Accountex 2023 was a blast! As a team, we had an amazing time connecting with accountants and partners, and learning more about the latest trends and challenges shaping the industry. We were thrilled to be able to showcase our software (including our new Auto Bills feature) and receive feedback from attendees. As a company dedicated to delivering client-friendly and innovative accounting software, we were especially excited to hear firsthand what features and support accountants really need to succeed.
1. Exceptional customer support is key:
Reliable support is crucial, and clients want access to online resources, phone support, or a dedicated account manager. This is a recurring trend, which is why at Clear Books we provide exceptional customer support, so you can always get the help you need, when you need it.
2. Ease of use:
Accountants, especially those with sole trader clients, expressed how their clients get on best with simple tools that are easy to use. We got great feedback on the simplified view Clear Books starts with, which lets more powerful features be switched on as the client needs them. Accountants also shared that they can become burdened with a broad and complex “tech stack” of third party software integrations – they loved that many of the advanced features in Clear Books could replace those third party apps (but that the integrations are there too, if they are needed!).
3. Value for money:
Pricing is obviously a big concern for everyone, and we heard from many accountants who were looking for affordable solutions that still offered robust features and functionality. We got great feedback about our flexible pricing options, which cater to accounting and bookkeeping firms of all sizes with easy-to-understand pricing models that flex as your firm’s needs change.
4. Mobility and access:
Mobile apps are becoming increasingly important as the need to access accounting information on the go has never been more. Our mobile app allows you to stay on top of your accounting information no matter where you are.
5. Access to talent:
Finding great staff is always a challenge, and this theme continues this year, with accountants speaking of remote working and hybrid working approaches being a big part of ongoing working trends post-covid. Using cloud software has expanded their access to a wider talent pool, and allows for cost-effective and fast setup of new team members. Firms who use outsourcing also benefited, as their core permanent team and seconded staff can operate in the same systems and processes. Beyond this, we heard of continuous improvements to staff efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, which frees up current staff.
6. Support for growing businesses:
Another theme that emerged was the importance of having a software solution that can grow and scale with a practice as it matures. Many accountants expressed frustration with having to switch to a new software solution when their clients grow or expand. They want software that can handle simple needs of small clients, but can easily scale to support more complex accounting needs as clients grow. We heard from practices wanting to do things like add on payroll, switch from the VAT flat rate scheme to the standard scheme, and easily add in employee expense claims.
7. Ongoing improvements
Accountants want to be sure that the software they are using is at the forefront of modern technology and is keeping pace with the latest industry trends and needs (did someone say MTD?) – we’re constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate our software. For instance, that’s why we recently launched Auto Bills, a feature that automates bill creation and processing, saving accountants valuable time and effort getting purchases into software. We’re committed to delivering new features like this to make your accounting even easier.
We had a great time at Accountex 2023 and learned a lot about what accountants really want from their software, for their own use, as well as for their clients. If you’re looking for software that is client-friendly, affordable, and easy to use, with reliable support and a mobile app, then Clear Books is the solution for you. And with new features like Auto Bills, we’re always striving to make your accounting even easier.
Contact us
If you have any questions about Clear Books or how it can help your practice or your clients contact us today.
Phone: 0800 862 0202
Email: partners@clearbooks.co.uk
