Cloud computing and linked payroll systems aren't the only online tools that offer accounting professionals more efficient ways to do business. Unconventional accounting tools that target the growing demand for teamwork in all aspects of business provide finance experts with apps and software that make it easy to work with clients and business partners who aren't au fait with accounting.
Growing companies or small businesses that are looking to invest in online tools for bookkeeping may want to forgo the traditional QuickBooks for the team-centric environment of FreshBooks. With subscriptions starting at around $20 per month, FreshBooks is a solution targeted at accountants and businesses with a bit of Internet knowhow. FreshBooks concentrates on practical accounting applications, such as team and expenses management, rather than the details of technical accounting, but the program remains a functional account solution that allows you to track income and expenses and integrate other online tools into your system. Although FreshBooks strives to deliver accounting information in layman's terms, the underlying financial data is still complex, which means an experienced accountant is probably still required to helm the ship or at least review the financial navigation charts prior to tax season.
Online tools for freelance finance professionals offer different functionality to those built for firms and small businesses. The FreeAgent app allows accountants to manage their clients from anywhere. Its functionality includes profit and loss statements; invoicing; estimates and proposals for work; expense management; and time tracking. The app isn't just for freelance accountants—contractors of all types can use the accounting tools to keep track of their business transactions, and there's an option to share that information with a CPA to improve financial reporting or tax services.
Accountants are likely to be interested in online tools that do more than just track financial data. Finance professionals in any company are part of the overall team, so being able to communicate, schedule appointments, and manage projects online is essential, allowing accountants to develop new ideas, interact with clients, and get work done in the global marketplace. One online solution that may be of interest to enterprising accountants is Mural.ly. Mural.ly is a brainstorming tool that allows you to integrate ideas from numerous sources onto one virtual corkboard. Traditional project leaders may prefer a virtual whiteboard, making FlockDraw the more appropriate app. Marketed as an online painting tool, FlockDraw makes it easy to take notes, share ideas, and represent estimations with quick chart sketches. Online visual brainstorming tools allow your team to think outside the box when they're outside the office.
Online tools are a great way to enhance client accounting services or create more efficient finance teams. From traditional book management to brainstorming and project tools, connected options allow you to break out of the accounting box and improve your business on multiple levels.
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