Top 10: The Most Amazing iPhone Apps for CPAs
The iPhone is changing the way service professionals do business. Powerful and portable the iPhone is much more than the latest geek toy. It's a notable asset for any accountant or CPA.
Right out of the box your iPhone is a powerful tool, but to really get the most of it there are a number of apps designed to help you run your practice on the move. Here are some of my favorites.
1. Trip Tracker - Keep track of your travel itineraries with Trip Tracker. This is a powerful fully automated app that's easy to use. All you have to do is register your frequent flier and hotel rewards numbers on the site and your complete itinerary will automatically be displayed in the program. The app will alert you to status changes as they occur.
2. GateMaps - This is a brand new app, but once it's fully developed it's going to be really amazing. The application currently supports: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami International (MIA). Currently GateMaps only offers maps for the terminals at these five major hubs. As the app is developed more airports will be added.
3. Skype - An excellent program for international travelers who want to save their pennies abroad. Call Skype-to-Skype for no charge over Wi-Fi, or use the built-in instant messaging feature. As of summer 2010, Skype has started charging for using the app with 3G.
4. Yelp - If you're new in town and looking for a place to eat, this application provides user-reviewed restaurants, bars, and shops.
5. Unit Conversion - This handy app is a must for the international traveler. It provides up-to-date currency conversions on demand.
6. Taxi Magic - This app handily allows you to call a cab at the touch of a button. Just input where you want the cab to pick you up and you're all set. You don't even need to make a phone call. Taxi Magic coordinates with the local taxi dispatch services to find the closest to your location. You can even monitor the cab's progress via GPS. This application is available in most major cities in the United States.
7. Bump - A utility that allows you to transfer contact information, pictures, and notes with other iPhone users quickly and easily by holding the phones next to each other. No more fumbling for business cards or worrying about forgetting your pen.
8. Expensify - Eliminate the burden of lugging all your receipts from your trip around with you with Expensify. It keeps track of your expenses as you go. When you're ready it compiles them into a single IRS-friendly report. Data entry? Now would I do that to you? All you need to do is take a snapshot of the receipt.
9. HopStop - This app turns your iPhone into a public-transportation-sensitive GPS of sorts. By inputting your start and end location, your route will be calculated, taking into account buses, trains, transfers, and turns, and always getting you there as quickly as possible.
10. World Customs and Cultures - Did you know that in Japan it's considered rude to turn down a drink, even if your glass is full? Down that sucker and hold your glass out for a refill or run the risk of seriously pissing off your host! The World Customs and Cultures app will help you bridge cultural gaps and avoid the many pitfalls of international business negotiations.
Traveling can be a royal pain, but with your iPhone and a few high-quality programs you'll be able to make your business trips easier - and possibly even fun!
About the Author
Brian O'Connell is the CEO and founder of CPA Site Solutions, one of the country's biggest web design firms oriented exclusively to CPA sites. His company at present provides websites for more than 4000 CPA, accounting, and tax preparation firms.