Keeping up with the Joneses in the Robotic Age

Information overload, lack of good information, and not finding time to sort through the garbage are frequent complaints I hear from accountants. However, it is imperative for firm growth and streamlining to know what the technology ecosystem has to offer. It can provide a competitive advantage in the short-term, and allow your firm to thrive in the long-term. Understanding and using efficient applications will become a requirement from clients in the near future. So how are we to keep up with the ever-changing environment?

Here are four practical suggestions to help you navigate the accelerated rate of change, have quality information, and become Mr./Ms. Jones in the know about new technology.

Tip 1: Podcasts.

Finding the time to read additional resources can be difficult, so podcasts are a great way to fill in. I listen to podcasts in the car, the shower, the gym, on planes, and everywhere I am alone and capable of absorbing information audibly. The benefits of podcasts are the timely information. They are able to react and produce content quickly to be the first to report on major updates in technology in the industry.

Recommendations:

  • AICPA Journal of Accountancy Technology Roundtable (hosted by Jeff Drews)
  • Cloud Accounting Podcast (hosted by David Leary and Blake Oliver)
  • Growing Your Firm (hosted by Jetpack Workflow)
  • Beyond the Cloud (hosted by Jay Kimelman)

Tip 2: Social Media Groups.

Join Facebook and LinkedIn groups that are focused on accounting technology. You will see posts come up about diverse new tools that could help with your practice. It is always beneficial to get to know what the community is doing with the technology, how they are implementing it, and what problems they are solving. I find social media groups a fantastic place to get practical tid-bits on best practices with technology utilization. Join the user groups for the software that you already use to learn about integrations and have a place to ask questions.

Recommendations:

  • Xero Facebook/LinkedIn users group (if you use the platform)
  • WorkFlow WateringHole

Tip 3: YouTube Shows.

YouTube has content for everyone, not just for the kids watching other kids play with toys (yes this is a real thing). When approaching the vast sea of YouTube, look for experts in the industry. Follow the channels of people that are technology forward and proven pioneers in the industry. You can have these shows play when you are taking a break from work or need a moment outside of the spreadsheets.

Recommendations:

  • Heather Smith’s YouTube Channel
  • Catching Clouds Academy (hosted by Patti Scharf – focused on ecommerce)
  • Zapier YouTube Channel

Tip 4: Conferences.

We all attend conferences to get our CPE. However, many people pick tracks at conferences that are aligned directly with what they are already doing, or already have a knowledge base in. I would challenge you to attend a conference and pick sessions completely outside your wheelhouse. Or go to a technology industry conference and be on the expo floor to learn about emerging technology. Conference organizers have done a fantastic job of finding the speakers with real world experience that can relay that information to the rest of us. It is also incredibly valuable to network with the speakers and ask questions that you need answered.

Recommendations:

  • AICPA ENGAGE (try attending the Prac-tech sessions)
  • Xerocon (you would be amazed at the amazing technology partners that come to exposition their software at this event)

To stay relevant in the ever-changing technology of our industry it is important to start with something. It takes 66 days to form a habit. Introduce one of these tips into your daily routine and make a point of following through for two months. You will gain in depth insight into the technology available in accounting today, and create a habit to stay relevant into the future.

Liz Mason is the co-founder and CEO of High Rock Accounting, a technology company, born in the cloud, that happens to do accounting. They focus on implementing next-level technology solutions, while providing services from CFO level down to basic accounting. Liz is also a writer, coach, entrepreneur and a National Xero Ambassador. When not in Phoenix, you can find her traveling the world, enjoying other cultures and planning world domination.