Testimonials
Integration
NGS
Scott Geans, CPA
Managing Member
Plainfield, IN
The Magic of Integration: Reliable Solutions, Measurable Results
In 2010, when Scott Geans, CPA, acquired the firm he's a managing member of—NGS in Plainfield, Ind.—he also acquired their Thomson Reuters software.
Although the firm was using a number of Thomson Reuters products, Geans quickly recognized an opportunity to make them even better: Software as a Service (SaaS) and Virtual Office CS.
"The number-one thing that attracted me to SaaS was the reliability and the confidence in knowing I had an off-site IT team, that if I had questions about any software I could pick up the phone, get an expert, and talk through it to achieve a resolution," he explains.
Another benefit? Knowing that all of the firm's data is backed up in the cloud. "It's safe and secure," Geans says. "I don't have to worry about coming in and making backups. All the updates are automatic. It takes stress off my plate that allows me to spend more time generating revenue and value for the firm."
Plus, the firm's employees love the fact that Virtual Office CS lets them access their email from anywhere. In fact, they can access everything they need to take care of clients from home or wherever they are.
Playing Favorites
When asked what his favorite Thomson Reuters software is, Geans says it's tough to single out just one.
"We've been so happy with the functionality of all our software programs... That's a big deal, because you can have all the correct data but if the user experience isn't good, that's what the client is going to remember."
Scott Geans, CPA
Managing Member
NGS
"They're all powerful," he explains. "I think it's the magic of them integrating and working together that really creates the value for me. That's my favorite thing about Thomson Reuters products."
UltraTax CS is a prime example. The firm can use it to print right to FileCabinet CS, print and email the client their tax return right from UltraTax CS, and set up rules to automatically bill through Practice CS.
Plus, when Geans is reviewing a return in UltraTax CS, he can see the time spent on the return compared to the previous year, so he knows what to bill.
"With Practice CS, I have confidence in the data to provide me the knowledge to know where I'm making money and where I'm losing it—by client, by project type, or by work code," Geans explains. "I can make much more informed pricing decisions."
Making a Great Impression
The insights provided by Thomson Reuters software also help NGS deliver better information to its clients.
For example, the firm uses UltraTax CS to provide projections to clients by plugging in data such as investment losses or dividends. The software automatically takes current legislation and guidelines into account so the information is always up to date."
"When I can show them the projections for this year compared to last year, you can see the amazement in their eyes," Geans says. "UltraTax CS is comprehensive tax preparation and planning software. To simply call it tax preparation software is not doing it justice."
What's more, Thomson Reuters helps NGS make a great impression with secure web portals created with NetClient CS. That's one reason the firm signed up to have its website redesigned by Thomson Reuters.
"We've been so happy with the functionality of all our software programs and the Thomson Reuters user experience," Geans says. "That's a big deal, because you can have all the correct data but if the user experience isn't good, that's what the client is going to remember."
He adds that one of the firm's clients is a $20-million company that uses NGS for its payroll. According to Geans, the chief financial officer loves that NGS is able to push all the reports the company needs out to their portal.
"When we can win the blessing of the CFO of a $20-million company, we must be doing something right," he says. "What we're doing right is partnering with Thomson Reuters."
About NGS
Based in Plainfield, Ind., NGS has a staff of six, including three tax and accounting professionals. With a roster of between 600 and 700 clients, the firm provides services to individuals and businesses including tax preparation and compliance, planning and consulting, payroll preparation and compliance, and general business consulting.
At ngsadvisors.com, the firm offers resources including tax preparation tools, educational materials, and links to tax-related information.
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