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How To Improve Your Firm’s Accounting Processes & Procedures

By jetpack workflow | Updated on Dec 28, 2023 | 8 minutes
how to improve accounting process and procedures

Accounting is a field of repetition. Though there are often one-time events, most accounting procedures are repeated regularly—whether monthly, quarterly or annually. 

The problem is that it’s easy to create inefficient processes because “that’s how you’ve always done it.” Taking the time to improve how your team operates might be just as important as what your team actually does.

We’ve compiled some top tips to help you and your employees streamline your accounting processes and work more efficiently.

1. Automate your accounting processes

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to automate your clients’ accounting systems. You should set up their accounts to download transactions directly from their financial institutions to minimize data entry. QuickBooks Online and other popular accounting software allow you to import statements directly along with transaction data.

If you can’t automatically import transactions or required statements, you should request that your clients allow you read-only access to their financial accounts. Doing so will allow you to receive their statements without having to hound them each month. It also means you can complete the work on your schedule instead of scrambling if a customer gets you information later in the month.

Note that automating the import of transactions requires your team to review and ensure the transactions are correctly categorized. 

2. Automate your workflow management

Accounting tasks tend to occur on a recurring basis. Knowing who on your accounting team is responsible for handling different aspects of your client engagements and being able to track the status of those tasks is key to managing your team and keeping your clients happy. 

A workflow management system, like Jetpack Workflow, allows you to create reusable templates for client workflows and recurring tasks. These tasks can be assigned to different team members, and you can monitor process completion. 

Jetpack Workflow Dashboard

Jetpack Workflow was designed with accountants in mind and contains predefined templates for common accounting tasks.

If you’re not quite ready to check out Jetpack Workflow, access our collection of 32 customizable accounting workflow templates and checklists here. This free resource includes a ton of the most popular accounting templates including monthly bookkeeping, weekly accounting analysis, client onboarding procedures, and common tax return forms.

3. Review your financial records regularly

Along with reconciling your clients’ financial accounts regularly, you should also review their financial statements. Comparative balance sheets and profit and loss statements can identify accounts that need to be updated. 

Additionally, you should meet with your clients regularly to verify that you have received all necessary information and that they are aware of their financial results for the year. This allows them to work with their tax professional to avoid unexpected balances on tax day.

4. Hire additional resources

Accounting is a very cyclical job, regardless of the type of accounting you do. For bookkeepers, the beginning of the month is often the busiest time as statements start rolling in. For tax accountants, spring is the busiest time of the year.

Though it’s tempting to run with a skeleton crew during the slower periods, hiring additional staff can make the busy periods more manageable. 

If you can’t swing extra staff during the slower periods, you should consider hiring and onboarding new staff a month or two before you need them to ensure they can hit the ground running when the onslaught starts.

5. Evaluate your software

One area that often needs regular evaluation is your accounting software and accompanying digital tools. As your business grows, your needs will change, and new features may become available that can save you time and money. 

Your tech stack is one of those things that either creates amazing leverage in your business, or it’s the cause of many inefficiencies. It’s extremely common to outgrow your tools, so regularly evaluate your software with your team to make sure it’s still the best fit for your business. 

Since your team uses the tools every day, they’ll have the best feedback in terms of what’s missing from each and which features would help them work better. Use those findings to evaluate your options and make the switch to something new if needed.

6. Stay organized

As an accounting firm, efficiency is key. You need to be able to keep track of all your clients’ financial information and have it readily available at a moment’s notice. This is why staying organized is so important. When everything is in its place, you can quickly find what you’re looking for and get back to work. 

Additionally, staying organized ensures that you don’t miss any important details. It might seem like a lot of work to keep everything in order, however it’s worth it when it comes to running a successful accounting firm.

7. Stay up-to-date with client books

It may go without saying, but one of the most important aspects of working efficiently is keeping your clients’ books up-to-date. The longer you wait to reconcile bank statements or ask for backup documentation, the harder it is for your client to locate the necessary paperwork and financial data or answer questions about a transaction.

Staying up-to-date means regularly reviewing and updating your clients’ financial records, bookkeeping methods, and tax reporting requirements. Doing so will help you avoid potential problems down the road and keep their finances in good order. Plus, you won’t have an end-of-year rush to clean up the books before tax returns are due.

8. Build in research time

Many accounting firms spend a lot of time on research. They want to be sure that they are using the most efficient processes and that they are up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. This research can save the firm time and money in the long run. By being proactive and constantly learning, firms can avoid potential problems in the future. 

In addition, research can help firms identify new opportunities for growth. By keeping up with the latest trends, firms can position themselves to take advantage of new markets or services. Ultimately, research is a good use of time for accounting firms because it can help them avoid problems, identify new opportunities, and improve their overall efficiency.

9. Identity bottlenecks

Before you can identify bottlenecks in your accounting processes, you need to understand how those processes work. To identify bottlenecks, you’ll need to take a close look at each step in your accounting processes and ask yourself whether there are any potential delays. 

For example, do you need to collect invoices from multiple departments before you can input the data into your financial system? Do you have to wait for approval from upper management before you can issue payments? 

By identifying potential bottlenecks, you can start to look for ways to streamline your accounting processes and improve efficiency.

10. Limit reporting to only include useful reports

Over time, the number of reports required by clients can expand. Once a report is run, it often gets added to the regular reporting. However, any reporting packets produced for clients should be regularly evaluated to determine whether the reporting is still appropriate and still being used by the client.

If the reports are no longer relevant, you can omit them and clean things up. 

11. Outsource work that isn’t in your wheelhouse

Sometimes you can save money by hiring an expert to do certain projects. 

For example, if you are a tax accountant but only produce 1-2 estate tax returns each year, the process may take you longer than an expert in the area would take. When you calculate your hourly rate against the expert’s cost, you may find that you save money by spending money.

You will free up your time to work on client projects that you can do efficiently and effectively. 

12. Stay up to date on tax law changes

Tax laws are constantly changing, so staying current on the latest developments is essential. Keeping abreast will ensure your clients are compliant with the law and not overpaying or underpaying their taxes. 

In recent years, small businesses have had several grant and loan opportunities. Each business needs to monitor its eligibility and ensure they are meeting applicable deadlines for claiming credits or securing funding. Accounting professionals are often responsible for walking clients through these processes.

Along with federal programs, many states have made short- and long-term changes to their tax codes to assist small businesses during the pandemic. For example, California waived the first-year tax on new LLCs for 2021 and 2022 to encourage new businesses within the state.

Though most accounting professionals are on mailing lists that give frequent updates on changes to laws, larger firms may want to designate one or two people to be responsible for informing the firm of changes and providing summaries of important changes.

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A Complete Tax Return Checklist to Send to Your Clients

By jetpack workflow | Updated on Mar 20, 2024 | 5 minutes
tax return checklist for clients

Though each client’s financial situation is unique, there are several common items you’ll need from each of them to prepare a tax return. 

Rather than starting from scratch each time, you can use a checklist that covers most situations. Below is a template you can customize for your own practice.

A Tax Return Checklist to Send to Your Clients

This tax return checklist is appropriate for a federal tax return. You should also consider adding state-specific questions. Note that the list below covers the most common items but won’t address every situation.

You can also access the checklist here (note: view only – make a copy or download to edit this document).

Dear Client,

We are very excited to be preparing your tax return this year. In order to smooth the data collection process, we have created a checklist of information we will need to complete your return. Please note that not all items will apply to everyone.

We will need to receive your documentation by April 1st in order to complete your return by April 15th. If we receive your information after this date, we will file an extension for your return and reach out to you after the April 15th deadline to complete the return.

If you have any questions, please contact me by email or phone. 

Best,

ABC Accounting

  • Personal information:
    • Full names of the taxpayers
    • Dates of birth
    • Social security numbers
    • Address
  • Dependent information:
    • Names
    • Dates of birth
    • Social security numbers
    • Relationship
    • Whether the taxpayer has full custody of the children or if they split custody
  • Income:
    • Wages (W-2s)
    • Investment income:
      • Interest income (1099-Int)
      • Dividend income (1099-Div)
      • Capital gains (1099-B)
      • Reports for any cryptocurrency transactions
    • Business income and expenses (for sole proprietors)
      • Revenue
        • Copies of any 1099-NEC received
        • Total for income not included on 1099-NECs
      • Expenses:
        • Automobile expenses
        • Office supplies
        • Phone expenses
        • Interest expenses
        • Equipment
        • Legal and professional fees
        • Business meals and entertainment
        • Dues and subscriptions
        • Continuing education
        • Travel expenses
        • Other business expenses
    • Retirement income:
      • Pension income
      • IRA distributions
      • Social security income
    • Income and expenses for any rental properties
    • State tax refunds received
    • Unemployment compensation received (1099-G)
    • Alimony received (for divorces finalized prior to 12/31/2018)
    • Income from pass-through entities
      • K-1s from partnerships and s-corporations
      • Dividend income from c-corporations
  • Adjustments to income:
    • Health insurance paid for self-employed individuals
    • Student loan interest
    • Educator expenses for teachers
  • Deductions:
    • Medical expenses (if they will exceed 7.5% of the taxpayer’s income)
    • State taxes paid or sales tax paid in states without state income taxes
    • Property taxes paid
    • Personal property taxes, such as DMV fees based on a vehicle’s value
    • Mortgage interest 
    • Mortgage balances if the mortgage balances are in excess of $750,000
    • Investment interest paid
    • Cash donations
    • Non-cash donations
      • Receipts are required if the total deposit is over $500
      • Vehicle donations require a 1098-C from the charity that received the vehicle
      • Items valued at more than $5,000 require an appraisal which must be submitted with the return
  • Documentation for potential credits:
    • Invoices for solar panels
    • Purchase agreements for electric vehicles
    • Education expenses for higher education (1098-T) 
    • Foreign taxes paid (often listed on 1099-Div)
  • Estimated tax payments (ask for a list of all payments made throughout the year along with dates)
  • Other information needed to prepare and file the return:
    • Copy of the prior year’s tax return (to look for carryforwards)
    • Email addresses (if using electronic signatures)
    • Phone numbers 
    • Bank information if scheduling direct deposit of refunds or electronic payments of the taxes due
    • Documentation of health insurance coverage
    • Copies of any notices received from any taxing authorities
    • Personal identity theft prevention number from the IRS (if applicable)
 
 

When Should You Send Clients This Checklist?

As the tax season approaches, many accountants begin to wonder when they should ask their clients for their tax information. While there is no hard and fast rule, it is generally advisable to start collecting tax documents from clients at least a month before the tax return is due. 

This gives accountants enough time to review the information and ensure everything is in order. It also allows them to catch any errors or discrepancies that may have been made on the tax forms. 

Asking for tax information too late can often lead to rushed work and errors on the return. By starting the process early, accountants can help ensure that their client’s tax returns are accurate and filed on time.

Some accountants choose to send the checklist in early January. Doing so allows clients to have the checklist in hand as they receive documents in January.

 
Tip: Over 6,000 accountants and bookkeepers use Jetpack Workflow to better plan upcoming work, hit important deadlines, and build a scalable service that grows firm revenue. Start your 14-day free trial of our accounting workflow and project management software today.
  

What Other Information Should You Send with the Checklist?

When sending a checklist to your clients, you should also include several other pieces of information. You should let the clients know how you plan to accept their documentation – whether by mail, in person, or digitally. If your clients are submitting their information digitally, you should ensure you have a secure method of accepting and storing their files.

The checklist should also include your deadlines for accepting information and meeting the tax filing deadlines. Most accountants set a cutoff date of April 1st for receiving the client’s paperwork and completing the return by April 15th. 

 

BONUS: Simplify Your Accounting Workflows with This Free Resource

If you’re looking for simple workflow templates, which includes several checklist for tax workflows, access our collection of 32 customizable accounting workflow templates. This free resource includes a ton of the most popular accounting templates including monthly bookkeeping, weekly accounting analysis, client onboarding procedures, and common tax return forms.

 
 

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How to build 7 figure marketing funnels for your accounting firm

By jetpack workflow | Updated on Dec 28, 2023 | 6 minutes

 

 

Summary

 

  • Choosing a Niche
  • Funnels
  • Copy
  • Launches
  • Shanita’s Book Recommendations 

 

Resources

 

 

In today’s Growing Your Firm Podcast, founder and CEO of Jetpack Workflow David Cristello introduces Shanita Jones–the CEO of Jones Tax and Financial Services. She recently achieved the Two Comma Club Award (reaching seven figures in her business). Shanita talks about how she found her niche and her style in marketing. Over the years, she gathered inspiration for the practices she performs now. After reading, you will, too!

 

Meet Shanita Jones

 

Shanita Jones is a co-owner of a childcare business and a CPA in the childcare industry. Her main goal is to help childcare business owners overcome their struggles in the industry. Other than focusing on childcare, Shanita also loves copy. She assists others with mastering their copy and messaging styles. Besides work, Shanita is a big reader and learner. 

 

Choosing a Niche

 

Shanita likes to say that she didn’t choose the childcare industry–the childcare industry chose her. After joining a marketing program, she figured she needed to zero in on one group of people. However, she was nervous that, by only serving one group of people, she would miss out on other opportunities. 

 

Shanita decided to do an exercise to help her find her target audience. She listed all of her ideal clients–the people she would enjoy working with. All listed ideal clients had one thing in common: they were all childcare business owners. 

 

How did Shanita come to like the childcare business industry? It all goes back to her family. Her aunt is a daycare owner, and she was also her first educator. Her aunt got into a tax situation with the city she was working. Her aunt’s accountant didn’t have knowledge of that area. Shanita’s aunt asked her for help. Because she was able to successfully help her, Shanita earned the nickname, “Daycare Tax Lady.” Through word of mouth, Shanita grew her business and found her niche. 

 

Shanita started in marketing and service-based businesses. To fulfill her new work in the childcare business industry, Shanita:

 

  • Slowly began tweaking her methods
  • She formed a Facebook group for business owners, childcare groups, and accountants
  • Talked to people and asked them questions
  • Started conversations about her niche
  • Learned more about her niche through research and conversations
  • Added new methods

 

As she worked on herself and her business, Shanita became more comfortable with how her work was going.

 

Funnels

 

Shanita achieved the Two Comma Club Award–an award that the software, ClickFunnels, gives out to anyone who is able to sell one million dollars in revenue. Funnels are a series of web pages that allow you to:

 

  • Bring in a larger audience to your space
  • Narrow your audience
  • Find your ideal clients.

 

If you think about the shape of the funnel, you want to imagine that you’re bringing in a large group of people. Little by little, the group gets smaller and smaller as the funnel closes. In the end, you want to see your ideal clients drip out of that funnel and into your workplace. Funnels enable you to cast a wide net for prospective clients and reel them closer to what you are looking for. 

 

If you’re selling to everybody, you’re selling to nobody. You don’t want to build a wide funnel. Shanita built a wide funnel and was not entirely successful. She had a little bit of success but not as much when she became more focused. 

 

The sole purpose of the Two Comma Club is that they collect leads. Shanita collected leads for her business. She reached out to childcare business owners and offered them a free gift that could solve some of their problems. From there, she could give these business owners a land-in page where they could add their email. Then, Shanita could add their email to an email list. 

 

Shanita has many ways of connecting with people:

 

  • If someone needs help, she directs them to either her Facebook group or a discovery call
  • Sends emails
  • Invites them to an online lab training(s)

 

After a period of time, she’ll move people to a different email sequence. If they don’t want to stay, she’ll remove them from the email list. However if they want to stay, Shanita stays connected. 

 

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As stated earlier, Shanita loves copy. Copy is all the words that you’re writing in a messaging platform, like email. Yet, copy isn’t just eBooks or emails. LinkedIn bios and social media posts are also examples of copy. 

 

Shanita understands that writing copy gets difficult. She advises that, if you write what you think and feel the words you write, you will have an easier time grasping your writing. To Shanita, copy is where you’re always trying to communicate to your ideal target audience. You want to clearly identify your message. She developed an acronym for copy:

 

  • C – Clear
  • O – Outgoing
  • P – Positioning 
  • Y – Your Message or Offer

 

To overcome the blank-page anxiety syndrome, Shanita had to channel her own techniques and get help from a mentor. She learned her mentor’s ways, but she didn’t use any of them. Instead, she got inspiration from her mentor’s content and material. Shanita also bettered herself and her copy by reading a lot of books. She read what people read–like their posts and their comments. Although copy is a whole lot of writing, reading is also a big portion. Researching through reading became a beneficial practice for Shanita. 

 

Launches

 

Shanita is relaunching Childcare Accounting as well as Business Academy for Childcare CEOs. These two platforms aim to make sellable financial business strategies.

 

She is also launching Accountant Unletter. You can find more information about this platform through her Facebook/Facebook group.

 

Shanita’s Book Recommendations

 

 

Shanita encourages that, if you wish to reach out to her, find her on her Facebook. Join Accountants Unletter, her Facebook community, and/or send her a friend request.

 

From finding her niche to mastering copy, Shanita’s journey does not stop growing. With her target audience in mind and her marketing funnels working, Shanita is ready for anything–and so are you!

 

If you enjoyed this information, leave a five-star review and share with a fellow firm owner who needs to learn more about marketing!

 

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From Burnout to Working 10 Hours/Week on his 1M Firm

By jetpack workflow | Updated on Dec 28, 2023 | 6 minutes

 

 

Summary

 

  • The Beginning: Trial and Error
  • Clients and Value
  • Running the Practice Ten Hours a Week
  • Systems
  • Anti-Timesheet
  • Mentoring

 

Resources

 

 

In this Growing Your Firm Podcast, Jetpack CEO and founder David Cristello brought in Reza Hooda, a mentor for growing accountants. Reza discusses how he went from a struggling firm owner to only working 10 hours a week at his one million dollar firm. Reza introduces some key aspects that helped him get to where he is now. 

 

Meet Reza Hooda

 

Reza Hooda runs an accounting practice on the South Coast of New Hampshire in the U.K. Reza first started as a firm owner, but now he offers to coach other accountants who are willing to positively transform their work practices. Reza’s website is rezahooda.com.

 

The Beginning: Trial and Error

 

When Reza first opened his firm, the new work ahead excited him: telemarketing, getting new clients, being on the road, etc. He didn’t think much about pricing and priced his services at a low cost. This mistake ended up causing problems, such as:

 

  • Stressing out his staff
    • Some of his staff left. The employees who stayed had way too much work on their plates.
  • The firm was gaining lots of clients but losing money
  • No systems were in place, so clients weren’t getting the services they wanted
    • As one client arrived, two left
  • Working long hours
  • Client turnover
  • Unhappiness

 

Then, from a mentor, Reza learned about value pricing. Reza concluded that he was doing everything wrong and that pricing was his way out of this mess.

 

Clients and Value

 

When Reza implemented value pricing, he began seeing positive results. He realized that clients aren’t buying time—they’re buying an outcome and a solution. To determine pricing, Reza had to ask himself: “What is our value?” Clients in turn ask themselves, “Is the price I’m paying less than the value I’m getting?” 

 

If your prices are too low, this might cause some concern for prospective clients. If you don’t value your services at a high standard, your clients will see this through your pricing strategies. Prospective clients are expecting you to price your services based on value. The greater the value, the more the prospective client thinks about purchasing one of your services. 

 

Clients also like choices. People are more likely to pay more for something, if they’re given choices. This process allows the clients to buy from you rather than you selling to them. You’re giving your clients more freedom by letting them choose different options to purchase. You can also mix this strategy with value pricing. If a prospective client wants the basics, let them buy the basics. If you price your more expensive options based on value, people will notice this and potentially buy these services. 

 

Running the Practice Ten hours a Week

 

As Reza made improvements to his firm, he began only having to work 10hours a week. His firm flourished, and he had more free time to enjoy life outside of work. Reza made lots of changes not only to his firm but also to himself:

 

  • Implemented the systems he needed
  • Learned more about leadership and business culture
  • Stayed in contact with clients
  • Focused on sales and marketing
  • Worked on self-development
    • Started reading business books, listened to podcasts, and attended classes
  • Got his practice to run smoothly without him

 

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Reza said that every practice should have core systems in place. He listed a few examples:

 

  • Pricing System
  • Price System for Onboarding
  • Cost management

 

Reza explained that he needed to focus on giving his team the best systems that did more of the heavy lifting. As a business owner, you shouldn’t be doing technical work because there are technical support services you can purchase. Your responsibilities are to set up and run a business that can function without you. By creating this type of environment for your employees and yourself, you’ll be able to live life the way you always wanted.

 

If you give your staff great quality systems, they’ll give you better results. Teaching your staff how to work with these systems will drive their motivation. What drives your employees is allowing them to excel in their knowledge. You have to show them that there’s a bigger purpose for what they’re doing.

 

Anti-Timesheet

 

In 2018, Reza adopted the anti-timesheet style of workflow for his firm. This approach to the working environment allows people to work whenever, wherever, and however, they want. Through this style, employees don’t have set hours. Employees get this freedom as long as they get their work done. 

 

Reza followed a hands-off approach following this style of work. He and his team have once a week meetings to check in and inform each other about key areas in the firm. 

 

Reza says to give responsibilities to client management. Some of those responsibilities include:

 

  • Making sure deadlines are kept
  • Client queries get responses
  • Maintaining services 
  • Getting the job done

 

Reza follows a four-pillar framework:

 

  • Pricing
  • Positioning
  • People
  • Process

 

Pricing and positioning are strategies to bring more revenue in and specify who you serve.

 

Reza also says to find your niche. By finding a niche, you can better focus on a smaller area and get your name out there in a more effective way. 

 

Mentoring

 

Reza offers a seven month long course in power positioning. Reza kept hearing the same challenge: “How do you get more clients?” Reza decided, with all that he had learned over the years, he could help other accountants grow their firms.

 

Some key aspects that Reza mentioned that can help your practice are:

 

  • Find your niche
  • Double down
  • Create a website
    • Have your central message displayed in the center of the website. Most people look at a website for only 30 seconds. If you can say something that will stand out to people, you’ll reach your target audience.

 

Even though Reza started his firm in bad shape, he was able to improve himself and succeed. 

 

Now, Reza coaches other passionate accountants and helps them flourish in their respective industries. 

 

To listen to more of Reza’s advice, check out the full Growing Your Firm podcast above. If you enjoyed this information, leave a five-star review and/or share this podcast with a fellow firm owner who needs to hear Reza’s story.

 

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Compare Karbon vs. ClickUp vs. Jetpack Workflow [2024 Guide]

By jetpack workflow | Updated on Jan 04, 2024 | 8 minutes
karbon-vs-clickup-vs-jetpack-workflow

Every accounting firm juggles deadlines and multiple demands from clients. The trick is keeping your priorities straight and managing client expectations. 

To do this, you need to start by tracking what needs to get done, who’s working on it, and when the client expects the project. Workflow management software can help you track all this (and more), but you need to find the right tool for your firm.

If you’re looking for the perfect accounting or bookkeeping project management tool, this article compares Karbon, ClickUp, and Jetpack Workflow to help you choose.

All three tools offer a variety of features and capabilities that can make your accounting or bookkeeping process easier, faster, and more efficient. However, each tool has its strengths and weaknesses.

What do Karbon, ClickUp, and Jetpack Workflow Do?

Karbon, ClickUp, and Jetpack Workflow are all project management tools. They allow you to track and manage your projects, assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and more.

Each tool has its own unique set of features. Karbon, for example, offers a robust set of features, making it ideal for teams that want a central place to communicate and collaborate by combining email, discussions, tasks, and workflows. 

ClickUp, on the other hand, is a general project management tool built for any company. 

Meanwhile, Jetpack Workflow is a simple, easy-to-use tool specifically designed for accounting and bookkeeping firms who want to stay organized and know exactly what their team is working on.

A Quick Overview of Each Tool

Karbon

Karbon is workflow management software that helps businesses streamline their operations. It offers a wide range of features, including invoicing, bill pay, expense tracking, and reporting. 

Karbon also provides integrations with popular accounting platforms, such as QuickBooks Online and Xero. This makes it easy for businesses to switch to Karbon without having to learn a new accounting system. 

In addition, Karbon offers a free trial allowing businesses to try out the software before committing to a subscription. Karbon is meant for large businesses, and there might be some sticker shock after the free trial period ends.

ClickUp

ClickUp is cloud-based project management software that can help businesses of all sizes streamline their accounting processes and improve financial visibility. 

The software is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a range of features that accounting professionals can use to manage their clients’ finances more effectively. ClickUp’s features for accountants include invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting tools. 

The software is available in both subscription-based and one-time purchase versions, and it comes with a free trial allowing users to explore the features before committing to a purchase. Whether you’re a small business owner looking for basic accounting features or a professional accountant needing more sophisticated tools, ClickUp may be a good option for you.

Jetpack Workflow

Jetpack Workflow is a workflow management tool that helps businesses automate their accounting processes. It offers a wide range of features, including task management, invoicing, and expense tracking. 

jetpack workflow alternatives

Jetpack Workflow integrates with a number of popular accounting software programs through the help of Zapier, making it easy to keep track of your finances in one place. 

Best of all, Jetpack Workflow is user-friendly and designed with accountants and bookkeepers in mind, allowing you to get started quickly and easily. Whether you’re a small business owner or a large corporation, Jetpack can help you streamline your accounting process and save time and money.

The Differences Between Karbon, ClickUp, and Jetpack Workflow

Not all workflow management is designed the same way. In order to help you find the right software for your company, we’ve outlined the features of each program.

Features

Karbon: Karbon includes automated client data collection which allows you to spend less time tracking down client paperwork. As with many project management applications, you can easily create recurring tasks on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. 

Clickup: Clickup works with several project management methods, such as Agile, allowing you to integrate the program into existing project management systems. It does include a workflow management chart which can assist with workload management, but the tool is not optimized for accounting projects.

Jetpack Workflow: Jetpack Workflow comes with over 70 predefined workflow templates and checklists for accountants and bookkeepers. The capacity planning tool allows you to reassign projects to team members with excess capacity. The system also contains thorough reporting that allows you to track productivity, billing, and upcoming deadlines.

Ease of Use

Karbon: Getting set up with Karbon often means paying the company to transfer your data and client list into the program. Your other option is to have your staff manually input your lists, which can take considerable time and effort. Once you’ve set up the program, the interface can take a little getting used to.

Clickup: Clickup was not designed with accountants in mind, which means you’ll have to put in some initial effort to create workflow templates and set up your to-do list. It was designed as a general workflow management software. Therefore, it may be a solid option, if you work with non-accounting departments. The software comes with numerous visualization options, which may be useful if you need to create dashboards for your teams. 

Jetpack Workflow: Jetpack Workflow was designed specifically for bookkeepers and accountants. It is optimized for the types of projects accountants regularly encounter. Jetpack Workflow also allows you to import your client list from several accounting and tax software programs, saving you the hassle of manual entry.

Integrations

Karbon: Karbon has 10 integrations included in its standard program, and you can also use Zapier on one of their higher subscription tiers to increase the number of programs that interact directly with the program. 

Clickup: Clickup integrates with Quickbooks, and you can also use Zapier to connect it with your other accounting software. 

Jetpack Workflow: Jetpack Workflow integrates through Zapier with the most popular accounting and tax software.

Customer Service

Karbon: Karbon provides customer service through the chat feature on its website. There is no direct phone number to call for urgent questions. Your alternative is to read through their knowledge base to find solutions.

Clickup. Clickup has a chat feature and email support. There is the option of working directly with a consultant, but you’re charged by the hour for this support service.

Jetpack Workflow: Jetpack Workflow has chat, email, and phone support available under any of their subscription plans. They also have a large number of articles and videos with step-by-step instructions for solutions to common problems.

Price

Karbon: Karbon offers a few different subscription options, starting at $59 per user per month. You’ll need to subscribe to one of the higher levels to obtain access to Zapier integrations and other advanced features. 

Clickup: Clickup has several pricing tiers, ranging from $7 – $12 per user per month. You’ll need to determine which features you need before choosing the right plan. There is a free plan which will get you started without a financial commitment, but you’ll need to upgrade to access large storage, charts, and dashboards. 

Jetpack Workflow: Jetpack workflow offers two pricing tiers starting at $45 per user per month. The upgraded plan ($49 per user per month) includes capacity management and team scheduling features. 

Wrapping Up

Which accounting workflow management software is best for your firm?

Jetpack Workflow is well-suited for small- to medium-sized accounting and bookkeeping firms that don’t want to spend much time on the initial setup. Karbon is a good option if you have a substantial budget and work on larger projects. Clickup might be what you need if budget is your primary concern.

Karbon works hard on automating data collection and client interactions. You can send automatic reminders, allow guest users to upload documentation, and it comes with a steep price tag. Karbon also lacks the workflow approval function of Clickup and Jetpack Workflow.

Clickup’s free tier allows you to get started immediately, but it will take some time to get started. Since it was designed as a general workflow management tool, you’ll need to create custom workflows for each of your projects and work on integrating the software into your accounting practice.

Jetpack Workflow allows you to hit the ground running. Start a free 14-day trial that allows you to test the software for yourself before committing. You can quickly onboard your team using the predefined templates. It’s designed as a hub for your practice, and the capacity planning tool can help you use your team to the fullest. 

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Should Accounting Firms Use Basecamp for Project Management?

By jetpack workflow | Updated on Dec 28, 2023 | 7 minutes
basecamp accounting

Basecamp says it’s “the easiest place for everyone in every role,” which is another way of saying they’re trying to meet everyone’s needs. 

However, the thing about trying to please everyone is that you aren’t always the ideal solution for each person. Basecamp has more than 20 years of experience developing project management software, but are they the best solution for accounting firms?

Each year more accounting tasks become paperless, and results are communicated via electronic methods. Technology is taking over many aspects of accounting. The to-do list should be next.

While juggling multiple clients can be a headache, it doesn’t have to be. Is Basecamp an ideal solution for accounting firms? This article will explore that question and look at some alternative solutions.

Finding the right project management software is key to managing remote teams, serving your clients, and staying organized.

Basecamp is a good option, but the software’s benefits and drawbacks for accounting firms are outlined below.

Options for Project Management for Accounting Firms

As your business grows, you (and your growing team) will be faced with juggling demands from multiple clients, and you’ll want each of your clients to believe they’re your highest priority. You need to track all your projects and due dates to accomplish this.

You can track your to-do list on paper or using a spreadsheet when you’re a small company. However, as your business grows, you’ll need to consider implementing tools that can be used by multiple team members and will allow you to see what your team is up to at any time.

Let’s look at how different systems work.

To-Do Lists and Shared Spreadsheets

A paper to-do list is a simple and straightforward method for keeping track of your tasks. It’s efficient and effective (if you’re the only one using it). A shared spreadsheet can make the lists accessible to multiple people, but it has many of the same limitations as a paper list.

The benefit of these systems is that they’re easy to set up and use. There’s no need to train your staff or learn a new program but the simplicity is offset by the lack of features.

As your business grows, you’ll find that the spreadsheets and to-do lists aren’t meeting your tracking and reporting needs. When you hit that threshold, it’s time to look at automating your tracking system. Small businesses have found automation can save them time and money. 

Workflow Software for Accounting Firms

Picking the right notebook or spreadsheet is a pretty low-stakes endeavor. However, when you’re adopting a new workflow automation program, the stakes are higher. You don’t want to spend time learning and implementing software you will not use.

The purpose of automation is to increase your efficiency. You should look for a workflow system with pre-built workflows and checklists for accountants and bookkeepers. You shouldn’t be reinventing the wheel by starting from scratch. Your time is valuable.

There are several accounting firm workflow software options, including Jetpack Workflow, Aero Workflow, Canopy, and Karbon. 

Though they all have pros and cons (users say Karbon and Canopy are complex while Aero’s UI is pretty outdated), Jetpack Workflow is a system designed from the bottom up with accountants and bookkeepers in mind. More than 6,000 accountants use the system to streamline their processes through Jetpack Workflow’s modern, web-based solution.

General Project Management Software

Basecamp is a general project management system. It’s known for its simplicity and ease of use but lacks many of the features demanded by project managers. The interface is straightforward, but you can’t create subtasks or track your time within the system.

Basecamp has very little accounting-specific functionality. You’ll have to build your own workflows and templates. Basecamp does not allow you to create subtasks which can be a big drawback for multi-step accounting projects. 

How Basecamp Works

To sign up for Basecamp, you can visit their site and create an account. You’ll be able to get started right away. If you prefer to work on a desktop app, you’ll be able to download the app as soon as you set up your account. The monthly fee is $11 per user, and they do not offer any discounts for annual payments.

Next, you’re going to:

  • Create a project. Each project is a separate set of to-do lists, a message board, files, and task lists. While this keeps everything in one place, sharing information that spans multiple projects is difficult.
  • You’ll add team members to each project and start populating the various modules.
  • There are limited options to adjust permissions. All team members will have access to all the project information.
  • Basecamp will send regular email updates for each project.

For customer support, you can contact them through a web form, and they promise a response within an hour.

Best Basecamp Alternatives for Accounting Firms

Basecamp may work for some teams, but it’s probably not the ideal solution for an accounting firm. It’s not tailored to the work done by accountants, and it doesn’t allow you to accomplish all your project management tasks in one place (like time tracking). 

Below are a few alternatives that are a better fit for accounting and bookkeeping firms.

Best Overall Accounting Workflow Tool

Jetpack Workflow is designed to streamline accounting project management. You can track your time, team, and to-do lists all in one place. +

Jetpack Workflow Dashboard

With more than 70 predefined templates spanning everything from accounting write-ups to tax returns to audits, you will never have to design your workflow from scratch. And the templates are easily modified to match your team’s processes. 

Jetpack Workflow offers a free trial for 14 days, allowing you to see how easily it integrates into your day-to-day activities. Their flexible pricing options start at $36 per user per month. You’ll be able to send invoices directly through Jetpack Workflow, monitor your team, and ensure you’re not missing any critical client deadlines.

Best Enterprise Audit and Tax Solution

Audit and tax work is heavily deadline driven and requires you to work closely with clients to meet impending deadlines. For firms that work in these realms, their workflow management systems need to be calendar based to ensure no deadlines are missed.

Karbon might work well for some accounting firms. It’s built for large teams. However, because it’s enterprise software, it comes with enterprise pricing. Additionally, the interface is not intuitive, and the learning curve is steep. It’s more appropriate for accounting teams that work within larger organizations and need software that is not accounting-specific.

Best Accounting Client CRM Platform

Some accounting firms work with several smaller clients and need to spend time monitoring client outreach. In this case, a project management software needs to have a solid CRM to track all the client interactions. A CRM can prevent you from creating e-mail and information silos as clients reach out to various team members with their information.

If this is the case for your team, Canopy could be a solution. Canopy attempts to do everything, including messaging, budgeting, and productivity management. With the software trying to do it all, it seems the focus is not on the project management aspect of the software. If you’re looking to get your workflows under control, Canopy may not be the best option for your firm.

32 Free Workflow Templates

Subscribe to the Growing Your Firm weekly newsletter, and get the best accounting workflow templates today!

Looking for more? Here are some
related articles you may like.

See Jetpack Worflow In Action

Get under the hood of Jetpack Workflow’s accounting workflow and project management platform. See some of the top features and how it helps your firm standardize, automate, and track client work more efficiently.
Watch Product Tour Start Your Free Trial