Online accountant has started to gain popularity recently due to the pandemic that has pushed the advancement of technology. Like it or not, online accountants are starting to replace traditional accountants, as in most cases, outsourcing provides more value than the traditional method of hiring in-house accountants.
Of course, not all online accountants provide the same value, which is why hiring a reputable and trustable online accountant such as Accounted For is very essential in achieving business efficiency.
What Is An Online Accountant?
Online accountants are accountants that are based online, meaning there will be no accountants running around your office. A proper online accountant is obligated to provide you with services that can competitively match any local accounting firm, or even better.
With online accounting, you will be able to access your financials in real time as you are able to see the changes made remotely. You will usually be asked to download an app or software on your devices that allows you to access your accounts. You’ll need not worry about lacking of support as most of these accounting firms provide 24-7 helplines.
One big advantage you’ll benefit from is the tech savvy-ness of online accountants as they are very familiar with technologies, helping your business to benefit from technologies such as accounting software.
Benefits of Getting An Online Accountant
One of the biggest questions is this – Am I getting the same professionalism from an online accountant just like any traditional accountant? The answer is yes, but let us dive deeper into knowing why.
Response Rate
So, does getting an online accountant means more ghosting issues? Well, fortunately, it’s the opposite. Most online accounting firms provide unlimited communications via various means such as video calls, phone, email and many more. Some committed firms even offer 24/7 communication!
Education
Online accounting firms undoubtedly use many different types of software that might confuse business owners. However, to mitigate this issue, most online accounting firms will take the initiative to educate their clients on various matters. These accounting firms will usually provide a database for their clients to gain access to educational materials.
Fee Structure
Online accountants are very aware of the competition between traditional and online accounting, which is why online accounting firms are taking initiative to present themselves as superior apart from traditional accountants.
To do so, online accountants are more transparent in terms of their fee structure. As a firm that is going digital, earning the client’s trust is very important, which is why showing what you are charging is a good way to earn the trust.
Looking For The Best Online Accountant
Finding a good online accountant is tricky as different online accounting firms have different specialities. However, there are a few basic facts you should look out for when looking for an online accounting firm:
Credentials
You might have heard this a thousand times, but we cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting an accredited online accountancy firm. No matter if it’s an online or a traditional accounting firm, they should be accredited by the ICAEW (Institute Of Chartered Accountants In England And Wales).
Have A Talk Before Committing
Every accounting firm has different communication styles, which is why you should have some sort of interaction with the firm before fully committing. Get to know the person in charge personally and have some understanding regarding how the firm works, then you’ll know if the accounting firm suits your business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we believe getting an online accountant is definitely more advantageous than getting a traditional accountant, as online accounting firms are putting more effort in gaining a competitive advantage. Overall, as the technology landscape advances, we believe getting an online accountant will do you more good than harm.