Case Study

Transforming Tax Season

Streamlining document management with Atlas

Meet Matt

A CPA Who Knows What Paperwork Costs

With Atlas, I have an affordable solution that can help with automating my bookkeeping.

Matthew is a Certified Public Accountant who understands the critical role efficient document management plays in bookkeeping and accounting. In a role that relies so heavily on precision and attention to detail, the burden of managing physical paperwork can hinder accuracy, productivity, and can jeopardize his billable time.

Challenges Faced

Piles of Client Files — and No Clear Path to Growth

Paper Everywhere, Information Missing

Before adopting Atlas, Matt struggled with managing a growing number of client documents. There were piles of client files strewn across his workspace (including the floor) with bits and pieces of missing information needed to complete the job.

Demand He Had No Infrastructure to Meet

His turning point came when he discovered there was a need everywhere to be a remote Controller/Bookkeeper for many small businesses, but he did not have the infrastructure to do so.

Tight Margins, No Room to Raise Prices

There was no clear path to growth and with tight margins in a competitive environment, price increases were not a viable option. To obtain a competitive advantage, the implementation of technological advances in automation along with an infrastructure of a document management solution was needed for a faster monthly close — bank reconciliations, bookkeeping, analytical reporting and tax preparation.

Matt's Search for a Solution

Matt's background in high-end ERP technology solutions led him to a belief that a best-in-breed affordable solution is out there for the small business. "Accounting technology conferences are a wonderful and enlightening experience," says Matt. However, having all necessary and unnecessary functions in an ERP does come at a significant price — and that is why Atlas' software best-in-breed approach recognized this as an opportunity.

We believe high-functioning software like Atlas should not break the bank. The company philosophy is to be an advocate for the small business owner, and that is why we are affordably priced,” says Jeffrey, the lead programmer for Atlas.

With the goal of streamlining Matt's services and expanding his book of business by being a remote Controller/Bookkeeper to more small businesses, Matt needed an affordable and functioning Document Management Software (DMS). His first attempt at a solution was to use Google Drive — but he quickly realized that this would be unsustainable. And with DMS being a multibillion-dollar industry, Matt knew there must be a cost-effective solution that would be far superior to a Google Drive environment.

When Matt happened upon Jeffrey, he knew Jeffrey's DMS would allow him to reach his automation goal, increase his billable time, and grow his practice without having to work more hours or increase his pricing. Oh boy — and then there was getting customers to do their part in helping with data capture…

Implementing & Executing

Plug In the Scanner, Follow the Prompts

Matt found the implementation process of Atlas to be remarkably straightforward. "The software is so intuitive that implementation and the need for much support is not necessary. Filing cabinets do not come with an instruction manual. It is a similar concept," says Matt.

The Original Document as the Point of Collaboration

Atlas has designed a workflow solution where the main focus of collaboration is the original document — this made the most sense to Matt. Documents serve as the foundation for comprehending the wide array of transactions that influence accountants and accounting practices.

A 90-Mile Drive Becomes a Button Press

Before

One of Matt's clients, a retired farmer and coin collector in his 70's, would drive 90 miles to deliver source documents to his tax preparer.

After

Now the client just puts those source documents in the hopper of a scanner and pushes a button—it's that easy.

Right-mouse click and SHARE information with multi-factor authentication to bankers or insurance agents who immediately have access to the information. Again, it's that easy. This streamlined approach to the source document eliminates the cost of driving, time in filing, cost of paper in copying, the cost of postage, the cost of fire-proof filing cabinets, the cost of occupancy space, and many other cost and time benefits.

Once Matt began capturing the information on a source document, the results were transformative. Projects that were on hold were able to be in the forefront, with the benefits of these efficiencies being reached.

The Result

From Chaos to Collected

A trucking client of Matt's was losing hundreds of thousands of dollars surrounding their billing and collection efforts. The old way (paper) did not allow for a unified system for billing and collecting. There was no at-a-glance view of total owed and what efforts have been made to collect on outstanding invoices, no events-driven log for these efforts, nor a single platform to document remaining issues and the next steps needed. There was no ability to assign tasks and alerts for notifications.

When applying collaboration and workflow, the chaos has become organized and what is supposed to happen is happening.

"Of the hundreds of trucking technology solutions researched, there was no single technology company that would meet our biggest financial impact — Accounts Receivables shortfalls," says Matt.

Atlas has played an integral role in turning around our Accounts Receivables processes and profitability,” says Dave, the trucking company's general manager.

"The retired farmer and the trucking company are just a couple of examples. I am a huge believer in bringing the functionality of DMS like Atlas's solution into the accounting profession. It's time!" says Matt.

As the shortage of accounting talent continues to plague the profession and appears to be getting worse, the way a practice runs has become part of how it competes for people.

How about the satisfaction of being 100% remote… I have never had this level of home-work-life balance. My productivity is off the charts.

Because of his new document management operation, Matt now has:

The ability to work from home
The best work-life balance he's ever had
More billable time, without more hours

A New Document Management Operation

In embracing Atlas, Matt and his clients revolutionized their document management processes and enhanced efficiency while maintaining data security. The seamless integration of hardware and software will not only simplify Matt's upcoming tax season, but also empower clients to actively contribute to their financial record keeping and reporting. Atlas' technology exceeded Matt's objectives, offering a secured, streamlined solution for his pressing need for business growth.

Request a Demo

Want to try it for yourself? Contact Atlas now to learn more about how you can utilize our transformative document management system.

Request a Demo