Welcome back to our Firm of the Future profile series about thriving firms who are benefitting from the cloud and QuickBooks® Online Accountant (QBOA) to better serve clients and find new revenue opportunities. In this new article, we spotlight Monique Swansen of Automated Accounting Services.
Mindy King: Monique, tell us about your accounting and/or tax practice.
Monique Swansen: My practice has been going strong since 2009. We started as an on-site full-service bookkeeping practice, and it has evolved to be a virtual cloud-based financial and accounting service firm. Along the way, we have identified the ideal client that works for us, and we have learned that when they are engaged, we are more engaged and the value proposition is higher.
MK: How long have you been using QBOA?
MS: We got on board the QBOA train right after the Harmony update and the evolution of the software, and – by extension – the firm has been fabulous. I am always looking forward to what’s next!
MK: What convinced you to make the move to QBOA?
MS: Two things. One: Scaling New Heights, in San Antonio for sure. Two: one of my long-term favorite clients was moving and I had to figure out a way to service him effectively. Hello QBOA!
MK: What are your goals for your practice this year?
MS: I plan on continuing to strengthen my team and have them gain knowledge to be more self-sufficient, which will save me more time to do consulting and app integration projects I love.
MK: What’s your favorite away-from-the-office place to get work done?
MS: I work “everywhere,” but I would have to say that my favorite is on my porch with my two sweet dogs, Luna and Sparky. I know you didn’t ask, but my least favorite place to work is on vacation.
MK: Where’s the craziest place you’ve done work for a client?
MS: I once ran a payroll while waiting for surgery from a hospital bed. Call me crazy.
MK: What’s your number one time-savings tip?
MS: There are so many, but my absolute favorite is to set time blocks around checking email and absolutely not leaving email open while I am working on something else. Other than that, I use Slack to keep most internal communications out of email.
MK: When you’re not working, what’s your favorite way to spend your time?
MS: In nature – at the beach, on the boat or any place where I can reconnect with myself.
MK: What advice do you have for peers that are still on desktop?
MS: Give QuickBooks Online a chance. Try it – you will like it.
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