Last updated: 17 April 2023

Why are thousands of accountants using practice management software?

Eleanor Vaughey4 April 2023

When it comes to running a successful practice, there's a lot to keep track of. From client meetings to deadlines, expenses and projects – it can be difficult to stay on top of everything without falling behind. Chances are, you’ve probably heard about practice management software through the grapevine and how it’s transforming the way accountants run their firms.

“It has cut out a lot of that time-wasting communication of ‘What job are you on?’ ‘What have you done?”
Ben Steele, owner of Steele Financial
"As a manager, I can see what everybody else is doing and how far they are from their deadlines.”
Khyam Chudhry, Fortuous Limited
"Brilliant software for a busy accountant practice - keeps all tasks in order and makes managing deadlines easy."
Wendy, Director/Accountant in UK

Let’s dive into why practice management software is taking the Irish accounting industry by storm. 

More clarity over your tasks and deadlines 

Do you feel like you’re always on the go with a never-ending task list? You’re not alone. You want your firm to run as efficiently as possible, so why not use a system that manages it all for you? This is where practice management software takes the spotlight. Rather than burning yourself out trying to keep track of a hundred deadlines in a hundred different locations, it helps manage your firm’s tasks, deadlines and workflow for you. Any deadlines you pop into the software (or pull through our CRO integration) will become the foundation of your task lists. You can then set up a workflow of tasks (and subtasks) for a more structured path towards your compliance deadlines, assign them to staff, and they’ll be automatically notified when it’s their turn to take the lead. You can view the progress of all your tasks and filter them by service, client, and much more. This ensures nothing slips through the cracks, even at the busiest times of the year. 

"The task list is my first “Go to” every single day! It’s great as a diary for knowing what needs to be done by specific dates and keeps my workflow running smoothly"
Sarah, Manager in UK

Client communication is next level 

Communication is key when dealing with clients. Treat your clients well and the referrals will pour in. Treat your clients poorly? Well, we needn’t go into that, but you get the point – communication can make or break your firm. 

Luckily, with practice management software, staying in touch with clients has never been easier. The client portal simplifies document management. Clients can login to the portal from their browser and upload, sign and download documents without ever having to leave the software. If a client doesn’t submit everything you were looking for – no worries – the system can chase up those missing records for you. 

No more having to write up every single email you send out either. Our email templates are the bees knees. Just choose from one of the 40 we have in the system, customise it to however you see fit, pick who you want to send it to (or if you want to send it to bulk groups of clients) and off it goes. Simples. 

“Some clients communicate with us in weird and wonderful ways,” Rachel smiles. “Voice notes, WhatsApps, Instagram messages. So using the Client Timeline within AccountancyManager to record their communication over and above just emails and calls is really, really useful.”
StriveX, Rachel

See where you’re actually spending money 

While it’s impossible to keep note of every nook and cranny in your firm, there are areas worth keeping an eye on – like your profits. Keeping track of where your money is going has never been easier when you’ve got a decent practice management software. Bright’s practice management software, AccountancyManager, tracks the time your team spend on tasks and weighs up your outgoing to your incomings. It also helps you identify any cash cows and money pits, leading to smarter financial decisions.  

“Before using AccountancyManager to track time, we wouldn’t have realised we were spending three or four hours a month with a client when we’re charging for one or two hours.”
Paddy Quinn, Paddy Quinn & Co Chartered Accounting

Practice management software is a no-brainer for any firm that’s serious about success. It maximises your firm’s efficiency, results in less money wasted on admin and more time spent on clients, and costs peanuts compared to another staff member. Check out the guide below to see exactly how much time you can save by using AccountancyManager, or book a free demo of the software to see it in action. 

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Want to learn more?

Check out our guide on how much time and money you can save with AccountancyManager, or book a free demo of the software today.