The benefits of RPA

Robotic process automation can reduce staffing costs related to repetitive, lower-level jobs while also freeing up time for staff to devote to more rewarding work, potentially reducing turnover, says Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA.

What RPA is and how it works

Robotic process automation is like an Excel macro that can work on multiple applications, says Danielle Supkis Cheek, CPA. RPA can complete routine, repetitive tasks such as data entry, freeing up employee time from lower-level chores.

CPAs discuss hot topics in financial planning, tax, and technology

Five CPA financial planners discuss hot topics in personal financial planning, tax, and firm practice management.

5G will open doors to driverless cars

The speed of new 5G technology will allow for enhanced communication with environmental beacons, providing exponentially more data to feed machine learning and real-time decision-making, says David Cieslak, CPA/CITP, CGMA.

Quantum may bring unhackable cryptography

David Cieslak, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president and chief cloud officer, RKL eSolutions, explains how quantum computing will create vector-based cryptography, a system even hackers can’t penetrate.

Quantum leap coming for computing power

Qubits, which are the fundamental units of quantum information, have special properties that help them solve complex problems much faster than classical binary bits.

Artificial intelligence covers a broad spectrum

Robotics, deep learning, and machine learning fall under the AI umbrella, says David Cieslak, CPA/CITP, CGMA, executive vice president and chief cloud officer, RKL eSolutions.

Bitcoin too slow to be long-term currency option

Bitcoin is the big name in cryptocurrencies today, but its relatively sloth-like transaction rate means that it can’t scale up to replace major currencies such as the dollar, says David Cieslak, CPA/CITP, CGMA.

For some risks, ROI doesn’t measure up

Investing in certain emerging technologies may never provide a quantified return on investment, but they are risks you can’t afford not to take, according to Ed Kless, senior director of partner development and strategy at Sage Accountant Solutions.

Better word choice may help accountants ask deeper questions

Accountants who hone the skill of careful questioning will better serve their clients’ needs, according to Ed Kless, senior director of partner development and strategy, Sage Accountant Solutions.

Signs of a bad workplace culture

Wesley Middleton, CPA, managing partner (Houston) for Baker Tilly, explains how bad culture leads to employee turnover and dissatisfaction. Eventually profitability suffers, too.

Encourage employees to take time off

An open paid-time-off policy benefits employees who use it. Firm leaders must encourage and celebrate staff who take vacations, says Wesley Middleton, CPA, managing partner (Houston) for Baker Tilly.

5 P’s that define workplace culture

Wesley Middleton, CPA, managing partner (Houston) for Baker Tilly discusses ways people, place, passion, purpose, and practices define a great workplace culture.

How success relies on workplace culture

In a profession with high turnover, a positive workplace culture can lead to good employee retention and ultimately a great client experience, says Wesley Middleton, CPA, managing partner (Houston) for Baker Tilly.

Keys to writing a great job description

Sarah Dobek, president and founder of Inovautus Consulting, identifies three criteria to consider when writing a great job description, including innovative ways to tell your firm’s story.

Define, then hire your ideal employee

Successful hiring includes defining your ideal employee and communicating why your firm is a great place to work, says Sarah Dobek, president and founder of Inovautus Consulting.

Creative thinking leads to hiring success

Hiring managers must be proactive and consider creative hiring practices to attract top talent, says Sarah Dobek, president and founder of Inovautus Consulting.

3 keys to productivity

Kevin Gienger, CPA, managing partner at Boldt Carlisle + Smith, offers strategies for working less and accomplishing more.

Focus time spells freedom from distractions

Using focus time to escape from interruptions, email, and phone calls leads to greater productivity and allows busy managers to tackle projects and solve problems without distractions.

Easy tools for time management

Careful planning and scheduling time for crucial work functions are key to time management, says Kevin Gienger, managing partner at Boldt Carlisle + Smith in Salem, Ore.