Tag Archives: Accounting

BT Business Has Launched A New Web-Based Accounting Application, To Replace The Complex Software Blighting Smaller Firms

BT Business has launched a new web-based accounting application, to replace the complex software blighting smaller firms, forcing their employees to work longer hours.

xero-online-accounting

The launch of Xero, a new online tool designed for firms and their advisors, is supported by new research by BT Business which finds that almost 50 per cent of smaller business staff work extra hours to clear their current workloads, with 41 per cent admitting that they actually waste work time because of poor technology and systems.

Accessible f r o m any internet or mobile connection, Xero is aimed at helping businesses access, update, review and control their finances in the downturn anywhere, f r o m any device. The simple, software-as-a-service (SaaS) package will provide customers with 24/7 secure online access to bank transactions, invoices, reports, VAT returns and management reporting.

Chris Lindsay, general manager at BT Business applications, said: “Customer feedback is that traditional accounting packages are complicated to use, and can only be accessed while in the office. As a result, managers put book keeping off and spend too many late evenings or weekends in the office. Owner managers tend not to be finance experts, and dread having to file their accounts with these systems. The research shows that employees are working harder and longer during the downturn anyway, so we hope that Xero users will instantly be more productive and redress an often dire work/life balance.”

Xero is available as a free 30 day BT Business trial. Features include a real time dashboard of a firm’s transactions, online accrual to keep book-keeping up to date, daily bank reconciliation function, web-based accounting f r o m anywhere with an internet connection, expense claim processing and reporting for financial advisors.

Andrew Sandiford, head of Business Advisory and Assurance at Target feels that Xero eliminates all the problems of not feeling ‘part of the client’s business’ for his accountants: “With Xero, you can access a client’s accounts at any time. More importantly, you know you are looking at the same ‘version’ of the accounts as the client because there is only one ledger. Xero is fantastic for us, as it means we can offer ‘real-time’ advice, basing our recommendations on the up-to-date financial data we can see.”

Delivered as SaaS, Xero can also be implemented quickly without the upfront licence fees, maintenance or upgrade costs associated with on-premise software. Cloud computing applications like Xero reside online and are accessed by a simple web browser. Businesses only pay for the resources they use.

BT Business provides everything f r o m hands e t s to applications to help smaller firms work, share and manage common operational processes including Ribbit for Salesforce which is designed to improve sales team productivity, eSignature and CRM systems salesforce.com, Netsuite and SugarCRM.

About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2009, BT Group’s revenue was £21,390 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and a s s e t s of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

Performance Surety Bonds Provides Fast & Efficient Bonds Service Nationwide

With the introduction of a paperless electronic system, Performance Surety Bonds has mastered the fast and efficient surety bond service. By providing both licenses and permits, Viking Bond Service Company in conjunction with Performance Surety Bonds is ready for any customer whether they are an insurance company, contractor or more. A surety bond, a three party guarantee between the surety company, an oblige and the principal allows someone to obtain a license, permit or to satisfy a release of a lien or a court requirement.

performancesuretybonds

Whatever it is, VBS provides court bonds for guardianship and probate bonds as well as performance bonds for contractors. Additional services including fidelity bonds for commercial crime policies are available as well. By working with small businesses, attorneys, the general public, contractors and P&C insurance agents, Performance Surety Bonds ensures a fast and efficient service. Their service is personable and is provided through a personal agent or directly through them with their fast paperless and new system.

This paperless processing system is revolutionary in that it provides a better way to track and process surety and performance bonds. This electronic method allows these bonds to be processed within a day (or less). This not only speeds up the process, but keeps customers happy and coming back time and time again. This system also allows them to keep their files organized and up-to-date. Thus, a client can contact them with specific questions regarding their file and the agent can assist them immediately because of this new system. All agents are provided direct access to all copies of documents and records for each particular client.

A bonding agency such as Performance Surety Bonds works with a variety of different companies, businesses and individuals. This system allows them to provide the best service possible as well as increase efficiency while doing so. Managing bonds as well as providing expert knowledge on warranty bonds, reclamation bonds, maintenance bonds, payment bonds and contractor bonds are all additional features that Performance Surety Bonds can provide you too. This evaluation of risk will allow an estimation of terms to be created immediately and to process your bonds fast. This expedition makes Performance Surety Bonds a treasure within their industry.

For more information on surety bonds or any other bonds, contact Viking Bond Service at 1-888-2-SURETY or visit their official website with various information at Performancesuretybonds.com.

About Performance Surety Bonds/VBS Bonds: Performance surety bonds is a nationally-licensed agency that provides performance bonds (for contractors) and court bonds (such as guardianship, probate bonds and release of lien). They also handle surety bonds (for licenses and permits), commercial crime policies or fidelity bonds.

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

Time Taken To Hire Shifts Dramatically Post-Lehman, Reveals Joslin Rowe

Joslin Rowe, the financial services recruitment specialist, has revealed in its latest salary review that the average time taken to find a new job within the financial services sector has increased by as much as 33 days since the demise of Lehman signalled the full impact of the credit crunch. This comes despite falling notice periods as a consequence of redundancies.

The new survey by Joslin Rowe analysed financial services recruitment times both pre-Lehman (Mar 08-Sept 08), and post-Lehman (Sept 08-Mar 09) as well as notice periods in the financial services sector within this time frame. The research, which formed part of Joslin Rowe’s new salary survey for financial services jobs, shows that companies have increased the length of recruitment processes including CV assessment, the number of interview rounds and the final decision time required, in a bid to cherry pick the very best candidates available on the market. A recruitment process that used to take, on average, 3 weeks in 2008 is now taking at least twice as long.

Tara Ricks, managing director of Joslin Rowe, explained that in addition to a larger than usual number of redundant candidates on the market who are immediately available, “City employers are also being incredibly flexible when members of staff choose to resign. It’s rare that 3 month notice periods are enforced now and even those on 4 weeks are often allowed to depart a week or so earlier. Within some departments it’s clearly a relief to move employees on and ease the pressure of salaries on the bottom line.”

Tara continued: “That said, in some disciplines there’s an opposite force at work. Compliance, risk and finance jobs are vital to ensure post-credit crunch stability and control – so it’s no surprise that time to hire has been least affected within these disciplines nor that financial services employers are keen to hang on to these members of staff for as much of their notice period as possible.”

However, the picture changes dramatically when looking at support roles such as HR, marketing and secretarial/administration. These positions have seen hiring times slow significantly. Secretarial jobs are suffering the most at up to 33 days more.

It’s not just banking jobs which have been impacted. Investment management firms have also seen big changes to hiring times, now with one of the longest time to hire processes within the market at 90 days. This is a consequence of the re-approval process that many firms have implemented – meaning that hires taking longer than 6-8 weeks must re-apply for budget sign off, in case the rapidly changing market no longer warrants the recruitment.

Temporary financial services recruitment has also shifted. Pre-Lehman, the average time to hire was 6 days but recently this has risen to 9 days. In fact, since September 15th some temporary positions are taking as long as 37 days to recruit for, especially within HR and office support.

Tara Ricks commented: “At the height of market conditions in 2007, we would sometimes place financial services candidates in a role on the same day it was released – a 24 hour recruitment turnaround. Now a week is more common. Certainly, tracking the time to hire of temporary staff is an excellent temperature gauge. If temporary recruiting speeds up it’s a strong indication the market is on the turn.”

About Joslin Rowe
Established in 1982, Joslin Rowe is one of the leading UK financial services recruitment firms in the UK. Joslin Rowe consultants, candidates and clients work together to achieve the best employment opportunities and long term relationships. Joslin Rowe recruits for Accountancy Jobs along with other financial services roles across London, Edinburgh and Glasgow including long-term contracts, temporary and permanent positions. Joslin Rowe is a Randstad company – the second largest HR services group globally.

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

Small business accountants and Self Assessment tax return specialist, Wisteria has this week unveiled its new website

Edgware-based, London accountants and business plan experts, Wisteria has launched its brand new website.

The new site, wisteria.co.uk is packed with user-friendly content, useful tips, working tax calculators and business plan templates as well other tools for businesses of all stages (start-ups and established businesses). Wisteria’s services range from business planning, to Self Assessment tax returns, tax advice and accountancy work The new website showcases their qualified team’s experience and expertise in the areas that growth businesses require.

The new website makes finding the services that best suit your business fast and simple. Key business areas and products are broken down into manageable chunks. Users can select the profile that is right for their business and explore the range of specialist services Wisteria can offer.

Wisteria is expecting to continue enhancing their website with new interactive functionality and further informative content. Users are encouraged to contact info@wisteria.co.uk should they have suggestions to further improve the site.

For more information about Wisteria and their business plan writing, accounting and tax return service please contact Andrew Millet.

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

 

Cpasitesolutions Announces A New Exchange Server Hosting For Accountants

CPASiteSolutions (www.cpasitesolutions.com) today announced the addition of a new Microsoft Exchange Server hosting service. This new service provides the advantage of the leading enterprise-level email solution to accountants at a fraction of the cost of a locally-managed Exchange Server.

According to Brian O’Connell, President of CPASiteSolutions, “email is becoming the number one communication tool for accountants and Microsoft Exchange is the number one email management systems for business.That’s why we are providing a low-cost, hosted solution for our clients.” To this end, CPASiteSolutions’ Exchange Hosting includes redundant email backups, full-featured spam and virus protection and complete access to mail through web browsers, desktops and mobile devices.

Along with email, CPASiteSolutions Exchange Hosting also provides full access to calendar and contact sharing, which allows users to exchange schedules and contact lists across their entire firm easily.

This new service starts at just $9.95 a month per mailbox and is available through CPASiteSolutions at any of their three service levels. Each service level also includes a professionally designed site, over 3,000 pages of content, secure, encrypted file transfer, and a full suite of online marketing services for CPA and Accounting Firms.

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

Accounting firm Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP, has been listed as the 43rd largest firm in the nation

Accounting firm Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP, has been listed as the 43rd largest firm in the nation, as ranked in the March 17th issue of an independent trade publication, Accounting Today. Additionally, MBAF maintained its number one position as Florida’s largest independent public accounting firm and rose to the 5th largest firm in the Southeast.

Published annually, the Accounting Today Top 100 recognizes the nation’s largest accounting firms based on fiscal performance. The 2008 results were based upon responses collected from more than 220 firms across the country, which reflected the largest candidate pools to date. The listing is widely accepted as one of the most reliable barometers of both the changes and the growth of the profession.

The firm assumed the top spot based on 2007 net revenues of over $55 million, representing a 30% increase from the previous fiscal year-end and exceeding the Top 100 average industry growth rate of 11%.

“This has been a stellar year for Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra which has resulted in a strong financial showing,” said Tony Argiz, managing partner of MBAF.

According to the report, MBAF’s exceptional growth for the year can be directly attributed to the expansion of the firm’s client-focused offerings, among of which include the formalization of its Private Wealth Group, the launch of an anti-money-laundering consulting practice and a new office location in Boca Raton.

MBAF is ranked in the top 50 accounting firms in the nation and is the largest Florida-based CPA firm in the State. The firm has been ranked as “Best of the Best,” the list of the top 25 performing firms in the country, for 12 years. For more information, please visit www.mbafcpa.com.

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

Wisteria Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors has appointed Nick Tagg as Head of Taxation Services

Wisteria are now offering a high quality Self Assessment Tax Return service, alongside their existing services which include accountancy services, tax compliance and planning, company secretarial services and business plans.

Nick Tagg, Wisteria’s new Head of Taxation Services brings with him a wealth of experience from his time working for a large accountancy firm in the City of London, in addition to working for the Inland Revenue (now HM Revenue and Customs).

As a result, Wisteria will be better placed to continue offering corporation tax advice and compliance services, VAT registration and VAT returns, inheritance tax planning and capital gains tax planning as well as an expert self assessment tax return service.

Andrew Millet, principal of Wisteria explains: “The skills that Nick Tagg brings with him means that Wisteria can now offer a wider range of tax compliance and tax advisory services, not widely available outside the larger accountancy practices. The increasing complexity of self assessment, corporation tax and inheritance tax means that a higher standard of advice is required. Nick’s arrival means that Wisteria now has the opportunity to work with clients that have very complex tax requirements.”

Wisteria’s tax services (including personal tax advice) are comprehensive and provide not only a full compliance service but also a thorough review of the client’s personal tax exposure with tax planning in mind. In addition, clients will receive an ongoing review of their affairs to ensure that all tax saving opportunities are exploited.

For more information in relation to Wisteria’s self assessment tax services, please visit http://www.wisteria.co.uk/?q=self-assessment-uk

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

BalanceLogic – accounting & bookkeeping – Formed an Alliance with POCmarketing

Team Up To Provide More Comprehensive Services to Small and Medium-Sized Clients.

BalanceLogic LLC, a business support service provider for small and medium businesses has forged an alliance with POCmarketing, a full service marketing communications company. The partnership enhances both company’s services to help clients fill in the missing pieces of the business puzzle.

BalanceLogic focuses on providing the core business operational needs of small and medium size businesses – accounting & bookkeeping, IT support, HR, web design, and administrative services. The new partnership with POCmarketing adds marketing communications as the missing piece of puzzle for business growth.

“Our business support services enable our clients to concentrate on building their businesses, now we’re able to offer them marketing services to help them reach that next level of growth. After reviewing several companies, we find POCmarketing as the best fit for our clients” said Bill Campbell, President & CEO of BalanceLogic.

“We’re excited to become part of BalanceLogic’s network of business partners,” according to Molly Chen of POCmarketing. “Our clients are as aggressive as any business in growing a successful business. While our marketing services help them reach their goals quickly and cost-effectively, we want to make sure they are not slowed down by attending to time consuming day-to-day business needs such as bookkeeping and IT problems. BalanceLogic is a natural fit for us and for our client needs.”

About BalanceLogic, LLC
BalanceLogic LLC, is a provider of business support services to corporations and government agencies, with a strong focus of aligning business objectives. BalanceLogic, LLC offers the widest range of business support services by any single company. This powerful support force allows small businesses to gain a competitive edge over their competition. Our support force includes the following divisions; Financial Services, Technology Services, Web Services, Human Resources Services, & Administrative Services.

About POCmarketing
POCmarketing is a full service marketing communications company. Services provided include marketing strategies, collateral development, public relations, creative campaign, and web programs. The company helps small to mid-size businesses create and deploy high impact, high quality, yet practical and cost-effective marketing strategies.

Via EPR Network
More Accounting press releases

Welcome to EPR Accounting News

EPR Accounting News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the accounting news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

EPR Network has thousands of clients around the world including global 500 corporations like Hilton Hotels, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Tesco UK, eBay/Skype, Emirates, just to name a few. The network’s PR web sites are currently reaching from 150,000 to sometimes 500,000 unique visitors per month while our viral reach could possibly go to as much as 1M people per month through our presence across various social media sites. EPR Network was established in 2004 and as of May 2008 it had more than 800,000 press releases (pages) published on its network.

If you have a press release to be distributed, you can do it over here: press release distribution