From data to decision making, providing high-touch via high-tech

Expect to see the rapid technology changes in the accounting industry continue to accelerate over the next few years. Cloud computing platforms and applications are combining with advanced analytical tools and larger sets of data sources while social and mobile computing continue to reshape our profession.

Notebooks, tablets and smartphones have become the main tools for managing the accounting professional's complex choreography of work and client service processes. These technologies continue to reinvent work and the workplace which means greater flexibility around when, where and how work gets done.

Those of us as progressive accountants interact virtually with clients under a model of "same data, same time" which has gone a long way in eliminating many of the bottlenecks previously associated with PC or server based financial data that was only accessible in one location.

All this high-tech ultimately translates into a much more personal, high-touch client experience in service delivery and satisfaction where trust continues to be the hallmark of the accounting profession.