Accounting firms on a growth trajectory typically start exploring client portal solutions when they find themselves spending more time on email back-and-forth with their clients than on actually producing added-value work for said clients. 

Signs that it’s time to start looking for accounting software with a client portal feature could also include increasing client requests for real-time access to their reports, challenges in managing document submissions, or the desire to provide a more professional and responsive service.

Stacker is a no-code operations platform that offers multiple options to build a CRM and a client portal, among other business applications, so we compiled a few resources for accounting firms looking into client portals. 

In this post, we included a deep dive into the features that client portals for accountants should offer, and considerations to keep in mind when picking the best client portal for accountants, such as integrations, configurability, security, and ease of use for clients, for example.

If you’re still deciding between out-of-the box solutions and building your own white-label portal with no code, take a look at this post. We also have this blog on creating your own client portal with no-code if you’ve already researched off-the-shelf options, and want to build your own custom accounting client portal.

What Are Client Portals?

A client portal is a secure online platform that allows businesses to interact with their clients efficiently. In practice, it’s a central hub where clients can log into a personal account dedicated to them, access important information, share documents, and communicate with their service provider. For example, a client portal for accounting firms might allow clients to upload financial documents securely, view their financial statements, or communicate directly with their accountant without having to navigate round email attachments or external spreadsheets..

Some examples of client portal software for accountants include Canopy and Smartvault. Both platforms offer tailored features specifically designed for accounting professionals. For accounting firms looking for features that go beyond the basic set offered by this type of off-the-shelf software, no code platforms like Stacker offer a more configurable, more scalable alternative.

What’s different about an accounting client portal?

Accounting firm client portals have unique needs and constraints that influence the features typically found in them. For instance, a client portal for design agencies would focus primarily on managing client feedback efficiently without sacrificing project timelines. A patient portal in healthcare might primarily focus on displaying patient information or appointment scheduling features.

An accounting client portal, on the other hand, must prioritize security, compliance, and sensitive financial data management, because that would matter more to its users than an efficient feedback collection mechanism.

There are key features that are specific to a secure client portal for accountants, and they include:

• Document Management: The ability to share and request tax documents, financial statements, and confidential client information securely.

• Client Communication: Tools for messaging, notifications, and reminders about deadlines, which are critical in accounting.

• Billing and Invoicing: Integrating invoicing features to streamline payment processes and make it easier for clients to keep on top of their own customer and supplier invoices.

• Compliance Features: Ensuring that all communications and document exchanges meet industry regulations.

These tailored functionalities make accounting client portals distinct from those designed for other fields

Beyond these most common features, some accounting firms will have more specific needs that are specific to their own internal workflows depending on their specializations.

For example, a boutique tax preparation firm that also offers tax consulting services might want to add a custom dashboard to display tax efficiency measures to some of its users. A forensics accounting firm would need sophisticated user permissions management to enable the secure sharing of documents with multiple users from across the client’s organization.

Integrations to look for

Integrating a client portal for accounting firms with existing software solutions is essential for optimizing workflows and enhancing overall efficiency. For example, an accounting client portal should seamlessly connect with:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: To keep track of client interactions and preferences. At Stacker, for example, we make it possible for accounting firms to build their own CRM within the platform, so the two are natively integrated.

• Project Management Tools: For tracking project timelines and deliverables related to client accounts.

• Internal Company Wikis: To provide staff access to relevant documents and resources quickly.

• Email Providers: To streamline communication and ensure all client correspondence is documented.

The specifics of the integration also matter: is it a two-way integration? How often does it update? Is it automatically triggered by specific events? You can take a look at the documentation on the Make.com integrations with Stacker for more ideas on the questions to ask. 

Custom client portal for accounting firms using No Code

With the increased availability of no-code solutions of all kinds, accounting firms can now build custom client portals without the need for extensive coding knowledge. 

A no code operations platform allows users to create tailored applications and workflows that cater specifically to their business needs. There are multiple kinds of no-code tools on the market that are built for different types of users; Stacker focuses on no code business applications in particular. 

This means that Stacker users had the ability to develop a client portal for accounting firms that includes features such as custom document upload forms, automated notifications for deadlines, and secure client communication channels—all without hiring a developer.

Exploring no-code solutions makes sense for accounting firms looking to create a unique, branded client experience. It goes beyond generic off-the-shelf solutions, and can easily be adapted to accommodate new use cases. 

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A well-designed accounting client portal can completely change a business's relationship with its clients. Instead of being bogged down by endless email chains and calls focused on administrative items, teams can focus their client interactions on building trust and rapport, and delivering valuable expertise. 

If they decide to go one step further by leveraging no-code solutions, firms can create tailored portals that meet their specific requirements while ensuring security and compliance. 

Looking to test a client portal software for accountants that can exactly fit your workflows? Reach out to the Stacker team for a demo.