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Top 3 questions CPAs have about no code/low code platforms

Find out how this type of easy-to-use web programming can help accountants streamline their tasks, while creating more opportunity for analysis

Two business colleagues look at a tabletTailoring software to allow CPAs to easily extract data is just one way these platforms can be used (Getty Images/LaylaBird)

In today’s digital world, technology is paramount and “software is king,” says CPA Michael Wong, senior product manager, Oyster HR.

To that end, a new trend in computer programming, known as no code/low code platforms, has emerged in recent years across several sectors. The platforms are designed for users without a tech background or coding knowledge and enables them to easily create and modify a website, along with apps, that can be tailored to their business needs.

“These apps can democratize software development so that you don’t need a dedicated team of engineers to build (an app or website),” says Wong.

It can also be an opportunity for CPAs to layer additional skills to their role, as they come up with solutions and develop them.

Here are the top questions CPAs may have about these new programming developments.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NO CODE/LOW CODE PLATFORMS?

For small companies facing rapid digitalization and a lack of software engineers, low code/no code platforms are an opportunity to quickly scale up.

Whereas traditional website builds and modifications require business users to rely heavily on developers, these new platforms allow users to have full programming control over their websites.

“Just like the iPad simplifies the computer, the same sort of paradigm shift is seen with low code/no code,” says CPA Malik Datardina, a governance, risk and compliance strategist at Auvenir.

“You can develop your own website through drag-and-drop applications and make it look as you want,” he says.

Existing applications, like Power BI, have been a precursor to the current available programming abilities. And now, platforms such as AirTable, Glide and Quickbase make it easy for CPAs with a non-technical background to build simple apps that can automate some processes, such as having the outflow of a spreadsheet flow into a designated access database, says Wong.

“We do a lot of manual processes that can [now] be automated very simply.”

HOW DOES IT APPLY TO CPAS?

CPAs can use the platforms to design an app to help compile data, such as creating spreadsheets and organizing the information into more easily understood points. With financial planning and analysis, Datardina says there is the potential to create apps that transfer data from Excel into PowerPoint, which can save a lot of time and effort.

With less time being spent on things like data collection, “This type of platform potentially empowers CPAs to focus on things that are more value add,” Datardina says, citing work like strategic planning.

HOW CAN CPAs GET STARTED?

Experts agree the best way to understand these applications is simply by using them. Since no-code platforms are designed to be user-initiated with drag and drop functionality, the learning curve—if any—is quite minimal. Wong says someone without any technical knowledge should be able to log in and begin creating apps. With low code, usually some technical background is helpful but much less than a developer would need.

For firms with overwhelmed IT departments or smaller firms who may lack a dedicated IT source, these platforms “Give the team the power to drive efficiency and automation,” says Wong, “And to scale the business effectively.”