CCH, Technology and Its View of the Future

CEO Mark Sabbatis of major reference publisher Commerce Clearing House delivered a talk to CCH personnel recently on being a "future-ready" firm. While much of the presentation was geared at CCH-specific issues and opportunities, Sabbatis did have some useful ideas for businesses in general. Among these insights: the importance of following best practices, resilency and flexibility in business operation, a holistic approach toward employees, continuous improvement in processes as well as results and a disciplined approach toward integrating new technology. The conference also found that a majority of attendees needed to improve their tax document processes and they also sought to improve their ability to leverage technology.

Although CPA firms are far more tech-savvy compared to when I worked as a CPA 30 years ago or so, competitive pressures require that the successful practice NOT rest on their technological laurels. The emphasis on improving processes as well as results was also impressively insightful.