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Best practices in data recording and reporting for accounting agencies

Correct data recording and absence of errors in reporting is the basis of an accounting agency. At the same time, the influence of the human factor cannot be canceled: and if it is there, then the probability of errors exists. To reduce it, accounting agencies use various methods. We will consider the most popular of them below.

December 27, 2024

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The importance of accurate data recording and reporting for accounting agencies

1. Working with financial data

The specifics of an accounting agency's work involve working with finances.
Any errors in data can lead to financial losses for clients. Consequently, it can cause reputational and economic losses for the accounting agency itself.

2. Compliance with legislation

The work of an accounting agency, as well as each of its clients, is governed by applicable law. Any errors may result in significant fines.

3. Increasing customer confidence

The more transparent and accurate the documentation created by an accounting agency, the higher the confidence clients have in it.

Key principles and approaches to data accounting that improve the efficiency of the accounting agency

1. Development of data recording standards and their consistent and strict enforcement

- Uniform standards should be developed for all employees;
- Procedures should be implemented regularly to help improve the quality of data recording;
- All company policies should aim to continuously improve the quality of data recording, entry and registration.

2. Automating data recording

- There should be regular market analysis of applications designed to automate data entry;
- The company should implement modern software tools for automated data entry.

3. Control of the entered data

- There should be ongoing research into ways to reduce the likelihood of errors being made
- Regular audits of data should be conducted to monitor the accuracy of data entry.

Best Reporting Practices for Accounting Agencies

1. Creating report templates

- For each of the key areas of the accounting agency's work, a template is created that can be easily adjusted to the specifics of the task;
- Examples of reports are developed to illustrate the requirements to the design of accounting documents.

2. Use of modern tools to monitor the timeliness of tasks

- Implementation of a system of calendars and reminders to reduce the impact of the human factor;
- Implementation of time management systems, enabling the accountant to use his working time more efficiently.

3. Storing reports digitally

- Transition to a cloud-based storage system. Allows each key employee to access the current version of a document at any time;
- Use of services that ensure high security and safety of data. Guaranteeing data confidentiality is an important advantage for clients of accounting agencies.

The role of technology in improving data recording and reporting

The role of technology data recording
- Automate tasks with apps for accountants

Among the applications for accountants in the U.S. market are QuickBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books. These most popular applications are familiar to every accountant, and working with them allows for automation of data recording and reporting.
An important advantage of these applications for accountants is the removal of part of the workload from employees. The ability to automatically generate reports for each of your clients, the speed and accuracy of data entry, and the ease of searching are important benefits for any accounting agency.
Which is the best app for accountants? We talked about it here.

- Integration of applications with cloud services

One of the reasons for the increased probability of errors is confusion in documentation. This is often caused by working with an irrelevant version of the data representation. To minimize the risks arising from communication difficulties, accounting firms use a number of cloud services.

Dropbox and Google Drive are examples of the most popular cloud solutions for storing documentation.

- Real-Time Reporting

With AI, businesses can generate real-time financial reports without waiting for the month-end reconciliation process. AI systems integrate with accounting software to pull data dynamically, providing instant access to up-to-date financial metrics.

  • Example: AI-driven dashboards like those in QuickBooks Advanced provide real-time visuals of a company’s financial health, aiding decision-making.

- Error Detection and Fraud Prevention

AI's ability to detect anomalies ensures that financial records are accurate and compliant. By monitoring transactions and flagging irregularities, AI plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring compliance with regulations.

  • Example: Solutions like Xero’s AI assistant can identify duplicate entries, mismatched accounts, or suspicious transactions, ensuring cleaner audits and financial integrity.

- Enhanced Predictive Analytics

AI’s predictive capabilities enable accountants to forecast future trends, revenue, and expenses. This forward-looking approach helps organizations prepare for potential challenges and seize new opportunities.

  • Example: Predictive analytics powered by AI assists accountants in creating more accurate financial models, allowing better long-term planning.

- Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Voice Integration

NLP allows accountants to interact with software using natural language, making it easier to extract reports, understand trends, and create entries. Voice-activated tools powered by AI are particularly beneficial for on-the-go professionals.

  • Example: Platforms like Voiset utilize voice commands to record financial notes, automate task scheduling, and manage deadlines, reducing manual effort.

- Use of AI
AI Calendar

The use of AI makes it possible to perform, systematize and plan a wide variety of tasks. AI has found a separate application in the field of accounting services.

For example, the Voiset application, based on AI, allows solving several critical problems present in accounting agencies:

1. Difficulties with forecasting and analysis

For example, AI can show the workload of each of the agency's employees and the time required to perform a particular operation based on past experience. Detailed statistical information collected by AI becomes the basis for re-organizing work processes within accounting agencies.

2. Difficulty in identifying problem areas in the work

AI is used to monitor deadlines as well as analyze employee performance.

3. Staff overtime

Far not always staff recycling is a positive trait. They are often a sign of low employee organization and low efficiency. AI will make sure that employees do not take on too many tasks and will encourage them to complete their work in the allotted time. It will also train employees on the necessary time management skills.

We talked more about the benefits of accounting agencies using Voiset in this article.

In order to continually improve the accuracy of data presentation and minimize the potential for errors, it is important for an accounting agency to keep up with the times.

Modern applications can be easily combined and provide all the advanced features an accountant needs! For example, Voiset combines perfectly with QuickBooks or any other specialized application for accountants!