Coding for Cloud Accounting
Cloud Accounting is emerging, and programmers are the key.
The world of accounting has 3 main career routes: tax preparer, auditor, or corporate/private accounting. Marie Phillips is a CPA and entrepreneur who tried two of those routes, but was looking for more. What Marie does now did not exist when she was in college. With three master’s degrees in addition to her accounting credentials, Marie continuously adjusted to merge her entrepreneurial spirit with a new industry within accounting being developed: Cloud Accounting, focusing on automations and efficiencies.
Marie founded Connected Accounting to innovate beyond standard financial services firms. She sought to create a firm where problem-solving, developing efficient processes, and sincere support for clients were built into the DNA of the business. Above all, she wanted to liberate business owners from the everyday stresses that too often lead to burnout and frustration. As an entrepreneur herself, she knows these worries firsthand — and is an expert when it comes to implementing solutions.
Marie’s entrepreneurial mindset came from developing and launching Gursey Schneider LLP’s client accounting services’ practice, where her team of 5 increased their departments revenue by 40% each year. Now, she supports early-stage entrepreneurs in building the foundation of their businesses while offering an accountability partner throughout their growth. She has helped multiple clients transform their businesses from zero income to profitability. While growing businesses are her present focus, Marie also has expertise when it comes to multinational corporations. Prior to starting Connected Accounting, she was a financial analyst for business giants including Forever 21 and PepsiCo.
How Coding and Accounting Merge
With the emergence of Cloud Accounting, coding has come into a great need. Software engineers are needed in this field to support how data flows, to manage and convert data, automatically. API and integrations are a key focus for Marie’s business. It takes 1–3 years for young accounting graduates to actually learn the trade. There is no bridge between accounting and the automation steps, so Marie is focused on working more and more with software developers.
It’s rare to find a job where you really fulfill your skillset and your purpose, with space to grow and innovate. For those who like to problem solve, work independently, take the lead, and are self-motivated, programming for cloud accounting is it. “You could get thrown in hot water, but you can do whatever you want with the hot water.” says Marie. Essentially, programmers in this field are constantly given opportunities to code and see results instantly.
The truth of the accounting industry is that there are less and less accountants entering the workforce, while a huge number of accountants are retiring. There are not enough accountants entering to replace them, but the work is still there. Here lies the need to leverage technology.
Marie’s skills shine when it comes to finding linear and logical solutions to business challenges. Drawing on her experiences as an immigrant, Marie has a deep understanding of what it means to overcome unique challenges. She prioritizes creating a nurturing, flexible space for both her team and clients.
When Marie is not working with clients, she loves to stay active by stand-up paddle boarding, dancing, hiking, surfing and skiing. A compassionate animal lover, she is a pescatarian and loves to cook with fresh ingredients from her garden.
