Social networking is the ‘new kid on the block’ and companies are blogging their way through the complexities of business. Critics have argued that social networking is not for accountants as financial trust cannot be built online. It is no coincidence that some of these cynics are accountants themselves. Are they stuck in the dark ages or should accountants stick to filing cabinets and spreadsheets? The thought-leaders at Alexander Rosse, the UK’s first true e-accountancy, explain why they are bucking the trend and how they have created a new cutting-edge within their industry, where trust is not an issue.
Through lack of knowledge and experience, SMEs tend to be pressured into signing up to accountants through hard selling techniques and short-term but urgent needs. Alexander Rosse has started the debate: Do all SMEs really need a full service accountant?
“Many accountants over-service their clients and earn themselves unnecessary fees, for example calling a client meeting where no value is delivered yet they still charge an hourly fee and expenses.
“With businesses cutting back in the economic downturn, how can charging for unnecessary service elements be in the client’s interest? Why should SMEs pay avoidable charges? Traditional accountancy relies on mountains of paper, countless spreadsheets and the concept of trust. If accountants consider trust as pivotal, why are some overselling to SMEs?
“Alongside giving straight-to-the-point answers to unpopular questions, we provide a more truthful service when addressing client requirements,” explains Abhai Rajguru, founder member and chairman of Alexander Rosse.
Abhai agrees that building a relationship with your accountant via 140 characters posted on Twitter is certainly no way to choose who to share your bank details with. His firm are removing the perceived risk from online accounting through gradual, first-hand experience. Most people start by signing up to the UK’s longest Xero software free trial which is one of Sage’s main rivals.
Xero is thought to be the easiest online accounting software tool to use on the market, giving businesses web-based access to all their accounting information and automating numerous number-crunching processes online. Offering software as a service is a growing trend in the accountancy industry outdating the expensive disk based software, provided by the likes of Sage, which companies do not want.
Alexander Rosse builds trust by allowing clients to sample the software and get a taste of their services. By dipping a toe in the water, free-of-charge, it avoids diving head first into choosing an online accountant without knowing what to expect.
“Being able to explore Xero and refine your accountancy package to suit your own needs gifts the experience to the client without obligation. By trying the services themselves our software users get to know us over time without paying a penny. We are offering an extended trial of Xero software until the end of January 2010,” said Abhai.
The think-tank and accountancy, that is now Alexander Rosse was founded by three financial experts who originated from the Big 4. It provides SMEs with rare access to some of the UK’s most sought-after expertise, which is normally out of reach. Although they have a proven reputation, Alexander Rosse does not take anybody’s business decision-making for granted.
“We do not want anyone to take risks so we have a refund guarantee for those who appoint us as their accountants. If they are dissatisfied with the service, we simply return their fee. So far this has not been necessary, but if it did happen, they would be welcome to continue using the software with their new accountant. Without risk, trust is no longer so much of an issue,” concluded Abhai.
Try Xero software for yourself on www.alexanderrosse.co.uk
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Monday 9 November 2009
E-ACCOUNTANTS TACKLE TWO FRUSTRATIONS
Abhai Rajguru, Rashesh Joshi and Ashish Dhanda originated from the Big Four, founded the UK’s first true e-accountancy and have rolled up their sleeves to challenge the SME accounting industry. Furious about the paper-based service quality and greed-driven sales techniques they built Alexander Rosse upon moral foundations. With business owners wanting accountancy efficiency to align with other sectors, this online business is giving the reputation of other accountants a run for their money, while exposing common charging techniques.
Alexander Rosse has challenged the overselling of services and inappropriate fees that have become ‘the norm’ in traditional accountancy, and the reluctance of accountants to bring the industry to the 21st century. The lifeblood of the modern business generation is automated business functionality, real-time decision-making, mobility and flexibility often through web access. However, there is a tendency for accountants to hide in the dark ages and assume that they can operate differently.
“Having an e-accountant is a new concept, so we created a ‘no risk’ solution. We have partnered Xero’s, highly automated, web-based accounting software, which rivals Sage. Customers can access their full accounting files 24/7, from anywhere and ask us questions out-of-hours which helps optimise their time management,” explained Abhai Rajguru, founder member and chairman of Alexander Rosse.
Many accountants do not tell business owners if they do not need a full service, but Alexander Rosse is blatantly honest and lets you decide. Offering the longest Xero software free trial available, and providing valuable information and advice online, gives directors plenty of time to use the software and refine your accountancy service around your business needs. If you like the software and you do need a full-service accountant, you can turn to Alexander Rosse as they are so confident they will provide a full refund if a client is unhappy.
The frustration for Alexander Rosse does not stop in the accountancy industry. Outraged by reports announcing an 11% fall in the amount of money given to UK charities in 2008/09 compared to 2007/08, they have announced that all of this year’s profits will go to charity. The sum of £250 will be given to a selection of charities for each new full-service client that they introduce.
Willing to tear up the rule book and rethink industry protocols has been a key focus for Alexander Rosse, who is trying to reinvent the industry so that it is driven by growth not greed. They are sharing the secrets of the symptoms of excessive sales and the associated charges on www.alexanderrosse.co.uk, where you can also try Xero software free of charge until 31st January 2010.
Alexander Rosse has challenged the overselling of services and inappropriate fees that have become ‘the norm’ in traditional accountancy, and the reluctance of accountants to bring the industry to the 21st century. The lifeblood of the modern business generation is automated business functionality, real-time decision-making, mobility and flexibility often through web access. However, there is a tendency for accountants to hide in the dark ages and assume that they can operate differently.
“Having an e-accountant is a new concept, so we created a ‘no risk’ solution. We have partnered Xero’s, highly automated, web-based accounting software, which rivals Sage. Customers can access their full accounting files 24/7, from anywhere and ask us questions out-of-hours which helps optimise their time management,” explained Abhai Rajguru, founder member and chairman of Alexander Rosse.
Many accountants do not tell business owners if they do not need a full service, but Alexander Rosse is blatantly honest and lets you decide. Offering the longest Xero software free trial available, and providing valuable information and advice online, gives directors plenty of time to use the software and refine your accountancy service around your business needs. If you like the software and you do need a full-service accountant, you can turn to Alexander Rosse as they are so confident they will provide a full refund if a client is unhappy.
The frustration for Alexander Rosse does not stop in the accountancy industry. Outraged by reports announcing an 11% fall in the amount of money given to UK charities in 2008/09 compared to 2007/08, they have announced that all of this year’s profits will go to charity. The sum of £250 will be given to a selection of charities for each new full-service client that they introduce.
Willing to tear up the rule book and rethink industry protocols has been a key focus for Alexander Rosse, who is trying to reinvent the industry so that it is driven by growth not greed. They are sharing the secrets of the symptoms of excessive sales and the associated charges on www.alexanderrosse.co.uk, where you can also try Xero software free of charge until 31st January 2010.
Abhai Rajguru
Friday 30 October 2009
DO YOU THINK SAGE AND QUICKBOOKS ARE DINOSAUR PACKAGES DESTINED TO GO LIKE THE DODO?
Xero is a 21st Century "software as a service" as opposed to Quickbooks which has been around for some time and frankly, just like Sage, its showing its age. We have nothing against "ageing" we hasten to add! However, when companies such as Sage start to act like the bankers you know it’s time to move on.
Xero's user interface and its fantastic API mean non-accountants can use the software. It's a piece of cake. At Alexander Rosse we're campaigning against the vast majority of dinosaur accountants who are just not willing to move into the 21stCentury.
Xero's customer service and back up is very good. Nathan and his team at Xero do a fantastic job.
Cost - dinosaur packages such as Sage , Quickbooks etc just cannot cope with the cost and benefits angle of Xero. £189 per annum for a fully integrated accounting software package!? In a funny way, we’re looking for the VAT change back to 17.5% (rumours abound it may even go up to 20 %...) as Xero will do this and we all benefit.
We tend to agree with what Rachael of edgeofmyseat.com [http://edgeofmyseat.com/] said about Quickbooks and why she chose to move over to Xero. Check out her blog -
http://www.rachelandrew.co.uk/archives/2009/08/22/moving-accounts-from-quickbooks-to-xero/
Xero's user interface and its fantastic API mean non-accountants can use the software. It's a piece of cake. At Alexander Rosse we're campaigning against the vast majority of dinosaur accountants who are just not willing to move into the 21stCentury.
Xero's customer service and back up is very good. Nathan and his team at Xero do a fantastic job.
Cost - dinosaur packages such as Sage , Quickbooks etc just cannot cope with the cost and benefits angle of Xero. £189 per annum for a fully integrated accounting software package!? In a funny way, we’re looking for the VAT change back to 17.5% (rumours abound it may even go up to 20 %...) as Xero will do this and we all benefit.
We tend to agree with what Rachael of edgeofmyseat.com [http://edgeofmyseat.com/] said about Quickbooks and why she chose to move over to Xero. Check out her blog -
http://www.rachelandrew.co.uk/archives/2009/08/22/moving-accounts-from-quickbooks-to-xero/
Wednesday 14 October 2009
UK’S FIRST E-ACCOUNTANCY PUTS CHARITY BEFORE PROFIT
This week the UK’s first true e-accountancy, Alexander Rosse, based in Milton Keynes, generously announced that it will give this year’s profit away to charity. This bold statement is a result of their outrage at seeing business charity donations fall during the economic downturn. The first charity to benefit from this scheme is the Kettering General Hospital Charity Fund’s Cardiac Care Appeal, which serves those in Northamptonshire, South Leicestershire and North Bedfordshire.
According to Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and National Council for Voluntary Organisations’ (NCVO) UK Giving Report 2009, the economic downturn has coincided with an 11% decrease in the total amount given in the UK to charities in 2008/09 compared to 2007/08. This sharp fall will have a detrimental impact on the services that charities provide. In a sector where a little help makes a huge difference such cuts can cause extreme heartache where the well-being of loved ones is involved.
”We are disappointed to see that some businesses have completely cut their donations. These are charities that provide invaluable support in disastrous situations that could happen to anyone. They need continued support to maintain their services, which in the case of the Cardiac Care Appeal, helps to improve the lives of heart patients and their families,” explained Rashesh Joshi, corporate development director at Alexander Rosse.
Alexander Rosse is giving £250 to the Cardiac Care Appeal for every business or individual from Northamptonshire, South Leicestershire and North Bedfordshire (LE16, LE17, NN, MK43 and MK44 postcodes) who appoints them as their new accountants and advisors. This charity aims to provide a healing and caring environment for patients and their families sadly affected by heart related illnesses. It helps supply a rehabilitation room, relatives’ quiet room, state-of-the-art equipment and information support.
“The environment that both we and our loved ones are in makes an enormous difference. The Cardiac Care Appeal will really help to make families like mine and patients feel more relaxed and at ease when dealing with such difficult times,” explained Philip Gilbert, the husband of a patient who recently spent time on the Cardiac Ward.
For those of you who are not quite ready to scrap the spreadsheets completely and go for a full e-accountancy service, Alexander Rosse is the only UK company offering an extended free trial of Xero accountancy software from now until 31 January 2010. Visit www.alexanderrosse.co.uk to sign up, it is the easiest accounting package in the world to use.
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According to Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and National Council for Voluntary Organisations’ (NCVO) UK Giving Report 2009, the economic downturn has coincided with an 11% decrease in the total amount given in the UK to charities in 2008/09 compared to 2007/08. This sharp fall will have a detrimental impact on the services that charities provide. In a sector where a little help makes a huge difference such cuts can cause extreme heartache where the well-being of loved ones is involved.
”We are disappointed to see that some businesses have completely cut their donations. These are charities that provide invaluable support in disastrous situations that could happen to anyone. They need continued support to maintain their services, which in the case of the Cardiac Care Appeal, helps to improve the lives of heart patients and their families,” explained Rashesh Joshi, corporate development director at Alexander Rosse.
Alexander Rosse is giving £250 to the Cardiac Care Appeal for every business or individual from Northamptonshire, South Leicestershire and North Bedfordshire (LE16, LE17, NN, MK43 and MK44 postcodes) who appoints them as their new accountants and advisors. This charity aims to provide a healing and caring environment for patients and their families sadly affected by heart related illnesses. It helps supply a rehabilitation room, relatives’ quiet room, state-of-the-art equipment and information support.
“The environment that both we and our loved ones are in makes an enormous difference. The Cardiac Care Appeal will really help to make families like mine and patients feel more relaxed and at ease when dealing with such difficult times,” explained Philip Gilbert, the husband of a patient who recently spent time on the Cardiac Ward.
For those of you who are not quite ready to scrap the spreadsheets completely and go for a full e-accountancy service, Alexander Rosse is the only UK company offering an extended free trial of Xero accountancy software from now until 31 January 2010. Visit www.alexanderrosse.co.uk to sign up, it is the easiest accounting package in the world to use.
FURIOUS ACCOUNTANTS EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS AND GO HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH SAGE
The UK’s only e-accountancy, Alexander Rosse, is on a recruitment drive and looking to leave its start-up premises for 3,000 square feet of office space in Milton Keynes. This industry pioneer was founded, and is run, by a team that originated from the Big Four using Xero technology. They are on a crusade to transform the face and quality of the traditionally paper-based accounting industry and give market leaders such as Sage a run for their money.
“I am furious about the poor accountancy service quality, coupled with excessive services being sold by the more traditional members of the accounting industry. It simply gives some accountants clearance to charge unethical and inappropriate fees that have become ‘the norm’ in the SME community.
“What’s more, most other business functions are automated and often have web access, which aligns with modern mobility. It is ludicrous to assume that the SME accountancy and bookkeeping professions have the right to operate differently from virtually all other industries,” explained Abhai Rajguru, founder member and chairman of Alexander Rosse.
Alexander Rosse is the world’s only organisation to offer an extended free trial of the Xero software that lasts from now until 31 Janurary 2010. Thought to be the easiest to use on the market, this software rivals SME market share leaders such as Sage. The e-accountancy package gives businesses web-based access to all their accounting information and automates numerous number-crunching processes online.
“I know we are not the only firm urging customers to use Xero, but they are only offering a 30-day trial. As most businesses have a monthly element to their accounting, we decided to be far more generous, hence our current free trial lasts until 31 January. We want businesses to reap the full benefit that the 30-day trial periods neglect. In fact, some non-accountancy companies are trying to offer Xero for 30 days too. This is ridiculous as they simply do not have the expertise to advise customers on financial management; they are behaving like cowboys,” added Abhai.
“You have to use the software to truly understand how easy it is to use, and witness the dramatic improvement in efficiency. This is why we are giving it away free of charge until next year to those running businesses. They do not have to be one of our full accountancy service clients; we simply want to share some of the good things of the business world,” commented Rashesh Joshi, founder member and business development director of Alexander Rosse.
As the modern business generation becomes increasingly ‘paperless’, Alexander Rosse is driving the accounting function into line. Even the government embraces online technology with web-based tax returns.
Alexander Rosse is recruiting another six members of staff to join their workforce this October, reflecting the increasing demand for entirely web-based accounting services. If you are interested in applying for a role or would like to try using Xero, visit http://www.alexanderrosse.co.uk/.
Abhai Rajguru
Thursday 1 October 2009
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