Cloud accounting provider Reckon NZ has developed a new innovation that automates manual data entry and does away with the time-consuming transfer of information across multiple software platforms.
SyncDirect allows accountants to collect clients' accounting data regardless of which desktop or cloud-based accounting package they use.
It also means an accountant can request data on demand or open up a direct feed that automatically synchronises overnight.
Grant Linton, Reckon accountant group general manager, says SyncDirect is a highly efficient system that pulls together data across a range of software applications, helps streamline workflows within an accounting practice, and provides choice to clients.
“It means the labour intensive and frustrating job of requesting files, running multiple versions of client software applications and re-keying data is eliminated. SyncDirect uses intelligent and predictive mapping to transform a clients' data into a standard format that can be used for a wide range of activities
“The end result is a fully-integrated flow of data taking in everything from data capture, accounts and tax processing, dashboard reporting, data analytics and performance benchmarking.
He says access to client data is the key to being able to provide proactive real-time advice so automating the collection of this data helps to drive efficiencies for businesses, business owners, and their accountants.
Bruce Webster, of Webster and Company Chartered Accountants in Auckland, says using one system not only frees up its accountant's time but it also enables a more efficient working relationship with clients.
“It saves us from having to manually enter data from a client's ledger into our APS system in order to produce one general ledger file with all transactions. It takes less than 10 minutes to sync each ledger to APS Reckon's general ledger.
Webster says while there are benefits for clients, for the accounting practice, being able to use one system to view, make changes to financial data and produce financial statements, is a big advantage.
“Our staff only need to be proficient in one accounting system which helps productivity and enables training to be focused on other more technical areas.
“The benefit of SyncDirect is that once the process of transferring data is fully automated, we only need to operate and make changes in our one core system.
“It means when accountants and clients need to make changes to their file, they collectively only need to work in one system – it's a real time-saving advantage.