Mayer Hoffman McCann Deploys New Technology to Reinvent Audit Methodology Management

PRESS RELEASE
New York, New York
May 17, 2010
Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (MHM), headquartered in Kansas City is a national CPA firm specializing in high quality attest services for public and private companies, nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. With more than 35 locations, MHM has become one of the Top 10 Accounting Providers in the country. They are closely associated with CBIZ (NYSE: CBZ) through an alternative practice structure which provides accounting, tax and consulting services.

The Challenge:

Part of the challenge for any growing CPA firm is combining and maintaining continuity in systems and processes across many offices in different locations. This is particularly true for the management of audit methodology and the forms related to the varying processes. Even smaller firms with only one location can have difficulty keeping a solid handle on audit methodology management simply because of the fluidity of the content. AICPA, PCAOB and FASB standards along with firm policies are constantly evolving to fit an ever-changing business environment, and CPA firms have wrestled for years to find the best way for updating content and keeping forms current and consistent with professional standards.

MHM recognized that the technology they were using to manage their audit content was limiting and inefficient. The firm saw an opportunity to streamline their audit process by adjusting the methodology and implementing strong technology to better manage it.

MHM always knew they could improve efficiency if they wrote more of their own methodology; however, they knew that without the right technology to manage any custom content, those efficiency gains would quickly get lost in the administrative process. By seeking a technology solution that could aid the firm in managing and enhancing their audit methodology, MHM expected to benefit on all fronts.

As they began their search, MHM identified functionality that would be critical to the project’s success. They needed the ability to centrally manage all audit programs, including the ability to easily modify and propagate methodology updates to the entire firm. In addition, they wanted to be able to create dynamic forms specifically for audits. Ideally, the forms would adapt to each engagement based on responses to planning forms. The forms would have work steps that link to each other, eliminating duplication and the potential for contradictory responses. MHM also knew that they could benefit from having the ability to report across all engagements to help them ensure compliance and further refine procedures.

The Solution:

Starting in Fall 2009, MHM began a pilot of HKMP Technologies' audit methodology management tool, called amelio®. For MHM, amelio® offers a change in technology that will significantly increase the efficiency of planning engagements and completing audit forms, as well as give the firm's national office the tools needed to manage methodology and obtain reports for management, insurance, inspection and peer review purposes.

"Not only does amelio® meet all of the needs we outlined, but it also integrates with our current technology including engagement management, process management and custom workflow systems. The combination of a more efficient methodology and a strong technology should lead to efficiency gains that will benefit us all around," stated Joanna Schultz, National Audit Technology Director for MHM.

amelio® allows MHM the opportunity to easily re-work their audit methodology content and customize audit programs. In addition, amelio® integrates with the firm's current IT architecture by seamlessly interacting with their workflow systems and engagement management system. By combining more efficient audit methodology along with current technology, MHM is projecting a very quick return on their investment.

"We think HKMP Technologies' amelio® is the best solution on the market for providing maximum customization, flexibility and control over our firm's audit process," said Bill Hancock, MHM President.