6 Ways an Accounting Client Portal Solves the Document Chase

If you're an accountant, you spend more time than you'd like sending reminder emails, waiting on signatures, or tracking down the documents you need to move forward on a project. The never-ending document chase isn’t just frustrating – it’s a productivity killer. 

Every hour spent running down documentation is an hour of productivity, stolen. You need a secure client portal built for accountants to quickly get the files and signatures you need with no printing, scanning, or mailing.   

Think of client portals as a digital drive-through window for your firm, where you can exchange messages, documents, and payments with clients securely.  

Through your portal, you can seamlessly collaborate with clients to send, request, and receive vital documents on time. A purpose-built client portal makes it possible to get paid faster with electronic payments, collect eSignatures in seconds, and share files with clients securely. 

The benefits of having a specialized client portal are enormous for accountants. It’s a high-impact tool you can use to strengthen client relationships while growing your firm with a new level of efficiency. 

Take a look at 6 ways a client portal removes the bottlenecks that slow you down to stop the document runaround.

1. Instant, Secure Document Sharing

You’re no stranger to the endless back-and-forth that makes getting the client documents you need take longer than it should, but a client portal can be your breakthrough to staying on schedule. 

When you offer clients a centralized, secure portal designed for sharing sensitive financial documents from any device, uploading essential files becomes a quick, easy step – even on the go. Instead of sending multiple reminders and requests, your clients can instantly see the files you’ve requested and upload them in seconds.  

Essential Tip: Choosing the right accounting practice management software gives you built-in access to a client portal with unlimited storage and bank-level security. 

2. Effortless eSignatures

Things move along smoothly when clients can sign an engagement letter or tax document quickly online with verified eSignatures. These client collaboration tools create faster turnarounds without waiting to get important documents signed, and some can work directly within your inbox.  

Just send eSignature requests and clients can access and sign through their portal. Getting documents signed sooner means you can finish more client projects on a timely basis. Look for accounting practice management software with integrated eSignature tools that work with your client portal. 

Essential tip: Your eSignature tool should be designed for accountants to obtain legally binding client signatures with dynamic knowledge-based authentication (KBA). Make sure your tool allows you to request multiple signatures on one document. 

3. Real-Time Notifications

When client delays create bottlenecks that leave you waiting and unsure of when documents will finally arrive, it brings projects to a halt. A smart portal gives you greater visibility into client progress on requested documents and signatures with real-time notifications when a client takes action.   

This feature keeps you informed of what’s already been returned and what’s still pending. When you can get notified instantly, you’re never in the dark on how clients are utilizing your portal – and you’ll have clearer visibility to better plan your projects.   

Essential tip: Client portals with auto-reminder features can save even more time by gently notifying clients when action is needed on specific documents.  

4. Fast Online Payments 

Chasing payments for work you’ve already completed burns just as much billable time as running down documents. Integrated online payments in your client portal are one of the most powerful collaboration tools your firm can use.  

With the right software, you can invoice automatically and offer clients secure payment options that take seconds to complete online. When clients can pay the way they prefer, invoices get paid faster – and your firm spends less time on collections. 

Essential tip: Your clients want to pay with credit cards or ACH payments. Make sure your client portal solution offers secure, integrated payment options that clients want to use. 

5. Anywhere Accessibility

You’re not always at your desk – and like you, clients are often on the go. Don’t let that be the factor that stops you from gathering the documents you need! A cloud-based client portal keeps everything accessible and within reach, no matter where you and your clients are.  

When clients can securely upload, access, and sign files from anywhere, you’re not just offering an easy-to-use platform for clients – documents are returned to you faster so projects can move forward on schedule. 

Essential tip: Test the client experience on different devices to ensure the portal is truly intuitive and seamless across platforms. 

6. Time-Saving Client Self-Service

One of the most impactful benefits of a client portal is that your firm can offer clients convenient self-service tools. You don’t need to spend time issuing repeated document requests and reminders, mailing invoices, or following up on project statuses when you have a dedicated portal.  

Instead, your firm can offer secure self-service options that clients appreciate and take full advantage of. Providing access to the portal anytime, anywhere gives your firm a competitive edge and frees you to focus on higher-value work. 

Essential tip: Your client portal should be branded with your firm’s name and logo to ensure every self-service use is a chance to strengthen and build your brand.  

Ditch the Document Chase for Good 

Your time is too valuable to spend hunting down files and signatures. A client portal is more than just a document-sharing tool – it’s a modern client collaboration hub. With smart accounting practice management software, your firm can securely exchange files, collect signatures and payments, and get real-time notifications with one easy-to-use platform.  

When you get the tools to streamline client file sharing, your firm can move faster, improve client service, and never waste time chasing documents again.

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