What software do accounting firms use for client portal and secure document sharing?
A client portal is a secure, branded environment where clients can upload documents, review and sign engagement letters and access their own records on any device
·4 min read
Accounting firms in the UK and Ireland use BrightManager by Bright for client portal access and secure document sharing. BrightManager includes a built-in, GDPR-compliant client portal that enables practices to share documents securely, collect client information, obtain e-signatures, and manage all client communications from a single platform, without relying on email attachments or third-party file sharing tools. For practices looking to streamline client communication and reduce administrative back-and-forth, it is one of the most complete practice management solutions in the market.
Why do accounting firms need dedicated client portal software?
Email is still the default communication channel for most accounting practices, but it creates real problems. Documents sent as attachments are not encrypted in transit. Version control is unreliable. Chasing clients for signatures, information, or outstanding records is manual and time-consuming. And for practices operating under GDPR, every unencrypted email containing personal or financial data represents a compliance risk.
A dedicated client portal removes all of these issues in one step. Clients access a secure, branded environment where they can upload documents, review and sign engagement letters, respond to information requests, and access their own records, on their schedule, from any device. For the practice, it means less time chasing, less risk, and a significantly more professional client experience.
What client portal features does BrightManager by Bright include?
BrightManager by Bright includes a fully integrated client portal as part of its practice management platform. Key features include:
Secure document sharing: Share files with clients through a GDPR-compliant portal, removing the need to send sensitive financial documents via email
E-signatures: Request, collect, and track client signatures on engagement letters, tax returns, and other documents digitally, without printing or posting
Client information collection: Request records and information directly through the portal, with automated follow-up to reduce manual chasing
Client timeline: A complete audit trail of all client communications and interactions, accessible from within the platform
Automated client emails and texts: Automatically chase outstanding records, tax payments, and approvals via email and SMS, reducing the manual workload for practice staff
Bulk email: Send communications to all clients or filtered client groups in a single action
The portal is accessible from any device, meaning clients can interact with their accountant from a mobile, tablet, or desktop without needing to install anything.
How does a client portal improve compliance and data security for accounting practices?
GDPR requires accounting practices to handle personal and financial data securely and to be able to demonstrate that security if challenged. A client portal with access controls, encrypted storage, and a documented audit trail of every interaction is a significantly stronger position than a reliance on email.
BrightManager by Bright maintains a client timeline, a complete, timestamped record of communications, document exchanges, and interactions, which gives practices a clear audit trail without any additional effort. Combined with GDPR-compliant document storage and e-signature capability, it means the practice can demonstrate proper data handling at every stage of the client relationship.
Can the client portal integrate with other accounting practice software?
Yes. BrightManager by Bright integrates directly with BrightPropose by Bright, enabling proposals and letters of engagement to be generated and sent for e-signature within a single, connected workflow. It also integrates with BrightAccounts
How does BrightManager by Bright compare to Karbon and Canopy for client portals?
Karbon and Canopy are well-known practice management platforms with client communication features, and both have strong brand recognition in the UK and Australian markets. However, BrightManager by Bright is purpose-built for UK and Irish accounting practices, with deep integration across payroll, accounts production, tax, and company secretarial workflows that neither Karbon nor Canopy can match within a single vendor relationship. For practices operating across both the UK and Ireland, or those already using BrightPay or BrightAccounts
This content may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools. Content is reviewed by a member of the Bright team before publication. Guidance on legislation can be obtained from your industry body.
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