Case study
From Manual to Modern: How Scottsdale CPAs Transformed Tax Preparation with Thomson Reuters Technology
Discover how Scottsdale CPAs, PLLC transformed their tax preparation process—eliminating manual work, boosting revenue, and delivering a seamless client experience—by strategically integrating cutting-edge Thomson Reuters technology. Dive into this case study to see how innovation and efficiency can revolutionize your firm's operations!
Introduction: Technology-driven transformation eliminates staffing challenges
Scottsdale CPAs, PLLC has redefined tax preparation through strategic technology adoption, achieving remarkable growth without seasonal staff. Accounting Manager Keestan Willes leveraged Thomson Reuters products — SurePrep 1040SCAN, UltraTax CS, and SafeSend — to transform the firm's operations.
By implementing these integrated solutions, the firm has created a fully digital workflow accessible from anywhere, enabling remote work and superior organization. The transformation represents a bold commitment to operational excellence in the competitive tax preparation landscape.
Challenge: Manual processes and seasonal staffing constraints
In the fast-paced world of tax preparation, Scottsdale CPAs faced significant challenges with manual processes and document management, consuming valuable time and resources. The firm struggled with paper-based workflows that limited accessibility and organization, making it difficult to maintain consistency across tax seasons.
The most pressing challenge was eliminating the need for seasonal staff, which had become increasingly difficult to hire and manage. Traditional tax preparation methods required temporary interns during peak season, creating fluctuating staffing costs and training burdens. The firm needed a comprehensive solution to streamline operations, eliminate paper processes, and create a scalable model that could handle their annual volume without seasonal hiring.
“We've decreased our staff and increased our revenue significantly over the past four years.”
Keestan Willes
Accounting Manager, Scottsdale CPAs, PLLC
Solution: Integrated Thomson Reuters products create seamless digital workflow
Scottsdale CPAs implemented a 3-product solution from Thomson Reuters to revolutionize their tax preparation process:
SurePrep 1040SCAN was integrated to digitize working papers, eliminating paper processes and enabling remote access. "I really don't know how I'd prepare a return without it at this point. It definitely keeps us organized," Willes emphasized. The solution transformed document management, allowing the team to access and organize tax materials from anywhere.
UltraTax CS was selected for its robust tax preparation capabilities, enabling the firm to handle complex returns with ease. "We do about 1,200 returns a year, and UltraTax CS handles all our tax prep," Willes shared. The platform provides comprehensive functionality for processing diverse tax scenarios efficiently.
SafeSend was the game-changer, tackling the challenge of sending returns to clients and dramatically reducing processing time. "I can process a return in SafeSend in under 3 minutes," Willes noted, highlighting the efficiency gained. SafeSend also improved the client experience by providing clear instructions for reviewing returns and automated reminders for estimated payments.
The transition marked a bold move, with the 2021 tax season being the first year using UltraTax CS and SafeSend together. SurePrep 1040SCAN was added subsequently to facilitate remote work and digital organization. "We wanted everything to be able to be accessed from anywhere," Willes stated.
Outcomes: Decreased staffing, increased revenue, enhanced client satisfaction
The implementation of Thomson Reuters products has delivered transformative results across multiple dimensions:
Efficiency: The firm now operates with fewer staff, eliminating the need for seasonal interns. They have streamlined their workflow, allowing them to process returns faster and with greater accuracy. "We've decreased our staff and increased our revenue significantly over the past four years," Willes highlighted, demonstrating the substantial operational improvements achieved.
Client satisfaction: SafeSend has transformed the client experience, providing a seamless electronic process from document submission to return delivery. Clients appreciate the clear instructions and automated reminders, making the experience more engaging and efficient. Willes noted that clients are now more engaged in reviewing their returns, thanks to the clear and concise presentation provided by SafeSend.
Increased revenue: With reduced staffing costs and improved operational efficiency, the firm has seen a significant increase in revenue, proving that the technology investment delivers strong ROI.
Improved organization: By leveraging technology, Scottsdale CPAs has eliminated paper processes, improved organization, and enhanced client interactions. This shift has allowed them to offer a more consistent and reliable service to clients, who now expect electronic and efficient handling of their tax returns. The automated reminders for estimated payments have reduced the workload for the firm, allowing it to focus on delivering high-quality tax preparation services.
Thomson Reuters products have revolutionized Scottsdale CPAs' tax preparation process, positioning them for continued success in the future.
At a glance
Industry
Accounting & Tax Services
HQ region
Scottsdale, Arizona
Solutions
SurePrep 1040SCAN, UltraTax CS, SafeSend
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