CIANJ Commerce Magazine September 2020 Live | Page 16

■ Annual Best Practices Guide
Continued From Page 12
ACCOUNTING
Nisivoccia
By Bud Jones, CPA, RMA,
PSA, Managing Partner
Although we were deemed essential,
for everyone’s safety
we made the decision to begin
working remotely in mid-
March. Technology has always been a priority
for the firm, so we were able to almost seamlessly
transition into a 100 percent remote
workforce instantly. We also prioritized frequent
client and employee communications.
We began weekly video staff meetings and
check-in calls to ensure our staff’s engagement
and help them manage through the new
work environment. Our employees used the
platform for video meetings with their clients
to keep in constant communication during
their engagements. Working completely remotely
also gave us the opportunity to utilize
our existing technology and access clients’ systems.
Videoconferencing gave us the opportunity
to continue to host our client roundtables
and seminars on a new, virtual scale with
double the attendance. We have forged deeper
client relationships and maintained our culture
during these turbulent times.
Prager Metis
By Glenn L. Friedman, CPA,
CGMA, CEO
The last few months have reaffirmed
the importance of
building strong relationships.
I believe that the human element
has always been the most critical component
of a sound business strategy, and the
environment we’re currently operating in
hasn’t changed that in the least. Our firm has
embraced new ways of making and strengthening
our connections with clients, friends of
the firm and team members alike. Through
technology such as video calls, I’ve had more
face-to-face interactions with people than I
did before the pandemic; I believe these connections
have grown stronger, despite the
physical distance. It has helped solidify our
roles as trusted advisors to our clients and
allowed us to add value in new and innovative
ways. I believe every transaction is a P2P
(person to person) interaction, and prioritizing
these close ties has allowed Prager Metis
to thrive despite the challenges of COVID‐19.
SobelCo, LLC
By Alan D. Sobel, CPA,
CGMA, Managing Member
We have not reinvented ourselves
as a result of COVID‐19.
We are merely applying the
same business principles differently.
Most obvious is communicating
in a virtual world where previously we took
for granted the ability to be in the physical
presence of our colleagues, clients and centers
of influence. While frequent communication
was always important, in a world of
uncertainty and inconvenient connectivity
we have made it a priority to communicate
as frequently as we can by using video conferencing,
e-mail blasts and “old fashioned”
telephone calls. While not perfect, these techniques
go a long way toward encouraging
people to feel connected and engaged on the
topics of the day. Our client communications
include daily updates on legislation and other
business issues along with weekly webinars on
hot topics. With our colleagues internally, we
are holding weekly team meetings intended to
foster the spirit of community in our firm.
Continued On Page 16
In uncertain times,
there is one certainty:
We are
committed
to your
success
Livingston, NJ | Woodcliff Lake, NJ | Paoli, PA
Audit & Accounting | Tax | Advisory | Forensic and Valuation Services
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