Botkeeper
Accounting has been drastically changing for over a decade, moving away from traditional services toward more advisory services. With automation, accountants are transitioning from traditional bookkeeping services to advisory services, focusing on giving valuable analyses to clients.
CAS Implementation Could Improve Your Business. Here’s How:
As automation processes become more crucial for accounting firms, it’s time for them to adapt and evolve to meet clients’ modern expectations: data analysis and interpretation beyond accounting basics. But how? Well, that’s where Client Advisory Services (CAS) is revolutionizing how accountants interact with their clients, and that’s a great thing.
But there’s more than just analyzing data — bear with us. Organizing and interpreting the data are fundamental aspects of CAS, but even the best analysts in the world can make their reports look like rocket science if they don’t know how to communicate with their clients.
Why You Need to Consider Adopting CAS
Client Advisory Services offer a mix of services that help accounting firms, from basic things to more complex advice, as this model opens up a fast-growing revenue source for businesses. Firms’ traditional services, while still important, are now serving as springboards to far more lucrative (and relationship-building) advisory services.
But this automation process brings its own challenges. As of 2024, 80% of all data generated is unstructured, and we have 97 zettabytes of data out there — that’s at least three James Cameron’s Avatars. This means someone needs to step in and analyze all the information flying around on cloud servers. Enter data analysts who are also tech-savvy individuals who know their QBO, Bill.com, Xero, etc.
However, clients want advisors who can guide them with their finances, not just crunch the numbers. That’s why CAS is key, along with client relationship management skills. After all, you can have all the data analysis in the world, but if you don’t explain it simply for your clients, your firm will likely struggle to stay ahead of the game.
First, You Need A CAS Integration Roadmap
Integrating CAS requires a well-thought-out plan. From understanding your firm’s current position on the spectrum of transactional to advisory services to setting clear, actionable goals for future development, you need to lay out concrete, attainable objectives for its proper integration.
Soft Skills Are the Main Course
Accounting employees must be great communicators, problem-solvers, and thinkers who see the big picture. Equipping them with soft skills lets them explain data in simple terms, build strong relationships, and guide clients clearly and confidently.
You can start CAS implementation in your firm with a beginner’s workshop. This is a chance for you and your team to learn what CAS is and how it can help your business. This workshop should teach you how to set up your team and work smarter, not harder, on CAS integration, learning, and promotion within your firm.
After the workshop, the next step is to level up your skills with a certification course from well-known organizations like AICPA and CPA.com. But this isn’t just about getting a certificate to hang on the wall. As you are equipped with the knowledge to handle real-world challenges, your CAS strategy will make you better at advising clients. Plus, it counts toward your ongoing professional education, keeping you on your game.
Having said that, here are some courses you can get into:
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CPA.com offers its CAS Workshop and Assessment Workshop
Your Future Is CAS
With automation changing the accounting world, more and more firms are opting for advisory services they can provide to their clients to avoid losing them to fierce competition elsewhere. That’s why moving to CAS means being competitive and securing your client pool by offering valuable and essential services.
However, one big step in starting a CAS practice is understanding what CAS is all about. Knowing the ins and outs of Client Advisory Services is a must, but it can be tricky. This isn’t just a small detail — it’s a big part of making your plan work. You should also worry about your marketing strategy, pricing, and leadership involvement…
But Botkeeper makes this shift easy. We give you a detailed guide to help with adding CAS to your firm’s services. There, we have a curated selection of FREE resources your accounting firm can use to start creating a CAS-first approach for your firm. Our experts have developed courses, seminars, a specialized and funny — we have our moments — blog section, and even a selected Strategic Partner Directory you can use to stay competitive and thriving. Or, if you just want to chat, we are here for you.
Ready to get started?
Moving forward with CAS will take focus and capacity. Botkeeper can offer you both. Get started for just $69/month per entity.
