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OCR technology in SMSF Audits. What is it and why it’s a breakthrough?

In the past, the SMSF audit industry has been criticized for taking too long to evolve and innovate. More recently, however, the industry is coming up to speed with developments happening in the broader software and technology space.

Cloudoffis has not only embraced new technology and artificial intelligence, it sees a bright future for SMSF auditing software development. Manual, monotonous, and time-consuming tasks have been practically eliminated thanks to Cloudoffis’ sophisticated approach to removing human error from the auditing process.

The time-saving potential this intelligent, cloud-based software offers is an industry disrupter. Cloudoffis projects these advancements will save auditors upwards of 40-50% time per audit, and what’s particularly exciting is that these benefits are being directly passed onto users.

The cost of compliance just became a whole lot more affordable.

Some of the features Cloudoffis software is bringing into the market include:

  • Integration of information, reporting and source documentation (e.g. Class, BGL, MYOB, AO, ASIC, etc.)
  • Better presentation of data and information: reducing risk of human error
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and document management to enable click-of-a-button in-document searching
  • Data analysis to define the scope of work before the audit even begins
  • Advanced search function
  • Automatic referencing and tagging of documents

Cloudoffis has been able to develop these time-saving, efficiency-increasing tools and methods by identifying and understanding the problems that face the SMSF industry. With recent changes to federal superannuation fund law and changes in the Australian taxation system, Cloudoffis saw this not as a hindrance but as an opportunity to revolutionize the way auditing is done and forever improve the way the industry looks at compliance.

This software is ground-breaking in the way it saves auditors from wasting time in duplicate work, monotonous tasks, and compliance concerns.

The future is bright for Cloudoffis and the SMSF audit software industry at large. They are projected to include in the next release of their software many new exciting features including an ABN and Superfund lookup function; better reporting systems; reports and observations to be integrated with line items; a new Fund Dashboard to enhance the user experience.

Cloudoffis invites the SMSF industry to explore the possibilities of saving time, money, and wasted expertise by utilizing their new cloud-based, auditing software: endless benefits are guaranteed, including an enhanced bottom line!

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What’s next for SMSF audit technology – As future is bright in SMSF

In the past the SMSF audit industry has been criticised for taking too long to evolve and innovate. More recently, however, the industry is coming up to speed with developments happening in the broader software and technology space.Cloudoffis has not only embraced new technology and artificial intelligence, it sees a bright future for SMSF auditing software development. Manual, monotonous and time-consuming tasks have been practically eliminated thanks to Cloudoffis’ sophisticated approach to removing human-error from the auditing process.

The time saving potential this intelligent, cloud-based software offers is an industry disrupter. Cloudoffis projects these advancements will save auditors upwards of 40-50% time per audit, and what’s particularly exciting is that these benefits are being directly passed onto users.

The cost of compliance just became a whole lot more affordable.

Some of the features Cloudoffis software is bringing into the market include:

  • Integration of information, reporting and source documentation (e.g. Class, BGL, MYOB, AO, ASIC, etc.)
  • Better presentation of data and information: reducing risk of human error
  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and document management to enable click-of-a-button in-document searching
  • Data analysis to define scope of work before audit even begins
  • Advanced search function
  • Automatic referencing and tagging of documents

Cloudoffis has been able to develop these time-saving, efficiency increasing tools and methods from identifying and understanding the problems that face the SMSF industry. With recent changes to federal superannuation fund law and changes in the Australian taxation system, Cloudoffis saw this not as a hindrance but as an opportunity to revolutionise the way auditing is done and forever improve the way the industry looks at compliance.

This software is ground-breaking in the way it saves auditors from wasting time in duplicate work, monotonous tasks and compliance concerns.

The future is bright for Cloudoffis and the SMSF audit software industry at large. They are projected to include in the next release of their software many new exciting features including: an ABN and Superfund lookup function; better reporting systems; reports and observations to be integrated with line items; a new Fund Dashboard to enhance the user experience.

Cloudoffis invites the SMSF industry to explore the possibilities of saving time, money and wasted expertise by utilising their new cloud-based, auditing software: endless benefits are guaranteed, including an enhanced bottom line!

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How AI is standardising the SMSF audit process & boost bottom lines

A typical SMSF audit from administration to auditor takes about 2.5-4 hours. Sometimes it can take up to 8 hours for larger, more complex funds, But what if you could finish an audit in HALF that time? Yes, half and not just that,  you could deliver a 30% boost to the bottom line by instantly streamlining the process.

Here’s how you can do that.

At Cloudoffis, we provide cutting-edge software that is revolutionizing the way auditors use technology and AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the management of SMSF. Just imagine:

Scan Up To 300 pages In Seconds With An Inbuilt Optical OCR Converter With Cloudoffis:

You can quickly upload the source documentation for each of your jobs in PDF format. The inbuilt OCR (Optical Character Recognition) then converts everything into a readable and searchable document. This means at the click of one button you can search for any amount or account or any word whatsoever.

Automated Audit Checklists With Cloudoffis:

When you import a file or upload a ledger or a trial balance, the technology and API integration recognitions (i.e. with BGL, Class, ASIC, Title searching, etc.) automatically provide you with those checklists. You don’t need to provide any information whatsoever (whereas other providers have nothing more than checklists that you need to manually wade through).

Avoid The Tedium Of Tagging and Bookmarking:

Cloudoffis is the only software in the market that automates the tagging and bookmarking process. Saving you time, helping you stay compliant, and minimizing human error.

Other Benefits Of Cloudoffis:

  • Auto generation of red flags for review in an Audit Fund Dashboard
  • Reporting and observations with integrated line items
  • Highlight, comment, markup, and search easily
  • Master checklist templates
  • Upload docs all in one place
  • Seamless collaboration with all involved

Result: auditors can save up to 50% of the time per audit.

THE PERFECT SOLUTION

“I received a contract increasing our number of SMSF audits to almost 500 per year. In order to properly fulfill the contract I needed to reduce the time taken for each audit. Cloudoffis provided the perfect solution in that the program provides quick and simple tagging of relevant supporting documents as well as providing comprehensive checklists for both financial and compliance regimes.”

Peter Mangan Director, Peter Mangan Accountants Pty Ltd

For more info on all the wonders, Cloudoffis hands auditors request a live demo below today! This article was featured on SMSF Adviser, read more here

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Concerned that cloud-based software is less secure? It’s not the fact

Besides doing an accurate audit, security is probably your biggest worry. When you heard the rumours about the lack of security in cloud-based software to conduct your clients’ SMSF audits, you might have run for the hills. After all, a secure working and storage environment is key to ensure your clients’ trust. Although you’re tempted by how easy it is to work with and store data in the cloud, still-doubts linger. Are my clients’ data secure? Can I trust cloud-based systems to keep their data secure for the years to come? You need the facts–not half-truths whispered around the water cooler. Cloud-based software is not only as secure as a conventional IT system-it’s more secure. Here’s what you need to know:

Tight Control Doesn’t Mean High Security

Noted computer science professor David Linthicum wasn’t always a believer in cloud computing’s security. Although well aware of its power and scope for applications, he now is ‘finding that clouds are more secure than traditional systems, generally speaking’. The reason? Contrary to the myth, the truth is that where data is located isn’t as important as accessibility. In other words, in Linthicum’s words, ‘control does not mean security’. In fact, says Linthicum, traditional, on-premises IT systems average more Web application-based attacks than do service providers’ cloud-based systems, by a ratio of 61 to 28.

On-Premises Systems Bigger Targets for Security Threats

That’s a huge difference. Furthermore, Linthicum points out, the on-premises users had more “brute force attacks” than did the cloud-based users. Food for thought-especially since in our business-our data represents the net wealth of our clients. Like sharks when they smell blood, attackers bite when they smell money. Especially if they know they’ll have more than twice the chance of success when they know the accounting firm still uses an on-premises IT system. Again, Linthicum stresses, a firm’s preference for an on-premises system rests on a feeling; the false premise that control equals security. In fact, he points out, those companies who design cloud-based platforms “focus more on security and governance” than their old-school brethren.

The Key: A Cloud Solution that Takes Security Seriously

Instead, what a financial firm should concentrate on is to find a system with cutting-edge security technology and a proper strategy. Reducing the opportunities for an attack to breach the system should be the priority. A software firm that tests, tests, and tests again for vulnerability is the one companies who deal with the life’s savings of its clients should choose. In the 23 April 2017 edition of Forbes, Louis Columbus writes about Australians’ reluctance to hop on board with cloud solutions for fear of security breaches. Although Australia is the global leader in cloud adoption for public use, the Gulf Coast Council leads in private cloud use. Yet as cloud services increase their security for public, private, and hybrid platforms, more and more companies are coming around to take advantage of cloud services for even their most sensitive data.

Security Is Now the Competitive Edge for Cloud Providers

The question is, does your company really want to drag its heels on adopting cloud technology when it could take the lead? According to UK tech writer Ben Rossi, it is precisely the lack of confidence many enterprise companies have in the cloud that should spur them to take a second look. Because of this general reluctance of organisations to adopt cloud platforms, cloud services, says Rossi, have begun to ramp up their security to the point that they compete ‘on the security of their service’. Add that factor to the reality-not the myth-that most of the recent data breaches that have happened over the last few years occurred within on-premises IT systems. Cloud systems, too, have no personal connections-or axes to grind-with the companies they serve. As Rossi points out, ’employees with …malevolent intentions will find it more difficult’ to do damage with cloud-stored data. In most cases, Rossi says, cloud-based services must adhere to tougher standards than do on-premises systems, since cloud services handle the data for much more than just one organisation.

Choose Efficiency and Security with a World-Class Cloud Provider

The key, then, to take advantage of the lower cost and higher efficiency of the cloud while lessening your risk, is to choose your cloud provider wisely, conclude the authors of Internet security giant McAfee’s ground-breaking report, ‘Building Trust in a Cloudy Sky‘. Those Cloud First organisations who use unified or integrated security solutions have found it easier to adopt cloud services, since the heightened level of security from these security providers ‘reduce their response time to detect, protect, and correct threats to the organisation’s data’. Cloudoffis takes its clients’ security seriously. Not only does it host its servers on the highly secure Amazon Australia, but it also adheres to the highest industry standards of security implementation. To discover more about how you can boost your productivity while maintaining the highest level of security for your audit files, contact Cloudoffis today.

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Cloudoffis improve productivity of firm & is gold sponsor at ATSA 2017

Cloudoffis is a Gold sponsor of ATSA 2017 – one of the leading events for accountants & bookkeepers in practice.
Our values align with what ATSA organisers believe in – “It’s not the technology but what it can do for your firm and your clients that is key. Technology is the great enabler – enabling new efficiencies, new service opportunities, new ways to engage with your clients.”

Cloudoffis offers a brand new way of conducting SMSF audits. Developed with Auditomation, an advanced audit process automation technology, it truly enhances an auditor’s decision making process. We believe that this perfect blend of an auditor’s skills and software-assisted automation can result in high-quality and error-free audits.

At every step, auditomation enables simplicity, speed and efficiency to ensure accuracy and high quality SMSF audits.
Come to ATSA on October 16-17 (Hyatt Regency, Sydney) and ask us about how the unique auditomation technology in Cloudoffis can transform the SMSF audit process by helping you conduct error-free and high-quality audits and improving the productivity and profitability of your firm.

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SMSF Cyber Security: Measures to keep safe as we move in September

As a financial advisor, you need to know about the changes in the SMSF industry and how they will affect you. We’ve created a quick SMSF industry update, letting you know what is happening in the industry and how these changes may affect investment going forward.

Trustees Opt to Go It Alone Navigating Complex Rules

Earlier this year, Vanguard released a report which showed that one of the prime concerns among SMSF trustees in 2017 was navigating the complex and ever changing rules and regulations associated with the fund. Despite this, we are still seeing trustees opting to go it alone and figure out the best course of action themselves. Only 38% of SMSF trustees now seek assistance from a financial advisor, down from 54% nine years ago. Concern over the quality of advice and the spectre of bad experiences in the past have been cited as two of the major factors behind this, and the rise of accounting and auditing software platforms have also given trustees more scope and capability to take care of duties themselves.

Contributions Continue to Rise

SMSF investment is at a very healthy level in 2017 and looks to be continuing to rise as we move into September. The June quarter of this year saw enormous increases in trustee investment, with average contributions soaring from $9,138 to just over $32,000. This tripling in the average level of investment has been credited to the changing of SMSF rules at the beginning of July, which made it more advantageous for trustees to invest. The last time investment levels have been this healthy was back in 2009.

Increased Focus on Cyber Security

If cyber security has left the front pages in 2017, it has never been for very long. Recently, it reared its ugly head again, this time with the news that criminal gangs, particularly those based in Eastern Europe, have been targeting SMSFs in Australia. This should not be taken as a reason to panic, however. Cyber crime is the new frontier for law enforcement. New breaches simply mean new measures must be taken to keep us and our money safe. Expect a renewed focus on cyber security and tighter measures in place to keep SMSFs safe as we move into September. To learn more about Cloudoffis and how it can help you to keep on top of your SMSF auditing, get in touch with our team today. We are waiting to hear from you.

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Top 5 challenges of auditing SMSFs in 2017 – A huge rise in SMSF

There are now close to 600,000 SMSFs in operation and over 1.1million SMSF members. With this huge rise in SMSFs, the Australian Government’s policy changes are designed to ensure the sustainability, growth and flexibility of these funds. Here are the top 5 challenges of auditing SMSFs in 2017:

Events-based reporting

With the new events-based reporting set to streamline the flow of information to the ATO from 2018, any new income streams or changes to the fund will need to be reported within 28 days at the end of the quarter rather than on an annual basis. Although this doesn’t come in to effect now, all 2017 transactions will need to be reported in 2018, thus putting a lot of compliance burden on SMSF advisers. Also, firms will need to have automated processes in place.

Technological developments

Technology is having a huge impact on how we execute SMSF audits today. Audit process technologies enable auditors to conduct faster and high quality audits. Time saved via automating SMSF audit and admin processes can be utilised to get more clients and increase profitability. Smaller accounting firms might fail to stay profitable and keep up with the speed and efficiency versus firms equipped with advanced audit software.

The importance of independent audits

The Government relies on the SMSF annual audit to assess trustee compliance with the law and ensure that the integrity of the superannuation system is maintained. SMSF auditors will play a crucial role in the regulation of the SMSF sector. In fact, auditor role has now been stressed upon more than ever before. The ATO is increasing its focus on SMSF auditors who fail to meet key independent criteria.

The changing role of accounting firms

Changes in superannuation mean, accounting firms need to rethink their strategies in order to sustain in the long term in the field of SMSFs. Being accredited as specialist SMSF advisors through the SPAA (SMSF Professionals Association of Australia) or completing specialist courses should be seen as a minimum commitment on the part of accounting firms looking to be seen as serious about SMSF. It’s also crucial for accountants to obtain the appropriate licence in order to offer financial advice on SMSFs. This can help firms to continue expanding their revenue stream even further.

Disengaged SMSF trustees

With information and advice easily available on the internet, SMSF trustees have a lot of knowledge at hand and are making decisions based on that. While having the knowledge is a good thing, they might not necessarily have the specialist understanding needed to take SMSF decisions. One of the key challenges for advisers is to engage SMSF trustees with knowledge, insights and advice relevant to them.

Disruption is a natural course for any industry and change is inevitable. In order to fulfil their role in the SMSF world, auditors, advisers and accounting firms need to adapt and evolve faster than they think.

References 1. SMSF statistical report. March 2017.
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11 Reasons to move your accounting firm on the cloud for high growth

Australian accounting firms will witness a sea change in the coming 5 to 10 years. Cloud-based services and automation tools will disrupt the business model. It is imperative for every accounting firm to invest in advanced cloud-based systems sooner rather than later. Studies show that cloud based firms add five times the amount of clients compared with traditional firms, and report the highest growth. With the rapidly changing business environment, cloud technology allows your accounting firm to reinvent your way of work, evolve quicker and differentiate your service offerings. Here are 11 reasons why:

Accuracy

Cloud-based applications connect to external software and reduce the possibility of errors involved in manual feeds.

Enhanced security

Cloud systems have robust security protocols. They have much deeper pockets for firewalls and highly sophisticated intrusion prevention systems in place.

Cost savings

When you take into account the hardware, utility, software license, maintenance, and productivity costs, cloud subscriptions turn out to be more affordable. This is especially true for accounting firms who work with small and medium businesses. They also save time and improve the overall productivity of your firm.

Collaboration

Cloud-based platforms allow you to invite clients on online platforms. Allowing online access to clients is now more imperative than ever before – especially when it comes to offering SMSF-related advice. If you don’t, they will soon move to a firm who will.

No more maintenance headaches

Updates in software and hardware are done automatically. This means your systems are always up to date, and there’s no downtime due to system related issues.

Scalability

Cloud systems allow you to expand and grow faster without increasing immediate technology costs. It allows to upscale or downscale your existing resources as per your business needs.

Efficiency

Cloud technology allows to concentrate on your core competencies while leaving the task of running IT infrastructure to the cloud service providers.

Real time financial management

With accurate real-time data at your fingertips, firms can share the golden nuggets of information with your clients. This allows you to become your clients preferred adviser and increase revenue.

Flexibility

Cloud systems give you the flexibility to access your files and data even when you are off-site or at home. You and your employees can have a virtual office wherever they go through web-enabled devices.

Added value

Moving to cloud-based technologies allows you to automate low-value tasks. This helps you add real value to your clients business and create a certain stickiness to the client-firm relationship.

Robust Data Management System

Cloud technology has in-built off-site data management. Since all the data is stored in the cloud, it’s easy to have a backup or restore it. This also means, you can access any of the audit or accounting documents whenever you need them.

The cloud is here to stay and early adopters will benefit significantly in the long run. In order to survive and succeed in an automated future, accounting firms need to go beyond a service-oriented approach and start acting as advisers for their clients by deploying cloud technologies.

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5 Emerging trends in SMSF industry in 2017 – Good time to take stock

With the substantial changes to superannuation rules in action since July 2017, it’s a good time to take stock of the emerging trends in the SMSF industry.

Trend #1 Catering to a unique population

The superannuation population now consists of a really interesting and challenging age mix. The Baby Boomers, Generation Y and the Millennials. An aging and increasingly diverse community along with the current technological advances are bound to reshape the superannuation sector. Super funds will increasingly tailor their offerings to this new reality.

The millennial investors are more digitally savvy and happy to embrace automated investment advice compared with aged investors (60+). Studies also show that millennial investors are strong adopters of mobile apps and cloud-based technologies.

Trend #2 The age of Automation

Yet another emerging trend is the advent of automated processes and tools. Like any another industry, automation is bringing in significant change and efficiency in the way SMSFs are managed. Cloud-based technologies are automating a variety of cumbersome day-to-day processes.

Live reporting and greater visibility offer better decision making for trustees. Automated audit platforms are revolutionizing the way in which SMSF audits are conducted. These tools are saving auditors a significant amount of time and helping create high quality audits. Automation ensures a high level of accuracy, improves client experience and allows firms to improve their scalability.

Trend #3 The need for events-based reporting

The ATO is asking firms to notify them of some events 28 days after the month in which they happened and to notify them of other things 10 days after the end of the month in which they occurred. Increased events-based reporting means firms will need to have automated processes in place. Surprisingly, in a recent poll on the SMSF Adviser, only 23% of the accounting firms said that they were ready for ATO’s events-based reporting requirements.

Trend #4 The swing towards managed funds

The investor market seems to have an appetite for managed funds. Studies show that investors tend to have more faith in managed funds, as they provide more stability and confidence in a volatile world. While SMSF trustees are interested in investing in a diverse portfolio of funds, they don’t have enough time to select and research their SMSF.

The new Super reforms from July 1st limit the role of accountants – they can no longer provide SMSF advice to their investors without obtaining a license. This means, Advisers specializing in Managed Funds will benefit significantly. The SMSF space will also see new licensing requirements for accountants who want to provide more holistic advice to their SMSF clients.

Trend #5 Greater innovations for the future

With increased life expectancy, trustees look for a better control over their financial future. They are on the lookout for innovative strategies for the future. Real-time tools that offer personalized interaction with members through portable devices; the ability to make instant decision making strategies on a personal level; and a clear forecast on the returns. Trustees are also interested in innovative strategies/tools that spread awareness and demand engagement from an early age.

Some of the examples being cradle-to-grave products. In the age of information revolution, smart phones, cloud-based technologies and social media, 2017 will look for newer ways to bring in efficiency in SMSF investments, administration and audit – not just in the face of regulation but to meet consumer expectations for the future.

References:
1. BNP Paribas article March 2015 ‘2025: What will the superannuation industry look like in a decade?
2. Top 10 trends in the Australian wealth management industry
3. Investment Trends Survey Highlights

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for information only. Cloudoffis cannot be held responsible for any loss incurred as a result of using information on this blog. Persons accessing this information are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate professional advice before making any investment or financial decision.

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Top 10 benefits of automating your SMSF audit process at high standard

SMSF audits require a high standard of consistency and quality control, and automation plays a key role in achieving these goals. In fact, it’s transforming the SMSF industry, as most practices are fast adopting audit automation processes. If you haven’t, it’s time to jump in before it’s too late.

Here are the top ten benefits to help you make that decision

1. Improve accuracy and create error-free audits

One of the key reasons to use automated software for SMSF audits is of course… it’s ‘automated’! Using any form of manual method to look for information increases the room for error. The auditomation technology in Cloudoffis – a unique technology developed by SMSF auditors for SMSF audits – imports the trial balance directly from BGL/Class and auto-segregates them in to relevant buckets. Since client or fund details are populated automatically, you can be rest assured your audit reports will be error-free.

2. Save time and improve efficiency

Automation allows you to conduct faster audits without having to do repetitive tasks such as compiling checklists, checking things repeatedly or identifying red flags. Powered by auditomation, Cloudoffis analyses the scope of the audit as soon as the data is imported and creates relevant checklists for that particular account, so you don’t have go through irrelevant items. This means you have to check source documents only once. Additionally, there is also a ‘Customise Checklist’ feature to tailor to your practice/client needs! The auditomation technology in Cloudoffis also identifies items needing closer attention and red flags them automatically. Gone are the dreadful days of sifting through reams of data looking for issues such as negative balance, interbank entries, reverse balances, etc. In fact, auditomation saves up to 40% of an auditor’s time.

3. Discover the power of a single window interface

Advanced SMSF audit automation software offers a structured environment with all the necessary processes and documents an auditor needs in one place. The single window interface in Cloudoffis provides one coherent view of the lead schedules, checklists, red flags, supporting documents, review points, etc. Putting all the key ingredients for the audit within easy access. This means you don’t have to juggle across multiple views or open multiple documents and you can create end-to-end audits in a single window.

4. Intuitive and easy to use

The real test of any automation software lies in its simplicity. Cloudoffis enriches the user experience by providing a user-friendly, step-by-step navigation flow. Powered by auditomation, it’s packed with intuitive tools that complement the auditor’s skills at every step.

5. Store and share documents securely

By automating the process of moving data offline, you can save time and reduce the potential for error.The Document Management System seamlessly integrates with Cloudoffis, offering secure online storage.

6. Powerful search function

The powerful search functionality in Cloudoffis enables you to easily locate documents by simply using keywords or figures. You can search for and open documents in the same window, and simply drag and drop source documents to complete an item of audit!

7. Collaborate in real time

When an auditor has a query or needs any documents from a client, they no longer have to waste time making calls or writing emails. The in-built collaboration platform in Cloudoffis allows an auditor to connect with colleagues and clients in real time – saving a huge amount of time for everyone.

8. Monitor the progress of jobs easily

An automated system not only lets you see the status of any individual item, it also gives you the bird’s-eye view of your whole system. With the power of auditomation, the Cloudoffis dashboard gives senior management real-time status / percentage completion and staff-wise allocation of each job, etc.

9. Increase scalability

Processes that took weeks before can now be achieved within minutes thanks to auditomation. A well-conceived SMSF audit software such as Cloudoffis accelerates the audit time, enables your firm to complete more high quality audits in a shorter frame of time, helps meet client deadlines, and increases efficiency and productivity in several ways.

10. Increase your firm’s profitability

With the changing dynamics on the SMSF landscape, practices are under increasing pressure to deliver high quality audits cost effectively.

By investing in sophisticated cloud-based technology powered by auditomation, you can simplify and speed up the audit process. Most importantly, you can ensure that you are not just in the game, you are well ahead of it!

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