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Sep 10, 2024 4 min read

Lera Kooper's Bold Technology Overhaul from 14 Apps to 5

Discover how Lera Kooper transformed Accountability Services by consolidating their tech stack from 14 apps to 5, enhancing efficiency and client experience with Canopy.

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Lera Kooper's Bold Technology Overhaul from 14 Apps to 5

In an interview with Liz Scott, Lera Kooper, co-owner of Accountability Services, shared her firm's journey toward optimizing its tech stack. She explained how the need to address inefficiencies and consolidate tools led them to choose Canopy as their main workflow solution, and how finding this solution significantly transformed their business

A Vision for Growth and Efficiency

Accountability Services is more than just a business advisory and accounting firm; we are partners in our clients’ entrepreneurial journeys. As Lera says, “We are passionate about working with entrepreneurs and startups, especially those with the entrepreneurial spirit.” This belief fuels our commitment to supporting businesses from start to finish, helping every client succeed and thrive. To deliver on these core beliefs, Lera and her team decided to overhaul the firm's technology, ensuring they have the tools to maximize the value of every client’s investment.

The Challenge: An Overloaded Tech Stack

Lera’s decision to re-evaluate her firm’s tech stack stemmed from a passion for delivering exceptional client service. 

“We can't just keep adding to the tech stack to band-aid things,” she asserted. With 14 functions managed by 10 different tools, including custom-developed systems, the inefficiencies were evident. Lera realized, “At a certain point, we just needed to reevaluate from the ground up.” 

This meant starting fresh, treating existing systems as sunk costs, and finding a streamlined solution to consolidate functions. 

From 15 to 5 with Canopy

Lera and her team began their search for a new workflow tool by identifying gaps in their current solutions. 

“It's very traditional to patch in solutions,” Lera explained, “but sometimes you just have to start from scratch.” 

The firm needed a reliable, integrated tool to eliminate the need for reconciliation across multiple platforms. Canopy emerged as the perfect fit, reducing the number of tools from 14 to just 5, including essential platforms like their tax software and Microsoft 365.

The decision to implement Canopy was made with careful planning and involvement from the entire staff. 

“We put a lot of thought into our process and gathered insights from our team as we explored options,” Lera shared. 

By engaging the team, conducting surveys, and evaluating the Net Promoter scores of existing tools, a smooth and widely accepted transition was achieved.

Embracing Change: Team and Client Benefits

Despite initial apprehensions from staff members, the team embraced the new system with enthusiasm. “There was no pushback. And I almost thought, why was I even stressed out about this?” Lera admitted with relief. This positive reception was likely due to the thorough preparation, communication, and feedback efforts, which highlighted the new system's benefits.

The advantages of Canopy quickly became evident. “The Communications tab alone in Canopy has been a lifesaver,” Lera emphasized. With 24 team members in technical roles and six in operations, having a centralized place for project management, client notes, and integration has significantly improved efficiency and client experience. “Having that information at your fingertips is really nice and improves the client experience for sure,” she added. The transition to Canopy streamlined operations and reinforced the team’s commitment to delivering exceptional service.

A Strategic Approach to Tech Adoption

Lera’s journey with Accountability Services and Canopy is a testament to the power of strategic tech adoption. Her advice to firms is both insightful and practical:

 “Much like the best time to plant a tree being 20 years ago, the best time to find the perfect tech stack is today.” 

With a proactive approach and commitment to transparency and communication, Lera ensured a successful transition that benefits both the team and clients.

Lera Kooper’s story is one of transformation and innovation. By embracing change and focusing on efficiency, Accountability Services has positioned itself as a leader in leveraging technology to enhance business operations. The dedication of her work shines through in her helpful suggestions for other firms managing their workflows and navigating modern technology.

 

Watch Lera Kooper's journey with Canopy here:

 

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Liz Scott is an accounting technologist and an Advanced Certified ProAdvisor who helps businesses leverage the best technology solutions for their needs. She is the owner of Liz Scott Training & Consulting LLC, where she provides technical training and on-demand resources for best-in-class apps and solutions in the accounting space. She is also a member of the exclusive Intuit Trainer/Writer Network and the co-host of the QB Appy Hour with Liz and Heather, a fun and informative webinar series that showcases the latest technology trends and best practices. Liz has been recognized as the Insightful Accountant Top Educator/ Trainer/ Writer ProAdvisor for her contributions to the accounting community. You can connect with Liz on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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