AccountAbility: Enjoying a Firm-wide OS and Cost Savings with Canopy

Profile

AccountAbility, based in Southern New Hampshire and led by seasoned accountant Melissa Laverty, has provided accounting services for over 24 years. Primarily focused on tax services with some bookkeeping support, the firm serves clients in 48 states. AccountAbility has embraced remote operations, allowing them to reduce staff size while intentionally boosting profitability and efficiency.

"We primarily work with service-based businesses with less than three owners. My sweet spot is I love real estate agents...and creatives." - Melissa Laverty, EA, Founding Partner

Integration with Canopy

Melissa explored numerous accounting software solutions before discovering Canopy. After thoroughly researching over 20 different platforms, she chose Canopy for its cohesive platform, which integrates billing, communication, and document management under one roof. The transition to Canopy was smooth, enabling AccountAbility to start using the platform effectively within days. Melissa found the onboarding process highly intuitive, allowing her team to implement Canopy quickly and efficiently.

"I researched really for a couple of years... I looked at at least 20 different solutions. Canopy showed up on my radar that second summer and I was blown away by how many of my must-have items were included. It seemed too good to be true." - Melissa Laverty, EA, Founding Partner

Obstacle

Before Canopy, AccountAbility used a disjointed, outdated software suite that failed to support the firm's evolving needs. They managed billing, time tracking, and client communication across multiple platforms, which led to inefficiencies and frequent frustration. The firm needed a firm-wide operating system for tracking client interactions and document management — removing unnecessary administrative work and costs.

"We were sort of married to a very clunky, horrendous, old-school software... It was very cumbersome." - Melissa Laverty, EA, Founding Partner

Solution

Canopy provided AccountAbility with an all-in-one solution that centralized essential functions, making day-to-day operations smoother and more efficient. The platform’s billing, client portal, and communication features were game-changers, significantly reducing the need for administrative support. In fact, Canopy’s client portal allowed clients to securely access documents and communicate easily with the team, drastically simplifying client interactions.

Additionally, Canopy’s automation tools helped streamline workflows for tasks such as billing and tax return processes, allowing AccountAbility to save time and resources by eliminating manual follow-ups and administrative tasks.

"When I sit down in the morning and I open Canopy, I know exactly what I need to do today. And that, for 20 years prior, was a dream I had. It wasn't a reality." - Melissa Laverty, EA, Founding Partner

Outcome

With Canopy, AccountAbility has transformed its operations, saving approximately $50,000 annually. By going remote and using Canopy as the primary tool for client and team communications, the firm no longer requires a receptionist, which has further cut down costs. The user-friendly portal has been well-received by clients, and internal communication within Canopy has enhanced team efficiency, providing full transparency for managing tasks and projects.

Melissa values Canopy’s commitment to client feedback, noting that Canopy’s customer engagement and responsiveness differentiate it from other software solutions. This collaborative approach has empowered AccountAbility to thrive, confidently adapting to the evolving accounting landscape.

"Two and a half years later, my life is amazing... I can focus on running the business and serving clients more effectively." - Melissa Laverty, EA, Founding Partner