The next decade will be a period of rapid change and continuous transformation for the accounting profession that will lend itself to greater opportunities for growth and productivity, according to a new report.

I get questions daily from CPAs asking if their firm should consider a merger or if it is possible for their firm to compete as an independent or local firm. My current answer is, "It depends!"

TENSOFT UNVEILS REVENUE COMPLIANCE MODULE

Accounting firms of all sizes are embracing portals not only as a means to collaborate with their clients more efficiently—especially during tax season—but also to remain compliant with current data transfer and security laws.

Accounting and bookkeeping haven't always been particularly easy to accomplish. Before the advent of mechanized bookkeeping, keeping track of financial transactions, and their ultimate effect on a business, was a matter of sorting transactions into the proper category and recording them by hand into paper ledgers, using specialized paper to physically emulate the T-Account concept.

SAGE RESELLER CIS CONSULTING SELLS PRACTICE

CCH has integrated its ProSystem fx Tax software with its Web-based Global Integrator system.

Cloud-based document storage and sharing service SmartVault has released SmartVault Version 3.3, which includes added security and compliance features, as well as an enhanced user interface.

Online tax preparation site FreeTaxUSA said it now supports all 42 states with a state income tax.

WealthEngine has launched its nonprofit donor-prospecting system on Salesforce.com’s online AppExchange 2 marketplace.

Clifton Gunderson Technology Solutions, the technology consulting arm of Clifton Gunderson, has signed a new sales, marketing and development contract with Intacct and CPA2Biz, a subsidiary of the American Institute of CPAs, allowing the firm to resell the Intacct’s Web-based accounting software and use it for outsourced accounting services.

NetSuite Inc. has released a new version of its NetSuite Software Company Edition, designed for software companies grappling with managing varied revenue models, including processes for supporting recurring revenue management streams.

Intuit Inc. has retooled its QuickBooks certification course to make it easier and faster for accounting professionals to become certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors.

IMGCAP(1)]“To the Cloud!” proclaims a Microsoft Windows 7 television commercial that began running last fall.

Intelligize has introduced the SEC Checker to help with the preparation, analysis and review of SEC filings.

H&R Block has introduced a downloadable tax information app that users of the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch and Google Android devices can run.

Nitro PDF Software, makers of the free Nitro PDF Reader, has released some key improvements to its Nitro PDF Professional software focusing on functionality, performance enhancements and usability.

Intuit is offering a prize of up to $10,000 for innovative ideas from businesses, individuals and academics through a new Web site aimed at promoting collaborative brainstorming.

Armanino Consulting, the tech consultancy of Top 100 accounting firm Armanino McKenna, has become an Intacct reseller, in addition to representing competitor Microsoft Dynamics GP and AX, which it has done for 12 years.

BNA Software has updated its fixed assets software with the latest tax law and form changes from the recent tax cut extension.