Feb 28

Written by:
Monday, February 28, 2011 

Software can be an additional unnecessary expense for clients that often want to manage their own basic bookkeeping entries and little more.

Clients can feel they have little choice in the software and are forced into using the same as their accountant. It can be quite common for this to be overkill for the client, far beyond their needs and coming at an expense.

The software itself can be quite expense if the client only wants to maintain the basic records, possibly only their invoicing records and trade suppliers.  In addition they then have to learn new software that's often geared towards the accountants needs and knowledge more than their own.

So why do accountants and clients feel obliged to do it this way?

I'm not saying that all accountants push this onto their clients, but there are certainly some that at very least leave their clients feeling they have little choice.

Software packages do promote features that allow accountants and clients to share the data, updating one from the other, but is this really the best way to go about it?

One of our most popular tools has been the our Cash Book Excel Template.  From discussions with accountants that provide this to clients, it's used as a simple affordable tool that clients can easily use without the frustrations of learning expensive software.

There are several other solutions out there too that can also be a good fit for clients that aren't overkill for what they're wanting to do themselves. What's important is finding something that clients are happy and comfortable using.

Is there a good reason for accountants and clients to use the same software?

None of these alternatives for clients should have to mean the accountant is limited in choice with their own software. Sometimes clients will want to do more than the basic entries and the amount of data may mean it is reasonable for both to use the same, but for most SMEs that don't want to do a great deal themselves then simpler less expensive software should certainly be an option for them.

It's the accountants that realise this that have clients that are happier with how they are managed and the service they receive. This demand on easy to use software led us to the online version of our Excel Template - the Online Cash Book System.  Just one option you can consider for clients and see what they think with a free 2 month trial.

What do you do to provide your clients with the right stuff?

David Toohey
The Accountants Circle