SJD Accountancy Online Software

[ContrataxLtd]

Accountants running their own software helps them keep a control of costs as they aren't then relying on a third party provider who could potentially put up prices at the drop of a hat. That said, the numbers need to stack up massively to be able to save money in developing and maintaining their own software compared to just using Freeagent. The software also has to be the same or better quality which I think it a big part of the problem, Freeagent works so well for most contractors that it just seems stupid to try and compete.

We've seen a number of people inquiring about our services just to move over to Freeagent, the cost saving side of things isn't really a decision maker more of a bonus because the time savings are normally much more important.

Now that reminds me, need to chase up the web design company to get the final changes made to our website...

Martin
Contratax Ltd

[simondolan]

They are ditching the spreadsheet? Simon will be spinning in the Mighty 38 when he finds that out.

Its a sad, sad day.....

[Chart Accountancy]

The choice of the bookkeeping software to be used should always stay with the client, and the accountant can only make a recommendation. If the client prefers to use a spreadsheet for an example, there is no blame to be put on the accountant for this. SJD are a successful accounting firm and this should be acknowledged. If their spreadsheet has worked, there is no need for some of the newer accounting firms to try to put themselves forward by taking a view on how another firm runs their business. Accountants are expected to follow ethical principals including confidentiality and professional behaviour, and these are implied by the accountants professional organisations but unfortunatelly many practicing accountants are not members of any of the recognised organisations.

[northernladuk]

Eh?

[Ittechy]

Hi,

Anyone here with SJD and using their new online software? I started playing with it today and tbh am not impressed. Seems like an absolute pain to use and also missing fields. Do not feel like I should be doing UAT for them at the price I am paying. Maybe it is me.

Anyone else using it and have thoughts on it?

Thanks!

I was considering going with SJD as my accountant, but after looking at their spreadsheet i decided not to, it felt like i was in the 90's. Most accountants nowadays use online software where all the book keeping is done by the user. It seems SJD are trying to move forward through the use of online sftware, but may just be having teething problems rolling it out. Im sure they shall soon fix their issues and you shall be glad they ditched the excel spreadsheet.

[dotcom12]

Hi,

Anyone here with SJD and using their new online software? I started playing with it today and tbh am not impressed. Seems like an absolute pain to use and also missing fields. Do not feel like I should be doing UAT for them at the price I am paying. Maybe it is me.

Anyone else using it and have thoughts on it?

Thanks!

Time to look for a new accountant

[Hawkeye]

Was out yesterday and looking at all the posts now.

My accountant has confirmed I can stick with the spreadsheet which personally for me works as I have better control of what is going on. I also have very complex accounts and the main reason I have stayed with them despite how expensive they are these days is because they seem to be able to deal with all the complexities I have investment wise.

I have gone over their system and it does not follow any decent design principles, you seem to lose control over what expenses you might have paid in cash, there seems to be no way to take a copy of the data if you decide to move to a new accountant.

I did mention that it feels like we are doing UAT and well of course they disagree. I guess I am coming from a background of working on software development projects where design and usability is key so as soon as I saw it I just started picking holes. I think they should have got a few of their clients to help design it with a dev team and UI specialist.

[Chart Accountancy]

In cases of complex accounts, an excel spreadsheet can work better as you can redesign it to fit your requirements. We have also developed our own Excel tool for our more complex clients which can be customised to individual requirements. It calculates all the reports that a company will need including the quarterly vat returns. It has been specifically useful for clients under CIS where FreeAgent haven't been able to support. They have now developed CIS functionality which is being currently rolled out which is great news. We would always recommend a software over a spreadsheet but in some more complex cases or at the other end when accounts are very simple, a spreadsheet is an alternative. The key is to always have an open mind, and everyone can decides for themselves what works best.

[Invisiblehand]

In cases of complex accounts, an excel spreadsheet can work better as you can redesign it to fit your requirements. We have also developed our own Excel tool for our more complex clients which can be customised to individual requirements. It calculates all the reports that a company will need including the quarterly vat returns. It has been specifically useful for clients under CIS where FreeAgent haven't been able to support. They have now developed CIS functionality which is being currently rolled out which is great news. We would always recommend a software over a spreadsheet but in some more complex cases or at the other end when accounts are very simple, a spreadsheet is an alternative. The key is to always have an open mind, and everyone can decides for themselves what works best.

This is more muddled than a Picasso.

[Chart Accountancy]

It is actually very straightforward