Should I use my software's built-in automation or hire a consultant?
Most practice software has more automation than firms use. Outside help pays when you need things connected, built or measured.
- Can we do this ourselves?
- What does a consultant add?
- How do we pick someone?
Start with your software's built-in automation if it covers the job and someone in the firm has time to set it up between seasons. Bring in a consultant when you need tools connected, a custom portal or intake built, marketing tied to new clients, or someone to own the setup and keep it current each year. Many firms do both.
Built-in or outside help
| Situation | Built-in | Outside help |
|---|---|---|
| Reminders, portal requests, e-signature | Usually enough | Optional |
| Website, CRM and practice software connected | Limited | Usually needed |
| Custom portal or intake | Not possible | Needed |
| Marketing tracked to new clients | Partial | Helps |
| No staff time between seasons | Hard | Helps |
What a consultant should do
Map where time and clients are lost, use built-in features first, connect or build what's missing, test before the season and review after it. Everything should live in your accounts.
How we look at it at ShoutEx
ShoutEx is a team of marketing, automation and development specialists. We fit when firms need growth and systems working together. If your software can do it alone, we'll say so.
- Packages sold before looking at your process.
- Setups in the consultant's accounts.
- Launches in tax season.
- No support before next season.
- Built-in features used first.
- Work done in your accounts.
- Off-season setup and testing.
- A yearly review.
What accountants and regulators say
Here is what practitioners say.
Firm owners discuss hiring help to set up practice software and whether it paid off.
Browse the threads →CPA Canada's resources discuss technology adoption in firms.
Read CPA Canada's resource →Community summaries describe recurring themes in public threads, not individual posts. Vendor pages describe vendor claims, so test them on your own calls.
Read next
Go deeper in the ShoutEx guides, or check the sources behind this answer.
We'll show you what your software can do alone, and where we'd help.
Book a call →Follow-up questions
Can you work with our IT provider?
Yes. We focus on workflows, integrations and marketing, and coordinate on security and access.
Do you build client portals?
Yes, when existing portals don't fit. We try existing options first.
Do you work with US firms?
Yes, with Canadian firms first. US rules and deadlines are handled separately.