Sellick Partnership chooses IRIS Exchequer to manage growth

Financial and legal recruitment specialists, Sellick Partnership have recently upgraded their payroll and accounting systems to support the growing demands of the business as it expands within the marketplace.

With five offices nationwide, and plans to open new offices, the need for greater efficiency, maximisation of resources and increased control through the internal financial systems has increased, leading to the replacement of the current Sage system.

Following the decision to make this investment, Sellick Partnership has installed an integrated IRIS Exchequer solution that fully meets the needs of the business. The new system is set to improve management reporting and eliminate time-consuming tasks, such as entering data from sales invoices and handwritten timesheets separately into two systems.

Andrea Sin, Financial Controller commented, “This is a key decision for Sellick Partnership, ensuring that we have the systems in place to expand going forward. As part of the process, we looked at a number of different providers. However, the flexible nature and capabilities of the integrated IRIS solution fully met our objectives, IRIS Exchequer provides us with greater flexibility.

“One of the key benefits of the system is the timesheet element of the integral costing module, this means that authorised timesheets can be sent for posting into IRIS Exchequer. The links between IRIS Payroll and IRIS Exchequer will eliminate the duplication of work, and so improve efficiency. Additionally, this will enable detailed timesheet analysis to be a straightforward task.”

In the drive to improve efficiency, modules for paperless and BACs transactions will also increase automation, reduce waste and cut costs. In addition, the reporting capability is now based on live information held in IRIS Exchequer, providing the ability to drill down to individual underlying transactions, which, in turn, leads to much more detailed and efficient management information.

Get your software in shape this year!

With a predicted upturn looming, there has never been a better time to be poised, ahead of the competition and ready to offer an enhanced service to your customers.

When an organisation decides to implement a new accounting solution, there's no shortage of preparation work. Taking the plunge can be a time consuming and complex process; you'll need to evaluate your business processes, determine what your needs are now, where your shortfalls lie, then most importantly decide what you want your new software to accomplish. For most, the next step is selecting the right vendor to deliver all this.

But with the large selection of vendors available it can be difficult to determine which one best meets your needs. Read our guide on how to choose a software vendor to be sure that your investment will pay off.

Download our step by step guide to evaluating software vendors

To find out more about IRIS Exchequer and how we can help you get you accounting software in shape this year, visit our website: www.iris.co.uk/exchequer

IRIS Exchequer List Scanning - Making the system work for you!

List Scanning is something availbale throughout the Exchequer product but for this example, we see it through the eyes of a Credit Controller.

See for yourself how IRIS Exchequer accounting software can make credit control a simple and hassle free process.

For further software demonstrations visit or FREE resource centre here

Go Green: The IRIS Exchequer Stock Forecasting Module

Help the environment, improve efficiency and save money with our environmentally-friendly approach to accounting.
IRIS Exchequer was one of the first mid-range systems to pioneer an environmentally friendly approach to accounting by creating a paperless office environment for IRIS Exchequer users, with the introduction of modules such as Paperless, Authoris-e, Sentimail, Stock Forecasting and Electronic Document Management.

Stock Forecasting
The Stock Forecasting module is excellent news for those concerned with business environmental impact as it optimises efficiency with its powerful and proven planning.

In the past we had a tendency to over stock. With the Stock Control module we receive reorder triggers which means we have reduced the stock on site. This in turn saves on transport costs, storage overheads and packaging. Used in conjunction with the Returns module, we have a very impressive system for tracking and tracing stock. - T P Fay - heating element technology specialists and stockists of specialised heating elements and catering equipment spares

Stock forecasting predicts sales and usage of stock to help ensure that companies holding stock don't hold more than they need to. The result is a reduction in the number of unnecessary journeys and a reduction in transport and vehicle usage helping to create a 'greener' environment.

Further information on the Stock Forecasting module can be found in our Commercials brochure: Save paper and download a digital brochure now!

Go Green: Sentimail from IRIS Exchequer

Help the environment, improve efficiency and save money with our environmentally-friendly approach to accounting.

IRIS Exchequer was one of the first mid-range systems to pioneer an environmentally friendly approach to accounting by creating a paperless office environment for IRIS Exchequer users, with the introduction of modules such as Paperless, Authoris-e, Sentimail, Stock Forecasting and Electronic Document Management.

Sentimail
Sentimail enables you to send proactive business alerts which keep users updated on anything and everything of significance within your organisation.

Sentimail automatically sends messages via email and SMS (text messages) to the desktop, laptop or PDA of staff and external stakeholders.

"Sentimail gives us the ability to keep our sales staff much better informed. Easy access to information is what gives you the edge and IRIS Exchequer facilitates that for us from an accounting perspective". - Nu-trel Group.

Sentimail can easily send copy invoices automatically to all overdue customers, prompt a sales professional to chase an order and many more critical business events.

Further information on the Paperless module can be found in out business Intelligence brochure: Saver paper and download a digital brochure now!

Go Green: The IRIS Exchequer Authoris-e Module

Help the environment, improve efficiency and save money with our environmentally-friendly approach to accounting.

IRIS Exchequer was one of the first mid-range systems to pioneer an environmentally friendly approach to accounting by creating a paperless office environment for IRIS Exchequer users, with the introduction of modules such as Paperless, Authoris-e, Sentimail, Stock Forecasting and Electronic Document Management.

Authoris-e
Authoris-e is a paperless authorisation tool for today's world; it applies advanced technology that allows key decision-makers to approve and authorise transactions via email at the touch of a button, from any location.

"The issuing of purchase order numbers through the Paperless module and Authoris-e has eradicated what was a very time-consuming manual task, which often resulted in the order remaining stagnant because a manager was not available to authorise it. Now employees can create an order and send it to a manager for authorisation electronically, reducing the volume of paper in the office. Authoris-e will also electronically re-route the purchase order to another manager for authorisation if the first manager is unavailable. This makes the authorisation process much quicker and easier than it was before." Halo Leisure Trust - a charitable trust formed to run Herefordshire's leisure facilities

It provides essential support to introduce a comprehensive yet convenient and streamlined authorisation process. When users enter a purchase requisition or order which exceeds their limit, they select the ‘authorise’ option. An email with an image of the transaction attached is sent to the appropriate person, who can approve it by replying with an authorisation code.

Further information on the Paperless module can be found in out business Intelligence brochure: Saver paper and download a digital brochure now!

Go Green: The IRIS Exchequer Paperless Module

Help the environment, improve efficiency and save money with our environmentally-friendly approach to accounting.

IRIS Exchequer was one of the first mid-range systems to pioneer an environmentally friendly approach to accounting by creating a paperless office environment for IRIS Exchequer users, with the introduction of modules such as Paperless, Authoris-e, Sentimail, Stock Forecasting and Electronic Document Management.

The IRIS Exchequer Paperless Module
The IRIS Exchequer Paperless module helps to reduce the costs involved in using and storing paper and lowers your carbon footprint.

"IRIS Exchequer's paperless technology saves us at least £5,000 annually! The investment in IRIS Exchequer has been the best IT decision Claremont & May has ever made. The ease of use combined with automated picking lists has enabled productivity and accuracy to improve by 50%." 
Malcolm Parker, Claremont & May

Importantly, it also saves time by enabling you to send all of your accounting documents and reports in a secure read-only format, by fax or email, at the click of a button.

Further information on the Paperless module can be found in out business Intelligence brochure: Saver paper and download a digital brochure now!

Environmentally friendly accounting software

At IRIS, we want to promote and encourage green working practices wherever we can. For example over the past 2 years we have moved all our marketing communications from the traditional letter to monthly emails.

We like to think that our software is helping our customers to become 'greener' too, through the use of our time-saving and cost-cutting tools, such as the Paperless module, document management software and our Stock Forecasting module which cuts down on surplus stock - reducing storage space, other overheads and potential waste.

 IRIS Exchequer's 'Green' tools:

• Paperless Module
• Authoris-e
• Sentimail
• Stock Forecasting
• Document Management 

To find out how IRIS Exchequer can help you save Time, Money and the Environment call us now on: 0844 815 5600 or email exchequer@iris.co.uk

The official FDs' Code to Electronic Document Management

Improve efficiency and reduce admin costs!

Electronic document management is one of the easiest and most effective ways of driving efficiency and reducing costs. The guide, written specifically for FDs, demonstrates how document management can deliver high levels of ROI, improve efficiency and reduce administration costs for your business.

This guide also includes a questionnaire for calculating the ROI document management can bring to your business.

Read the Official FDs' Code to Electronic Document Management

IRIS Exchequer, the number one choice for powerful integration & reporting

Keech Hospice Care, formerly known as ‘The Pasque Charity’, has chosen the IRIS Exchequer accounting software to get their organisation in perfect shape in 2010.

Keech Hospice Care provides emotional and practical support for adults and children diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Their aim is to help patients enjoy the highest quality of life, while also providing vital support for their family and friends. They are one of only a handful of UK organisations offering both an adult and children's hospice on the same site. As well as two hospices, the charity has a conference centre, hydrotherapy pool, high street and on-line shops to increase income, and they arrange fund raising events such as fire-walking and bungee jumping.

When the charity decided to invest in their new accounting and business solution live reporting links with Microsoft Excel and the ability to automatically drilldown back to the original document & ledgers for monthly reporting was paramount. Other key priorities included the ease of integration with their existing donor management and lottery management software. When the final decision between Access and IRIS Exchequer took place, cost centre and department setup within the General Ledger, including restricted and unrestricted funds, easy uploading of budgets and journals, and powerful analysis by individual shop meant that IRIS Exchequer was the number one choice. The deciding factor for Keech was the integrated purchase order processing with electronic approval via email available within the IRIS Exchequer accounting software.

The decision from Keech Hospice Care coincided with results of Charity Finance magazine’s Accounting Software Survey for 2010. In this annual survey of UK charities, 100% of the respondents using the Exchequer accounting solution stated that they would recommend IRIS to other charities.

Make sure you PAYE attention...

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent alert to employers - Important changes are coming, so make sure you're prepared!

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be writing to all employers this month reminding them that, from this year, they must file their Employer Annual Returns online by 19th May.

There is no longer the option for smaller employers with fewer than 50 members of staff to submit via the paper filing option. If you file your return on paper you could receive a penalty!

To file online, you will need to register with HMRC's PAYE Online service; you can do this by visiting www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye and clicking 'Register for PAYE Online'. Smaller employers can use HMRC's own free software to file their employee data securely online, while larger employers can purchase a range of commercial accounting software.

IRIS Exchequer Stock Control - The Stock Control Tree

Stock can be viewed and managed in many ways in IRIS Exchequer but one of the most common ways is to use the Stock Tree.

See for yourself how IRIS Exchequer accounting software can improve your working processes by watching this short product demonstration.

For further software demonstrations visit or FREE resource centre here

Charity accounting survey reveals 100% recommendation for IRIS Exchequer

A major survey into charity accounting software has revealed that IRIS is the accounting software supplier most charities would recommend to other charities.

In the third annual survey of charity accounting software undertaken by leading sector publication, Charity Finance, IRIS returned a 100% recommendation rating by users of its flagship finance and business management solution, IRIS Exchequer.

The survey is based on the responses of 254 charities with annual incomes of between less than £1m and more than £10m.

To receive a 100% vote from users willing to recommend speaks volumes about the appropriateness of IRIS Exchequer for charities’ complex accounting requirements.

Survey highlights for IRIS Exchequer included:

• 1st for recommendation
• 1st for reporting
• 2nd for functionality
• 2nd for compatibility with charity accounting requirements

Paul Sparkes, Product Director for IRIS Exchequer, said “It is our customers who are responsible for our success in this highly respected survey and we would like to thank them for contributing. We strongly believe that satisfaction leads to recommendation and over the course of the last 12 months, many of the charities that have moved to IRIS have done so on the basis of recommendation.”

Recent order wins included 6 Wildlife Trusts, Barnabas Fund, Caring for Life, Injured Jockeys Fund, Gofal Cymru and Midlands Arts Centre.

Paul continued: “IRIS Exchequer is a strong charity accounting system that provides the depth of financial detail needed by industry regulators. It proves itself time and time again in terms of value by providing detailed insight into the profitability of specific projects and by directing the allocation of scarce resources and fund raising efforts where they will have the greatest impact.”

It is this level of understanding of charities’ needs that sets IRIS apart from others in this specialist market. IRIS Exchequer not only provides value for money, more importantly its reporting suite delivers timely decision data to stakeholders which ensures better informed decisions.

For further information visit the website: www.iris.co.uk/exchequernfp

How to grow your business in 2010...

The FDs 10 point plan for growing your business in 2010

Following the longest recession in a generation, the first GDP rise in 18 months heralds the start of the bounce-back.

New skills are going to be needed to ‘navigate’ a re-shaped business landscape which is a far cry from the one we know. The ‘savvy’ companies are already drawing up a new set of goals for 2010 that focus on creating further efficiencies aided by the latest developments in technology.

This 10 point plan is designed specifically to help Finance Directors accomplish their key goal; a faster bounce-back to profitabilty and growth in 2010.

Introduction - a new era

For the past two years, Finance Directors have been forced to adopt a defensive stance but with the news that the number of those unemployed has reduced and that the gross domestic product in the fourth quarter of 2009 entered positive territory for the first time, there is at last, a small window for optimism.

The economic turmoil is sure to leave its mark and those that are surviving are doing so because they have learned to adapt and change and to become more efficient.

Continue reading the FDs 10 point plan to growing a business in 2010

Save Time, Money and the Environment with 'greener' accounting software

Go Green: Save Time, Money and the Environment with IRIS Exchequer accounting software....

Help the environment and save time and money with our environmentally-friendly approach to accounting.

IRIS Exchequer is one of the first mid-range systems to pioneer a completely environmentally-friendly approach to accounting by creating a paperless office environment for Exchequer users.

"The use of Exchequer's paperless technology

saves us at least £5000 annually"

Malcolm Parker, IT Manager, Claremont & May

The introduction of modules such as Paperless Office, Authoris-e and Sentimail, offering proactive email alerts, automated reports, and electronic transfer of data via email or fax, not only reduce the costs in using and storing paper but can also improve efficiencies and lower your carbon footprint!

Get your accounting software in shape in 2010

Did you make a New Year resolution you could keep?

At the start of every year we all vow to 'do things better' and when we think about our business plans and objectives for the new year ahead, improving productivity and increasing targets is at the forefront of our minds.

Is your current accounting and business solution able to support your business to meet these objectives? If not, set a resolution you can keep this year and get your software in shape for 2010!

Get your software in shape in 2010!

With the predicted upturn in 2010, there has never been a better time to be poised, ahead of the competition and ready to offer an enhanced service to your customers.

When an organisation decides to implement a new accounting solution, there's no shortage of preparation work. Taking the plunge can be a time consuming and complex process; you'll need to evaluate your business processes, determine what your needs are now, where your shortfalls lie, then most importantly decide what you want your new software to accomplish. For most, the next step is selecting the right vendor to deliver all this.

But with the large selection of vendors available it can be difficult to determine which one best meets your needs. Read our guide on how to choose a software vendor to be sure that your investment will pay off.

Download our step by step guide to evaluating software vendors

To find out more about IRIS Exchequer and how we can help you get you accounting software in shape this year, visit our website www.iris.co.uk/exchequer  

IRIS Exchequer Accounting Software - System Navigation

Access to important business information and data is essential to any organisation and a key requirement of any accounting software solution.

Watch this short demonstration and see for yourself how IRIS Exchequer's simple to use and intuitive interface makes this process easy and efficient.

FREE accounting software advice when you need it most....

Have you ever wanted to know where you can get FREE advice 24/7? Our Resource Centre is designed to provide you with the tools and advice you need when reviewing your accounting software and business solutions.

Visit our Resource Centre here

Download FD Guides, whitepapers, podcasts, brochures, software demos plus lots more at your convenience!

Solving the Debtor Dilemma in 2010....

With the Christmas and New Year break, many companies have come back in 2010 to find that the number of debtors has built up over the holiday season.

In 2010 take the effort out of chasing debtors and free up more time to focus on other projects by solving your debtor dilemma.

Back last year we surveyed our customers asking them how they managed debtors, we then asked the same questions to organisations not using IRIS Exchequer Accounting Software. The results were enlightening.

70% of businesses questioned that did not use IRIS Exchequer claimed that their debtors had leapt from 30 to 60 days, while a further 30% were taking 90 days and more to settle bills. The research highlighted that using mature accounting software with antiquated debt recovery processes are causing cash flow problems in small to medium-sized businesses.

74% of businesses questioned claimed that their debtors were taking longer to pay. This compared to only 45% of IRIS Exchequer users. The business intelligence tools and debt chasing facilities within IRIS Exchequer are helping financial directors keep their finger on the pulse and avoid their cash flow reaching negative limits.

Taking the effort out of chasing debtors...

IRIS Exchequer has a powerful in-built debt chasing facility which can be configured from the system set up screen.

A good example of Business Intelligence working within Credit Control is the use of pro-active business alerts that are automatically triggered if a customer exceeds the credit limit or a payment is overdue. This new level of technology enables a company to monitor and manage every aspect of the business without incurring any additional resource overhead and advances mean that reports can be viewed on mobile devices such as PDAs and from e-mail applications such as Microsoft Outlook.

Rather than notifying the Credit Controller or Finance Director, prompting manual intervention, the process is completely automated so if an invoice is overdue by a couple of days, the system will automatically send a copy of that invoice and statement to the customer via email. If the invoice remains unpaid, then the Credit Controller or FD can be alerted. If, however, it is paid, no action needs to be taken.

Information in a familiar environment...

IRIS Exchequer's Microsoft Outlook Dynamic Dashboard is an intelligent tool that has the ability to see at a glance important business information, such as your top customers, most popular products or problem debtors, and directly access important reports from the familiar Microsoft Outlook application.

See the Microsoft Outlook Dynamic Dashboard in action

Continually updated and real-time financial data on a dashboard become part of the everyday routine and the need to produce long and detailed reports is reduced.

IRIS Exchequer also offers a prompt payment facility which enables users to automatically and legally charge interest to customers who exceed the agreed terms.

Download an IRIS Exchequer Business Intelligence brochure

For further information email exchequer@iris.co.uk

IRIS Exchequer takes a walk on the wild side!

Cumbria Wildlife Trust has become the latest Trust to invest in their future success by purchasing a new accounting software and business solution, IRIS Exchequer, to replace their existing Sage MMS. The Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria, and raising environmental awareness.

Formed in 1962 and supported by over 15,000 members, the Trust cares for over 40 nature reserves, campaigns for the protection of endangered habitats and species, and works with adults and children to discover the importance of the natural world.

The charity's key requirement was to dramatically improve management reporting which will be delivered through the use of IRIS Exchequer's Business Intelligence suite. Cumbria Wildlife Trust selected IRIS Exchequer over others short-listed because of its superior reporting tools and a flexible accounting structure.

IRIS Exchequer now supports 13% of the UK's Wildlife Trusts in its customer base, half of which became customers in 2009. The Trusts continue to chose IRIS Exchequer, not only because of class leading integrated Microsoft Excel & Outlook reporting tools, but also increasingly due to the unique needs of the Wildlife Trusts for Partial VAT, an area IRIS has developed for these organisations.

IRIS Exchequer caters for both the restricted and unrestricted activities by providing total visibility of where funds came from and how they were spent. The SORP and SOFA statutory reports can be created and seamlessly linked using the reporting tools, this removes complications and ensures these often time-consuming processes are now quick and easy to prepare.

IRIS Exchequer demonstrates how they promote and encourage environmental performance both through features within the product and their own working practices. Through time-saving and cost-cutting tools such as document management, automated reporting via email and SMS, paperless documentation and transaction authorisation, charities and trusts can spend more time fund raising than the back office manual reporting, whilst saving paper and reducing carbon footprint.

Chris Haddock, Finance Manager commented; "What I initially read and saw of the product impressed me and this was supported by closer investigation. A glowing report from another of the Wildlife Trusts was the final factor which enabled us to confirm IRIS Exchequer Accounting Software as the favoured product from our shortlist."

Download a business intelligence brochure

The trouble with KPI's.... An FD's guide to managing Key Performance Indicators

Exchequer Accounting Software has a range of independently written, educational guides that provide valuable information and advice to Financial Directors and business owners.

The latest guide in the series, the trouble with KPI's is a step by step guide to managing Key Performance Indicators and is available for download right here!

Designed to demystify some of the complexity surrounding KPIs and demonstrate how they could work for you, this guide presents some simple ideas that will help you to use KPIs correctly, and manage your business in a more efficient manner.

Read the trouble with KPI's here

Further FD guides, whitepapers, podcasts, brochures, software demos, case studies and much more can be found in our FREE resource centre!

9 steps to changing your Accounting Software

Is your Accounting Software up to the job?

If your accounting software is making you feel like you want to scream "Get me out of here!" then maybe it's time for an upgrade. Software that can't provide you with the information and performance you need can be frustrating and costly for any Financial Director.

But with all the software choices available on the market, how do you select the right one for your business?

Selecting and purchasing the right accounting software for your business can be one of the most time consuming, complex yet important decisions your company will make.

Making the change won't be easy, but following our nine steps to buying accounting software can make the evaluation process a bit simpler, helping you to quickly identify the most viable accounting software for you. Download your FREE Guide - 9 steps to changing your accounting software below....

9 steps to selecting the right accounting software