Five Useful Apps for Finance Executives
Just five or so years ago, no one could have envisioned going into a meeting and everyone around the table pulling out a tablet, instead of a laptop. Today this is very much our reality. For most CPAs, the days of having to carry a laptop to client meetings is becoming less and less a reality. Recently the Journal of Accountancy published an article highlighting some of the more useful apps for CPAs (or for that matter for most individuals in business).
Outlined below are five classes of mobile device apps that will help CPAs take their mobile productivity to a whole new level:
ONE: File Sharing
File sharing apps enable users to effortlessly share files and content across multiple devices with ease. This class of apps includes Dropbox, one of the more popular apps, GoogleDrive, Microsoft OneDrive and Sugar Sync. These apps allow users to save documents to an application folder on their desktop where the document can then be accessed, viewed, and updated on any other device running the same file sharing app. This file sharing app automatically synchronizes the documents placed in the shared folder to a secure storage location in the cloud, which allows the user to access these files anywhere, anytime, on any device with access to this secure cloud location. This app can be useful for sharing documents with clients and others as access to files and folders may be shared. Care should be given as to what type of information is stored and shared on these types of apps, as it is possible that sensitive data may be able to be accessed by those who would have no right to such information.
TWO: Note Taking/Sharing
Smart devices are often not used for note taking due to their lack of a physical keyboard and smaller form. When you need to take a few quick notes, or view notes originally created on a desktop or laptop, note taking apps such as Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, Quip and Springpad, are instrumental. These apps give users the opportunity to take notes and allow for the ability to include pictures and tables in the content. Similar to Dropbox, Evernote allows the user to synchronize their notes to the cloud and other devices.
THREE: News Aggregators
As it has become much more commonplace for most people to get their news from a variety of sources found on the internet, news aggregating apps have become much more popular. The app Flipboard collects all of the latest news and information from a variety of sources based on a user’s interest and presents it in an easy to navigate format. Flipboard allows for the user to have the “page turning” experience by collecting all the latest news and information into a single presentation. The app is not limited to just text; it also includes pictures and videos.
FOUR: Podcast Players
Podcast player apps allow for the collection of audio content specifically designed for the end user. The podcast app Stitcher allows a user to stay current with the relevant text, pictures and video for their audio content. The app works in much the same way as a news aggregator app, except that it collects audio content. Whether during commuting time or while working out, this app allows the user to stay up to date with the latest information.
FIVE: Travel
There are a number of travel apps available for smart devices to aid in making travel a bit easier. One such app, TripIt, allows the user to forward a copy of their travel documents to the app. The service organizes all of the travel documents and creates a concise, easy-to-read itinerary, including confirmation numbers, check-in times, addresses and phone numbers that can be viewed and managed from any smart device or via the TripIt website. If there are any notifications such as flight delays or cancellations, the TripIt app will alert the user.
CONCLUSION
The apps outlined above are just a sampling of what is available to users in order to increase efficiencies when utilizing tablets and smart phones. There are many more apps that help make not only CPAs, but most individuals, smart devices more efficient and useful.
Need More Information?
For more information on the topics discussed, please contact your local WS+B advisor.
The information contained herein is not necessarily all inclusive, does not constitute legal or any other advice, and should not be relied upon without first consulting with appropriate qualified professionals for your individual facts and circumstances.
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