Accountants Online

Over the past few years, many accountants have been a bit reluctant to use the Internet for business-related services. But as the American public becomes more and more "wired," the accounting profession is following suit. A recent report and other industry events indicate that a majority of accountants are beginning to take full advantage of the Internet and its benefits for business.

A recent Accounting Today study found that four out of five accountants are surfing the Internet for business purposes, and 13 percent of them are clocking in at more than 10 hours every week. Fifty-three percent of those surveyed said that they plan to increase their time on the Net for business purposes.

So why the recent rush of accountants getting online for work-related reasons? Clients are an important reason. Accountants are finding that their clients prefer-sometimes even assume-that e-mail and web sites be a primary channel of communication with their CPA. Accounting firms continue to develop web sites that keep clients happy, and keep them coming back.

The need for fast, reliable research and resources is another reason for the growing accounting presence on the Net. The capability for finding fast, accurate data is unmatched by any other form of media. Accounting professionals can find detailed, comprehensive information with a few simple clicks as opposed to pouring over pages of books. Tax resources, specifically, are the biggest attraction on the web for the accounting industry. Practitioners can easily download tax forms, regulations and guidelines from around the country-even the world-as well as hundreds of other tax-related resources.

Accounting societies have found that the best way to maintain daily communication with their members is through the Internet. Organizations continue to publish newsletters and magazines and schedule meetings and other events. But a web site is unrivaled in its ability to provide the most current information with such ease and speed. Members have 24-hour access to everything they need to know about the organization, and most likely the site also provides accounting news, reports and other resources.

Although today's accountants have been somewhat measured in their response to the Internet and its capabilities, the future generation of CPAs will most likely enter the profession with a comprehensive background in accounting-related technology, including the Internet. The AICPA has even signed an agreement with a technology consulting company to convert the Uniform CPA Examination into a computerized format by 2003. From the moment a CPA's career begins, it will hinge on a comfort-level with technology.

The trend towards higher levels of Internet use continues to build momentum in the accounting profession. In 1996, only half of all accountants had access to the web. Today, almost all accountants (96% according to the survey) can go online, and more and more are choosing to do so everyday.