I am pleased to announce that my article "Asynchronous Collaboration and the Use of Microsoft 365 Tools in Tax Consulting Firms" has been published in the current issue of digitax magazine (issue 01/2025) (beck.digitax 2025, 58). The full article can be read as part of a subscription or trial subscription from CH Beck Verlag.
In this article, I examine the growing importance of asynchronous collaboration in modern tax consulting firms and demonstrate how Microsoft 365 tools can support this way of working. The nature of collaboration has changed fundamentally in recent years, particularly due to increasing digitalization and the increased use of cloud technologies. While face-to-face exchange in the office and synchronously organized meetings were once the norm, more and more companies—especially knowledge-intensive industries like tax consulting—are turning to asynchronous working methods.
Why is asynchronous collaboration so important for tax firms?
The daily work of tax firms is characterized by dealing with complex issues that require a high level of concentration and in-depth specialist knowledge. At the same time, clients' expectations regarding fast processing times and digital communication channels are increasing. Traditional, synchronous working methods, often characterized by meetings and direct exchanges, can quickly lead to productivity losses. Constant interruptions make it difficult for many employees to concentrate on their core tasks and work productively.
This is where asynchronous collaboration comes in: It allows law firm employees to complete their tasks flexibly and at their own pace, without being constantly interrupted by meetings or floods of emails. At the same time, the entire team can still communicate and collaborate efficiently—and this is where Microsoft 365 tools come into play.
How Microsoft 365 tools support asynchronous collaboration
Through the targeted use of tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Stream, tax firms can establish modern, digital working models that both increase efficiency and promote employee well-being. These solutions enable time-shifted communication, collaborative document work, and secure information sharing .
- Microsoft Teams not only offers chat and video conferencing features, but also persistent channels for projects or clients where documents and messages can be stored. This allows employees to contribute at any time without everyone having to be online at the same time. For example, a law firm can set up a Teams channel for each major client where tax issues can be discussed, documents shared, and tasks coordinated—regardless of when individual team members access it.
- SharePoint and OneDrive provide a central, cloud-based repository for law firm documents, making them accessible at any time. Instead of sending countless emails with attachments, documents can be edited and commented on directly within SharePoint, streamlining collaboration. Integrated version management ensures that no important changes are lost.
- Microsoft Stream is revolutionizing internal knowledge transfer. Tax advisors can, for example, record tutorials or training videos that are available to new employees or firm teams at any time. This optimizes onboarding processes and documents expertise over the long term.
In addition to these tools, Microsoft 365 offers many other solutions that significantly simplify everyday office life. Microsoft Bookings simplifies client appointment management, Planner helps with task organization, and Forms can be used for surveys or feedback.
Conclusion: Transformation for tax firms is unavoidable
Digital transformation is no longer just a future project for tax firms, but a necessity. Modern, flexible working models are essential to remain competitive and retain qualified employees long-term. Through the targeted use of Microsoft 365 tools, firms can not only optimize their internal processes but also make collaboration with clients more efficient and customer-friendly.
At hassenpflug.online, we have expertise in tax process optimization, data protection, and Microsoft IT knowledge. Together with our partner, L1 Datenschutz GmbH, we support tax firms in their digital transformation and the implementation of modern work models. Learn more about our services and how we can support you.
The full article can be read in the current issue of digitax (issue 01/2025, beck.digitax 2025, 58) as part of a subscription/trial subscription to CH Beck Verlag .
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