About
JRH Wirtschaftstreuhand advises owner-managed companies, family businesses, as well as private individuals on all tax law and business management issues.
Location
Esslingen am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg
Founded
2002
Team Size
13
Usage since
May 2024
Challenge
To avoid time-consuming processes through paper documents in the future, the tax firm is seeking a digital transfer solution for documents.
Solution
A platform that eliminates inefficient intermediate steps, minimizes paperwork, and enables secure data exchange.
Results
Secure and GDPR-compliant exchange with clients
Optimized workflows and time efficiency
Client growth with a consistent number of employees
The bureaucratic challenges in the daily operations of a tax firm
"It is absurd how much time we lost on manual work before Steuerboard."
For document exchange with their clients, the tax firm primarily relied on analog processes. Notices were sent and received by mail. Tax returns and financial statements were printed, manually signed, and then stored as bound copies.
Several departments of the tax firm were generally involved in processing the paper documents. The preparation of printed copies not only consumed working time but also proved increasingly inefficient. Since banks and other external parties are increasingly requesting documents in digital format, printed copies had to be digitized retroactively.
"The DATEV solution is opaque and overloaded, by contrast, Steuerboard is a stark contrast because it is so simple."
Through DATEV software, JRH Wirtschaftstreuhand already collaborated digitally with their clients. For file exchange, the tax firm was searching for an alternative provider with a more streamlined structure.
Alexander Kimmerle-Weberruß is impressed by the structured layout and minimalist design of Steuerboard. The Portal is intuitive to use and understandable, which facilitates access for employees and clients.
Cornelius Ziegler sees significant advantages in the support and feedback response. Other tools often lack quick feedback or constructive assistance. Additionally, Steuerboard is open to every idea and implements it as quickly as possible, according to Ziegler.
The Advantages of Digitalization
"How much time we are now saving is demonstrated by the growing number of Clients."
Through Steuerboard, the tax firm can securely and GDPR-compliantly store analyses and exchange documents with its Clients. Documents are centrally stored and are available digitally at any time. Upon request, they can be forwarded quickly and easily.
Some benefits have only emerged through usage and not because a solution was actively sought, says Cornelius Ziegler. The digital signature is a valuable benefit and is now among the most used features.
Especially in larger companies, the time savings become apparent. As all print-related processes are eliminated with digitization, the workload is enormously reduced.
The time savings release valuable capacities, which flow into new Client engagements. Since the introduction of Steuerboard, up to ten new Clients are added monthly - with the same team size.
Motivation is key
"Simply do it, try it out, grow with it. You can leave again, but no one will want to, because it just makes things enormously easier."
The platform was initially met with skepticism. In cases of uncertainty, it helps to guide clients through the various functions of the Portal, says Alexander Kimmerle-Weberruß. Interest and enthusiasm usually follow naturally.
Only a few reject digital communication and continue to insist on paper form. The transition process is particularly challenging in long-standing business relationships, as structures are often entrenched. The motivation of the employees then plays an important role.
Ultimately, it is the personal attitude of the client that decides. Either they are open to new things or they still want paper, according to the tax advisor. At JRH Wirtschaftstreuhand, a positive trend is evident - around 90 percent currently actively use Steuerboard.