A recent study from BlackBerry manufacturer Research In Motion and the ICAEW found widespread use of mobile technology within accountancy. Nigel Harris examines the findings and presents a rundown of currently available devices.

With accountants increasingly filling the role of trusted business advisors to their clients, it is even more important for them to be accessible to clients and colleagues throughout the working day and to have access accurate information wherever they are, according to a joint study [1] from the ICAEW and Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry smartphone.

The research project found that 75% of the 566 senior practitioners surveyed said the current economic climate made it more important than ever to be contactable when they are out of office. And what better way than with the latest mobile technology?

Of the accountants surveyed:

• 74% say that it is important that clients could contact them while they are working out of the office.


• 95% of smartphone users say effective mobile working not only enhances client satisfaction, but it also helps accountants grow their practices.


• 53% of those questioned who use a smartphone have won a piece of business when on the move.


• 82% of all respondents said that being able to work effectively when out of office increases personal productivity - with this figure jumping to 90% for smartphone users.


• 59% of respondents said that being able to work effectively out of office will allow them to increase billable hours to clients.

A couple of comments from respondents sum up the flavour of the study. "Being in a very client-orientated, service-driven practice, the ability to maintain and keep clients up-to-date and in the loop ensures we keep up our professional and respected image," said one practitioner.

Another respondent added: "Being connected makes my life considerably easier, and makes my clients feel more valued."

RIM says a number of accountancy practices use BlackBerry applications to access key information. Doing so helps them and their clients make more informed and timely decisions based on up-to-date and accurate information, regardless of their location.

Any mobile phone can send and receive SMS text messages and voice calls, but smartphones such as the BlackBerry add easy-to use email and access on the move to diary functions, PDF documents and Microsoft Office files.

John Oates, ICAEW IT Faculty Vice Chairman and Baker Tilly IT Advisory practice partner (and BlackBerry user), commented: "The research results echo my own experiences over the last few years [see box right]. I would simply not be able provide the service they need in this harsh economic climate if I were not able to communicate with them wherever I am during the working day."

A recent Any Answers [2] posting reflected the survey's findings, when the questioner asked for advice about smartphones that would allow them to keep in touch with clients. "All I want is something that will allow me to answer emails when I am out of the office."

The BlackBerry has gained several endorsements, but one or two members pointed out that it is not the only smartphone able to push email out from the office to remote users.

AS, for example, suggested that many BlackBerry users at their firm had upgraded to Windows Mobile smartphones such as those manufactured by HTC (rebranded as MDA by T-Mobile or XDA by O2). Light email users also liked Apple's iPhone.

Based on these conversations, here is a brief summary of currently available smartphone handsets and the contracts under which they are available.

Do these findings match your mobile working experiences? Share your techniques and handset recommendations using the Post a Comment button below and help AccountingWEB.co.uk compile a comprehensive guide to smartphone technology. Download the full RIM/ICAEW Connected Accountant report here. [3]