Balancing the Books with Outsourcing – Virtual Receptionists

Published on: 04 September 2018 Last Updated on: 15 July 2024
Virtual Receptionists

In this modern age of ever-increasing use of electronic forms of communication, there is no wonder that many kinds of businesses are constantly looking for ways to keep up with their competition. Indeed, accountancy firms looking to improve the way they handle incoming calls to their offices will probably consider contacting a provider of virtual reception services.

Modern World

Of course, busy owners of an accounting company who need to ensure all their calls are answered in a professional and courteous manner at all times would be wise to search for websites providing insight into the benefits of virtual phone answering solutions. By looking at websites that tell you the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant, overworked accountants who wish to find a solution to their current issue regarding office reception service should be able to find out more about why using a virtual office assistant service is a good idea.

Needless to say, accounting firms with aspirations of becoming a leader in their industry will need to make sure they are able to retain their clients by providing a phone call answering service with very high standards. Providers of professional virtual phone answering an email response services that are thinking of branching out into the accountancy sector will need to make sure they hire the right people for this kind of work.

Skill Set :

As there are suppliers of virtual office receptionists who have people from a variety of backgrounds in their employment, it should not be too difficult for an accounting firm to find a virtual office assistant with the right skill set for their organization. Indeed, by taking our time when looking for a telephone answering service for our accounting business, we should be able to avoid ending up with a virtual assistant that is not suitable for the tasks they are given. Of course, highly-qualified virtual office assistants with a background in bookkeeping or other accounting competencies will be able to deal with related enquires by existing or potential clients so much more competently than those with little or no experience in this field.

Some of the tasks undertaken by a receptionist working in the accounting industry include:

  1. Managing all incoming invoices
  2. Inputting Accounts Payable data into the accounts system
  3. Making sure key bills are paid on time
  4. Answering telephone calls from clients and colleagues
  5. Managing email accounts for client communications

Multiple Offices :

Multiple Offices

Accountancy firms that have done exceptionally well since their inception may have got to the stage where they have offices in a number of places including different parts of the country where they are based. Australian accounting firms in Sydney who happen to have a number of offices in the CBD would be wise to get in touch with a provider of virtual assistant services in order to be able to provide a focal point for all their incoming calls.

Indeed, by reducing the number of different telephone numbers we have for our business, we should be able to increase the control we have over our company practices. Bosses of an accounting company that have managed to secure the services of a professional virtual office assistant provider are bound to discover the benefits of such a smart business move.

Moreover, busy accountants who do need to visit their various office locations throughout the city will appreciate having a virtual receptionist to handle all incoming calls whilst they navigate through congested traffic during peak hour times. Of course, accounting firms who are able to function much better by employing the services of a virtual secretary will be able to focus more on the other important aspects of their business.

Read Also : 

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Project Management Tool!

Redmine Demo Vs. Trello Demo: Choosing The Right Project Management Tool!

Welcome to the ultimate battle of project management tools: Redmine vs. Trello. It is no secret that choosing the right software can significantly impact your team's productivity and collaboration. Today, we will embark on a journey to explore the Redmine demo and the Trello demo options from the two popular project management tools. So, let's dive into the article to know the key features, pricing, and user reviews and find the perfect solution to manage your projects efficiently. Let the battle of the demos begin! Redmine Project Management Software Redmine is an open-source project management software that assists teams in efficiently tracking and managing projects. With its user-friendly interface, Redmine allows users to create projects, assign tasks, set priorities, and track progress. It offers a range of features, including issue tracking, time tracking, and Gantt charts. The flexibility and customizable nature of the Redmine software make it suitable for various industries and project management methodologies. Whether you're a small team or a large enterprise, Redmine aims to streamline your project management process and enhance collaboration. Redmine Software Features Customization One of Redmine's standout features is its high degree of customization. You can tailor the software to match your specific project management requirements. From custom fields and workflows to user roles and permissions, Redmine allows you to adapt the tool to fit your team's unique processes. Issue Tracking Redmine excels in issue tracking, offering a comprehensive system to create, assign, and prioritize issues. With features like status updates, due dates, and progress monitoring, Redmine ensures that your team stays on top of tasks, identifies bottlenecks, and resolves issues promptly. Integration Capabilities Redmine offers many integrations with popular tools and platforms, enabling seamless collaboration and data synchronization. Whether you need to connect with version control systems, customer support software, or communication tools, Redmine's integration capabilities make it a versatile solution for cross-functional teams. Redmine Pricing Let's talk about everyone's favorite topic: pricing. Redmine is an open-source project management tool that is free to download and use. You can customize it to suit your needs and enjoy its full features without worrying about breaking the bank. However, remember that Redmine might require technical expertise for setup and maintenance, so consider the associated costs if you don't have an in-house IT team. Redmine provides a self-hosted demo version that allows you to explore its features within a sandbox environment. The Red mine demo offers a great opportunity to test drive the software and understand its capabilities. However, setting up the demo might require some technical know-how, so if you're uncomfortable, you might need some assistance. Redmine Reviews Redmine has built a loyal following in the project management world. Users praise its flexibility, customization options, and robust issue-tracking capabilities. However, some mention that the learning curve can be steep, especially for non-technical users. It could be the perfect match for your team if you're willing to invest some time and effort to harness Redmine's power. Trello Project Management Software Trello is a visual project management tool that helps teams organize and prioritize tasks using a flexible board and card system. With its intuitive interface, Trello allows users to create project boards, add cards for tasks, and collaborate seamlessly. It offers tasks, assignments, due dates, and checklists to keep projects on track. The simplicity and ease of use of the Trello software make it a popular choice for individuals, small teams, and even large organizations. Whether you are planning a vacation or managing complex projects, Trello provides a visual and organized approach to project management. Trello Software Features Visual Task Management Trello's card-based interface makes task management a breeze. You can create cards for individual tasks, assign team members, add due dates, and attach relevant files. The visual nature of Trello's boards allows for a quick overview of the project's progress, ensuring transparency and easy collaboration. Task Assignments And Due Dates Trello allows users to assign tasks to team members and set due dates, ensuring accountability and timely completion. Assignees receive notifications, enabling them to stay informed about their responsibilities and deadlines. Easy Workflow Automation Trello's automation features, powered by its Butler functionality, save time and effort. You can automate repetitive tasks, set triggers and actions, and create rules to streamline your workflow. This feature reduces manual work and allows your team to focus on high-value tasks, boosting overall productivity. Trello Pricing Trello offers a tiered pricing structure that caters to different business sizes and needs. The software offers a free subscription with limited capabilities that is ideal for small teams or personal usage. If you require advanced functionalities like file attachments, automation, and team overviews, Trello's paid plans will be your go-to option, starting at a reasonable monthly fee. So, budget-conscious folks, take note of these pricing differences as you weigh your options. The vendor offers a cloud-based Trello demo that allows you to dive right in without any setup hassles. With a few clicks, you can start creating boards, adding cards, and experiencing Trello's intuitive interface. It's a user-friendly option that gives you a taste of what Trello offers without technical hurdles. So, if you prefer a quick and seamless demo experience, Trello's got your back! Trello Reviews Regarding Trello, users rave about its simplicity, visual appeal, and ease of use. The drag-and-drop interface and card-based system receive high praise for keeping teams organized and focused. Some users mention that Trello's free plan may feel limiting for more complex projects, but the paid plans unlock additional features. So, if you're all about simplicity and collaboration, Trello might be the tool you've been searching for. Redmine Demo Vs. Trello Demo—Concluding Remarks In the Redmine demo vs. Trello demo battle, the winner depends on your team's specific needs and preferences. Redmine excels in issue tracking, time tracking, and Gantt chart functionality, making it ideal for teams that require detailed project management capabilities. On the other hand, Trello offers a visual and intuitive board and card system, perfect for individuals and small groups looking for a simple and flexible approach to project management. When deciding, consider your team's size, project complexity, and desired features. Please take advantage of the demos provided by both platforms to experience their user interfaces and functionalities firsthand. With the right project management tool in your arsenal, you'll streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and drive success. So, let the battle of the demos guide you toward finding your team's perfect project management solution. Read Also: Using Project Management to Maximize the Holiday Season at Work 7 Common Construction Project Management Problems 7 Convenient Services Project Management Companies Offer Landlords

READ MOREDetails
Successful Office Move

Six Steps to a Successful Office Move

There are several steps to take when moving your office from one location to another. Whether you are downsizing or expanding, moving your business requires a lot of planning and the ability to minimize interruptions to productivity, employee projects, and cash flow. Depending upon the size of your business and the funds you have available, there can be a lot of stress associated with moving. Office Moving Basics: If you are on a limited budget, knowing how moving companies arrive at their fees can reduce your stress and even help you save money. For example, if you have the flexibility, try to schedule your move for an off-peak period that is less expensive. Or look for free packing boxes so you will not have to buy or rent them from a moving company. Whether you choose to rent a moving truck or decide to hire a commercial moving company, below are six ways to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. 1. Prepare, Plan, and Delegate Write down a plan to outline everything you must do to get to your new office location. Include notifying staff and clients, packing up everything you need, and obtaining insurance. Do not underestimate how long the process will take. Smaller offices will take less time to pack and prepare than larger offices. Start packing the office items you will not need until you are in the new office space. Decide who will be responsible for different steps of the moving process. For example, assign or delegate a move coordinator to communicate with and keep employees informed. Be sure the person you choose has stellar organizational and communication skills and give them the authority to make and manage decisions. Small offices with only a few employees will require a very coordinated effort to work together. 2. Layout a Timeline Keep in mind that while you plan to move, there will still be work that needs to get done. When creating a plan, establish a reasonable timeline so that your business does not suffer during the moving phase. The first step to put on your timeline is the moving date. Do not forget to include time for cleaning up and decluttering your office before packing. There is no need to bring stuff you will not need to a new place. Your lease termination date will play a significant role in choosing a moving day. 3. Know Your Budget Relocating to a new office location will cost money. Determine how much you can afford to outsource and where you can reduce costs. Will you hire a professional mover or rent a truck? Do you plan on upgrading office furniture and equipment? It is highly recommended that you include moving insurance in your budget if anything gets damaged or lost during the move. 4. Plan Out the New Office Space Collect any available information, such as floor layouts and blueprints, for the new space. Know where the electrical outlets are located and how much storage space you have. Does the new office have large open spaces that will require temporary walls or cubicles? If yes, It's possible that you will need to hire electricians, painters, carpenters or you can try One Point Partitions if your office will require some more specific work, like toilet divisions so that your new office will accommodate your current needs.  Do not forget to include these costs in your budget. 5. Solicit Bids If you plan on hiring a professional mover, get several bids, and choose the company that best suits your needs and budget. Specialty items such as high-value products and complicated equipment like medical equipment should be handled by professionals with experience. 6. Notify Service Providers and Clients Let your clients or customers know well in advance when you plan to move. Even if you do your best to avoid delays in communications and services, there is a good chance there will be a slight delay during the actual move. Set up a contingency plan for how clients can reach you during your move. A suggestion is to leave a few employees in the office to attend to customer inquiries. Follow the steps above to achieve a successful office move with minimal to no downtime. The better you plan, the more likely your staff will be able to get back to work in the new location quickly. Read Also: The Ultimate Moving Checklist – Things you Need to do When Moving Finding The Right Moving Company Plan Moving Houses Ahead: 7 Essential Tips 10 Things to Do Before You Move Out of State Factors To Consider While Preparing For A Move

READ MOREDetails
Construction Project Management

7 Common Construction Project Management Problems

Construction project management is a resource-intensive and complex process that involves coordinating different teams and disciplines to achieve a common goal. In addition, the construction industry is constantly evolving, so project managers must be adaptable and proactive to deliver projects successfully. However, even the most experienced and skilled construction project managers can face challenges during a project. Fortunately, construction project management software like Bridgit can help managers streamline employee management and performance. However, it's still critical to be familiar with the problems troubling the construction project management sector. Here are seven of them. 7 Main Problems Construction Project Managers Face: Every construction site has unique challenges, but some problems in construction project management are more common than others. 1. Undefined or poorly defined goals Every construction project should have specific and achievable goals to all team members. Without clear objectives, it isn't easy to measure progress and ensure that everyone is working towards the same vision. A common problem in construction project management is that goals are either undefined or poorly defined. It can lead to confusion and frustration among team members. In a recent survey, 52% of the respondents were dissatisfied with the project management maturity at their organization. It’s a wake-up call for project managers to step up their game regarding goal development. Plus, it's challenging to track progress without defined goals. As a result, the project may go over budget or take longer than expected. 2. Inaccurate estimates When creating a construction project budget, miscalculating the cost of materials or underestimating the time to complete a task can lead to big problems eventually. It's essential to be as accurate as possible when estimating the costs of a project. Suppose you're managing the construction of a new office building. You've estimated that the project will cost $5 million and take 18 months to complete. However, after six months, you realize that the project is only 50% complete and that the final cost will be closer to $8 million. It can cause problems for your construction project since you'll need to find additional funding to complete the project. 3. Employee turnover Employee turnover means that workers regularly leave and are replaced on a project. It can lead to a loss in productivity as new employees need time to get up to speed. High turnover rates can also lead to a shortage of skilled labor, which can impact the quality of work. On top of that, it disrupts the flow of communication and collaboration between team members. To deal with employee turnover, construction project managers should build a strong team culture. They should also create opportunities for employee development and provide competitive compensation packages. 4. Scope creep Scope creep occurs when the scope of a project starts to change or expands beyond the original scope. It can be caused by several factors, such as changes in the budget, unrealistic deadlines, or a lack of clear project objectives. Scope creep can significantly impact the budget, timeline, and quality of work. Therefore, construction project managers must understand the project objectives from the start. Here are some ways to tackle scope creep: Make sure everyone involved in the project understands the objectives. Keep track of any changes made to the scope. Work with the client to get approval for scope changes. Communicate with the team regularly to ensure everyone is on the same page. 5. Inadequate risk management OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has strict guidelines for the safety of construction workers. If these guidelines are not followed, it can result in injuries, accidents, and even fatalities. Construction project managers must identify and assess risks before they start working on a project. They should also develop a safety plan and ensure all workers are trained to stay safe. Inadequate risk management leads to the following problems: Injuries and fatalities: Workers can get injured or killed if risks are not managed properly. It can also result in legal problems and a loss of productivity. Property damage: Construction sites are often located near homes and businesses. If risks are not managed properly, they can damage the property. Loss of money: In case of an accident, construction companies must pay for medical expenses and property damage. 6. Poor communication Many construction projects are complex and require coordination between different teams. A lack of communication can result in errors. Some of these problems include: Lack of coordination: Poor communication translates to a lack of coordination. It can result in construction crews working on each other, leading to delays and errors. Delayed completion: A communication breakdown can cause a project to fall behind schedule, resulting in cost overruns and dissatisfied customers. Poor quality: If there is a lack of communication, it can be difficult to resolve issues. For instance, if a contractor does not communicate with the architect, the quality of the work may suffer. 7. Lack of technology The absence of technology from a construction site is a concerning matter that needs immediate attention. A construction company must have the latest technology to stay competitive and efficient. Technology has transformed the construction industry in recent years. In fact, the CAGR for the project management software industry is forecasted to be up to 10.67% by 2025. It has made it easier to communicate and coordinate between different teams. However, not all construction companies have embraced technology. Some companies still use outdated methods, resulting in errors and delays. How Can Construction Managers Avoid Common Project Management Problems? The key to avoiding common project management problems is effective communication. By staying in close contact with all team members, construction managers can stay up-to-date on potential issues and prevent them before they cause significant problems. Additionally, effective communication can help keep projects on schedule and within budget. Besides communication, construction project managers must also use technology to their advantage. This way, they can keep better track of deadlines, progress reports, and costs. Finally, construction managers need to have a good handle on the budget and schedule. They should be able to anticipate potential problems and take steps to avoid them. Conclusion As established, some common problems for construction project managers include lack of communication, ineffective budget handling, employee turnover, and unrealistic deadlines. While some of these can be out of your control, you can take steps to mitigate most of them. For example, creating a communication plan, being proactive about your budget, and being realistic about deadlines will help make your construction project more successful. Read Also: Project Management in a PRINCE2 setting How Can BYOD Improve Your Productivity? The New Global Project PRINCE2 Management Forum Commercial Construction After COVID-19: How Developers Can Adapt

READ MOREDetails