Step one: Identify the problem Note, then, that your business issues should be identified, documented through process mapping, and refined for both manual and automated support. If an automated solution is desired, the process maps will provide guidance to the software supplier by documenting your needs. You can perform a gap analysis to discover the differences between your needs and what the product does. Then you can make an informed decision about the relative fit of the product and whether it is worth the effort to implement and personalize or customize the product. The ability to implement appropriate business workflows and personalization in systems has become much easier, as evidenced by Acumatica, Open Systems, Zoho and other accounting software systems. The opportunities of 2020 and beyond depend on your needs, your vision and your commitment to execute. While implementing new systems is not easy, you can effectively manage the risk and transform your business or those of your clients with the new technology tools of this decade.
“
While implementing new systems is not easy, you can effectively manage the risk and transform your business or those of your clients with the new technology tools of this decade.
Randy Johnston, executive vice president of K2 Enterprises, is a frequent presenter at WICPA technology conferences and a frequent contributor to WICPA publications. Contact him at 620-664-6000, ext. 112; 985-542-9390, ext. 18; or randy@k2e.com.
memorials Gerald R. (Jerry) Hansen, CPA (1928 – 2019)
Gerald ( Jerry) Hansen, CPA, died Aug. 1 at the age of 91. Hansen grew up in Manitowoc and graduated from Lincoln High School. He later served in the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Army. After returning from Korea, he earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from UW–Madison in 1955. He was an active member of the WICPA and a former partner with Hawkins Ash CPAs, from which he retired in 1990. During retirement, he and his wife, Delores, spent winters at their home in Naples, Florida, and the summers in Door County. Hansen is survived by five children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Robert A. Stephan, CPA (1932 – 2019)
Robert (Bob) Stephan, CPA, passed away Nov. 3 at his home in Louisville, Colorado. Stephan graduated from UW–Madison in 1952 with Phi Beta Kappa honors and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. Later, he earned an MBA in finance from UW–Madison. Stephan enrolled in the U.S. Army after college graduation and served as an officer in post-World War II France during reconstruction efforts. After becoming certified, he went to work for Robert W. Baird Co. in Milwaukee and eventually became a vice president, partner and director with the firm. In 1970, he was elected to the board of governors of the Midwest Stock Exchange. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; two children and five grandchildren.
If you are aware of a member obituary and believe it should be included in Memorials, please send a copy of the obituary or contact Marcia Tillett-Zinzow at mtzinzow@icloud.com.
wicpa.org
On Balance
January | February 2020
33