Top Thirteen Firm Facing Features To Look For In A Practice Management App
A great product isn't just a collection of features. It's how it all works together.
- Tim Cook
::Together With Financial Cents::
Redefining how accounting firms get work done.
The memo has gone out that I love cloud technology and all the consistency, efficiency, and joy it creates in our day. Choosing the right practice management app for your accounting or bookkeeping firm is one of the best cloud apps to implement. But it can be overwhelming.
So here is a list of what I consider the top eleven internal features to look for.
Obviously, there are other features you may want as they relate to the problems you need to solve, but here is a good starter list. They are in alpha order, not order of importance.
One: Client Notes
Document important information unique to each client (vendor notes, personal information to engage clients such as their dogs and kid’s names…)
Robust search
Easy downloads
Two: Custom Fields
Create and manage custom fields for client CRM/database to capture information that is standard for every client (Year End date, entity type, sales tax filing details…) and display on a dashboard
Three: Data downloads
Download client and firm data for redundancy
Four: Email Integration
Template: Use and customize email templates for consistent communication
Create Project: Initiate projects directly from email
Deploy to Projects: Link emails to projects for better tracking
Pin to Projects: Pin important emails to projects
Automate Workflows: Automate email tasks as part of the workflow, such as sending when a workflow task is checked off
Five: Folder Structures
Clone and manage folder structures across different clients for consistent organization
Assign folders across multiple clients at once or add to single clients
Six: Integrations
Integrate with with something like Zapier to connect with a wide range of other apps and services
Connect with external applications for aggregation of data and automation
Seven: Native Automation
Add/Change Tags: Automatically add or change tags based on specific triggers
Deploy Emails: Automate email deployment based on task dependencies
Recur Work: Set up recurring data collection, projects and tasks
Eight: Team Assignments
Assign team members at high levels of an overall project and granularly to tasks
Manage team capacity and assignments efficiently to balance workloads
Nine: Team Chat
Within the Client Card: Chat related to specific client details and interactions
Within a Project: Communicate directly within project spaces
Ten: Time and Billing
Integrated or native invoicing and payments: Set up and manage billing processes for out-of-scope work and recurring payments
Project Time Budgets: Track and manage time budgets for projects
Eleven: Universal Search
Robust search functionality to easily find projects, tasks, and other key data across the platform
This is a feature that is so underrated and under used, not just in practice management apps, but in most of of cloud technology!
Twelve: Workflow Dashboard
Saved Views: Save and quickly access custom views tailored to your needs
Strong Filters: Apply filters to view specific tasks, projects, or data
Thirteen: Workflow Templates
Create, share, and use workflow templates to streamline processes with other users
Along with deciding what features you need and want, ensure you test drive them for UX and UI. If users don’t like the fit and feel of an app, they may not use it well or avoid it altogether, sidelining adoption.
If you need help evaluating what your firm needs and choosing an app, book with me. I love helping folks pick a system that will bring efficiency and joy to their workday.
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Clients know what to expect and have a consistent experience. Team members are clear on what they need to do every step of the way.
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Best practices and app tips & tricks
Financial Cents Workflow Roast
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
2:30 - 3:30 PM
The Workflow Roast is where firms' workflow strategies are reviewed, and solutions are given right on the spot. Join Roman and myself as we take on the challenge of improving a bookkeeping and accounting firm's workflow in real time!
If you've ever wondered how to enhance efficiency and avoid common mistakes in your business processes, this video is for you.
In this live critique, you'll see us break down the firm's current practices, identify areas for improvement, and suggest actionable solutions.
Perfect for bookkeepers, accountants, and business owners looking to refine their workflow and boost productivity.
Simply yours, Kellie :-}
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