How CPA Firms Can Navigate Remote Staffing Challenges

BY RAYANA BARNES, QUICKFEE

The traditional 9-to-5 work structure is on its way out for nearly every industry, including accounting. Many accounting professionals no longer see themselves thriving in a physical office environment, which means that firms that don’t offer remote work could lose out on top talent.

Aside from cutting down on overhead costs, offering permanent remote work (or even hybrid work) also can lead to better retention. A recent ConvergenceCoaching study found that 81 percent of firms surveyed expect to have an increase or a significant increase in the number of people working remotely post-pandemic.

Shifting from pandemic-necessary to post-pandemic work policies requires a change in mindset for accounting firms: remote work is about more than just avoiding COVID. Firms should be looking to get ahead of this digital transformation now to improve efficiency, client relationships and employee retention in the long run.

REMOTE WORK DEMANDS

Building a flexible work structure can be a great first step to retaining talent. Remote options are a major benefit to team members who have concerns about commuting, healthcare needs, limited childcare alternatives and more.

However, many CPA firms are still not ready to offer these options. The same ConvergenceCoaching study also found that only 47 percent of participating CPA firms had a structured program for remote/ flextime work.

The Great Resignation is one major consequence of employers refusing to offer any type of remote work. Professionals who had the chance to work remotely to avoid COVID, and then found the perfect work-life balance, are more likely to seek out employers that will accommodate their needs.

A recent Catalyst work-from-home study found that 76 percent of employees say they want their company to make work permanently flexible in terms of things like schedule and/or location. The study also uncovered that roughly two in five employees are considering quitting their job because their company or manager has not cared about their concerns during the pandemic.

For most accounting firms, geographic tax laws must be taken into consideration. Even so, it’s still worthwhile for firms to take careful stock of their client lists and service offerings before restricting employees to in-office work. Prioritizing talent means offering at least some flexibility, if not full remote work.

SUCCESSFUL FOR EVERYONE

It's not just about flexibility — remote options can help your team members thrive professionally and personally.

Creating hybrid or fully remote environments can result in reduced facility costs, more-efficient collaboration and a range of global talent options. For remote work success, management teams should focus on better communication and digital policy enforcement.

General tips for successful remote work include the following:

> Enable flexible communications

> Automate workflows y Encourage punctuality y Strengthen IT security practices and resources

> Allow 24/7 feedback

> Implement cloud-based software solutions for collaboration

Even before the pandemic, businesses often achieved successful remote work environments. They accomplished this by having efficient work-from-home policies and practices and taking advantage of automation wherever possible.

AUTOMATION HELPS YOUR TALENT THRIVE, TOO

Automation accelerates business practices by reducing manual tasks. For firms with remote and hybrid work environments, automation is now standard practice for operations.

There are many business areas where automation can help staff focus on work they enjoy instead of more tedious, time-consuming tasks. For example, the collections process for client payments has traditionally been conducted via mail, phone calls, paper checks and in-person transactions. But with more-efficient digital processes, CPA staff can now process payments from clients without any physical contact.

By exploring automated solutions that can support remote work structures, CPA firms don’t have to compromise on accounting talent. Even more importantly, firms will be better prepared to compete in tomorrow’s accounting marketplace.

Rayana Barnes is an experienced copywriter and content contributor to organizations like QuickFee.

QuickFee is an NJCPA member benefit provider offering digital payments and financing for CPA firms and other professional services businesses. Learn more at njcpa.org/benefits.