, he was head of marketing at Practice Ignition and Vice President of Business Development at Receipt Bank, North America (now Dext). He can be reached on Linkedin

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