In 2020, the global accounting software market was valued at $12.01 billion. By 2026, it is projected to reach $19.59 billion with an 8.5% CAGR (Mordor Intelligence, 2020).

However, ICAEW statistics show that 25% of all businesses still use paper records. This number includes many UK accounting practices and that is a serious concern. There seems to be a disconnect with the traditional process driven accounting industry and the new age businesses. Technology has become too ingrained into the generation of today. The new age business owners grew up with the technology and are swift in adapting to it and they expect their service providers to be just as technology savvy as them.

UK accounting practices must also adapt to the needs of clients instead of remaining stuck with age-old methodologies. Taking action towards implementing digital innovation is the next step for many accounting firms. Changing with the times is a necessity to attract more customers and increase profits. Here are 7 strategies on how UK accounting firms can prepare for the future.

Invest in the cloud & automation technologies

Over the past few years, cloud technology has expanded rapidly than ever, especially for the accounting industry. Automated accounting systems enable accountants to automate numerous accounting tasks. Many popular accounting software are now on cloud and keeping data on cloud is acceptable for most businesses. QuickBooks online, Xero, Dropbox, Dext, FreeAgent, Kashflow are some of the cloud software popular with accounting firms. Integra Balance is an emerging accounting automation software and is quickly gaining popularity with accounting firms for its bot based accounting automation solution.

Create a referral plan

Any business benefits from word-of-mouth referrals, but accounting and tax firms benefit even more. The easiest approach to encourage recommendations is via a referral programme that rewards customers for referring you to new business. For each referral, existing customers can receive free services or additional benefits to encourage them to reach out to their friends, family, and associates. Ideally, this could be a self-sustaining marketing strategy that gives you all the benefits without any additional marketing expense.

Reduce inefficient spending and outsource where necessary

Identify where you are overspending by reviewing all of your expenses. Consider operating your firm remotely instead of paying costly office rent. Accounting firms can save money by outsourcing almost all their bookkeeping, accounting and tax jobs. Many highly profitable UK accounting firms have been using outsourcing as a strategy for many years now.

Outsourcing helps your staff to spend more time with the clients, meeting them face to face and thereby creating opportunities to add more value addition, earn clients trust and possibly win more new business. There are several accounting outsourcing service providers, and you need to carefully select the right provider that will fit well for your firm.

Elevate your firm’s brand and perceived value

If your accounting services are perceived as valuable, you can increase your prices. Branding and management, strategic marketing, and exhibiting thought leadership in your industry can help elevate your brand. Give your website a facelift, make it more user-friendly whether your users are checking it out from their laptops or mobile.

Review your current marketing strategy

Your marketing strategy can also be improved by identifying a suitable target market. Thanks to social media, reaching out to target audiences has become much easier. You might want to refresh your website’s content if you have neglected it for a long time. Consider SEO, online advertising, and social media marketing. Make optimal use of free platforms like Google My Business, directories, etc. Write blogs about accounting tips, growth hacks for business, and industry updates regularly. Use keywords to optimize your website.

Re-evaluate the pricing for your services

The market changes constantly, so you should always revisit your pricing. To become more competitive, you can increase your service fees or reduce them. Rather than using a set pricing model, switch to a value-based model. A new client may choose an accounting firm with lower fees.

Provide additional services and remove unnecessary ones

To stay competitive, it becomes crucial to provide services such as financial planning, retirement planning, bookkeeping, and payroll in addition to the basic services. This will also help you boost your revenue. Get your team trained via virtual programs/certifications in the areas of expertise you choose to add to your services. If you are providing services that are not making you any profit, it would make sense to remove them.

Implementing these 7 strategies will help you future-proof your accounting practice at least for the next decade. Now that you know how you can future-proof your accounting practice, you can put these tips into action. For your accounting outsourcing needs, check out services from Integra Global Solutions today!