How SSC CPAs Revolutionizes Tax Workflow with Connected Technology

Introduction: From traditional practice to digital powerhouse When Mark Worden joined SSC CPAs + Advisors in 2011, he inherited a traditional tax practice ready for transformation. What followed was a strategic, step-by-step technology implementation that fundamentally changed how the firm operates and how clients experience tax services. Today, SSC CPAs operates at a fundamentally different level than traditional firms. The results are impressive: 75% of tax returns are now delivered electronically, 95-98% of returns flow through automated workpaper processing, and what used to require hours of administrative work now takes mere seconds through seamless automation. Solution: Building an integrated technology ecosystem Mark Worden engineered a comprehensive, integrated technology ecosystem built on Thomson Reuters solutions that work together seamlessly: UltraTax CS: The Foundation Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS anchored the firm's tax preparation capabilities. Mark praised its superior user experience, describing UltraTax as "more responsive and approachable for the general tax user or preparer" compared to competing solutions. The platform's integration with other Thomson Reuters products, including Fixed Assets CS, created a unified ecosystem that eliminated data silos and reduced preparation time. SurePrep: Intelligent Automation Implemented in 2011, Thomson Reuters SurePrep (1040SCAN and SPbinder) transformed the firm's workpaper process. SurePrep's automation capabilities reduced manual data entry and standardized workflows. The firm deployed both 1040SCAN Organize and Pro versions, matching tools to each return's complexity. GoFileRoom with FirmFlow: Digital Hub GoFileRoom and FirmFlow emerged as the firm's digital hub, transforming chaotic paper-based processes into streamlined workflows. This comprehensive document and workflow management system became far more than storage—it provides centralized control over every client engagement while seamlessly integrating with the entire technology ecosystem. SafeSend: Client Experience Revolution SafeSend marked a pivotal moment in the firm's evolution. Initially implemented to modernize tax return delivery, SafeSend quickly became the cornerstone of their client experience strategy. SafeSend Gather and Organizer revolutionized the front-end client experience, while SafeSend Returns transformed delivery into a seamless, professional process. The firm's commitment runs deep — they actively participate in SafeSend's Customer Advisory Board. Custom Integration: The Multiplier Effect Mark didn't just implement these solutions — he engineered them to work together like a symphony. His custom automation represents the pinnacle of practice efficiency: "I've actually designed automations internally to link in with SafeSend's webhooks and as soon as documents are received, organizers are received, it automatically uploads to GFR and we're able to begin our process from there." The moment a client uploads documents through SafeSend, custom webhooks automatically trigger GoFileRoom processes, eliminating manual handoffs and ensuring preparers have immediate access to client information. This level of automation transforms what used to be hours of administrative work into seconds of seamless processing. Outcomes: Transforming efficiency and client experience SSC CPAs has created a client experience that competitors struggle to match. Clients now navigate an intuitive, digital-first process that eliminates the frustrations of traditional tax preparation. SafeSend's e-signature capabilities, combined with simplified organizers and custom questionnaires, have transformed tax season from a dreaded annual chore into a streamlined, professional experience. Measurable Impact: 75% electronic delivery rate eliminates lost documents and delays Automated notifications and tracking provide unprecedented transparency Instant access to prior-year returns through SafeSend's client portal Reduced turnaround times through automated workflows Enhanced client satisfaction through digital convenience Operational Excellence: The integrated ecosystem delivers compound benefits that individual implementations could never achieve: Preparers spend more time on high-value analysis instead of data entry Clients receive faster, more professional service through automated workflows Administrative overhead plummets through intelligent automation Scalability increases dramatically without proportional staff increases The result is a practice that doesn't just survive in today's competitive landscape—it thrives by delivering an experience that clients love and efficiency that drives profitability.