Virtual accountants leverage technology and innovation to offer businesses efficient, flexible and cost-effective financial management solutions. The benefits of working with a virtual accountant are numerous, but there are challenges as well such as cybersecurity risks and more opportunities for miscommunication. However, there are things you and your virtual accountant can do to minimize these risks to create a secure and effective solution to your financial management and bookkeeping needs.
Tips Working with a Remote Accountant
Minimize security risks and improve effectiveness by following these best practice tips for working with a remote accountant.
Establish Clear Communication
In order to have a positive and beneficial partnership between you and your virtual accountant, clear communication is essential. Establishing clear channels and preferred methods, as well as setting expectations for availability and response times will set you up for effective and efficient communication.
Define Roles & Responsibilities
It’s important to understand the scope of services and specific tasks your accountant is providing. Clearly defined roles, deliverables, timelines and service levels ensure your expectations are reasonable and allow you to determine if they are being met.
Make Sure They Offer Training & Support
You shouldn’t be left to figure things out on your own. Whether you are new to virtual accounting or not, a good accountant will make sure you are comfortable using the software and document management system. They should provide training and support, answer your questions and address your concerns.
Don’t Share More than You Need
Your accountant is collecting and storing sensitive financial information. And while it’s important to be transparent, you should never give them more than what is needed for them to do their job. Your accountant should be able to tell you exactly why they need each piece of information they collect, how it will be stored, and the strategies they use to keep your data safe.
Choose a Reputable Accounting Firm
A lot of risk can be mitigated simply by working with a reputable firm that implements robust security features and offers high-quality accounting services. Look for a virtual accountant that utilizes software that’s known for its security features like QuickBooks or Xero, restricts access to sensitive data, uses encryption and enables multi-factor authentication.
Get Started with a Remote Accountant
Arsenault CPA Firm specializes in outsourced accounting for small to medium-sized businesses. We offer a full range of virtual accounting, bookkeeping and tax services utilizing cloud-based accounting software and a secure online client portal. We ensure accurate and compliant books, offer robust security and provide the support and tools you need to grow your business. Contact us today for a free consultation.