The Aftermath of COVID-19

With as much going on during the COVID 19 pandemic, people needed assistance when it came to sorting out their accounts and their books. They were working on processes that would allow them to get through processes and coordinating with experts who knew a little more about their industry so that they could make a difference. While most of these processes can be handled individually, there are aspects they have to get through with professionals who would be capable of incorporating the changes taking place and the new rules and amendments passed.

 We were unsure about the changes and did not know what was in store either. Post-pandemic, accountants, who have been traditionally more focused on the numbers, are now being trained to be more creative and strategic. The post-pandemic accounting firm needs accountants who can work across different functions and collaborate with stakeholders. The post-pandemic accounting firm will need to have a strategic approach for its clients and be prepared to address their evolving needs. They need to have an analytical skill set to anticipate the changes in the market and provide critical thinking when it is needed which also means that accountants need to have skills in two-way communication, integration and collaboration, and tech-savvy leadership.

We had to change and rethink processes
All the same, the pandemic brought about many changes to the way that we were getting work done. There were times when we had to change and rethink the processes we put together over the years. It was a challenging time for the profession, but it was also an opportunity for firms willing to change and evolve with the times. The accounting profession had to adapt quickly. Not only did we have to figure out how to provide services remotely, but we also had to figure out how to do so with a small number of staff members.

We had to make a bunch of changes to the way we got through processes. We could no longer meet people in person, at least not the way that we would before the pandemic. There were a lot more rules that they had to get through. Post-pandemic everything changed for accounting firms. You will need to master the ability to ask questions, listen objectively to various viewpoints, consider all possible outcomes of a decision and make a judgment call. 

We are working on a blended schedule, which means that there are days that we are coming into the office, and there are days that we are working remotely. However, if we have clients who want to meet us, we are happy to move back to the office, but for the most part, we can get all our work done remotely, which has been a blessing moving through the process.

No challenges working remotely
We were able to adapt to the concept before Covid-19. However, some were rumbling about more virtual meetings and fewer face-to-face interactions. In addition, we acquired a larger space to facilitate local and national safety protocols. We had to pay a premium for the space as the South Florida Market real estate market exploded. There is a minor setback which is explaining the content to some clients, which would be a lot easier to get through pre-pandemic and is quite challenging when we are handling it virtually. We currently have no restrictions. We have groups of people coming in at the same time, and they are getting through processes. 

We have a cleaning company that disinfects our building daily. We want to make sure that everyone working with us is safe as we make sure that they can get through those processes. Further, depending on the rules, we make sure that everyone is following them. Masks, maintaining social distance and everything in between are followed properly to keep everyone safe.

Some things changed, some didn’t
While so many aspects of the work we did constantly changed, there were some that we kept the same. It was a benefit for our clients and others. Our working hours did not change, but we spend additional time working in the house because we no longer work from the office. Working remotely can be challenging with the phones always ringing and no proper time for our personal life.

We were also using the same platform for content and transfer of information. It is a secured platform to share confidential data with our clients. We used this platform long before the pandemic. This platform allows us to expedite the exchange of information with clients, allowing us to finish our business faster. Client Xchange has always served the purpose, and making any changes to it did not seem like a requirement. Additionally, we learned that there were processes and functions that we could personalize, which made getting through processes that much easier.

We are fully operational: we meet clients face-to-face and remotely. We prefer meeting them face to face, which is the system we use to coordinate most of our meetings. However, many clients are not open to meeting in person, at least, at the moment, and we have to respect that and give them their time. We do not force anyone to meet us and adapt and coordinate with them remotely or virtually.

We use all the various software that make coordinating with our clients easy. While Zoom is the most popular, we use Google to an extent as well, which is quite challenging to get through. We participate in virtual public events and business expos, allowing for a wider fan base and awareness about the accounting and bookkeeping work that we handle.

Get in touch with us today!
If you are looking for accountants and bookkeepers in Florida, connect with us at PGL3 Services. We offer a wide range of services to entrepreneurs, executives, and independent professionals. We stay updated with the changing rules and trends, making the process we are getting through a lot easier to manage. Additionally, we focus on the industries our clients are working in, which is an additional advantage when assisting them with their accounts and other changes. If you want to better understand the services we provide, please click here. If you are looking to connect with us or think that we can assist with a requirement that you have, please click here.