That applies to all fields and ensures time and money savings by automating increasingly complex tasks.
This digitization of processes has not escaped the attention of specialists in the accounting sector.
Indeed, many firms have decided to shake up their work processes by digitizing their services.
Today, more and more entrepreneurs are using online accounting firms or accounting management software.
But why all the hype?
Online accounting software has been around for over 10 years. It allows entrepreneurs to handle their own accounting (data entry, balance sheets, etc.) in an automated way.
However, this generally does not allow them to have sound advice on their company's situation.
For more specific advice and accounting support, entrepreneurs often turn to an online accountant.
That's right, chartered accountants act as business advisors. And it's not just about accounting tasks.
Firms can provide administrative or technical services in the legal, social, strategic or tax fields.
And since the Macron Law of 2015, interprofessional gateways have allowed for synergies between accountants, lawyers, and strategy consultants.
Online tools (personal space, blog, invoicing tools, etc.) are also made available to the entrepreneur. This allows them to have a complete overview of their accounting at a glance.
The term "human digital firm" might sound like a total oxymoron.
However, digital and human go really well together. That's what we call "phygital."
Indeed, to choose a good online accounting firm, these two conditions must be met.
By saving time on time-consuming tasks (like entering, checking, and archiving documents) through automation, a digital accountant can focus more on their clients' issues.
Indeed, remote communication, although dematerialized, remains the foundation of the relationship between the client and their service provider.
The expert should be reachable by email, phone, video conference, or through a communication platform via the client's online space.
No need to prepare your questions a month in advance and make an appointment with your accountant in their office anymore.
Thanks to online solutions, your questions will be answered within a maximum of 48 hours.
Finally, some firms may offer you packages of advice combining accounting, law and strategy.
This is particularly the case for the online accounting firm WITY, which has taken full advantage of the Macron Law to become a multi-sector firm.
Thanks to online tools, entrepreneurs can track all their company's activity in just a few clicks.
That's right, nowadays, entrepreneurs can access charts and tables showing their business accounts directly from their online customer portal.
They can easily track their account activity, categorize transactions, and securely attach invoices and other accounting documents.
These tools are so simple, they really save entrepreneurs time.
The documents are submitted in record time and directly entered into the accounting system.
Entrepreneurs can then make quick decisions based on a real view of their accounting situation.
Just because you're using an online firm doesn't mean you can ignore the paperwork.
Nevertheless, if the entrepreneur uploads their documents to their personal space when creating their company or joining the firm, all their data and documents will be stored online.
The entrepreneur won't lose anything and can easily find any specific document.
In addition, online accounting firms guarantee data security on their platforms by encrypting information.
However, on the internet, it's not uncommon to find providers illegally offering accounting services without the necessary qualifications or registration with the Order of Chartered Accountants.
The entrepreneur should check that the firm is registered with the Order of Chartered Accountants.
Don't forget: By being registered with the Order of Chartered Accountants, the online firm is subject to professional secrecy and the same obligations as traditional accounting firms.
Entrepreneurs are drawn to online accounting for reasons like saving time, simplifying processes, increased responsiveness, data security, and easy communication with their accountant.
It is possible to add the low cost but it will depend on the level of complexity of the entrepreneur's accounting.
Don't forget that a chartered accountant is a specialist and doesn't just handle data entry.
This can be considered the company's 'doctor'.
Finally, they personally take on the responsibility of signing off the company's annual accounts.
If they save time so you can focus more on your business, and if they listen and give good advice, then what price are you willing to pay?
Written by our expert La Rédaction
June 18, 2018
