Can your CPA firm do without your IT person for 2 days?

Posted by accountingweb on Mar 21 2011 1831 printer friendly

It’s only temporary, relax. It’s not during tax season either. Sure, they need vacation too, but how about sending them off to Chicago for two days to meet with their peers at the Technology Fly-In sponsored by the Association for Accounting Administration? This event is focused on peer relationships as opposed to vendor booths.

This blog is about spending technology dollars wisely. For me, this conference expense is right in line with any other hardware or software cost – it will bring value to your firm in terms of dollars saved from the knowledge gained from peers and experts in the industry. So many times our IT staff are asked to see what other firms have done in areas of technology before they get on board with new technology or trends. Social media is great, but face to face relationships are better for finding and forging these relationships. Don’t just take my word for it, here is what some past attendees have said:

“I have attended the Tech Fly-In for the last two years, and am attending again this year. Technology is changing so fast, and it is impacting the accounting industry in so many ways it is difficult to keep up. I think that this conference is crucial for me to stay informed and in some cases one step ahead. Because this conference is specific to accounting firms and our unique problems it is invaluable to me and our firm. ”

Karen Farino, IT Manager
Pasquesi Sheppard LLC

“The Tech Fly-In is fantastic. The second you hit the door at the hotel you are meeting and working with people just like you, going through the same problems you are every day. And it continues, there is no fluff in the 2 days you are working. Strictly working on problems broken out in groups based on the size of your firm, and gaining contacts you can call when you get back to the office.”

John Tokar, IT Manager
Zinner & Co. LLP

Forget the cliché that IT people would rather send an IM or email versus actually talk to an end user or their peers. We welcome new attendees as well as those who have returned year after year. There is always a wealth of information to share and we promise to have you back in the office after two days. Unless of course, you are allowed to take some vacation time too…

Registration is limited to 50. Hope to see you in Chicago! See the details here.

P.S. In conjunction with the Tech Fly-In, we are also running the Finance Fly-In….CPE for CFO’s at CPA firms - tailored just for their unique role!

View the discussion thread.

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Jim Fahey is COO of Apple Growth Partners, a regional CPA firm in Ohio. His focus is on the effective and efficient use of technology within the firm by all team members. He is also in charge of talent management and retention at his firm. A background of IT and Human Resources helps Jim bridge the gap of technology complexities with end users who just want their computer to work so they can be chargeable. Being a very cheap (frugal sounds better) person himself, he is always looking for ways to save dollars at his firm. He is Director of Education for the Association for Accounting Administration and past Technology Committee member of the Ohio Society of CPA's. He often leads industry CPE events on the topics of Information Technology, CPA firm practice management and human resources/recruiting. Find out more about Jim on LinkedIn.

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