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
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