10 Must-Have CPA Workflow Software Tools

If you find yourself drowning as a CPA in a sea of paperwork and are you also struggling to keep track of client documents, invoices, and project deadlines? You're not alone. Well, there's a solution: CPA workflow software.

In today's technology-driven world, the right workflow software for accountants can make all the difference in streamlining operations and boosting overall efficiency. 

This is the only CPA workflow software review article that you’ll need among all the other reviews! We’ll delve into the domain of CPA firm workflow software, uncovering ten must-have tools that have changed the way accounting firms manage their processes.

How to Choose the Right CPA Workflow Software?

Choosing the right CPA workflow software is critical for optimizing your firm's operations. Here are some points to keep in mind while choosing a CPA software tool:

Assess Your Firm's Needs: 

Consider variables like size of organization, complexity of workflow and budget requirement.

Comprehensive Features: 

Search for software that covers billing, invoicing, practice management, work management and syncs data in a single platform.

Ease of Use and Scalability: 

Stick to software that works smoothly with users and is flexible to take the needs of your organization in future development.

Customization and Integrations: 

Search for solutions that can be customized and that will rely on integrations to work well within your firm's unique setup.

Free Trials or Demos: 

Make use of the free trials by testing the CPA firm scheduling software to see if it suits your requirements.

Top 10 CPA Workflow Software Tools

To ensure accuracy and enhance productivity, you need to use the right CPA tool. But wouldn't it be overwhelming to find the right tool all by yourself?

Don’t worry. we got you. We have gone through a plethora of tools and filtered out the best tools available out there that perform the best. You can allow these tools to manage your tasks while you focus on marketing strategies for your accounting firm.

Here is a list of all the top tools with their features, pros, cons and pricing: 

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1. Cone

The first tool in the list of CPA workflow software is Cone, which is one of the most reliable tools in the world of accounting. Cone has its own unique features that makes it the top choice while searching for CPA workflow software tools for yourself. 

Here are all the necessary details that you need to know about Cone:

Top Features

1. Eliminates Context Switching: Simplifies workflows by integrating multiple tools, eliminating context switching and data syncing.
2. Accounting Practice Management: Manages clients, billings, projects, and invoicing targeted to accounting in particular.
3. CRM Integration: Integrates CRM for smooth communication and data management.  
4. eSign Integration: Secure digital signatures for smoother and faster project workflows.
5. Client Portal Access: Provides clients with a secure online access to visit projects and interact with full trasparency.

Pros

• Proposals
• Workflows
• Client requests
• Billing and payments
• Integrated e-mail
• Time Tracking for projects
• Profitability reporting
• Intuitive interface to enhance efficiency.

Cons

• Learning curve, but intuitive experience makes it easier.

Pricing

• Starter plan - $5 per user/month
• Essentials plan - $10 per user/month
• Business plan - $15 per user/month

Best For

• Best suited for professionals and firms in accounting, law, marketing, IT, and creative industries who seek to optimize their workflow and enhance client relations. Specifically crafted for small to medium-sized firms, Cone offers effective project management, billing, and client communications functionalities.

2. Jetpack Workflow

Top Features

1. Workflow management: Allows users to create custom workflow templates for complicated jobs, procedures, or routines.
2. Task Management: Allows users to give tasks to its people with task deadlines. 
3. Time and Billing Integration: Integrates with Time and billing software utilized by CPA firms for accurate time tracking and invoicing.
4. Mobile Access: Provides independence to users to access the platform via mobile apps and do work-related tasks by moving around

Pros

• Smooth workflow management
• Customizable templates and checklists
• Reporting and analytics
• Cloud-based and accessible

Cons

• The learning curve might be tough
• Limited Integration 
• Potential cost concerns

Pricing

• Starter Yearly: $30 per user/mo, billed annually

3. Canopy

Features

1. Tax Workflow Automation: Automated tax workflows, tasks assignments, and tracking date of due.
2. Client Portal: Secure client portal where contacts would be stored, new documents would be shared, and e-signatures and communication would be implemented.
3. Cloud-Based: Users around the globe can get into their accounts provided that they have a web connection.
4. Tax Software Integrations: Includes integration with the well-known tax productivity tools.

Pros

• Practice management tools
• Cloud-based accessibility
• Tax software integrations

Cons

• Limited customization
• Integration limitations

Pricing

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• 250 clients free and Additional sold in increments of 50.
• Starting from: $14 per month

4. TaxDome

Features

1. Client Management: Common database for clients and communication tools.
2. Secure File Sharing: Encrypted file transfer (EFT) and e-signature functions.
3. Client Portal: Secure client portal with the aim of document sharing and communication.
4. Real-Time Collaboration: Capacity to have different team members working at the same time on the same client.

Pros

• Tax Software Integrations
• Safe placements of client records
• Access tasks via mobile app
• 24/7 availability through web-based access

Cons

• Limited practice management tools
• Potential learning curve

Pricing

• Taxdome Pro: $50 Per user, per month

5. Aero Workflow

Features

1. Document Management: Secure Storage, Organization and Version Control of Client Documents enables easy management of the information.
2. Client Portal: Secure client portal with document sharing, e-signatures and communications.
3. Mobile App: Simplify workflow by dealing with tasks while on the move.
4. Reporting and Analytics: Insights on project status, team performance, and optimisation on resource utilization.

Pros

• Speedy onboarding of new clients
• Cloud-based accessibility
• Data encryption 
• Integration features 

Cons

• Reduced advertisement and communication tools
• Potential learning curve

Pricing

• Startup: $135
• Growth: $250
• Scaling: $365

6. Pixie

Features

1. Practice Management: Methods for supervising employees, time tracking and billing, and report generation.
2. CRM: Integrated database for client profiles, dialogue history, and notes.
3. Client Portal: Encryption of the internet portals by the clients for retrieval of documents, communicating with the firm and e-signing of documents.
4. Automated Reminders: Fresh alerts for the due dates, upcoming tasks, and project deadlines.

Pros

• Secure file storage
• Tax Software Integrations
• Flexibility to adjust workflows
• Mobile app to perform tasks on-the-go.

Cons

• Reliance on internet connectivity
• May lack niche industry features

Pricing

• Less than 250 Clients:  US$129/ month
• Up to 500 Clients: US$199/ month
• Up to 1000 Clients: US$329/ month
• Over 1000 Clients: US$POA/ month

7. OfficeTools

Features

1. Tax Preparation: In-built software for individuals and businesses with specific needs and requirements.
2. Workflow Management: Personalized workflows for performing tax engagements with tasks allocated and scheduled.
3. Client Portal: Secure online portal to access documents, communicate with the firm, and sign documents electronically.
4. Staff Scheduling and Resource Management: Planning schedules, distribution of work, material management and so on.

Pros

• Multi-Office Support
• Import and export data on multiple sources
• Access and manage tasks through app
• Research and Reference Library

Cons

• Performance issues
• Customer Support quality

Pricing

You can Call for pricing - (858) 882-4879

8. CCH iFirm Practice Manager

Features

1. Engagement Management: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor client engagements and projects from their beginning to their completion stages.
2. Time and Billing: All-in-one time tracking, billing, and invoicing features come with engagement management.
3. Workflow Management: Engagement types, task assignment, and due date tracking can be customized.
4. Client Management: Centralized client database with contact details, communication history and document storage.

Pros

• Manage tasks via the mobile app.
• Secure online portal to access documents
• Comprehensive reports and analytics
• Project Templates and Checklists

Cons

• Limited customization
• Vendor lock-in risk

Pricing

• Practice Manager: $695
• Client Portal: $625
• CCH iFirm Suite: $1,105

9. Financial Cents

Features

1. Tax Preparation: Professional tax preparation software that covers individual, business, and specific tax return types.
2. Tax Planner: Offers tax optimization strategies integrated with the system.
3. Workflow Automation: Customized workflows for task assignments, due date tracking, and so forth.
4. Client Portal: Secure client portal providing document access, communication, and e-signing capabilities.

Pros

• Mobile access
• Research and Reference Library
• Manage the firm's operations
• Smooth Document Management

Cons

• Learning curve
• Integration limitations

Pricing (Billed annually)

• Team Plan: $39/ month billed annually
• Scale Plan: $59/ month billed annually

10. Xero Practice Manager

Features

1. Job and Task Management: Develop and allocate jobs and a client engagement along with the deadline tracking and reminder services.
2. Time and Billing: Maintain records of the time spent on client work and develop invoices.
3. Team Collaboration: Building the platform with real-time tools for working on client briefs among the teams.
4. Mobile App: Possible to access and navigate between clients’ tasks and data wherever you are.

Pros

• Xero integration
• Time/billing capabilities
• Stable and safe online portal for clients 
• Smooth Document Management

Cons

• Limited tax capabilities
• Potential cost concerns

Pricing

• Starter: $32 AUD per month
• Standard: $65 AUD per month
• Premium 5: $85 AUD per month
• Ultimate 10: $115 AUD per month
• Payroll-only plan: $15 AUD per month

How Can Your Firm Benefit from These CPA Workflow Software Tools?

As a CPA firm, a big obstacle is how to balance the multitude of complicating factors of tax season in the most efficient way.  There are many ways through which you can grow your accounting firm.

This is where CPA workflow software tools come in handy. Here are some of the ways through which your firm can benefit by utilizing these tools:

Improve Efficiency and Productivity: 

Automated task assignments, due-date notifications, and real-time collaboration guarantee that there's no more chance of missing something..

Enhance Client Experience: 

The use of secure client portals,  e-signature options, and transparent communication in CPA firm workflow software creates a seamless environment for the client thereby nurturing the relationship.

Ensure Compliance and Accuracy: 

Preset customizable templates, checklists, and access to the latest tax law references enable you to keep your records up to date and accurately.

Gain Insights and Optimize Operations: 

Detailed reporting features of these cpa firm workflow software provide with a wealth of knowledge to see where performance is the best to avoid bottlenecks.

These software tools offer you an opportunity to sail through the most challenging stages and give first class services to your clients and also help in sustaining a collaborative, fruitful, and stress free work environment for the team. Now that you are free from most of the hassle, you can also grow your accounting firm through digital marketing.

Conclusion

The choice of a high-quality CPA workflow software dramatically influences the efficiency and satisfaction level of the clients.

Cone enables organizations to create proposals faster, build invoices with ease, manage practice and work processes in one solution. 

Through the creation of hands-free features and the seamless integration of different systems, Cone is developing a modestly-priced, user-friendly, and specifically-designed solution for firms of small to medium sizes. 

So, are you ready to optimize your tasks with the workflow software for accountants? Schedule a demo or sign up for a trial today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes CPA Workflow Software a Must-Have?

CPA  firm scheduling software is designed to automate the accounting process task distribution to achieve maximum efficiency. It automatically takes over the boring tasks, never commits mistakes and gives real-time updates about the workflow process. Moreover, it helps to increase the level of teamwork and helps with decision-making through data-led analysis.

How Does CPA Workflow Software Improve Client Satisfaction?

CPA Workflow Software improves client satisfaction via sharing information in the accounting process and building trust with clients. One can view the status of their project, upload/download relevant documents securely, and communicate smoothly. Besides, automation brings reduction of turnaround time, which means faster services.

Can Small Firms Benefit from Advanced CPA Workflow Tools?

Absolutely! Instead, even more, small businesses can benefit from these advanced CPA  firm scheduling software. These tools are a game changer as they automate repetitive processes to facilitate the competition of small firms against large corporations based on efficiency and quality enhancement.

How to Overcome Common Challenges When Implementing New Workflow Software?

A new workflow software may prove to be an obstacle, yet an effective plan. Initially, intensive training should be practiced. Also, continuous assessment and feedback loop can help an organization to find and solve the evolving issues which can result in proper adoption while launching the project.