Firm of the Future

September 20, 2016–CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO: UpSide Accounting places runner-up in Intuit Inc.’s Firm of the Future 2016 contest. Firm of the Future winners are selected from an international pool of accounting firms dedicated to dynamically changing the landscape of business bookkeeping from a necessary service to a supporting role in the clients’ success. As a runner-up in the Firm of the Future contest, UpSide Accounting is being lauded as one of the top 20 forward-thinking firms supporting small business on an international stage.

Contest entrants push the boundaries of traditional accounting with cloud-based accounting and value-based billing, enabling the firm to serve progressive small business owners from anywhere. UpSide Accounting also provides support to clients with business development consultations in addition to financial management. Incorporating technological advancement into their regular workday–like apps and social media communication–allows UpSide Accounting to meet with clients on their terms, and speaking the same language.

While UpSide Accounting takes the initiative to train clients on cloud-based accounting apps, new clients seek them out because of this specialty. The increased efficiencies provided by cloud accounting allows the partners to engage with clients anytime, on any platform, “We always tell our clients that we won’t charge them for a five-minute phone call because we want them to save money and be confident that they’re doing the right thing,” says Mike Widdis, CPB at Upside Accounting.

Over 95% of UpSide Accounting’s clients use cloud-based accounting software and third-party apps to conduct business. However, Widdis says, the most noticeable difference between forward-thinking firms and traditional isn’t so much the technology as it is the company mindset. Accountants embracing technology are talking to each other and learning together as equals rather than distancing competition. “We have a niche clientele,” says Widdis, referring to their client-base consisting of creative start-ups and solopreneurs, “and we will send clients who don’t fit that to firms better suited to their needs.”

Intuit Inc.’s Firm of the Future contest is open to cloud-based accounting firms using Intuit financial management solutions in Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, and The United States of America. The top prize is $10,000 USD and the winner is chosen by public voting committee from 4 finalists – one from each eligible country. Fifteen runners-up are selected from the international pool of entrants and are awarded $2500 USD.

About UpSide Accounting

UpSide Accounting supports startups, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs with customized financial and business solutions, providing a rich source of support for businesses at every stage. The greatest source of career satisfaction for partners Mike Widdis and Phil McTaggart rests in their open communication platforms which straddle the traditional lines and ever-evolving social media. Embracing cloud-based accounting techniques and third-party app efficiencies puts UpSide Accounting on the leading edge of frustration-free accounting and business management skills to suit every definition of success.

Intuit’s Press Release