Greater efficiency with simpler software: Chapman Worth reaps benefits of easy switch to TaxCalc
Chapman Worth decided to review its tax and accountancy software for several reasons, including high costs, lack of software development and poor support.
And it also wanted to move to a more flexible, cloud-based solution.
Director Matthew Chapman says: “Our previous software provider had been promising us for years that they would move to the cloud, but year after year it was delayed. The cost of a hosted server alongside the software itself was excessive so we considered the alternatives.”
So, after considering its options, the firm decided to switch from CCH to TaxCalc.
The cost is considerably lower than what we were paying and not needing a server anymore is a huge relief."
The system is just easier to use, and client service has improved.
Matthew Chapman, Director
Why move to TaxCalc?
A smarter alternative
Matthew says: “TaxCalc seemed to be an obvious alternative. The cost is considerably lower than what we were paying and not needing a server anymore is a huge relief.
“In many ways the software is more intuitive than what we were using before, although we were not particularly unhappy with the previous product itself.”
He added that he appreciated the transparent approach the TaxCalc team offered during initial discussions.
“The people I met were keen to have us onboard and they were honest with me about what was, and what was not available,” he explains.
Busy season boost with better workflow
Emphatic contrast in customer service
Firm Name: Chapman Worth Limted
Location: Oxfordshire
Practice Size: 13 staff
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The impact of TaxCalc
Matthew says moving to TaxCalc has been “a positive change for us”, citing the biggest benefits as “faster outputs”, as well as lowering costs and boosting efficiency.
He estimates that TaxCalc has made the firm between 10% and 25% more efficient compared its previous software.
He cites Workflow as the main feature his team has found to be most useful.
“The most obvious impact TaxCalc has had on our practice is the workflow module,” says Matthew.
“This is something we have always wanted, but we previously had to rely on spreadsheets. Having tasks automatically allocated to individuals also cuts down on the number of reminder emails sent within the practice.”
The layout of tax return data entry is logical, he adds, and that has also contributed towards improving the way they work.
Easy switch dispels fears over downtime
Matthew says the team has been happy with the choice to adopt TaxCalc, not least because the data migration, training and general switchover was “easy, with little disruption”.
Often, accountants feel anxious and reluctant to switch their accountancy software because of fears over perceived disruption, downtime and potential loss of vital data.
So, what would Matthew say to an accountant who felt like this?
He says: “There was little or no downtime with the switch to TaxCalc and the training required was minimal as the system is so intuitive.”
‘Far better than anything before’ – practice thrilled with product and support
Customer stories / Chapman Worth
Advice to other accountants
Asked how likely he is to recommend TaxCalc to a similar firm, Matthew gives top marks - 10/10.
The challenge
Previous software: CCH
Saving time after easy migration
In fact, Matthew says the switch has been a time saver in the long run.
“Spending time devising and setting up workflow templates is the most important task and has saved a lot of time in the following years,” Matthew says.
Adding some more detail on how the practice moved over its systems and data to TaxCalc, Matthew explains: “The conversion process with TaxCalc was very straightforward. We exported all client data from our old system and easily imported it into TaxCalc.
"We finished work that was already started on our old system and started all new work on TaxCalc, but this was phased in.”
The firm immediately switched to Accounts production and then moved tax returns when the tax year ended. Followed a year later by moving to TaxCalc’s new Charities module.