18 Sep 2017
Understanding the needs and requirements of your clients is crucial. However, accountants should consider offering their customers more than just the basics: going above and beyond to provide a truly unique service will help to cement working relationships with your clients, and demonstrate that you are on hand to offer advice and support whenever it is needed.
Here we highlight ways in which you can go the extra mile to showcase your added value services, while helping your clients to meet their accounting and business needs.
Up-to-date knowledge of cloud accounting and technology
Recent years have seen a significant increase in the use of cloud accounting and similar technology within the industry. Cloud accounting boasts many benefits, and its ease of access makes it an essential tool for many of today’s small business owners. In an age of fast-paced technology, your clients will increasingly expect their accountant to be well-versed in modern-day accounting and business software, so be sure to keep up-to-date with the latest developments.
Preparing for Making Tax Digital
With Making Tax Digital for Business (MTDfB) set to be implemented in 2019 for businesses with turnover above the VAT threshold, the requirement for taxpayers to have effective digital systems in place is becoming more important than ever. While your clients may not be familiar with the ins and outs of the new rules, they are likely to have at least heard of the big changes coming their way and will be looking to their accountant to guide them through the reforms.
As a first step, consider helping your clients move their processes over to a digital system ahead of the introduction of MTDfB. Advising on efficient strategies and recommending suitable software will help them to prepare for the digital filing and record-keeping requirements that MTD will usher in. Installing MTD software early on will also give clients the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the program’s functions and capabilities.
Peace of mind
Clear client communications make for smoother processes and transactions. Ensure that your accounting communications are succinct and to the point, and avoid using jargon where possible. Setting out clear deadlines, where necessary, will also help to ensure that clients know exactly what is required of them. While your clients are unlikely to want to know the minutiae of their accounting affairs, they need to be confident that their finances are being taken care of in an appropriate and efficient manner, and that any tax and legal obligations are being met.
Regular news updates and information
Clients depend on their accountant to ensure that their financial affairs are kept in order, and that their books are kept up-to-date. However, you may also wish to be recognised as a go-to source of information for clients. Whether it’s Making Tax Digital or the publication of a Finance Bill, consider updating clients on any new tax and legislative developments that are relevant to them. Keeping your website up-to-date with the latest business or tax news and including a regular news feed or blog will keep your site looking fresh and current.
You may also like to add a PDF summary outlining the changes announced in the Chancellor’s most recent Budget speech to your website. This may prove to be a useful reference tool for your clients, and will demonstrate that your firm keeps up to date on the latest tax announcements and changes.
Practice Track Online have many years of experience in helping accountants to make the right impression. We provide accountancy firms with state-of-the-art websites and content, from the latest business and tax news to Budget information and up-to-date tax rates. Practice Track Online also supply unique ReSources content feeds, designed to keep your site up-to-date.
Our range of quality marketing materials will add value to your client services, helping you to attract and retain clients, and stay ahead of the competition.
To find out how we can help you, please contact us.
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