Practice management software

Practice management software

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Mindful of the need to keep on the right side of the professional bodies rule book and was wondering if this practice management software was worthy of purchase?

Should I just keep a good spreadsheet instead, but queries to know if software such as this has other utilities that can be useful. I anticipate on having (fingers toes and God only knows what else crossed) about 50 clients, mixed between sole traders and Ltd.

Appreciate any help.

Thanks.

Max.

Max Melford

Replies (8)

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By AnonymousUser
10th Jan 2006 14:57

Message to Robert Newman
Apologies for taking this thread off subject, but I was amazed by the growth Robert's firm.

I setup in Halifax, West Yorks approx 8mths ago and have found it extremely slow going. Getting quality new clients seems an almost impossible task. My fees during that period have been approx 5k as I have spent most of my time doing small trader accounts and tax returns. Hence I've not been able to jack in my main 9-5 job. How do I get to 450k in 3 years !!!

Robert, I was wondering if you would be prepared to share your experiences and advice to newbie's in this forum ? You could e-mail me direct if you prefer on [email protected].

Regards,

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By User deleted
10th Jan 2006 15:53

Stephen - working for yourself
Hi Stephen,

I was also impressed by Robert's rate of growth. I'm in my third year, have one nearly-full-time subcontractor, and am aiming to hit £100k this year.

I also started in my spare time, as you did, and I found that the larger, juicier clients won't look twice at you if they perceive you as a part-timer.

I'd suggest you seriously consider going full-time, as I can't see a way for you to get any significant growth without doing this (although if anyone else has managed it, I'd love to hear how.)

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By User deleted
09th Jan 2006 17:47

Very good program
I use this and I think it is very good!

Whilst I agree with the first two comments, I also think you need to look at the future and where you are trying to drive your business.

I set up 5 years ago and by year three was doing £450k of fees and had 10 staff. I had know idea where I was upto with anything and no real ability to manage what I was doing.

About a year ago - and in desperation - I bought this programme and boy has it made a difference.

I set out to create the monster I am dragged along by (I can't say I lead it, for it really leads me still!) and wish I had invested in something like ACCA PM long before I did.

In other words, if you are going for growth, do seriously look at this program

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By listerramjet
10th Jan 2006 09:01

ask yourself why
If it is just to tick a box on a checklist then a waste of time. But if you are starting out then why get in to bad practices? Beware that whilst a spreadsheet may look cheap typical practice management apps are not particularly expensive and they eradicate much of the risk that a spreadsheet approach brings.

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By sue.abpartners
10th Jan 2006 10:00

IRIS Practice Management
I have used IRIS Practice Management for a while now and find it extremely useful and also fairly inexpensive. Automatically tracks workflow and also has document management facilities which is excellant - means I don't have to keep paper copies of everything. In addition, it has recently been accredited by the ICAEW so should provide all that you need.

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By User deleted
10th Jan 2006 17:06

Practice growth
I would be happy to talk about what I have done and what I am doing to all those interested.

I have slowed down alot in the last year - see my other thread about buying fees (DONT DO IT!) but am about to get back out on the road.

I am afraid that I don't have anything that clever or original to say, but would welcome any opportunity to show people around my place and talk about things.

If you are interested, e-mail me on [email protected]

Any if you really what tpo boost my ego, lets start a campaign to get me a blog on this website!!!!

Regards

Rob Newman

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By AnonymousUser
08th Jan 2006 16:32

Not really necessary if you're a very small firm
I would argue that practice management software isn't really necessary for the very small firms, especially if you are working on your own. For small firms, a good partner/manager/staff structure should easily keep tabs on where work is in the firm and its progression.

However, what a professional body would want to see is that you have a procedure for taking on clients that covers matters such as money laundering and other things necessary before accepting appointment. Software can help here, but again, if you're working on your own, a good checklist should be sufficient.

Hope that helps.

Steve Checkley
www.accountsvision.co.uk

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By User deleted
08th Jan 2006 17:18

So expensive
As a fellow ACCA member in practice I did look at the software and whilst it looks very good it is just SO expensive.

I just use Excel spreadsheets to keep tabs on WIP/client lists etc. I find it does work well. I have just under 200 clients now and have no problems controlling work etc in this way.

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