Digital transformation. It’s a term thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean for accounting firms? More importantly, how can firms successfully digitalise without running into major roadblocks?
In a recent webinar hosted by AppVentory, digital transformation expert Eriona Bajrakurtaj shared her experience of moving from a traditional, paper-based accounting firm to a fully digital practice. Along the way, she learned valuable lessons about technology, people, and processes—and these insights can help any firm make the shift successfully.
Here’s a breakdown of her key takeaways.
Start with the right mindset
Digital transformation isn’t something you can dip your toes into. It requires full commitment.
“You have to be fully bought into it,” Eriona said. “You can’t be a bit digital and a bit manual, because that will mean you’re less efficient than when you started.”
Before diving in, ask yourself: Why are we doing this?
- Are you trying to improve efficiency?
- Do you want to offer a better service to clients?
- Are you struggling with manual processes that slow your team down?
If you don’t have a clear “why”, you’ll find it harder to stay committed and you won’t have a guiding vision to stick to when challenges arise—and they will arise.
Related: The Must-Have Software & Office Equipment Upgrades To Schedule in Your Technology Roadmap
Avoid common digital transformation mistakes
Many firms make the mistake of jumping into too many tools at once. Eriona calls this “app happy” syndrome.
“You see all these amazing apps, and they all look like they can do wonders for your business,” she said. “But when you’re first starting, all you need is something to replicate what you’re already doing manually. Nothing more.”
In other words: keep it simple. So, instead of signing up for every new tool, take a step back and go through the following steps first:
✔ Assess your current workflow – What needs improvement?
✔ Evaluate your existing software – Are you using it to its full potential?
✔ Be careful when introducing new tools – Do they integrate smoothly with your systems?
If you don’t, you’ll end up paying for software you don’t need or barely use—or worse, you’ll create a fragmented workflow that’s even harder to manage than before.
Related: Is software waste holding your business back?
Get your team on board early
A firm’s biggest challenge isn’t the technology—it’s people.
“Your team needs to be part of the decision-making process,” Eriona said. “If they’re not, you’ll face resistance.”
She’s seen firms fail with digital transformation because leadership picks a tool without involving the staff and team who’ll be using it everyday. The result? A lack of buy-in and a messy, inefficient transition.
To ensure smooth adoption:
📌 Include staff in software demos – They know the day-to-day work best and can provide invaluable feedback and insights.
📌 Let them test the tools before committing – Give them time to explore and get the full picture of the tool’s capabilities and limitations.
📌 Provide proper training – If they don’t know how to use it, they won’t, and it’s up to you to provide the necessary resources to make onboarding as smooth and pain-free as possible.
A surprising strategy that works
Instead of relying on the most tech-savvy employees to lead the digital transformation, Eriona focused on winning over the biggest sceptics.
“If you can turn around the person most resistant to the change, they become your biggest advocate,” she said.
Change can be scary, but if you take the time to show people how the new tech will make their lives easier (instead of them worrying about having to learn the new system), it will make things a lot easier for you.
Prioritise smooth app integration
Not all software plays nicely together. If a tool doesn’t integrate well with your existing systems, it’s likely to create more problems than it solves.
“You need a slick follow-through from start to finish,” Eriona explained. “If an app doesn’t integrate properly, there will always be a manual element, and that defeats the purpose of the digital transformation.”
Before adopting new software:
✔ Check for native integrations – Does it connect with your accounting and business software management tools?
✔ Automate where possible – Reduce the risk of human error.
✔ Be open to replacing outdated systems – If something no longer serves the business, it might be time to let it go.
Related: How to Run a Tech Stack Analysis (And Why Your Business Needs One ASAP)
Treat training as an investment, not a cost
One of the biggest concerns firms have with implementing digital transformation is the “hidden cost” of downtime and training.
But as Eriona puts it: “That’s not a cost. It’s an investment.”
Training takes time, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconvenience. After fully digitising, Eriona’s firm:
✅ No longer had to chase paperwork
✅ Stopped dealing with missing documents
✅ Freed up time to work on higher-value tasks
To minimise disruptions and downtime during this period:
📌 Stagger training across different teams – Keep business running smoothly.
📌 Use practice management software to plan rollouts – Pick quieter periods.
📌 Make training mandatory – No skipping sessions for deadlines.
Stay committed—even when it gets hard
The biggest mistake firms make? Falling back into old habits when things get tough.
“If you let people revert to manual processes ‘just for this one deadline,’ you’re destroying everything you’ve built,” Eriona warned.
Remember: Consistency is key for successful digital transformation. If your team doesn’t follow processes, the data in your system won’t be reliable. That makes future planning, reporting, and decision-making much harder—and it makes determining the ROI of your digital transformation almost impossible.
Where should firms start?
For firms just beginning their digital transformation, start with your practice management system.
“Your practice management system is your foundation,” Eriona said. “It’s where you document your processes, track deadlines, and ensure workflows are followed.”
Once that’s in place, it’s easier to introduce other tools that integrate properly.
Final thoughts on digital transformations
Digital transformation isn’t just about software; it’s about efficiency, profitability, and future-proofing your firm.
Yes, it takes time. Yes, it requires effort. But when done right, the rewards are worth it.
So, is your firm ready to take the leap? Let’s start with mapping your entire app stack with AppVentory to get a solid starting point!
