Roman H. Kepczyk, Author at CPA Trendlines

Why Daily T/E Entry Matters

How about better cash collection?

By Roman H. Kepczyk

Studies done over the past two decades have clearly shown that there is a significant improvement in realization for firms that enter, release and post time and expenses on a daily basis. This process allows for daily or “hotel”-type billing that is sent out with the completion of each billable project.

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The next step in the evolution of time and billing systems provided real-time dashboards to report on firm activities and effectively allow firms to generate invoices. This can work only if all time and expenses for all personnel are captured within the system. While most firms have a daily time entry “policy,” the biggest abusers of the policy are often owners and managers, so it is about time for them to get on board and use the system.
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The Case for Digital Auditing

It’s time for some outside help.

By Roman H. Kepczyk

Traditional audit practices use the previous year’s audit programs and processes updated for the current year as their standard operating plan. Eventually this can lead to a significant amount of “overauditing.” Breaking this habit is difficult as every level of staff has been trained in the manual processes and falls back on them when deadlines approach.

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Many firms have rightfully transitioned to digital “document container” applications such as CaseWare, WoltersKluwer/CCH Engagement and Thomson Reuters Engagement CS. Not all of these firms have changed their approach to reviewing progress on the audit and the financial reporting on a computer screen in a digital format.
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Pandemic Highlights Value of Digital Files

CPE and training needs are evolving.

By Roman Kepczyk

Last year’s extension to July 15 made for a very drawn-out busy season but did allow firms to shift resources to assist clients with PPP loans and other compliance. Second, the move to remote/cloud was forced rapidly and pointed out the advantage of firms already utilizing cloud vendors and hosting providers as their transition was seamless.

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Third, the difficulty and caution in physically meeting firm members and clients face to face forced adoption of virtual solutions such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams and pointed out the value of having a digital workflow tool as well as the importance of having all files in a digital format accessible remotely.
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What Your Auditors Need in the Field

TWAIN compliance dictates some choices.

By Roman H. Kepczyk

The advent of today’s audit “document container” applications has transitioned every aspect of audit production into a digital format. The key to successfully using these engagement applications is to make sure your personnel have the optimal equipment with them to work digitally.

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This includes

multiple monitors,
image capture equipment and
remote communications capabilities.

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The Value of Firm Procedures Manuals

Where does the most potential benefit lie?

By Roman H. Kepczyk

Every firm has accountants who are 10 percent, 20 percent or even 50 percent more productive in their departments than other personnel because they have simply “figured it out.”

MORE: Teach Your Clients to Send Info Digitally | Why You Want a Digital Tax Workflow System | Why Digital Communications Matter | The Right Tech Tools for COVID Work-from-Home | It’s 10 p.m. Do You Know Where Your Backups Are? | The Best Scanners to Buy Today
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Unfortunately, when these people leave the firm, their unique knowledge of specific processes and shortcuts goes with them. It is the responsibility of firms to capture these individuals’ best practices so that that specific knowledge can be shared and accessed by all firm members both now and in the future. This can be accomplished by making a concerted effort to develop a best practices manual within each department.
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Roman H. Kepczyk

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Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA, serves as Director of Firm Technology Strategy for Right Networks, helping firms throughout North America effectively use information technology and accounting applications by optimizing their tax, audit, and administrative production workflows.

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He is a contributing author to
Bridging the Gap: Strengthening the Connection between Current and Emerging Leaders in the CPA Profession

He has spent the past 20 years consulting exclusively with CPA firms and prior to that, 10 years with the CPA firm of Henry & Horne, Arizona’s largest regional firm, where he was the partner in charge of the firm’s Management Advisory Services and PC Consulting practices. Roman also served as the firm’s administrative partner where he oversaw internal accounting, marketing, human resources, and was responsible for the creation and implementation of the firm’s technology plan and budget. He is a former member of the AICPA PCPS Executive Committee and a former Chairman of the AICPA’s Information Technology Executive Committee. He has served as a member of other AICPA initiatives, including the Special Committee on Enhanced Business Reporting, eBusiness Task Force, IT Best Practices, IT Research, IT Practices Committees, and Group of 100 projects. In addition, he is a former Chairman of the AICPA Top Technologies Task Force. Roman was named by INSIDE Public Accounting as one of the profession’s Most Recommended Consultants for each of the years from 2004 through 2014, CPA Practice Advisors Top 25 Thought Leaders for 2011 through 2015, and Accounting Today’s Most Influential People for the years 2000 through 2005, 2011, 2013 and 2014. Roman is also an Advisory Board Member to the Association for Accounting Administration and has served on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Society of CPAs. On a technical level, Roman is an AICPA Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSS BB). He authored technology chapters for the PPC MAP Handbook, PPC Guide to Paperless Engagements, and sections of the AICPA MAP Handbook.

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