Frequently Asked Questions

Accounting firms can build client-facing accounting platforms by developing applications that support client onboarding, document management, accounting workflows, financial reporting, task management, and integrations with existing accounting systems.

A client-facing platform does not necessarily need to replace QuickBooks, Xero, or other accounting software.

Instead, it can provide a centralized workspace for accountants and clients while retaining established accounting systems for financial recordkeeping.

What features should a client-facing accounting platform include?

Important features may include:

• Client onboarding: Capture business information, documents, and accounting requirements.
• Secure client access: Provide controlled access to relevant client information.
• Document management: Collect invoices, statements, receipts, and supporting documents.
• Accounting workflows: Manage bookkeeping, reconciliation, review, and approval tasks.
• Financial reporting: Provide appropriate financial reports and dashboards.
• Accounting integrations: Connect with QuickBooks, Xero, and other supported systems.
• Task management: Track recurring accounting activities and client requests.
• Audit trails: Maintain records of relevant user actions and financial changes.

How should firms manage multiple clients?

A multi-client platform should include strong separation between client records, controlled permissions, and appropriate data access policies.

For example, an accounting firm may have:

• Firm administrators managing users and permissions
• Accountants working across assigned client accounts
• Reviewers approving completed accounting work
• Clients accessing only authorized records and reports

The architecture should prevent users from accessing another client’s confidential financial information without authorization.

Should accounting firms build their own accounting engine?

This depends on the firm’s business model and long-term objectives.

Firms primarily seeking better client collaboration, workflow automation, and reporting may benefit from building applications around existing accounting software.

Developing a complete accounting engine requires additional investment in transaction processing, double-entry accounting, security, compliance, audit trails, and ongoing maintenance.

Satva’s Accounting Practice Management Software case study provides a relevant example of a custom platform connected with QuickBooks Online for an accounting practice.

For accounting firms seeking to improve existing operational processes, Satva’s Automation for Accounting Firms solution covers multi-client workflows and accounting automation requirements.

Businesses considering platform ownership can also review Open-Source vs. Custom Accounting Software before making an architectural decision.

The right platform should support client experience, secure data management, and accounting accuracy without creating unnecessary development complexity.