Top 7 Issues Accountants Face

Top 7 Issues Accountants Face 2020

The biggest issues accountants face will range individually of course, but much of it will involve technology and growing competition. Let’s look at some of these challenges. 

IT Literacy

The role of an accountant is growing more technical. So much so that job security will likely depend on how adaptable they are to cloud technology. Now more than ever, cloud-based accounting systems are being used both in the office and remotely. Finances are going fully digital. One of the biggest challenges accountants face is being able to use cloud accounting software and operate efficiently in a cloud environment. The importance of storing and analyzing financial data from multiple business applications is also playing an increased role. Defining which business tools need to communicate to the accounting solution and what data needs to be monitored is critical for a complete financial picture of the business.  

Automation

Related to technology, automated is going to be a challenge for accountants, but not in a way that will eliminate their profession. Automation and even AI will not replace but actually enhance the accountant’s role if they can successfully deploy and use these tools. One of the big challenges for financial experts in 2020 is being able to harness more automated functions to enhance the value of accounting processes. 

Client Relations 

Competition is always a challenge for financial experts, whether they’re solo Certified Public Accountants (CPA)s or accounting firms. With companies’ resources stretched following the business setbacks of COVID-19, they need accurate accounting insight and a smooth experience. Developing customer loyalty based on positive client experience is critical. Not only will this help accountants provide better, more effective service, it also strengthens the customer bonds. To overcome this, accountants will need accounting features that improve customer experience. 

New Skill Requirements 

In addition to new technology requirements and pure accounting knowledge, accountants are facing a much more interconnected world. This means wearing multiple hats to understand how the financial picture is drawn. Specifically, this means becoming more adept in understanding business requirements, processes, and even customer behavior. Today the accountant is less about bookkeeping and more about data analytics. 

In an uncertain economy, businesses need accurate, informed financial insight to save money and make the best decisions possible. Economic forecasting, financial analysis, and cash flow projection proficiency are critical skills to have now. The more proficient accountants are in these skills, the more valuable they become. Additionally, creating dynamic financial and business reports that answer exactly what the company needs to achieve criticaliticalticaltis esis is esiiis isntiallssential.

Tax Rule Changes

A constant challenge for accountants is keeping up with tax regulations. All accountants and CPAs should be mindful of changes and be able to use accounting technology and tax management systems to handle taxes online. Digital tax requirements like the UK’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) are growing across the world. Therefore, accountants need to be familiar with the tech and strategies involved. Being able to recommend IT solutions around tax filing and complaints are also a great way to get ahead of the competition. 

Competition 

Accountants face competition within the accounting industry. Accounting departments in companies seem to be shrinking in favor of external accounting services. Many accounting agencies also concentrate on specialized accounting skills like financial analytics and nonprofit accounting. This means accountants should focus on their accounting specialties while simultaneously expanding their technology skills to make them more desirable to employers. Being able to function remotely or within a team setting gives accountants more opportunities. 

IT Security

Internal and external accounting system threats were very prominent in 2020. Significant hacking and fraud incidents have been steadily increasing, with spikes this year as workforces shift more to the Cloud in the face of COVID-19. For accountants, the challenge is implementing processes and tools to protect data. Remember, accounting errors and data theft have caused many businesses to fail. However, while these digital challenges remain, the advantage for accountants is in knowing the features and internal controls needed to protect financial data. 

 

Get Ahead With The Right Accounting Platform 

Whether you’re an individual accountant or accounting firm, you will thrive or struggle based on your accounting system. When you search for a solution, really consider how it will let you collect, visualize, and analyze financial data. Your plan should help them do your job without skipping a beat and be flexible to help your function and draw financial insight however you need. Here are a few key considerations when looking for the best accounting system for accountants to utilize.

• Does the system provide an audit trail function to track specific information?
• Is the accounting platform easy to use and adaptable to business needs?
• How efficient are accounting processes? 
• What’s the level of automation? 
• How flexible and robust are the reporting features?
• Are there security features that fully protect the data? 

Accounting Seed checks the box for each of these questions and more. We are an accounting solution built by and designed for accountants. Our system is geared to help you improve workflow, expense management, and decision-making while keeping your data fully secure. Get ahead with automation and features to help you tailor and maximize the customer experience. 

Credit: AccountingSeed