Introducing work-from-home policies into the office create some new challenges. This presentation looks at some concerns CPAs have and technology solutions to make this a productive solution for all.

1. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
The Trust Factor
In a Mobile Workforce

2. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Topics of Discussion
Data Security
Work Environment
Staffing Issues
Training
Sample Policies

3. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Your Biggest Concerns

4. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
What Concerns You?
Data Security
• Hacking
• Phishing
• Ransomware
• Spoofing
68.6%

5. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
What Concerns You?
Data Security: Exposures and Resolutions
2016 PCPS MAP Survey of Pennsylvania firms
50%
65%
74%
65%
30%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
E-signature Provide remote access to the
firm's network/server
Use cloud-based remote
backup
Use cloud-based software Use cloud-based server(s)

6. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
What Concerns You?
Work Environment/Potential Distractions
at Home
• Family members
• Pets
• Chores
• Noise
• Online gaming/videos, etc.
65.7%

7. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
What Concerns You?
Work Environment/Potential Distractions
at the Office
• Staff members
• Treats in the kitchen
• Noise
• Online gaming/shopping, etc.
65.7%

8. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
What Concerns You?
Work Environment/Potential Distractions
• Stay connected throughout the day
• E-mail
• Instant messaging
• Skype
• Phone
• Fun Fact! 39% of Pa. firms in MAP survey use
Skype or similar service

9. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
What (Else) Concerns You?
Limits check-in
opportunities
Technology constraints Inefficiency of
employee
Poor work product Increased supervisory
time
Lack of basic knowledge
37.10%
31.40%
48.60%
11.40%
8.60%
17.10%

10. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
What (Else) Concerns You?
Inefficiency/Checking-In Tools & Tips
• Collaborate on documents
• Use screen-sharing tools
• Schedule virtual meetings
• Keep chat programs open for ongoing dialogue
• What works for you?

11. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Who Works from Home?
42.4%
69.7%
81.8%
75.8%
15.2%
18.2%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
Associates Seniors Managers Partners Support Staff Other (please
specify)

12. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Who Gives the OK?
24.2% 24.2%
21.2%
18.2%
12.1%
15.2%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
Direct supervisor At least a manager
level
Partner level only It depends on the
situation
No permission
needed
Other (please
specify)

13. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Do You Provide Training?
6.1%
66.7%
18.2%
9.1%
Yes No Unsure N/A

14. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Tips for Success
• Focus on the end result; not the journey
• Clearly define and structure expectations
• Establish deadlines
• Constructive feedback

15. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Tips for Success
Let’s Talk: You Did a Great Job
• Constructive feedback:
It is precise

16. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Tips for Success
Let’s Talk: The Client Wasn’t Happy with
Your Work
• Constructive feedback:
It is descriptive; not
accusative

17. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Tips for Success
Let’s Talk: The Research was Exactly what I
Needed
• Constructive feedback:
It is prescriptive and provides
actionable information

18. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Staffing: Tips for Success
Let’s Talk: We make a great team
• Constructive feedback:
It demonstrates the trust
we have in our employee,
even if there is nothing to
improve on

19. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Do You Have a Written
Telecommuting Policy?
25.0%
62.5%
12.5%
Yes No Unsure

20. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Telecommuting Policies
Best Practices
• Philosophy
• Eligibility
• Work hours
• Work space
• Office supplies

21. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Telecommuting Policies
Best Practices
• Liability
• Dependent care
• Communication
• Compensation
• Evaluation

22. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Flipping the Coin
Do Your Employees Trust You?
• 50% trust boss; only 38% trust
employer
• Ethics is a theme running
through all analysis
• Generation X (1961-1981) is
least likely to place a great deal
of trust in their employer
• www.ey.com/differencesmatter

23. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Flipping the Coin
How to Earn Employee Trust
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Learn & advance career Equal pay Fair compensation Job security Flexibility in when/where
I work
Diverse environment
Gen Z Trust Factors
www.ey.com/differencesmatter

24. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Flipping the Coin
Why Do You Need to Earn Trust?
www.ey.com/differencesmatter
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Look for another job Work minimum number of hours Be less engaged/productive
Impact of low-level trust

25. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Flipping the Coin
Advantages of a Mobile Workforce
• No geographic constraints
• Reduced office space allocation
• Flexibility and work/life balance
• Keep good staff

26. Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants • www.picpa.org
Topics of Discussion
Data Security
Work Environment
Staffing Issues
Training
Sample Policies

27. Connect With Us
www.picpa.org
www.picpa.org/facebook
www.picpa.org/twitter
www.picpa.org/youtube
www.picpa.org/linkedin
@PA_CPAs
cpanow.picpa.org