Technology As a Tool

Technology As a Tool for Recruiting and Retaining Staff

John F Heveron Jr. CPA Practice Management Forum. Riverwoods: Dec 2007. Vol. 3, Iss. 12; pg. 12, 2 pgs

Abstract (Summary)
At Heveron and Heveron, CPAs, P.C., the firm has created an environment that requires strong IT skills and adaptability to the continuous changes that occur as each new method evolves. The firm uses data mining software and other tools to improve the quality and efficiency of their audits. It uses Groove collaboration software, a secure file and information sharing tool, which allows Heveron to share information and work together on tools and documents. Staff at Heveron & Heveron, CPAs get continuous training - much of it in-house - through its objectives-focused University of Continuous Professional Advancement. Clients appreciate the extensive use of technology because it allows the firm to perform more thorough, less intrusive audits using their automated tools.

Keeping up with new information technology (IT) is a good way to recruit and retain staff. At Heveron and Heveron, CPAs, P.C., the firm has created an environment that requires strong IT skills and adaptability to the continuous changes that occur as each new method evolves. Managing partner John Heveron, Jr., is quick to tell you that he doesn't think he could even get an interview with his firm these days.

According to John, "What our environment does is attract the right people, show respect for their time, give them continuous opportunities to learn and grow and convince them that it would be a step back to go somewhere else. These circumstances don't work for everyone, but the people who like this type of workplace are the kind of people we want to keep around."

IT is part of firm's core philosophy

Some facts about Heveron and Heveron:

* Total staff of 14, including four partners

* Very strong audit practice; over 65% is audit and attest work, most of which is focused in the affordable housing and nonprofit industries

* Paper-free audits for eight years; has even been asked to beta test some products

The firm also uses data mining software and other tools to improve the quality and efficiency of their audits. There is less paper in its library thanks to the availability of excellent online research and forms services. Staff set up their online services to receive e-mail notifications about their specific area of interest, such as not-for-profit taxation.

As a member of the INPACT America's association of CPA firms, the firm uses Groove(TM) collaboration software, a secure file and information sharing tool, which allows Heveron to share information and work together on tools and documents. Microsoft acquired Groove and has included it in the Office 2007 suite.

Some of the other technologies used by the firm include wired and wireless networking in the field, voice input and computer telephony. The latter tool allows everyone in the firm to instantly see the status of everyone in the office and to track all incoming and outgoing calls for billing and follow-up. The firm also makes extensive use of terminal server, which allows the several staff members with young families to be home for dinner throughout the busy season but keep up with the busy season workload.

Focus on continuous training

Staff at Heveron & Heveron, CPAs get continuous training-much of it in-house-through its objectives-focused "University of Continuous Professional Advancement" (UCPA). Individual training plans start with a review process called preview because it focuses on what each team member will be doing over the coming year and what training, tools and mentoring they need to achieve their preview goals. There is core education for new staff about the industries served by the firm and the technologies they use, as well. More individualized programs are available based on staff needs and desires. Heveron is licensed by the Department of Education as a continuing professional education provider, and they take that responsibility seriously. It allows the firm to use a combination of video, text, online and conference training to get the most appropriate education for each team member. While most of the training is technical, there also is also training in communications-an essential skill for auditors.

Happy staff means happy clients

Happy staff means happy clients, and Heveron's business has been really good. Clients appreciate the extensive use of technology because it allows the firm to perform more thorough, less intrusive audits using their automated tools.

Technology has always been a priority. Back when John, Jr. worked with his dad, John Heveron, Sr., CPA there were computers, essentially bookkeeping machines, and then one of the first IBM PC's available in Rochester. The firms technological proficiency was apparent early on. John, Jr. loves to tell the story of a banker who introduced him to a client simply because he thought they would get along well because each owned a PC! John and his client remain close friends to this day.

The firm doesn't automatically adopt every new technology that comes along. Instead, they go through a process that challenges each one and evaluates how it can help the firm before investing in upgrades.

John Heveron and his partners Michael Desmond, Stephanie Annunziata and Brenda Smith, make a commitment to every person that they hire that they will learn something new every day. They've never been accused of breaking that promise. More importantly, they have been able to put together and retain an extraordinarily strong team.