The accounting profession has reached a turning point. After years of gradual technology adoption, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit we suddenly found ourselves in a world where remote work wasn’t simply an accommodation — it became a necessity.
Now, with the immediate crisis behind us, we’re seeing firms transform these reactive measures into a more thoughtful approach to flexible work. From everything we can see, some form of remote work is here to stay for the foreseeable future. It’s important to understand how we can optimize our operational technology to best fit remote accounting firm operations.
The Current State of Remote Accounting Work
We’ve witnessed firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated remote work adoption across our profession. What began as a necessity has evolved into a strategic advantage for many firms like yours. Let’s examine where we stand today.
From Exception to Expectation
Before the pandemic, remote work was so uncommon in our industry that the volume wasn’t even tracked. Even at the peak of the pandemic prior to comprehensive vaccine availability, U.S. firms reported to Accounting Today that only 37% of their staff were working remotely. As of late 2024, firms report that only 20% of staff are working fully remote — however, an additional 24% are now working in a hybrid scenario.
This tracks with what we’re seeing. We’ve observed most firms settling into hybrid models that combine remote flexibility with strategic in-office collaboration and client interactions. This move toward hybrid work is no doubt due in part to the persistent accounting talent shortage.
Accounting professionals are increasingly seeking flexibility, and an analysis of Indeed hiring data revealed that candidate interest in remote tax roles and CPA positions has surged, even while the number of remote job postings has fallen. It’s no surprise, then, that flexible work arrangements now serve as valuable recruiting and retention tools despite the broader RTO (return-to-office) trend.
The Business Case for Remote Flexibility
Beyond employee preferences, we’ve seen a compelling business case emerge for remote accounting operations. Research by Boston Consulting Group and Flex Index indicates that firms embracing flexible work models have experienced on average 21% revenue growth from 2020 to 2022 — four times faster than those maintaining strict in-office policies.
Additionally, many of your peers report significant cost savings from reduced office space needs, with 52% of firm executives citing this as a specific reason for offering remote work options. These financial benefits, combined with access to wider talent pools and improved retention rates, mean that remote and hybrid models aren’t disappearing anytime soon.
Optimizing Remote Operations for CPA Firm Success
With remote work here to stay in its various forms, we want to share how we maximize efficiency, collaboration, and security in this new environment.
Cloud-Based Platforms: A Foundation for Remote Accounting
Implementing robust cloud-based accounting practice management software is essential for remote accounting firm operations. These platforms centralize critical data and enable seamless access for team members regardless of location.
Key benefits include:
- Real-Time Data Access: Cloud platforms eliminate information silos by providing up-to-date access to client accounts, projects, and documents, ensuring everyone works with accurate information.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Team members can work simultaneously on projects, fostering true collaboration despite physical distance.
- Scalability: As firms grow, cloud solutions can scale accordingly without major infrastructure investments.
When evaluating cloud platforms for your remote team, we recommend prioritizing solutions that offer robust integration capabilities across your existing software ecosystem. This minimizes data transfer issues and reduces the manual work that often leads to errors.
Virtual Collaborative Workspaces: Keeping Teams Connected
In our experience, effective collaboration remains critical for delivering exceptional client service in a remote environment. Implementing virtual collaborative workspaces within your practice management software keeps teams engaged and connected.
Consider these approaches to support your implementation:
- Centralized Communication: Reduce information fragmentation by establishing dedicated channels for project discussions, firm announcements, and casual conversation.
- Structured Project Management: Utilize transparent project tracking software where team members can monitor progress, assign tasks, and maintain accountability for deadlines.
- Virtual Meeting Protocols: Establish guidelines for effective video conferencing that maintain essential client and team relationships.
Time and Task Management: Maintaining Productivity
Accountability and productivity tracking present unique challenges in remote environments. Implementing effective time and task management features helps ensure work progresses efficiently regardless of location.
Effective strategies we’ve implemented include:
- Task Assignment and Tracking: Use project management software that allows for clear delegation, progress monitoring, and task review.
- Time Tracking Integration: Utilize tools that accurately track time spent on various tasks, helping us identify bottlenecks and ensure accurate client billing.
- Performance Analytics: Leverage data-driven metrics to gain insights into individual and team performance, allowing for more informed decisions about training and resource allocation.
Secure Communication Channels: Protecting Client Confidentiality
As professionals who deal with sensitive financial information daily, we know protecting client confidentiality remains paramount. Remote work environments require additional security measures to maintain trust and compliance.
Must-have security measures:
- Encrypted Messaging and File Sharing: Use encrypted communication tools that ensure sensitive information and documents remain secure during exchange.
- Role-Based Access Controls: Limit access to confidential information through carefully managed permissions that align with team members’ responsibilities.
- Secure Cloud Storage: Utilize storage solutions with robust security features like encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect client financial data.
When evaluating security protocols, we consider both technical safeguards and human factors. Even the most sophisticated security systems can be compromised by inadequate training or poorly defined procedures.
Training and Development: Investing in Remote Excellence
In a remote environment, we’ve found that intentional professional development becomes even more critical. Without the natural peer-to-peer learning and mentoring that occurs in office settings, we must be deliberate about skill building.
Focus areas for training we recommend:
- Remote-Specific Software Training: Provide comprehensive training on project management solutions and communication tools used in your remote operations.
- Virtual Mentorship Programs: Establish structured mentoring relationships that pair experienced staff with newer team members to facilitate knowledge transfer despite physical distance.
- Regular Skill Development: Invest in ongoing training and CPE that keeps your teams current on accounting standards, tax law changes, and emerging technologies.
Building Remote CPA Firm Culture
Perhaps the greatest challenge we’ve seen in remote environments, and to some extent in hybrid environments, is maintaining a cohesive firm culture. Without intentional effort, remote team members can feel disconnected from the organization’s values and mission.
Culture-building strategies that can help include:
- Virtual Team Building: Schedule regular activities that allow team members to connect on a personal level beyond their normal work tasks.
- Recognition Programs: Implement processes to acknowledge achievements and celebrate successes.
- Periodic In-Person Gatherings: When possible, bring your full team together for strategic planning sessions, training events, or social activities to strengthen relationships.
We’ve learned that culture isn’t built through occasional events but through consistent actions that reinforce shared values and purpose — something that requires more intention in remote settings.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Remote Accounting
Remote and hybrid work represent a new normal for the accounting industry — particularly those in public practice. By implementing the right technology, processes, and cultural practices, our firms can thrive in this new environment — achieving greater efficiency, accessing broader talent pools, and delivering exceptional client service regardless of physical location.
We’ve seen the most successful firms embrace remote accounting options not as a compromise, but as a strategic advantage that enhances both employee satisfaction and business outcomes. By embracing cloud-based platforms, collaborative workspaces, effective management tools, and intentional culture-building, your firm can optimize operations for the hybrid work era.
