Exploring, Integrating, and Optimizing Software Solutions for Efficient Workflows

A panel of industry professionals in a comprehensive discussion focused on the diverse range of software tools utilized in their professional practices. The conversation begins with an overarching goal: to represent real-world industry practices and share experiences using various software tools.
Panelists demonstrate their preferred software tools, including Loom, Ignition, One Password, Read AI, and e-Courier, through pre-recorded video demonstrations. These tools facilitate tasks such as meeting recording, invoicing, password security, addressing complex client queries, and secure file sharing. The discussion expands to emphasize the critical aspects of data security, privacy concerns, and the need for transparent practices while employing these tools. The panelists explore the complexities of transitioning between different technologies and the associated learning curve.
Furthermore, the conversation delves into workflow software solutions like Carbon and CaseWare, examining their individual advantages and limitations, including their automation capabilities and integration with other software. The discussion also touches on working paper software, with TaxCycle emerging as a prominent choice among the panelists. Exploration of client correspondence follows, revealing the software tools used for this purpose, such as TaxFolder, e-Courier, and Verifile. Additionally, the discussion covers the necessity for a tool capable of handling payroll and HR duties, highlighting the software utilized for these specific tasks.
As the discussion progresses, the panelists shift focus to pricing strategies and the varying approaches to charging for services. The session concludes with a brief overview of software tools for bookkeeping and receipt management. Throughout the conversation, the panelists engage with the audience, addressing questions and providing further insights into their experiences and preferences regarding the software tools employed in their professional practices.
The CPA Small Practitioners’ Forum was created to offer an inviting, semi-causal, and easygoing professional development weekend that provides substantial professional development value to small practitioners. All profit earned by the CPA Small Practitioners’ Forum is donated to the Alberta CPA Education Foundation, so you are helping young people in Canada get scholarships for university. All these courses are reviewed by the delegates at the Forum in Banff annually so we have a great lineup that is adjusted every year to keep things relevant to small practitioners. If you work at a public accounting firm in Canada with employees of 1-50 people, you are our target demographic and you should find this course useful.

Independent Tax Consultant
Vartika was born in India and spent many years travelling before I moved to Hailfax, Nova Scotia to complete her Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting from Sobeys School of Business at Saint Mary’s University. She obtained her CPA designation in Calgary, gaining extensive experience in Audit, Review and Tax Engagements for private and non-for-profit organizations. Vartika works with companies and organizations from a variety of backgrounds including manufacturing, oil and gas, financial services, investment companies, real estate, healthcare, professional services and many more. Today, she specialize in accounting for sole proprietors, start-ups, small to medium sized businesses and non-for-profit organizations.

Owner |True North AccountingTrue
Matt Peterson, expert CPA and dynamic business owner who can take your business to new heights. With over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship, Matt is ready to provide you with the advice and guidance you need. From his time with PwC to starting True North Accounting in 2015, Matt has worked on billion-dollar deals and helped small business owners with bookkeeping, accounting, tax, strategy, and more. He’s grown True North from 4 to 24 people, all while navigating the ever-changing accounting profession. But Matt’s not just a numbers guy – he’s also tech-savvy and is constantly learning and adapting to the latest trends. With a vast network of contacts in Calgary, he can help you find the right people that align with your values and vision to grow your business. If you’re a business owner looking for real, actionable help from someone who’s been in your shoes, Matt has the expertise and passion to help you succeed.

Partner | Achen Henderson Chartered Professional Accountants
Clayton is the visionary driving force behind Achen Henderson, the partner who looks into the future, sees what he wants to create, and brings everyone along on the adventure. His dream is twofold: to be at the forefront of the evolution of the accounting industry and enjoy his life while helping our clients enjoy building their businesses. Clayton is our Canadian tax expert and has a background in tax compliance, planning, and strategy. He has worked with a wide variety of clients ranging from owner-managed small businesses to publicly traded oil and gas companies. He specializes in the taxation of private companies, transactions, and high-net-worth families.

Partner | 1917 Chartered Professional Accountants LLP1917
Skilled in International Tax Consulting, Accounting, Accounting Standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Income Tax. Strong entrepreneurship professional graduated from CA School of Business.
Provincial regulators of CPAs in Canada do not require that independent providers of CPD be approved to offer courses. Instead, individual CPAs are responsible for assessing whether a CPD activity meets their requirements, and may take activities from any source provided those requirements are met.
Every course offered on LearnFormula is delivered by a qualified subject matter expert or learning organization, and advances learning objectives that are relevant to the responsibilities or professional competencies of Canadian CPAs. All activities on LearnFormula are quantifiable in terms of hours, and are also verifiable, in that users receive documented evidence of their attendance via a certificate of completion after finishing a course (and this certificate is stored by LearnFormula indefinitely). Nearly 100,000 Canadian CPAs successfully satisfy their CPD requirements via LearnFormula on an annual basis.