For a century, JAK has been at the forefront of accounting, evolving alongside advancements in technology and changes in tax and financial regulations. From paper ledgers to cloud-based accounting, the firm has embraced transformation while maintaining its commitment to client service and accuracy. As we reflect on the evolution of accounting, we wanted to explore- from a partner and client perspective, how JAK has adapted and thrived over the decades.
From Paper Ledgers to Digital Innovation
The early days of JAK looked very different from today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Accounting professionals manually calculated figures, recorded them in thick paper ledgers, and filed countless documents for retention. Partner, Jason Loven, recalls just how much the industry has changed:
“In many ways. All the way back from manual calculations to filling out paper forms by hand, to now auto-import of information and electronic communication and transmission of most everything. From countless paper files of retention to electronic retention.”
One of the most significant shifts came with the introduction of accounting software, which streamlined tax preparation, payroll processing, and financial reporting. Jason highlights this transformation:
“If we are talking about [what’s evolved over] the past 100 years, it has to be the software and technology developed to prepare and file tax returns. First, it was just the software itself; that was a huge game-changer. Then, when e-file came around, that was another huge game-changer.”
The Paradigm Shift: Mobility and Remote Access
A major breakthrough in accounting was the ability to work remotely. The introduction of laptops and remote login capabilities revolutionized how accountants interacted with clients and managed workflows. Jason reflects on this pivotal moment:
“One [way to interact more with clients] I think of is the start of the laptop. Being able to take a laptop computer to a client’s office, or anywhere, log in remotely, and work just like being in the office.”
That flexibility has become a major advantage for clients – especially those located outside the Twin Cities. As Ryan Kerr, long time client of JAK, shared:
“We are almost 100 miles away, but the work has become a lot more electronic with time, which helps with being so remote. They can log in to our systems and see what’s going on.”
JAK’s openness to innovation has been noticed by many clients. Sture Berg, legacy client of JAK, recalled:
“They were progressive in accepting and endorsing new technology. I even heard from their current team that they’ve learned to do audits remotely.”
“As the workplace has evolved, they were progressive in allowing people to work from home.”
With the rise of cloud-based solutions, JAK has been able to provide real-time financial insights and collaborate seamlessly with clients. These advancements have improved efficiency and allowed businesses to make informed financial decisions faster than ever before.
The Changing Role of Data and Analytics
While accounting has always been about numbers, the way those numbers are processed and analyzed has changed dramatically. Jason notes how data availability and analytics have reshaped the profession:
“There is more data and analytics available today – or more readily available. Accounting has always been a data and analytics field. It is just quicker to accumulate, easier to retain/save, and the tools used to analyze are better and more automated.”
With streamlined tools and automated systems, clients like Chris Hilger have seen the benefits firsthand:
“Their workflow automation keeps me very informed and makes things easy.”
The increasing reliance on data has enabled JAK to provide more strategic advisory services, helping businesses optimize operations, forecast financial trends, and navigate complex tax laws with greater precision.
Adapting to the Digital Era: Communication and Client Expectations
Beyond financial technology, communication methods have also evolved. In the firm’s early days, face-to-face meetings and mailed correspondence were standard. Over time, the telephone became a crucial tool, followed by email, and more recently, virtual meetings. Jason describes this progression:
“I expect back close to 100 years ago, most had to be face-to-face in-person meetings and appointments. Mail was used. For a long stretch of time, the telephone was huge. Then email came about. Then Teams and Zoom. All are still used on a regular basis. As time has gone on, we just have more options depending on what makes sense and what clients prefer.”
With technology making communication faster, client expectations have shifted as well. Today, responsiveness and timeliness are more critical than ever.
“The biggest expectation change is timeliness. This is part of customer service, which has always been expected. But over the past 100 years, the world has gotten busier and faster. Expectations for quicker response and turnaround time have increased. JAK has kept up by adopting a policy of always responding to all messages within 24 hours – if nothing else, to acknowledge receipt and give an expected timeline of further response.” – Jason Loven
Clients have noticed that responsiveness, especially in how they experience JAK’s tech and communication systems. As Chris Hilger noted:
“JAK’s technology meets my expectations of what a top accounting firm should offer – it’s organized, intuitive, and keeps me informed every step of the way.”
The Future of Accounting: AI and Cybersecurity
As technology continues to advance, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity have become central to the accounting profession. While AI is still in its early stages in accounting, Jason anticipates its role to increase:
“I think AI will become more significant when it comes to attest work. Tax law and regulation will continue to shape what the CPA does.”
At the same time, cybersecurity remains a top priority as firms handle sensitive financial data. JAK has taken steps to ensure client information is protected from evolving cyber threats.
“Cybersecurity – keeping client data and information safe and secure – is one of the biggest focuses of our firm today.”
Holding to Core Values While Moving Forward
Through every technological shift, JAK has remained true to its core values – client service, integrity, and adaptability. Partner, Andy Knutson, reflects on the firm’s ability to balance change with consistency:
“I think it is good to remember the past, the stories, and the legacy, but also realize that times change and this profession changes. I have tried to make it clear that any process, plan, office, location, etc., can change – except for how we treat employees and clients. We have to adapt to changing environments. Just because something worked five years ago doesn’t mean it works today, let alone 20 or 50 years ago.”
The Next 100 Years
As JAK celebrates its 100th anniversary, the firm looks toward the future with optimism. With advancements in cloud computing, automation, and AI, the possibilities for innovation are endless. However, one thing remains unchanged – JAK’s unwavering commitment to serving Minnesota’s businesses with the highest level of professionalism and care.
