Accountants are increasingly using social media for business. But few get help from their firms in how to apply these tools, according to the 2011 Social CPAs Media Survey. And Barry MacQuarrie, who conducts the survey, said firms need to train those in their firms to get the most out of the new media.

Xero, a New Zealand-based publisher of online accounting applications, says it expects that its revenue for the year ending March 31 will be twice that of fiscal 2012. The company has begun its attack on the United States market with the establishment of an office in San Francisco.

Xero has been accelerating its effort to enlist accountants and small businesses in the United States. And while it already has firms that have signed up as part of its channel, the New Zealand-based company, which markets a web-based accounting application, has been getting more visibility since former Sage executive Jamie Sutherland joined as president of the U.S. operation.