Tips for Working with Your CAAS Team

Managing your finances effectively begins with the right partnerships and processes. In this audio blog, Karen Hoban, a Senior in CK’s CAAS department, share practical tips to help clients get the most out of their relationship with a CAAS team. From organizing financial records to streamlining communication, Karen offers strategies designed to save you time, reduce friction and help your CAAS team deliver the service you deserve.

Transcript:

My name is Karen Hoban. I’m a senior in Cray Kaiser’s CAAS department. I’ve been with Cray Kaiser about five and a half years. Our goal is to provide excellent service to all of our clients here at Cray Kaiser. And my hope for this blog is to touch on a few ideas I have that might help our current and future CAAS clients help us to help you.

In order for us to deliver to you valuable services, I have a few thoughts on some areas to consider. The first one is documents and financial records management. These would include strategies for maintaining organized financial records, including receipts, invoices, and statements that we require in order to do your accounting or prepare any kind of tax returns. One area that we recommend is to provide us view-only access to your bank and loan statements through the bank. This doesn’t allow for any transactional access, but we can access the bank in our time in order to obtain statements timely. This also frees you up from tedious tasks that you may like us to do instead.

Another thought is to consider upgrading or switching to a cloud-based software similar to QBO or Bill.com. Using a cloud-based software streamlines efforts and allows for document storage within the program. It also offers real-time sharing. We can log in at our convenience to notice any changes that have been made or make any changes to your file.

Another area to consider is to use our portal for document management. This is a secure way to send us files, retrieve files, and we can reduce emails and back and forth of document sharing. It offers access at convenient times for both of us to view what you’ve provided to us.

Another area I’d like to touch on is technology. Again, the usage of QBO, Bill.com, or any other apps for payroll or sales that can be integrated into your accounting software helps us to help you better. Use of AI-enabled software helps in your AR and AP functions, reducing, again, the need for your time for tedious tasks. These softwares also allow us to have real-time collaboration with you and your staff members and gives us extra access to data. Changes and updates can also be made remotely.

The third area that I have to talk about is communication. I find it valuable to have an upfront investment in time to discuss your business and operations. Creating checklists with staff to refer to for documents and information needed on a regular basis, whether it be monthly, quarterly, or at year end. It helps us to be on the same page in what we require and what you know you need to provide. In addition, regular check-ins, whether it be monthly, quarterly, or even at year end, help us to stay up to date with any changes or updates in personnel or management. It allows us to ask the right questions and stay informed of any new purchases or relevant changes in the business.

Lastly, ask questions. It helps us to provide better service if we’re aware of issues, problems, or any questions that you may have.

Hopefully a few of these ideas will resonate with you. A few small or big changes in the areas of document management, technology, and communication can result in a more efficient and successful relationship. Please feel free to reach out via email or phone. We’d be happy to have a conversation on how we can better serve you.