I was privileged to see and hear the latest developments in on-line business practices together with Xero’s plans for the next 12 months and beyond.
(It’s an exciting and rapidly advancing space and 6 months is now a long time.)
As one of 15 Australians amongst nearly 400 NZ accountants I also heard plenty of Aussie jokes from our Kiwi friends!
Highlights included:
Presentations
Rod Dury (CEO)
Business Customers now exceed 60,000 with 240,000 users and $75 billion of transactions processed. 3,300 accounting firms now use Xero.
On-line accounting is progressing from ‘connected’ and mobile to ‘smart’ uses of technology to network and link customers on the Xero platform.
Financial update including an additional $20m equity raised from existing key shareholders to fund planned US growth. Announces the acquisition of WorkflowMax software to further enhance the functionality available for accounting firms.
Roadmap Reviewing the ongoing Product Development initiatives and plans including: basic inventory, quotes & purchase orders, cash flow forecasting, more mobile device functions, bank feeds for personal edition and more. A 6 to 8 week update cycle enables constant improvement and attention to customer requests.
Trevor Schoenmaekers
Trevor has transformed his business and professional life at Hansens Melbourne. Cloud applications have reduced his IT spend considerably and helped his team work closer with their clients (and have fun along the way). Better service to more clients with less staff and a smaller office size. ‘Packaged Xero services’ have put the focus on proving great client service - with efficiencies and value benefits for all.
David Jessop
DJCA’s office was wiped out by the Christchurch earthquake with a 2.0x force of gravity. Three days later they were operational from the front rooms of his house with cheap laptops accessing the internet. Their next move took less than a day. Their ‘modern practice’ initiatives with cloud storage, internet software and 100% of clients on Xero enabled them to continue advising and supporting over 500 clients during an extreme period of their lives.
Educational Sessions
Better Business
Hamish Edwards, co-founder of Xero, reminded us of the benefits of a streamlined advisory approach. Clients most appreciate the certainty of a fixed fee / monthly payment plan approach. After reviewing a client’s needs and value requirements a service bundle of accounting, BAS, regular financial reporting and meetings keeps everyone focused on service delivery and pleasing the client. This results in a collaborative approach without an incessant focus on time.
Using Technology to improve Client Service
“The Modern Practice’
4 pioneers in the 100% cloud based accounting businesses spoke of their experience and the key technologies and processes integrated in their businesses. e.g. Office 365, Sharepoint, Google docs, Xero, Spotlight Reports, WorkflowMax, Skype, Teamviewer, Wufoo, Eventbrite, Zendesk etc. The list seems endless but with practical advice from the likes of Justin Keen, Brad Golchin, Margaret Holmes and Guy Pearson our journeys will be easier.
Networking
Xero is based in Wellington and Auckland, listed on the NZ Stock Exchange and proud to have Kiwi origins. Directors, key managers and team members were all available and generous with their time.
Progressive NZ accountants and software developers have been utilising Xero and cloud solutions for over 4 years to improve the way their clients do business.
The Australian contingent included the founders of some of the most innovative and progressive businesses in the cloud based accounting, consulting, IT services and software space.
The opportunity to speak one on one with people of this calibre was memorable and provided many insights and practical advice. Without exception all are interested in each other’s development and success.
It is an exciting and in many ways pioneering journey that began for me over 2 years ago. The ability to collaborate in this ‘Xero community ‘will keep our firm’s knowledge and experience at the forefront.
With a mutual dedication to improving our clients businesses (and lives) we look forward to fun and prosperity for all in the future.
Paul McCarthy
South Australia’s Xero Guru
Hattam McCarthy Reeves
Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
Comments
Post has no comments.