IT (-consulting) in tax consultancy: obstacles and how to overcome them

Digitalisation is fundamentally reshaping the tax consulting industry. What used to be paper-based is now automated, mobile, and seamlessly connected. But with new opportunities come increased demands – on software, infrastructure, and internal processes. Firms that want to work efficiently and securely in the long term need clear strategies and a reliable IT partner.

Where Modern Tax Practices Reach Their Limits

In day-to-day operations, it becomes clear: many firms rely on legacy IT structures and tools that no longer meet current demands. Common challenges include:

Complex systems and unclear processes
Many applications are functionally powerful but lack intuitive usability. This complicates onboarding and slows productivity – especially for new staff or firms with highly variable workflows.

Lack of system integration
Siloed solutions prevent seamless workflows. If DATEV, ERP, and DMS systems do not communicate, this results in media disruptions and manual rework.

Insufficient support
Technical and organisational support is often reactive or unavailable – particularly with smaller software vendors. In critical situations, fast and effective solutions are hard to come by.

Data protection and legal compliance
Handling sensitive client data requires maximum security. At the same time, tax software must reflect changing legal requirements – such as GoBD or GDPR – automatically and reliably. Without regular updates, compliance and data accuracy are at risk.

Successful Digitalisation Requires the Right Setup

Rethinking firm-wide processes opens the door to smart automation and efficient collaboration. Modern applications go beyond accounting and payroll – supporting client communication, document handling, and HR management as well. The key benefits at a glance:

More efficient workflows
Automated routine tasks free up valuable time. Integrated solutions enable end-to-end processes without manual interventions.

Improved quality and traceability
Standardised workflows and centralised data management enhance accuracy and simplify collaboration between firm and client.

Secure and GDPR-compliant infrastructure
Certified data centres, regular security updates, and well-structured access control ensure that sensitive financial data is protected – now and in the future.

Future readiness through modularity
Scalable platforms grow with your needs. New functionalities can be added flexibly via APIs or add-ons.

Implementing DATEV: Technical Integration Requires Expertise

Setting up and operating DATEV systems demands a high level of technical know-how, process awareness, and regulatory understanding. This is especially true for hybrid or fully cloud-based environments, where a holistic view of the IT landscape is essential.

Success depends on several factors:

• Structured system assessment
  Before integration, it’s important to understand the current IT landscape, how systems are used, and where dependencies exist – especially in legacy environments.

• Process knowledge specific to tax practices
  Technical implementation must align with the workflows of tax firms – from internal organisation to client communication.

• Experience with complex data migrations
  Migrating existing datasets requires precision, legal assurance, and minimal disruption to operations.

• Security and compliance expertise
  Systems must meet current GDPR, GoBD, and DATEV standards – not only technically, but also in terms of documentation and governance.

By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of tax firm processes and the DATEV ecosystem, even complex projects can be implemented efficiently and with a clear view to long-term success.