Even if employees are working remotely, there should never be a disconnect with your accountant

In an era where remote working has fast become the norm, even if that is a hybrid arrangement, the role of your accountant in supporting your business and its team has never been more essential for the sake of good governance, sound financial management, skilled forecasting, astute planning and fulfilment of those ambitions.

Yet, the best of accountants will have to do little to evolve to accommodate this shift in working patterns. Accountants are typically masters of working at arms length, facilitating seamless collaboration with their clients. Perhaps more so than any other outsourced service, accountants are well practised in handling various financial management tasks remotely from their clients, including bookkeeping, payroll processing and tax returns.

More strategically, remote working doesn't absolve your accountant from analysing financial data and market trends to help your business develop strategies and make informed decisions. So, it doesn't mean sacrificing access to crucial financial insights or support. With the advent of cloud-based accounting software and online collaboration tools, accountants can effectively provide their services to remote employees and directors. These platforms allow clients real-time secure access to financial data, even with team members scattered across the country.

Your accountant can help your business adapt to these changes in working practice by integrating such technology, reviewing financial records, identifying potential areas of concern and providing guidance on how to address issues for all who need to know in the client network. Importantly, with secure access to documents digitally, accountants can efficiently manage day-to-day financial operations, safeguard sensitive financial information, as well as ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, regardless of where workers are based.

While remote working may impact business finances in various ways, from changes in operating costs to fluctuations in revenue streams, all can be taken account of. It can also have implications for tax, compliance and planning too, particularly if your employees are located in different jurisdictions. In this regard, your accountant can conduct remote audits as well, ensuring that your business, in its totality, remains compliant with all relevant regulations.

The role of the accountant in supporting businesses has become increasingly vital in a remote working environment to ensure the integrity of client financials. To hear how GSM leverages technology, maintains open communication and stays proactive in addressing financial challenges, regardless of where their employees are located, contact us today on 020 7935 3793.