How Baker Tilly innovates today, for tomorrow
In the dynamic world of financial services, Baker Tilly has distinguished itself for years as a leading accounting and advisory firm. We spoke with Mario Geertzen, Manager of Business Innovation, about how innovation is woven into their workflows and the role digital solutions like ValidSign play in that process.
Baker Tilly plays an essential role within the financial sector by providing clients with high-quality audit, accountancy, tax, and advisory services. What sets them apart from other industry players is their strong focus on innovation and client-centricity. This is where Mario Geertzen and his team play a vital role within the organisation. His colleagues Joyce Spaan, Senior Advisor IT, and Helga Ammerlaan, Functional Manager for Accountancy Applications, agree. Joyce: “Mario is a pioneer in renewing processes. Around here, he’s even known as ‘Mr Innovation’.”
Seamless integration
ValidSign has been supporting Baker Tilly’s digital signing processes with qualified signatures since 2017. According to Mario, the switch to ValidSign was a significant step forward. “The process was streamlined considerably. Digital signing has become so essential, that it is now an integral part of our service delivery. We are always looking at how things can be made easier, better, or different. ValidSign fits perfectly within this philosophy because it helps us complete processes faster and more simply.”
“We made the full transition to ValidSign during the pandemic,” Mario explains. “It was the perfect moment, and it was embraced immediately. Now, it is a core part of our workflow, and there are no longer any alternatives. The improvement in efficiency is so noticeable that even an occasional outage quickly prompts questions. A sign that the system has become indispensable and fully integrated into the organisation.”
Innovation in the DNA
Innovation at Baker Tilly goes beyond technical improvements; it is part of their DNA. Mario: “Everyone must constantly be thinking about how things can be faster, easier, and better. Fewer clicks, faster processes, and greater convenience.” He continues: “AI and digital tools play a major role. They create space to focus on where our added value is greatest and increases employee happiness. The latter is incredibly important to us, especially given the current job market where you want to be seen as an employer of choice.”
Mario continues: “ValidSign has already proven its ability to accelerate processes, which creates room for other valuable tasks. A great example is the digital processing of client documents, which can now be completed faster and without the client needing to be physically present. Together, we are now looking at what further innovations within the system are desirable. During regular contact moments with ValidSign, we can always indicate where we encounter challenges. ValidSign’s consultants are very proactive in thinking along with us. One of the next steps in innovation from ValidSign that we are very pleased with is the expansion of reporting capabilities. This will give us even more insight into where processes might be getting stuck.”
Benefits for everyone
The introduction of ValidSign has not only improved workflow efficiency but also increased client satisfaction. Clients appreciate the speed and simplicity of the digital signing process. Mario emphasises that the feedback has been very positive. Besides fewer administrative tasks, he highlights the user-friendliness and the high level of support. “And if there ever is a problem, it is resolved immediately.”
At Baker Tilly, innovation and efficiency go hand in hand. Their commitment to process improvement and client satisfaction makes them a frontrunner in the industry. “Digital signing is here to stay; it has taken our company a step further in our digital innovation.”
