Quality as a Strategic Pillar in Accounting
In a sector where rigor, trust, and compliance are non-negotiable, quality processes emerge as an undeniable competitive advantage. In this interview, Daniel da Rocha Cardoso, Partner at FA Accounting, shares his strategic vision on the importance of adopting and maintaining quality management systems within accounting organizations. This conversation highlights how quality has become a structural element for the efficiency, reputation, and sustainability of accounting firms. At a time when fiscal complexity is increasing and client demands are becoming more sophisticated, investing in quality is not just a technical matter—it’s an essential strategic decision.
Q: What are the main strategic reasons that lead an accounting firm to choose to implement quality processes in its services?
The implementation of quality processes in an accounting firm is a strategic decision aimed at ensuring consistency, trust, and differentiation in the market. In a sector where reliability and rigor are crucial, quality positions the firm as a solid and credible partner, adding value to the client relationship and promoting business sustainability.
Q: How does the implementation of quality processes contribute to optimizing internal processes and reducing the occurrence of errors or rework in the accounting area?
Quality allows for standardizing procedures, automating repetitive tasks, and creating more effective workflows. This significantly reduces the risk of human error, rework, and wasted time, increasing productivity and allowing the team to focus on tasks with greater added value.
Q: How can we ensure that accounting services are always in compliance with current tax legislation and accounting standards?
A well-structured quality system includes internal controls and review procedures that ensure compliance with tax legislation and accounting standards. The continuous updating of employees and periodic internal audits are essential to ensure that all legal obligations are met in a timely and rigorous manner.
Q: What measures should be implemented to ensure the protection and confidentiality of clients’ sensitive financial data?
Protecting client data is a priority. Clear information security policies, data encryption, access control, regular backups, and continuous cybersecurity training should be implemented. Adherence to GDPR also reinforces the company’s ethical and legal responsibility.
Q: What are the advantages for an accounting firm to have professionals dedicated exclusively to quality management and the continuous improvement of internal processes?
Having professionals dedicated to quality management allows for systematic monitoring of processes, identification of opportunities for improvement, and the creation of an internal culture of excellence. The presence of a quality manager ensures that standards are maintained and that continuous improvement is a constant practice.
Q: What is the importance of quality certifications (like ISO 9001) and periodic audits of processes for an accounting firm, and how do these mechanisms contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting services?
Certifications such as ISO 9001 provide external recognition and strengthen the company’s credibility with clients. Periodic audits, whether internal or external, allow for the identification of flaws and the introduction of continuous improvements, serving as a valuable tool for self-regulation and transparency.
Q: What are the main challenges faced by companies that internally manage their accounting processes without a structured quality system, and how can the implementation of a quality management system help them overcome these challenges?
Companies that operate without structured processes tend to face communication failures, frequent errors, and difficulties with scalability. A quality management system provides clarity, effective distribution of responsibilities, and greater control over complex operations, which are essential in a field like accounting.
Q: How can quality processes adapt effectively to contexts of company growth, mergers, restructurings, or expansion into new markets, in order to maintain the consistency and quality of accounting services?
Quality processes are designed to be adaptable. In scenarios of growth, mergers, or international expansion, the existence of standardized procedures facilitates the integration of teams, the replication of good practices, and the maintenance of the quality and consistency of the services provided.
Q: What role do digital tools and integrated systems play in the modernization and reliability of quality control in accounting services?
Digital tools such as ERPs, document management platforms, and reporting software are fundamental for automating processes, ensuring traceability, and providing a global view of the company’s performance. Technology is now a pillar of quality, especially in data management and deadline compliance.
Q: How can we ensure that the team responsible for quality is permanently updated on legislative and regulatory changes or best practices in the sector?
Quality requires a team that is permanently updated. This involves investing in continuous training, access to updated legal databases, participation in forums, and partnerships with regulatory bodies and professional associations. Updating is a practice integrated into the quality system itself.
Q: What metrics or performance indicators do you recommend for evaluating the effectiveness of quality processes in an accounting firm?
Metrics such as average client response time, error rate in entries, compliance with legal deadlines, number of detected non-conformities, and the degree of client satisfaction are fundamental for monitoring the effectiveness of quality processes.
Q: What are the main gains that a company can achieve, in the medium and long term, by implementing and maintaining a solid quality management system in its accounting services?
In the medium and long term, quality translates into greater client loyalty, a solid reputation, a reduction in legal risks, continuous improvement of services, and greater operational efficiency. Furthermore, it helps attract and retain talent, creating a professional environment oriented toward excellence.
SOURCE: MAGAZINE – POINTS OF VIEW (AUG/SEP 2025) – Interview with Daniel Cardoso (CEO of FA ACCOUNTING)