In the dynamic world of virtual accounting, staying ahead of workflow management challenges is crucial. Rusty, the founder and CEO of Fulling Management and Accounting, is pioneering these efforts with innovative solutions. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with him about how his firm is leveraging Canopy, a leading cloud-based software, to streamline operations and deliver consistent service across 25 states.
The Genesis of Fulling Management and Accounting
Rusty’s journey began in 2000 with a vision to provide top-tier CFO, outsourcing, accounting, and bookkeeping services. The transition to a virtual setup five years ago marked a significant pivot, driven by a need to adapt to changing market demands and technology advancements. “Going virtual was a game changer for us, but it also brought its own set of challenges,” Rusty explains.
The Challenge: Streamlining Workflow in a Virtual Environment
One of the most daunting tasks for any virtual firm is managing workflows efficiently. For Rusty and his team of 16, this meant finding a system that could seamlessly track tasks, projects, deadlines, and overall progress. “Each year, we conduct a ‘four helpful’ feedback exercise: what’s working, what’s broken, what’s missing, and what’s confusing. Consistently, our workflow management system was what’s broken,” he shares.
The Solution: Discovering Canopy
Determined to resolve these workflow issues, Rusty developed a detailed list of desired features and began exploring various software options. His search led him to Canopy, which aligned with 90% of his criteria. “Finding Canopy was a turning point for us. It’s designed specifically for accounting professionals, which made it a perfect fit,” he remarks.
Key Benefits of Canopy
Visibility and Intervention: Canopy’s interface allows Rusty to oversee ongoing projects and tasks effectively. “It gives me a bird’s-eye view of everyone’s progress. This visibility is crucial for intervening promptly if a team member needs help,” he notes.
Flexibility in Task Management: The software offers robust tools for assigning and reallocating tasks. This feature is particularly valuable when team members are unavailable. “Canopy allows us to batch tasks and redistribute workloads with ease, ensuring that our client service remains uninterrupted,” Rusty adds.
The Impact on Fulling Management and Accounting
Since integrating Canopy into their workflow, Rusty’s firm has seen significant improvements in inefficiency and client satisfaction. The ability to keep track of every detail in real-time has boosted productivity and fostered a more collaborative team environment.
Looking Ahead
As Fulling Management continues to grow, Rusty is optimistic about the future. “Canopy has been instrumental in our ability to scale and adapt. It’s more than just a tool; it’s a part of our strategy to stay ahead in a competitive industry,” he concludes.
Rusty’s experience underscores the importance of selecting the right tools for managing complex workflows in a virtual setup. For firms like Fulling Management and Accounting, Canopy is not just solving problems—it’s setting new standards for efficiency and collaboration in the accounting industry.
Watch the full interview here:
