Mountain View, CA: August 6, 2024
We all remember the good old days.
You found a software application that addressed a task you needed to complete. You licensed that application, and you started to use it.
Almost immediately, it made your life easier.
Then, the software developer introduced new features to the application which were easy to learn on your own. Every update or new feature made your life and work even better.
Today, our world has changed.
The challenges software applications today are much more complex than the old problems they solved, which is creating a serious and inefficient disconnect – how do we learn to use and implement these faster and stronger software applications?
Education.
These new applications required not only more education, but also more consistent education.
This “increased training” needs to help clients not only understand the problems differently, but also then learn how the software application can solve them for them.
Today’s Education Solution: The Academy
So what is the answer? In short: an academy.
Many of us grew up with the idea that an academy was a physical place we went to to study or train in a special field to maintain a standard of excellence. All that is still true, except for the fact that the academy concept is no longer just a physical space – it’s now a virtual or digital space.
Forest Financial Academy (FFA) is a trifecta – the best of virtual education, technology training and humanity. We are addressing some of the most important topics trending for accounting professionals today in an in-depth module format organized and led by well-trained and trusted members of the Forest team.
Here are three critically-important technology issues that the FFA addresses.
CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity is one of our world’s most complex and important issues. In accounting and financial management for family offices and CPA firms, cybersecurity is essential to protect the layers of sensitive financial data from unauthorized access and breaches. It ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR and SOX, avoiding legal penalties. Robust cybersecurity measures maintain client trust and safeguard against financial fraud. Additionally, they ensure business continuity and protect technological investments in accounting systems, like Forest.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
AI is revolutionizing accounting for family offices and CPA firms by automating routine tasks, increasing efficiency, and reducing human error. It provides advanced data analytics capabilities, offering deeper insights into financial trends and improving decision-making. AI enhances fraud detection and risk management by identifying unusual patterns and anomalies. Furthermore, AI-powered tools facilitate personalized financial planning and client services, elevating the overall client experience.
DOCUMENT EFFICIENCY
Document efficiency – from spreadsheets, to PDFs, to platforms – is crucial for accounting in family offices and CPA firms as it streamlines the management of financial records, saving time and reducing operational costs. It enhances accuracy and minimizes errors by ensuring that documents are organized and easily accessible. Efficient document management supports compliance with regulatory requirements by maintaining thorough and up-to-date records. Additionally, it improves client service by enabling quick retrieval of information and facilitating prompt, informed decision-making.
How FFA is teaching you about these important topics – and more
FFA is a new and innovative level of client service and care that our team is excited to make available to you. Think of it as consulting services focused on making you safer and more productive by using the latest tools.
FFA includes:
Seminars
FFA includes virtual seminars (webinars) on topics such as:
- Managing PDF Documents using the Best Tools
- Managing Documents using Forest Documents module
- Increasing security in Forest using Multi-Factor Authentication
- Benefiting from “Lightweight AI” with Forest Documents
- Using AI in many ways for “fun and profit”
- Tackling advanced AI topics like accounting for Private Equity investments.
One-on-One Consulting
Webinars can only go so far. There is a need to have one-on-one time with a consultant when you can ask your individual questions. Each person or group enrolled in FFA will be offered three consulting sessions spread over the three months of the program.
New Platform Modules: Documents / AI
The Academy program will also give you short-term access to the two new modules:
- Forest Documents
- Forest AI
For more information on how to transition to Forest Systems, schedule a consultation here.
To see the Forest Platform, schedule a demonstration here.