In this case study, one of our clients was experiencing substantial growth in both turnover and transactions, but the traditional methods of accounting they were operating with were proving to be a bottleneck.
With a reliance on manual ledger accounting for bank work and paper-heavy reporting, the business found itself in a situation where true profitability was only unveiled during the annual meeting with accountants. This prompted a critical evaluation of their financial processes and led to the search for a transformative solution.
The Challenge
The company’s extensive growth posed a series of challenges to its accounting and finance team. The use of SAGE, while effective, was not sufficient to keep up with the increasing volume of transactions. Additionally, the reliance on manual ledger accounting for bank-related activities led to inefficiencies and a delay in financial reporting.
The traditional paper-heavy approach to reporting and record-keeping further compounded the problem. With the preparation of accounts taking a significant amount of time, management accounts were non-existent, and true profit identification was deferred to the yearly accountant meeting.
The Solution
Recognising the need for a more streamlined and efficient approach to financial management, we suggested that the company embrace the power of cloud technology.
The chosen solution involved transitioning to Xero, a cloud-based accounting software known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. The implementation plan included integrations with essential tools such as bank feeds, Dext prepare for automated data extraction, and Futrli for advanced financial forecasting and reporting.
To ensure a smooth transition and maximise the benefits of the new operating system, a bespoke training program was developed. This program aimed at empowering their team with comprehensive knowledge of the Xero platform, enabling them to leverage its capabilities fully.
Additionally, a bookkeeping checklist was prepared to identify and track repeating tasks, ensuring that no critical steps were overlooked in the new streamlined process.
The Value Impact
The adoption of the cloud-based solution brought about significant positive changes, impacting various aspects of the company’s financial operations:
- Rapid Production of Management Accounts: With the new system in place, the company gained the ability to produce management accounts within a week of month-end. This real-time insight allowed for more agile decision-making and a proactive approach to financial management.
- Increased Profitability: The company, now equipped with timely and accurate financial data, identified new opportunities and optimised existing ones. This resulted in a tangible increase in profits, showcasing the direct impact of efficient financial management on the bottom line.
- Time Savings through Technology: Leveraging technology allowed the accounts team to save valuable time previously spent on manual processes. This newfound efficiency translated into a more productive team capable of focusing on strategic initiatives rather than repetitive tasks.
- Enhanced Visibility for Directors: The directors of the company experienced a significant reduction in stress as they gained better visibility into the financials. Real-time data and comprehensive reporting provided them with the insights needed to make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the business.
Conclusion
In the face of rapid business growth, the decision to transition to a cloud-based financial management solution proved to be a game-changer for this forward-thinking company. By embracing Xero and integrating key tools, they not only overcame the challenges associated with manual processes but also transformed their financial operations.
The newfound ability to produce management accounts promptly, increased profitability, and a more efficient use of the accounts team’s time all contributed to a positive and sustainable impact on the business.
At Ascentis Accountants, we help businesses gain financial mastery and take control of their financial operations and accounts with ease. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, get in touch.