2013-05-10T09:54:42.713+10:00 http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog/atom.xml http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=100 2013-05-07T00:00:00+10:00 2013-05-07T00:00:00+10:00 Daniel Wyner <p><strong>Recent research commissioned by CCH has revealed that the majority of SME owners would consider changing their accountant if they failed to keep pace with cloud technology.</strong> </p> <p><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/cloudimage.jpg" /></p> <p>The research involved over 1,000 small businesses and 200 accountants from across Australia. </p> <p>However, according to the study, the perceived barriers to adopting new technology among small business suppliers' such as the time to learn new systems and the fear of changing existing processes are slowing progress and putting businesses at risk. </p> <p>One of the key industries where this slow uptake of new technology was most prevalent and therefore potentially hazardous, was accounting services. </p> <p>The new research was commissioned in conjunction with the Australian launch of CCH's iFirm platform - an established cloud accounting software solution that provides a comprehensive suite of accounting tools. </p> <p>The research indicated that almost two-thirds of small businesses recognise that cloud technology could enable them to self-serve, thereby largely removing the need to outsource accounting work. This figure rises to 86% among younger-aged SME owners. However, in stark contrast, fewer than half of accounting firms surveyed showed concern at losing business to cloud-based software solutions. </p> <p>Accounting firms live in a world of absolutes and trade off their exceptional knowledge and comprehension of numbers, so their failure to comprehend the numbers around cloud software seems almost baffling. </p> <p>Russell Evans, the CEO of CCH's parent company, Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific, highlighted an important issue. </p> <p><strong><em>"It suggests a 'business as usual' approach is not really an option for accounting firms. Their small- to medium-sized enterprise customers are saying they want to move down the cloud path and will do so without them if need be." </em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>"What's more the impulse toward the cloud among younger business owners is even stronger, suggesting accounting firms risk losing a whole new generation of SME clients if they fail to act."</em></strong> </p> <p>These reasons alone should be enough to convince any accountant seeking a successful future that cloud accounting solutions are the way forward, but the results gathered from younger business owners are very clear when it comes to the cloud: you move, or we will. </p> <p>This is hardly surprising given the penetration of technology amongst Gen Y and their well-known desire to shop around, but what is astounding is that accountants are yet to recognise this as a major problem. </p> <p>In conjunction with the Cloud technology adoption research, CCH also commissioned important research around the influences on small business decision-making. </p> <p>Whilst establishing the accountant as the most trusted advisor in a small business setting â€" making them very powerful indeed over the course of Australian business now and in the future â€" the study also revealed that many small business owners tend to act on "gut feel" when making decisions around their business and therefore around the technology that they adopt. </p> <p>There is no doubt that a small business owner fiercely guards the independence of their decision-making with many starting their own business solely to be their own boss. However, this "gut feel" decision-making process, combined with the desire to move to cloud accounting, further strengthens the case for accounting professionals to take technology and cloud accounting very seriously indeed. </p> <p>A key reason behind accounting firms' failure to adopt cloud technology was the existence of a working system. Whilst there is a strong case to keep something that is working, this doesn't take into consideration the significant benefits that can be offered to both parties through the cloud; namely the time and money saving benefits that it offers combined with the ability for accounts to free up time and resources to provide strategic advisory services - an activity highly valued by clients. <br /> The business case is simple: adopting cloud solutions would secure accountants a central role in managing their client's accounts. Failure to adopt may mean losing a significant portion of their business in the near future. </p> <p>As part of CCH's research, accountants using cloud software were asked to identify the perceived benefits for their firm. The results were clear: mirroring the success of mobile technology, 62% of those surveyed indicated that the ability to access information from multiple locations was one of the main advantages, closely followed by the financial benefits with 1 in 3 respondents citing reduced maintenance and purchase costs for hardware as their primary reason for moving into the cloud. </p> <p>Ultimately, accountants need to treat the move to the cloud like they would any accounting problem: weigh up the balance sheet and realise that the only way to move forward in a sustainable manner is to get their head in the cloud too! </p> <p><a href="http://www.cchifirm.com/why_ifirm/cloud-computing-and-the-accounting-industry" class="buttonstyle" target="_blank">View the full survey findings here.</a></p> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=98 2013-04-04T00:00:00+11:00 2013-04-04T00:00:00+11:00 Brad Powick <p>Embedding a video into a website used to be a real challenge in the early days of the web. You had different file formats to choose from, some viewers might not have had the proper software installed to see the video and bandwidth was still limited as many people were still on dialup connections. <br /> <br /> Nowadays things are a lot different. Internet connection speeds are a lot faster and just about anyone can watch a video over the internet on their desktops, laptops, tablets or smartphones.<br /> <br /> There are still plenty of different video file formats to choose from but one of the most popular ways to view video is via YouTube.&nbsp; YouTube makes it incredibly easy to upload and share videos as you simply upload a video in any recognisable file format and it will automatically produce it in a single format which is compatible with most of today's web capable devices. <br /> YouTube is also an incredibly useful marketing tool. With so many businesses starting to ride the wave of social media marketing, YouTube and other similar video sharing sites can sometimes be forgotten.</p> <p><br /> <br /> However, video provides an excellent opportunity for your company to show off its services and connect with existing and potential new clients.</p> <p>Video is a highly shareable format, if you watch something that's engaging, you're likely to send it on to a friend or a colleague, and that friend is likely to pass it on to a wider audience too. This way, your video content has the potential to go viral and connect with a wide range of potential clients.</p> <p>Signing up to YouTube also means you get your own YouTube channel. This works in a similar way to a Facebook page that you can upload your videos to, see other members' channels that you've subscribed to and also members who have subscribed to yours, as well as comments on videos on your channel.</p> <p>You also have a number of options that allow you to share videos through YouTube.&nbsp; Videos can easily be shared through other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Videos can also be embedded into other websites. Embedding the video means that it is placed on your website's page rather than being a link back to YouTube. This can be effective if you have a video relating to specific content you are promoting on your website. </p> <p>YouTube videos are very easy to embed into your website using Web Manager. You can do this by following the steps below.</p> <ol> <li>Locate and select the video you wish to embed from <a href="http://www.youtube.com">www.youtube.com</a>.</li> <li>Click <strong><em>Share</em></strong> below the video (in between <em><strong>About</strong></em> and<strong><em> Add to</em></strong>). </li> <li>Click <em><strong>Embed</strong></em>. </li> <li>Select the size you wish the video to be using the <strong><em>Video size</em></strong> selection tool (selecting <strong><em>Custom size</em></strong> will allow you to set your own width and height if you don't wish to use any of the pre-set sizes from the list)</li> <li>Tick <strong><em>Use HTTPS</em></strong> in the field below.</li> <li>Right-click the code selected in blue &gt; Select <strong><em>Copy</em></strong>. </li> <li>Open the required page in editing mode in Web Manager.</li> <li>Position your cursor where you wish to add the video.</li> <li>Click the arrow beside the<strong><em> Media Manager</em></strong>&nbsp; <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/image9_275.png" />&nbsp; icon &gt; Select <strong><em>Insert YouTube video</em></strong>.</li> <li>Paste the copied HTML in the field on the Insert HTML window. </li> <li>Click <strong><em>OK</em></strong>.</li> </ol> <p><img alt="" style="border: #cccccc 1px solid;" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/youtube_embed.gif" /><br /> <br /> <img alt="" style="border: #cccccc 1px solid;" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/Youtube3.png" /><br /> <br /> You will also have the option to show or to not show similar suggested videos when your video playing finishes. If you have embedded a video that is very specific to the web page you have added it to, then you may wish to disable this option.</p> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=95 2013-02-21T00:00:00+11:00 2013-02-21T00:00:00+11:00 Achan Bedi <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.j.mp/CCH-ConnectingTheDots"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/connect%20the%20dots-title3-01.png" /></a></p> <p> <br /> The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.j.mp/CCH-ConnectingTheDots">first CCH Roadshow of the year</a>&nbsp;starts next week and we want you to join us as we present CCH iFirm - the most comprehensive software suite your firm needs to ensure sustained, strong and manageable growth. <br /> At the events you will discover how iFirm&nbsp;will</p> <ul> <li>Save you time and money.</li> <li>Allow you to offer more services to your clients.</li> <li>Reduce administration requirements and create efficiencies.</li> </ul> <p>We're hitting 14 cities in New Zealand and at the events we are presenting&nbsp;iFirm in detail and the benefits it is delivering to accounting firms across the country. It'll be a 90 minute session focused at accounting firms looking to move their operations to CCH iFirm, followed by a Q&amp;A where the attendees can discuss their specific requirements and share feedback with our solution managers.<br /> <br /> While most of the focus in the sessions will be on iFirm, we will also be presenting a 10 minute preview of our much anticipated business accounting software - iBizz. </p> <p>At select venues our partner teams from CCH Business Fitness, CCH (Publishing) and BankLink will also be present. <br /> So, if you haven't registered still, <a href="http://www.j.mp/CCH-ConnectingTheDots">do it now - click here to register.</a><br /> <br /> Come along and be inspired to bring about a decisive change at your firm.<br /> Let's gear up for a fantastic year, full of growth for your practice.</p> <p><div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a></p> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=94 2013-02-15T00:00:00+11:00 2013-02-15T00:00:00+11:00 Andy Simmers <p>If you are looking for ways to drive more traffic to your website by enhancing your search engine rankings, there are a number of simple methods that can be followed to improve your results.</p> <p>Globally, Google accounts for 83% of all searches with the rest spread across others such as Bing, Yahoo and a number of other smaller search engines. &nbsp;So when it comes to looking for ways to improve your site, it is best to ask <a href="http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&amp;answer=40349&amp;topic=2370419&amp;ctx=topic" target="_blank"><strong>the king</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p> <p>There is some fairly detailed information in their guidelines on the best practices for your site. &nbsp;CCH take care of the technical side of things - the areas you can manage yourself relate to improving the content, titles, descriptions and url names within your site, as well as organising third party sites to link to your own.</p> <p>I will briefly summarise the main points Google recommend - this information is sourced from Google's '<a href="http://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/untrusted_dlcp/www.google.com/en//webmasters/docs/search-engine-optimization-starter-guide.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide</strong></a><strong>'</strong> where you can read more detail.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h3>Create unique, accurate page titles</h3> The 'title' tag tells the search engines what the topic of a particular page is, and is generally what is displayed as the first line within the search results of the search engine.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>The title tags should accurately describe the particular page's content - i.e the words you use in the title tag should also appear somewhere in the actual page content. &nbsp;It is best practice to create unique titles for each page within your site.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Also keep them brief and descriptive - any more than 70 characters won't appear in Google.</p> <p>It is also useful to include location references within the titles if you are targeting a particular area for your products or services, e.g if you are targeting North Sydney, you might have a title for your home page of 'Smith Jones &amp; Associates, Chartered Accountants, North Sydney' , and make sure you include those words in the actual content of your page.</p> <h3>Make use of the "description" meta tag</h3> The description provides a summary of what a particular page is about. &nbsp;&nbsp;Really just an expansion of the title tag, and this is generally the information that will be displayed below a search result of the search engine.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>Google also recommends having a unique description for each page within your site to help make the search results more useful for users so they can easily see what a page relates to.</p> <h3>Improve the structure of your URLs</h3> <p>Make sure content is folderised using obvious naming conventions, e.g having all 'services' within a 'services' folder - generally your Web Manager site will have been built using a logical folder structure already, so this point shouldn't need too much attention.</p> <p>Page names can also include 'keywords' in them to help rank better on a particular word or phrase. &nbsp;E.g a 'Services' page could have the 'url' renamed to 'Accounting-services', which would in turn lead to a better ranking on an 'accounting services' search. </p> <h3>Make your site easier to navigate</h3> <p>Make it easy for users to click through to other pages within your site. This includes setting links within your page content to relevant pages or sub-pages, e.g on your home page you may mention some of your services or products - using the content editor set links on each of these words to the relevant page within your site.</p> <h3>Offer quality content and services</h3> <p>Write easy-to-read text that is written primarily for the user - not the search engine. &nbsp;While it is good to include the keywords you would like to be found on via search results within your content, it is best to not over-do this as it can become annoying to read. &nbsp;Also avoid writing very large blocks of text - if you find a page becoming very long it may be better to break this up by creating a sub-page where the user can click through if they want to learn more.</p> <h3>Create in-bound links</h3> <p>The more quality links there are to a website the greater its chances of a high ranking in&nbsp;the search engine results. &nbsp;Creating more in-bound links to your own site involves determining and approaching sites that may be willing to link to you. If you are a member of an association or business alliance, consider asking your partner organisations to include a link to your website from theirs. </p> <p>One final tool that may help with establishing keywords to use when writing content, titles and descriptions is Google's '<a href="https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal" target="_blank"><strong>Keyword Analysis Tool'</strong></a> - this provides a way of looking up search volumes for particular phrases and provides suggestions for alternative phrases and their search volumes.</p> <p>There is no silver bullet to ranking well in the search engines - however doing a good job of the basics will certainly enhance your chances. &nbsp;How well you end up ranking is obviously also majorly affected by how effective your competitors are with doing the same job on their own sites.</p> <p>If you simply don't have time to spend on updating your site from a search engine perspective and are considering using an SEO specialist to assist you, take care with who you hire - the web is basically a completely unregulated industry and there are a lot of&nbsp;<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/ARTrussellCfullsize.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>these</strong></a> out there. &nbsp;Google also handily has a page with some&nbsp;<a href="http://support.google.com/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&amp;answer=35291&amp;topic=2370419&amp;ctx=topic" target="_blank"><strong>guidelines and questions you could ask a potential SEO'er</strong></a> to make sure you are going to get value for money. </p> <p>To make changes to titles, descriptions and url's within CCH Web Manager, you can read our <a href="http://support.cchifirm.com/acclipse_web_manager_support_centre/hot_topics/search_engine_optimisation" target="_blank"><strong>userguide</strong></a><strong>.</strong> &nbsp;If you have any questions please contact our <a href="http://www.cchifirm.com/about/contact" target="_blank"><strong>helpful support team.</strong></a></p> <p><div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a></p> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=93 2013-01-22T00:00:00+11:00 2013-01-22T00:00:00+11:00 Andy Simmers <p><strong>What is Google Places?</strong></p> <p>'Google Places' is basically Google's localised business directory - Google's own statistics show 97% of consumers search for local businesses online, which makes having your business listed on Google Places an important part of your online strategy. It is also free so there is no good reason not to submit your listing.</p> <p><strong>How Google Places works</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>When a search is made on a phrase that either contains a location name, e.g. 'Accountants Christchurch', or alternatively if a search is made without a location name specified it detects the location of the searcher and displays local listings based on that. Google's current search results layout outputs a small map to the top right of the results with markers for any relevant listings found as per the first screenshot below.&nbsp;</p> <p>A slightly more detailed output is shown further down the first page of the search results, as per the second screenshot below, with a 'more results...' link below that to view the full local directory for the search term.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/GooglePlaces1.png" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/GooglePlaces2.png" /></p> <p><strong>How to add or modify your listing</strong></p> <p>It is a fairly simple process to add your business.</p> <ol> <li>Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.google.com/places/" target="_blank">http://www.google.com/places/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and click on the 'Get started now' button. </li> <li>It will require you to have a 'Google account' to be able to progress further - which you should already have for the Google analytics tracking on your Web Manager site - if you don't have a Google account go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount</a> to set one up first.&nbsp;</li> <li>Once you are successfully logged in to your Google account it is then just a matter of completing the forms within the Google Places listing and submitting - there are a few options for 'verifying' the listing, either by Phone, SMS or Postcard - once verification is completed the listing will then become active.&nbsp;</li> </ol> <p>There is a detailed guide&nbsp;<a href="http://support.google.com/places/bin/answer.py?hl=en&amp;answer=142906&amp;topic=1656881&amp;ctx=topic" target="_blank">here</a> which I would recommend viewing before completing your listing.&nbsp;</p> <p>You may find your business is already appearing in Google Places - Google uses a number of sources to populate their own listings including Yellow Pages among others. If you are appearing already it is still advisable to take control of what Google is displaying and add more information as there are likely to be gaps in what is shown.</p> <p><strong>Listing 'Quality'</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>The order the listings are shown on the search results are determined by a 'quality' score, similar to how they rank sites within their standard search results, so it is important to follow their guidelines on creating a quality listing. You can view details of their quality guidelines&nbsp;<a href="http://support.google.com/places/bin/answer.py?hl=en&amp;answer=107528&amp;rd=1" target="_blank">here</a> .&nbsp;</p> <p>Google's online support guide can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="http://support.google.com/places/?hl=en" target="_blank">here</a> - if you have any problems with adding your listing. </p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=92 2013-01-11T00:00:00+11:00 2013-01-11T00:00:00+11:00 William Eckford <p>The development team has been working away since we've been back and the first update for iFirm in 2013 was made overnight on Wednesday 9 January. Updates were made to four areas - Contacts, Practice Manager, Client Accounting and Intranet. <br /> <br /> The release went smoothly and we haven't encountered any technical issues.<br /> <br /> A couple of changes we've made include hiding the 2011 tab for capacity planning and adding in a 2015 tab. In iFirm Intranet we've added <strong>Publisher</strong> and <strong>Author</strong> labels to content lists below the description, so you can easily see who supplied and wrote content.<br /> <br /> For the full list of updates, please visit the <a href="http://support.cchifirm.com/ifirm/release2013.01" target="_blank">iFirm release page.</a><br /> <br /> We're committed to ensuring iFirm meets the needs of our customers, so don't hesitate to <a href="http://www.cchifirm.com/clients/feedback">drop us a line</a> if you think there are any improvements/additional features you would want incorporated in iFirm.</p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=91 2012-12-21T00:00:00+11:00 2012-12-21T00:00:00+11:00 Mike Chisholm <p>2012 has travelled amazingly fast for me, and I'm sure for the team at CCH Collaborative Solutions too. We started out in January, under the Acclipse brand, with big plans for growth in both product development and in new iFirm users. If anybody had told me back then about the challenges and opportunities that would present themselves, I wouldn't have believed them!</p> <p>In May, we had to leave our building in the city centre without notice as it was deemed unsafe as a result of the continuing Christchurch earthquakes. The team scrambled to move and work from their homes and then locate in our current makeshift temporary location while new offices are completed for us in 2013.</p> <p>In July, Acclipse was acquired by CCH. This was followed by a period of rebranding and integration with the CCH team and development to integrate some of CCH's content solutions into iFirm. I find change exciting, and now being part of the CCH family, the opportunities to provide solutions to really help accounting firms that we've always aspired to, are becoming a reality. My dream of seeing accounting firms truly connected with their business clients, and now with content integration is taking shape with every passing day. </p> <p>The accounting industry is going through a lot of change as well. We anticipated some of this change by commencing development of a cloud suite of practice applications over 5 years ago. We've also listened to and worked with the leading coaches in the industry to develop the features and applications that address the industry issues and needs. </p> <p>At the end of 2011, we were fortunate to acquire a cloud accounting application that had commenced development before Xero had started, so I'm looking forward to kicking 2013 off with the highly anticipated launch of CCH <a href="http://www.cchibizz.com/">iBizz</a>. </p> <p>We'll be on the road early in the New Year showcasing this software and how it works with BankLink systems and data feeds. At $5 a month and exclusively only available through accounting firms, I believe <a href="http://www.cchibizz.com/">iBizz</a> will offer the accounting industry a solution and business model that really works for them. </p> <p>iFirm has matured over the last few years and with all the core modules including practice management, tax, client accounting, fixed assets, firm website and intranet in use in hundreds of firms. I'm looking forward to demonstrating how iFirm can be the real upgrade that many accounting firms are looking for.</p> <p>Reflecting on everything we've accomplished in 2012, it would be easy to relax and pat ourselves on the back for coping with all the disruption and change. But the reality is, the hard work has only just begun and 2013 is shaping up to be our biggest year ever. I can't wait! </p> <p>Best wishes for Christmas and the holiday season.</p> <p>Mike</p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=90 2012-12-18T00:00:00+11:00 2012-12-18T00:00:00+11:00 William Eckford <p style="line-height: 13.5pt;">With Christmas just around the corner, the team @CCH Collaborative Solutions thanks all our clients for their support throughout 2012 and wishes them all the best for the new year.<br /> We've enjoyed working hard through the year and the team is now gearing up for a well-deserved break this summer.</p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Our offices will be closed from 3.30pm NZDT on Friday, 21st December and will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday, 3rd January. Constant monitoring of our systems will still continue over this period. If you do have any requests during this time, please email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ifirmsupport@cch.co.nz">iFirmSupport@cch.co.nz</a><img alt="" style="width: 291px; height: 289px; float: right;" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/christmas-37.png" /></p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><strong>All iFirm Tax users please note</strong>: The IRD has informed us that eFile will be turned off from the night of 24th December and will resume normal activity on 3rd January. Please note that this will mean transactions will also not sync over this period.</p> <strong>All iFirm Document Manager, Email Manager users please note</strong>: If your Document Manager folder structure is based on a calendar year or financial year set-up, check out <a href="http://cchcollaborativesolutions.createsend5.com/t/r-l-uyidhrl-yhhjijjdyk-j/">our learning centre for steps on how to update your folder structure for the new year</a>.&nbsp;Also, if you are taking this opportunity to upgrade your server, please remember that you will need to <a href="mailto:ifirmsupport@cch.co.nz?subject=Server%20Upgrade">book a time</a> with the Support Team prior to shifting your data.<br /> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt;">The CCH team wishes you a safe and enjoyable break.</p> <p style="line-height: 13.5pt;">Here's to a happy new year 2013!</p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=89 2012-09-17T00:00:00+10:00 2012-09-17T00:00:00+10:00 Andy Simmers <a href="http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog/your-clients-are-mobile-are-you" target="_blank">In April</a> we first launched our mobile website product to iFirm Web Manager clients, and based on user feedback, we have recently made several enhancements to the product.<br /> <br /> We will be releasing these changes on Tuesday, September 18th. Read on for details.<br /> <ul> <li>You can now easily re-order pages within your mobile site.</li> <li>Swiping between pages has been replaced with a menu that allows you to navigate from any page, to any other page.</li> <li>The location map has been improved by increasing the standard size, and allowing for situations when a visitor does not want to 'allow their location' via GPS.</li> <li>Splash page for choosing between mobile/full site now includes your personalised branding.</li> </ul> <a href="http://websites.cchifirm.com/getmobile" target="_blank">Click here</a> to find out more about the benefits of a mobile site, or <a href="http://websites.cchifirm.com/getmobile" target="_blank">get in touch</a> to arrange one for your firm. <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=79 2012-09-17T00:00:00+10:00 2012-09-17T00:00:00+10:00 Kelly Hawker Something that is easily overlooked and sometimes not understood is adding optimised images to your website. In this post, I'll show you how to create images for your website that look good and download fast.<br /> <br /> The first things you need to understand are the pixel rating of a camera (megapixel) and the pixel size of an image and also the pixel size of your screen resolution. <br /> <br /> <strong>What is a pixel? (px)</strong><br /> "The term "pixel" is actually short for "Picture Element." These small little dots are what make up the images on computer displays, whether they are flat-screen (LCD) or tube (CRT) monitors." <br /> <br /> <strong>Camera (Megapixel)</strong><br /> Digital cameras capture images as pixel elements, known as pixels. Simply put, a megapixel is equal to one million pixels. Digital images are made up of thousands of these tiny, tile-like picture elements. The more pixels, the higher the image resolution. When you take a photo with, for example 8 megapixel camera (set on full pixel size) the pixel resolution of the image would be 3264px(w) x 2448px(h) so if you multiply them together you should get close to 8 million pixels. <br /> <br /> <strong>Screen Resolution</strong><br /> One of the things we have to take into account when we create designs for websites and adding images to the web is the size/resolution of a clients screen, for instance years ago when we had CRT monitors the pixel resolution would range between 640px x 480px, 800px x 600px and more common 1024px x 768px depending on the size of the monitor, now days we have a big influx of flat screen monitors and TV's and wide screen laptops you can be looking at all different screen resolutions from 1280px x 720px, 1680px x 1050px and high definition 1920px x 1080px. Just to throw another spanner in the works you can have the same pixel resolution on different screens e.g. you may have a 22" monitor running 1680px x 1050px resolution and you can also have a 24" screen running 1680px x 1050px resolution, the difference is everything on the 24" screen will appear bigger, icons and text etc because the pixels per square inch you are viewing can be larger on a larger screen. <br /> <br /> <strong>So lets put it all together</strong><br /> For this example you have taken an image on your camera which is 3264px x 2448px. You have uploaded this file to your PC/Mac and for this example your screen resolution is 1680px x 1050px so you can zoom into the image to see the full size on your monitor but if you were to view the images actual pixel size you would be looking at a small section of the image because the pixel size of the image is much higher than the pixel size of your screen.<br /> <br /> <strong>OK now I want to put this image on my website</strong><br /> Well we are faced with two problems<br /> <br /> Your 3264px x 2448px image is wayyyy to big in pixel size to go onto a web site which normally range from 800px to1000px in width. <br /> <br /> The more pixels per square inch in an image the higher the image file size, you could just use Acclipse Web Manager's editor to force resize the big image down but it will take a long time for a users browser to download/view the image which may not be a problem for high speed internet but unfortunately not everyone will have that luxury so we have to make it optimised for as many people as possible so that it won't drive people away from your site waiting for images to load. &nbsp;<br /> <br /> NOTE: The screen shot below is an example of what NOT to do, by inserting a large image into the page and using "right click &gt; properties" and adjusting the width here, this does work however it forces the visual size of the image down but doesn't reduce the file size causing the image to download/view very slow on your webpage on slower connections.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/image-1.png" style="width: 415px; height: 190px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>So I need to reduce the pixel size of my image which in turn will reduce the file size</strong><br /> There are a couple of ways to do this: <br /> <br /> <strong>1. Internal Image Editor in Acclipse Web Manager</strong> - Acclipse Web Manager has an internal image editor where you can reduce the pixel size of an image and also crop out parts of the image you don't want. You access this in the image uploader section by clicking the button to the right above the image preview called "Image Editor" By clicking the tool bar button "Resize" you will be able to resize the image, you can just alter the width which will adjust the height to suit and keep the aspect ratio of the image so you don't end up with a stretched image. <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/image-2.png" style="width: 249px; height: 181px;" /><br /> <br /> TIP: When we usually do profile pages for staff with portrait images we normally resize the image to between 120px to 200px in width for the best size. <br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/image-3.png" style="width: 249px; height: 167px;" /><br /> <br /> <strong>&nbsp;2. Image Editing Software</strong> - To edit the image before you upload it you can purchase or download image editing software, popular one being Adobe Photoshop which isn't free but there are some free to use software downloads (for example PhotoFiltre) that will also do the trick however we cant supply help or support of products that aren't our own. <br /> <br /> So once you have followed the instructions above you will have an optimised image on your web page that will load fast on the majority of internet connections. &nbsp;<br /> <br /> For further information please visit the <a href="http://support.acclipse.com/acclipse_web_manager_support_centre/index" target="_blank">Online Learning Centre</a> and for quick reference click the following link, which explains <a href="http://support.acclipse.com/acclipse_web_manager_support_centre/content_pages/images" target="_blank">how to add &amp; edit images on a page</a>. http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=88 2012-08-16T00:00:00+10:00 2012-08-16T00:00:00+10:00 Achan Bedi <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Old_Files/General%20Images/intranet%20cloud2.png" style="width: 465px; height: 300px; float: right;" /> <br /> In a connected, modern accounting practice, the intranet plays a vital role of the central hub that keeps the firm connected, hosts all manuals, procedures, standard documents and reports and ultimately facilitates increased productivity in the firm.<br /> <br /> So far the options for intranet for firms have been limited to desktop based solutions. So, their scope too was limited to the office network. <br /> <br /> CCH is now introducing<strong> </strong><a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/120813"><strong>CCH iFirm Intranet</strong> </a>- complete with CCH Business Fitness NZ content integration.<br /> <br /> This is a powerful new product that goes beyond the features of a desktop-based document management solution and provides deep integration of your content with your firm's workflow. <br /> <br /> Since it is online software, you can access it from anywhere you have an internet connection - it doesn't matter whether you're using a desktop, a laptop or a tablet.<br /> <br /> This opens up a number of possibilities and opportunities for practitioners and firms of all sizes. Imagine being on-site with a client and having all relevant documents, procedures and manuals at your fingertips. Simply login to iFirm, search, access, read and if needed, print all the papers you need. Now there are no more unnecessary delays of calling the office and sending the documents later.<br /> <br /> And, it gets better - if you are a CCH Business Fitness Subscriber (or are looking to become one) CCH iFirm Intranet is integrated with specialised content from CCH Business Fitness NZ and is always updated automatically.<br /> <br /> You can access your entire knowledge base with just a few clicks in the navigation menu. All content in the intranet, including specialist content that you may have subscribed to (eg. CCH Business Fitness NZ), is searchable by title, type or keyword tags.<br /> <br /> Upgrading and converting to iFirm Intranet is an easy and straightforward process.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/120813"><strong>CCH iFirm Intranet</strong></a> is your firm's own social network, communication hub, and the Documents and Procedures database. <br /> And its all online.<br /> <br /> To present the iFirm Intranet live in action, we're hosting <strong><a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/120813">a series of free live webinars throughout the month of August.</a><br /> <a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/120813">Register now</a></strong> for one that suits you and discover how the online iFirm Intranet can raise productivity and efficiency levels at your practice. <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=87 2012-08-14T00:00:00+10:00 2012-08-14T00:00:00+10:00 Laura Campbell <br /> The CCH iFirm Training Team has been working hard to create and host a comprehensive session to keep our valued clients on top of workflow management and capacity planning. Join the training team for a <a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/208796657">live webinar</a> to learn about automatic resources, job ordering and recurring jobs.<br /> <br /> We will also be talking about setting up capacity planning and managing allocations.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/208796657">This session</a> is ideal for workflow managers and all firms that have never attended training sessions on capacity planning or thos who haven't been allocating resources but are considering doing so in the near future.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/208796657">The webinar</a> is planned for Thursday, the 23rd of August and you can<a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/208796657"> register here</a> for the session. Even if you're unable to make it to the live session, if you've registered, you will receive a recording of the live event which you can view at a time that suits you.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://support.cchifirm.com/">Find more learning resources here&nbsp;</a><br /> <br /> If you are not an iFirm user yet, learn more about this comprehensive, <a href="http://www.cchifirm.com/products_for_accountants/ifirm">cloud-based practice management solution here</a>. http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=84 2012-07-31T00:00:00+10:00 2012-07-31T00:00:00+10:00 Greg Conway <strong>Acquisition uniquely positions CCH as only provider capable of offering both information and software solutions to accounting firms and their small and medium-size enterprise (SME) clients in Australia/New Zealand and Asia Pacific markets.<br /> </strong><span style="font-size: 10px;"><em><br /> Words by Greg Conway, Senior Communications Advisor, Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific.<br /> Photos by Daniel Wyner, Segment Manager, Tax &amp; Accounting, CCH Australia &amp; New Zealand</em></span><br /> <br /> CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business, has acquired Acclipse Limited, a Christchurch-based pioneer and leading provider of online accounting software that serves accounting firms in Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific. <br /> <br /> The acquisition dramatically expands and complements CCH's existing offering of advanced software solutions for accounting firms and corporate finance professionals in the Asia Pacific region. Acclipse has become a CCH business unit known as Collaborative Solutions Division and part of <a href="http://www.wolterskluwer.com/About-Us/Divisions/Pages/taxaccounting.aspx">Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting</a>, the global leader in tax, accounting and audit solutions and services. <br /> <br /> <br /> With more than 1,000 accounting firms using its software, Acclipse is a leader in online collaborative accounting solutions, powering accounting firms in New Zealand, Australia and Asia Pacific. Founded in 2004, Acclipse's success is attributed to its entire business model being designed with the end-to-end needs of not only accounting firms and advisers, but also their small- and medium-size enterprise (SME) clients in mind. <br /> <br /> President of Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting Asia Pacific and CEO of Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific, Russell Evans said the acquisition is an important step in the region for Wolters Kluwer's strategy to expand its offering of online software and content solutions for accountants and their clients. <br /> <br /> "This acquisition responds to the growing demand from accounting firms for genuine cloud-based software to support a 24/7, value-added service to clients while lowering cost of ownership. We firmly believe that cloud computing has the potential to transform how accountants work with their clients," Mr Evans said.<br /> <br /> CCH's acquisition of Acclipse complements its 2011 acquisition of Business Fitness New Zealand, a provider of practical content and workpapers to accounting firms, to standardise many of the common processes for compliance work.<br /> <br /> As Business Fitness New Zealand is already integrated with the Acclipse Document Management solution, Business Fitness New Zealand clients now benefit from its content being available online. <br /> <br /> "This end-to-end, integrated solution is a key point of differentiation for CCH," Mr Evans continued.<br /> <br /> "CCH knows that accounting firms are trusted advisers to SMEs. The Acclipse suite, which was designed from the ground up to help accountants better service their clients, now lies at the heart of what we do in Collaborative Services Division. As a result, we are now better placed to have our accounting firm customers leverage CCH's deep subject-matter expertise, global presence, rich content assets and robust technology platforms to help them work hand-in-hand with their SME clients, and ensure 'true collaboration'," he said. <br /> <br /> "When combined with CCH's outstanding content, Acclipse's cloud-based accounting solution gives CCH what no-one else in the collaborative accounting space has - a fully integrated suite of software, workpapers, templates and checklists, deep research content and subject matter expertise. We are calling this offering CCH iFirm - the all-embracing firm in the cloud." <br /> <br /> President and Chief Executive Officer of Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting, Kevin Robert, said that the acquisition bolsters Wolters Kluwer's leadership position in the provision of information and software solutions for accounting firms and finance professionals, and its strategic expansion into collaborative accounting solutions.<br /> <br /> "In acquiring Acclipse, Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting is uniquely positioned as a provider capable of offering both information and software solutions to accountants and their SME clients in the Asia Pacific market," Mr Robert said. "It also advances the Division's expansion into the collaborative accounting market, following on our acquisition of <a href="http://www.twinfield.nl/">Twinfield</a> in the Netherlands in 2011."<br /> <br /> CEO and founder of Acclipse, Mike Chisholm, said he is pleased to have joined CCH as Head of Collaborative Solutions Division. "This acquisition allows Acclipse to remain focused on our core competency - offering accountants and their clients great online accounting software. The global reach of CCH and Wolters Kluwer will allow us to expand the reach of our iFirm and iBizz products, and integrate these with relevant content sources to bring accountants and their clients together and achieve significant productivity improvements," Mr Chisholm said.<br /> <br /> With 55 employees and headquarters in Christchurch, Acclipse services over 1,000 firms and 10,000 licensed users in New Zealand, Australia and Asia Pacific.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/russel-evans-mike-chisholm.jpg" style="width: 225px; height: 300px;" /><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/cch-collaborative-solutions-division.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 300px;" /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Image 1: From left: President of Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting Asia Pacific and CEO of Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific, Russell Evans, seals the deal with CEO and founder of Acclipse, Mike Chisholm, now Head of CCH's Collaborative Solutions Division.<br /> <br /> Image 2: Christchurch, New Zealand-based Collaborative Solutions Division. <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=82 2012-07-12T00:00:00+10:00 2012-07-12T00:00:00+10:00 Mike Chisholm <p style="text-align: center;"><em class="largeText"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Planned acquisition will uniquely position CCH as a provider capable of offering both information and software solutions to accounting firms and their small- and medium-size enterprise (SME) clients in Australia/New Zealand and Asia Pacific markets</span></em> </p> <p><strong>Sydney, Australia (12 July, 2012)</strong> - CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Acclipse Limited, a Christchurch-based pioneer and leading provider of online accounting software, serving accounting firms in Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific. The parties anticipate completing the acquisition on Friday, July 13, 2012. </p> <p>The acquisition will dramatically expand and complement CCH's existing offering of advanced software solutions for accounting firms and corporate finance professionals in the Asia Pacific region. Acclipse will become a CCH business unit and part of <a href="http://www.wolterskluwer.com/About-Us/Divisions/Pages/taxaccounting.aspx" target="_blank">Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting</a>, the global leader in tax, accounting and audit solutions and services. </p> <p></p> <p>With more than 1,000 accounting firms using its software, Acclipse is a leader in online collaborative accounting solutions, powering accounting firms in New Zealand, Australia and Asia Pacific. Founded in 2004, Acclipse's success is attributed to its entire business model being designed with the end-to-end needs of not only accounting firms and advisers, but also their small- and medium-size enterprise (SME) clients in mind. </p> <p>President of Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting Asia Pacific and CEO of Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific, Russell Evans said the acquisition will be an important step in the region for Wolters Kluwer's strategy to expand its offering of online software and content solutions for accountants and their clients. </p> <p>"This acquisition will respond to the growing demand from accounting firms for genuine cloud-based software to support a 24/7, value-added service to clients while lowering cost of ownership. We firmly believe that cloud computing has the potential to transform how accountants work with their clients," Mr Evans said.</p> <p>CCH's planned acquisition of Acclipse will complement its 2011 acquisition of Business Fitness New Zealand, a provider of practical content and workpapers to accounting firms, to standardise many of the common processes for compliance work.</p> <p>As Business Fitness New Zealand is already integrated with the Acclipse Document Management solution, Business Fitness New Zealand clients will benefit from its content being available online. </p> <p>"This end-to-end, integrated solution will be a key point of differentiation for CCH," Mr Evans continued.</p> <p>"CCH knows that accounting firms are trusted advisers to SMEs. The Acclipse suite, which was designed from the ground up to help accountants better service their clients, will lie at the heart of what we do. CCH will now be better placed more than ever to leverage our deep subject-matter expertise, global presence, rich content assets and robust technology platforms to help accounting firms work hand-in-hand with their SME clients, and ensure 'true collaboration'," he said. </p> <p>"When combined with CCH's outstanding content, Acclipse's cloud-based accounting solution will give CCH what no-one else has - a fully integrated suite of software, workpapers, templates and checklists, deep research content and subject matter expertise. We are calling this offering CCH iFirm - the all-embracing firm in the cloud." </p> <p>President and Chief Executive Officer of Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting, Kevin Robert, said that the planned acquisition will bolster Wolters Kluwer's leadership position in the provision of information and software solutions for accounting firms and finance professionals, and its strategic expansion into collaborative accounting solutions.</p> <p>"In acquiring Acclipse, Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting will be uniquely positioned as a provider capable of offering both information and software solutions to accountants and their SME clients in the Asia Pacific market," Mr Robert said. "It will also advance the Division's expansion into the collaborative accounting market, following on our acquisition of <a href="http://www.twinfield.nl/" target="_blank">Twinfield</a> in the Netherlands in 2011."</p> <p>CEO and founder of Acclipse, Mike Chisholm, said Acclipse is pleased with plans to join CCH. "This acquisition will allow Acclipse to remain focused on our core competency - offering accountants and their clients great online accounting software. The global reach of CCH and Wolters Kluwer will allow us to expand the reach of our iFirm and iBizz products, and integrate these with relevant content sources to bring accountants and their clients together and achieve significant productivity improvements," Mr Chisholm said.</p> <p>With 55 employees and headquarters in Christchurch, Acclipse services over 1,000 firms and 10,000 licensed users in New Zealand, Australia and Asia Pacific. </p> <p><b>About CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business</b><b> <br /> </b>CCH (<a href="http://www.cch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.cch.com.au</a>) is part of <a href="http://www.wolterskluwer.com/" target="_blank">Wolters Kluwer</a>, a market-leading global information services company focused on professionals with annual revenues of (2011) €3.4 billion ($4.7 billion) and approximately 19,000 employees worldwide. Please <a href="http://www.cch.com.au/" target="_blank">visit our website</a> or follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/realtime/CCH%20Australia" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/224387?trk=tyah" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/cchaustralia" target="_blank">Facebook</a> for more information. The business is part of the Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting division.</p> <p><b>About Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting</b></p> <p>Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting is the global leading provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services. Tax, accounting, and audit professionals who serve as trusted advisors to clients and businesses worldwide rely on authoritative content and integrated workflow solutions from global leader Wolters Kluwer Tax &amp; Accounting. </p> <p><b>For more information, please contact: </b></p> <p>Greg Conway<br /> Senior Communications Advisor, Wolters Kluwer Asia Pacific <br /> T: +61 (0)2 9857 1886 | Mb. +61 (0)408 290 412 | <a href="mailto:greg.conway@cch.com.au">greg.conway@cch.com.au</a></p> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=77 2012-07-09T00:00:00+10:00 2012-07-09T00:00:00+10:00 Kevin Davey As we continue to add even more features to it, we have new updates in the client accounting module of the iFirm suite.<br /> <br /> While applying depreciation to assets, you can now choose the 'No Depreciation' depreciation type.<br /> This allows you to add 'Land' (or any other asset which you don't want iFirm to calculate depreciation on) to a ledger's fixed assets and have it print on the reports but not accrue any depreciation.<br /> <br /> <br /> We hope you make the best of these new features in iFirm.<br /> <br /> If you've yet to make the move to iFirm, <a href="http://www.acclipse.com/about/contact">contact us</a> today and discover the benefits of running your firm online. <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=76 2012-07-05T00:00:00+10:00 2012-07-05T00:00:00+10:00 Bevan Stewart <p><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/provisional%20tax.PNG" style="width: 400px; height: 224px; float: right;" /></p> <p>The Product Management team at Acclipse are always looking for new features we can add to our products - to ensure we continue to increase the value they offer our users.<br /> <br /> One of the latest features to be added to the iFirm suite is the new dashboard alert in the Tax module. <br /> <br /> This alert informs the accountant about the upcoming provisional tax date and the number of clients that still need to have their letters approved. <br /> <br /> This feature continues to streamline the tax process, and allow users to manage their workload by exception - yet another way iFirm continues to increase the efficiency of your firm.</p> <div><br /> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> <br /> <br /> </div> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=78 2012-06-28T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-28T00:00:00+10:00 Sofia Silva This July the Acclipse Team is on the road, hosting <a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/coffee_with_acclipse" target="_blank">free events</a> to showcase how firms across New Zealand have made the move to online software, and start a discussion around what the daily benefits of such a change are.<br /> <br /> We're aware that the challenges facing the industry today are different from those from 5,10 or 15 years ago - and these events are designed to get them out in the open and find practical solutions to them.<br /> <a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/coffee_with_acclipse" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/coffee%20with%20acclipse%20blog%20graphic-04.png" style="float: right; width: 375px; height: 248px;" /></a><br /> These events will look at:<br /> <ul> <li>How to increase productivity without extra capital expenditure</li> <li>The ease of moving your operations to the cloud</li> <li>Why the staff at these firms love iFirm</li> </ul> At these events, attendees will hear from Directors, Practice Managers and support staff from local accounting firms who have tangible results to share.<br /> <br /> They'll discuss their journey from desktop-based systems to an online practice management and compliance suite which they can use on their Laptop, iPad or iPhone.<br /> <br /> <br /> So come on in, have coffee with us and meet firms like yours that are committed to increasing profitability, efficiency and work style flexibility. It's the perfect opportunity to learn how <a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/coffee_with_acclipse" target="_blank">online software is changing the way accounting firms do business</a> and create value for their clients.<br /> <br /> Share your questions, network with your peers and discover the benefits of online software for your firm.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://pages.acclipse.com/nz/events/coffee_with_acclipse" target="_blank">Click here to register for these free events.</a><br /> <br /> &nbsp;<div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=75 2012-06-27T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-27T00:00:00+10:00 David Monds <p>At Acclipse we love accountants, and we listen to them - a lot.</p> <p>We've got review processes and feedback loops for each of our teams, to make sure we don't miss out on what they have to say.</p> <p>We find this interaction reveals some 'good stuff' by way of ideas and suggestions that we can take on board to improve certain aspects of our products and services. Whether it be prioritising development or modifying our training and implementation process for new users as they come on board. </p> <p>Recently, the team in Support received a few requests asking us to accommodate firms who want to invoice as multiple entities. This made complete sense to us, as many of our users operate under 2 names (eg. one for accountancy services, and one for financial planning). Anyway, the Support team talked to the Product Managers, and they got the ball rolling.</p> <p>The result - <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager">iFirm</a> now lets you manage multiple billing entities. A feature that is very useful for firms that require separate default invoice and statement templates.</p> <p><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/multiple%20entities.png" style="width: 701px; height: 197px;" /></p> <p>Each invoice in the system is linked to a billing entity when it is finalised, which creates a transaction in the debtors' ledger, which in turn is linked to the same billing entity as the invoice.</p> <p>If, by mistake, you select the wrong entity on an invoice, you simply 'un-finalise' that invoice which removes the debtors transaction from the debtors' ledger. You can then change the billing entity on the invoice and finalise the invoice again, which will then link the debtors' transaction to the correct billing entity.</p> <p>This is just one example of a great feature that originated from a user suggestion, and we know its making life easier for a large number of firms. So keep the feedback coming, and help us build more features you'll like into <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager">iFirm</a>.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://support.acclipse.com/acclipse_practice_manager_help_centre/setup/multiple_billing_entities">Click here to go to our online learning centre</a></p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=73 2012-06-22T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-22T00:00:00+10:00 Rhys Taylor Glenn Nelson runs Business Result Accountants in Queensland - a firm with a genuine passion to build lasting relationships with their clients.<br /> <br /> In this video Glenn explains the practicalities behind using online software (<a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm" target="_blank">iFirm</a>) within his firm, and makes it clear that adopting and mastering new technology is the one thing that sets him in good stead for the future.<br /> <br /> <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41880196" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=74 2012-06-21T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-21T00:00:00+10:00 Sofia Silva <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;">Pricing is often an uncomfortable and uncertain area to address for many businesses, and accounting firms are no exception.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">A few pressing questions that come up are</div> <ul> <li style="text-align: justify;">How do I create value for my client and communicate that value?</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">How do I make sure my price is fair for my client without impairing the profitability of my company?</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">What sort of pricing will keep me competitive in the marketplace? </li> </ul> <div style="text-align: justify;">Traditionally, accounting firms charge based on the time spent on a job. And although there has been a noticeable shift in the industry to value-based pricing, billable hours and timesheets are still the driving force for most Australasian accounting firms.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> While neither model can be objectively judged as correct or incorrect, both bring a completely different set of results for the client and the firm.<em><br /> </em></div> <div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/creating%20value%20blog%20images-02.png" style="text-align: justify; float: left; margin-top: 10px;" /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> Let's look at the conventional time-based billing model first.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> One of its advantages is that clients and accountants are used to it, which makes things simple for the firm.<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">If a client's job takes 'x' amount of time (which is easily tracked by billable time recorded in timesheets), the job costs 'x' multiplied by 'y' (where 'y' is the per hour rate). Depending on how well it was executed and communicated to the client, there is either a write-on or a write-off. Sure, there are other factors that come in to play, but let's take this as a generalisation that can be true for the most part.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">But there are some serious issues associated with this approach.<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: right;">One - when most clients are presented with their bill, they often struggle to see that price as fair (unless hourly rates are low, which then brings in another set of&nbsp;issues for the firm). Business owners often complain that they call their accountant only if they really have to, and they dread the time of the year they need to use their services as they never know what the bill is going to look like - until it is generated.<br /> <br /> </span></div> <span style="text-align: right;"> <div style="text-align: justify;">Of course there's a more delicate issue that might confront some - at its very essence, time-based pricing promotes inefficiency. The longer a job takes the more money you make - a trap that can raise questions about integrity and ethics.</div> </span> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> On the other hand, consider value based-pricing.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">It is a business strategy that can bring in many benefits that outweigh the convenience and legacy inherited around billing based on time. One of these benefits is the fact that it is based on the value a particular piece of work represents and the convenience it brings to the client.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/creating%20value%20blog%20images-01.png" style="float: right;" /><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">Another important benefit to highlight is that it promotes and rewards efficiency. The focus of the firm shifts to the efficiencies of handling client work and raising the level of service for a price that is fixed, presented and agreed upon upfront.<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">This not only gives the client a sense of standardisation in the firm's pricing, but also eliminates any unexpected surprises and a lingering sense of distrust. This approach gives you the opportunity to identify any other needs the client may have that you can assist them with.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">As a roll-on effect of implementing this strategy, some firms report that they end up bringing down the cost of compliance by becoming more efficient at it. It also helps free up resources to focus on the kind of work that matters and really helps clients run better businesses (at the same time, makes the work more profitable for the firm).&nbsp;<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">I would argue, that is what most businesses really want from their accountant - a trusted business advisor they can rely on for key advice.<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">But is this model easy to implement?&nbsp;<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">Evidently, like everything that involves change management, it doesn't come without its own hurdles.&nbsp;The first obstacle that needs overcoming is that the fact that a majority of accounting systems are designed around the traditional model, making it tricky to cater to the needs of modern accounting practices.&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">Since value-based pricing is based upon performing the client's jobs more efficiently, timesheet driven systems are inadequate to achieve the desired results.<br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">Instead, you need a system that lets you know where each job is at, allows you to manage resources and benchmark your jobs so you see your firm running as efficiently as possible and you have a complete handle on the workflow.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">It is all about the jobs, process, automation and resourcing. And this is where a system like <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm" target="_blank">iFirm</a> can assist you.<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">With the full featured <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager" target="_blank">practice management</a> module in iFirm, you can easily <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager" target="_blank">set up agreed fees or value-based pricing to increase the firm's cash flow</a>. You can simply choose the jobs you want to set up with an agreed fee or run your entire firm this way.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/creating%20value%20blog%20images-03(remake)-03.png" /><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">And once you've set up this pricing model, <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager" target="_blank">iFirm Practice Manager</a> makes it easy to bill for your work, letting you either invoice upfront for your jobs or invoice for the work as soon as the job is completed. This pricing model dramatically increases your cash flow as you don't have to wait until the job is complete to invoice and you can easily create interim invoices as you go.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm" target="_blank">Acclipse iFirm</a> does all this and so much more...<br /> <br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">What technology can't do is to make people more comfortable discussing price with clients and handling objections. However, the good news is that there are many more firms out there taking this approach, and therefore, there are a lot of resources, such as articles, videos, webinars and other types of information available to firms that want to make the switch.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">In the end, it's about change. And this change will give you a competitive advantage.&nbsp;</div> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=70 2012-06-19T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-19T00:00:00+10:00 Brad Powick One of the key benefits of <a href="http://www.acclipseweb.com/" target="_blank">iFirm Web Manager</a>, is that the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor brings Microsoft Word-like simplicity to the process of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.acclipseweb.com/content" target="_blank">editing and updating the content on your website</a> (usually a task reserved for web designers or contractors) - making it something that anyone can do.<br /> <br /> Today we're looking at how you can use this toolbar to format content according to the CSS (cascading style sheets) classes your designer built into your site (If you're not already using Web Manager to run a site that builds your firm's brand online, head over to <a href="http://www.acclipseweb.com/" target="_blank">acclipseweb.com</a>&nbsp;and check out more features).<br /> <br /> <strong>What are CSS Classes?</strong><br /> <br /> <div> When we design your website we create a set of uniform heading and font styles, or CSS Classes, that correspond with the colours and the 'look and feel' of your design (you can find a list of these styles in the Apply CSS Class drop down menu).<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/css-1.png" /></div> <br /> These styles are used for formatting main page headings, sub headings, different weights, sizes and colours of fonts. We can easily set up any style of font that your site requires.<br /> <br /> Applying these styles is extremely easy to do. Simply highlight the area of text that you wish to format, choose the desired style from the drop down list and there you have it - formatted text!<br /> <br /> Another handy feature is that if your company conducts a rebranding exercise or, for any reason you want to change the colour, size or font of a style, then we can edit it and it is instantly updated across the website, you don't have to go through page by page and update each header or block of text.<br /> <br /> <strong>Improving SEO</strong><br /> <br /> Acclipse Web Manager also has a specific set of styles set up to help aid search engine rankings. These heading styles are called "h tags". They look and are styled exactly the same as Header and sub header styles that are set up in the CSS styles list. These h tags can be used instead of the CSS styles to style your page headers if you want to help boost your page in search engine searches. Applying the h tag is done in the same way as applying a CSS style. Simply highlight the page header or sub header and select from the list as below.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/css-2.png" /></div> <div> <p>If your site was designed a couple or more years ago, the "Heading 1" option may not be styled to suit your website. If this is the case please contact us at <a href="mailto:">design@acclipse.com</a> to discuss how we can set this up for you.<br /> <br /> <strong>Overriding CSS Styles</strong><br /> <br /> You may also notice when editing in Acclipse Web Manager that the tool bar looks, and also includes text editing options, very similar to Microsoft Word.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/css-3.png" /></div> <p>It is best to use these text editing options on a one off basis for quick editing such as bolding or italicising a single word rather than using them to format entire pages of content. The reason for this is that these formatting options overwrite any CSS classes that have been applied to the content. This makes updating styles on a site wide basis difficult as any content that has been edited using the "Word" style editing options will not be updated.</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">Following this approach to editing content on your site described at the start of this post will not only ensure consistency across your site, but will save you heaps of time and effort when making major changes to several pages at once.</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">For answers to any other questions about Web Manager feel free to write to us at <a href="mailto:support@acclipse.com">support@acclipse.com</a>.</p> </div> </div> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=71 2012-06-18T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-18T00:00:00+10:00 Bob Fowler In times where increased automation and <a href="http://ibizz.com" target="_blank">cloud based accounting systems</a> are taking away the need for labour intensive compliance tasks, the role of the accountant is shifting from a distant compliance service provider to a trusted business advisor.<br /> <br /> Small and Medium businesses, irrespective of their size, need expert financial advice, even though not all can afford a full time&nbsp;CFO. Expert counsel in all money matters can be a critical factor in the success of a business. This is where the accountant's role is expanding and the repertoire of services that an accounting firm offers its clients is growing to include business advisory services.<br /> <br /> While large companies have always had a dedicated professional or a team of accounting and finance professionals, a one man company or a five person outfit may not always have a numbers person keeping a check on the accounts, or providing long term financial insight. On the other hand, in each of these cases, the business does have an on-going relationship with an accounting firm.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Old_Files/Blogs/CFO/cfoblog%20graphic-01.png" style="width: 701px; height: 406px;" /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Today, it is up to the accountant to raise their service specs a notch and offer more than just solutions to standard compliance tasks. <br /> <br /> The accountant is perfectly placed to play a CFO -&nbsp;like role for the small to medium sized business that involves monthly, bi-annual or even annual interactions. In these meetings, the accountant spends time with the clients to understand the direction in which the business needs to grow and the financial needs that need to be fulfilled to achieve it. Hence the accountant grows into this participatory role of providing solid business advice - a consulting Chief Financial Officer, if you will.<br /> <br /> This consulting role is very easily facilitated with modern accounting practice software like <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm" target="_blank">iFirm</a>. It frees up an accountant's time through the automation and systemisation of tasks, allowing them to get out and visit their clients on a more regular basis. It also allows accountants to stay connected with their firms, irrespective of their location, so whenever the accountant is on-site with a client, who may be availing of business advisory services, all accounting documents related to the client are at their fingertips - on their <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/mobile" target="_blank">iPad</a>, laptop, or by simply logging in on their client's computer.<br /> <br /> This shift from traditional compliance services to a more collaborative, involved and participatory&nbsp;CFO-like role of the accountant is happening now. And online accounting software like <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm" target="_blank">iFirm</a> is making it happen. <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=69 2012-06-15T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-15T00:00:00+10:00 Achan Bedi As part of my regular conversations with Acclipse users on how they're enjoying our products, I spoke with some of the staff at Paul Duggan &amp; Associates in Christchurch.<br /> <br /> Paul Duggan (Director) and Leslie McAuley (Practice Manager) talked me through their experience of <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm" target="_blank">running their firm's&nbsp;practice management and compliance system entirely in the cloud</a>&nbsp;(They also use our <a href="http://acclipseweb.com" target="_blank">website management &amp; e-marketing</a> product, but that's another conversation), and&nbsp;how it's helped them increase both the productivity and capacity of their team.<br /> <br /> Watch the brief video interview with Paul and Leslie below.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/43432540" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0"></iframe> <p><br /> </p> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=68 2012-06-13T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-13T00:00:00+10:00 Carl McOnie <p>As part of our ongoing commitment to help our users get the most from their Acclipse products, we're running a series of webinars at the end of the month to provide answers to some commonly asked questions and share examples of best practices.</p> <p>These sessions will be ideal for new and experienced users alike.</p> <p>If you've yet to make the move to iFirm, or are still struggling to find an effective document management solution for your firm, get in touch with us to find out more.</p> <br /> <p><a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/867950121"><strong>Invoicing in iFirm Practice Manager</strong></a><strong></strong></p> <p>In this webinar you will learn about quick and efficient invoicing in iFirm Practice Manager, and how to really streamline the process within your firm. </p> <p>We'll cover common topics such as managing interim invoicing and fixed price agreements, as well as questions relating to re-invoicing a job and Xero integration.</p> <p>This one hour webinar will take place on Thursday <a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/867950121">June 28^th at 1pm (NZST) and the cost is $120 + GST</a> per firm. </p> <p><a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/867950121">Click here to register now</a><br /> <br /> </p> <p><a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/382820529"><strong>Improving team efficiency with Acclipse Document Manager</strong></a><strong></strong></p> <p>Are you getting the most out of Acclipse Document Manager?</p> <p>Document Manager is a powerful, integrated database solution&nbsp;designed to introduce a number of useful shortcuts and functions that improve team efficiency and streamline your workflow.</p> <p>This session aims to help new users, and serve as a refresher for existing users, to take advantage of these features.</p> <p>This one hour webinar will take place on Thursday <a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/382820529">June 28^th, 3 pm - 4 pm (NZST) and the cost is $120.00 + GST</a> per firm.</p> <p><a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/382820529">Click here to register now</a></p> <p>For users who are keen to attend one of the above sessions, but do not find this time suitable, register anyway, and you will receive a recording of the webinar which can be viewed at a more convenient time.<br /> <br /> </p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=67 2012-06-08T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-08T00:00:00+10:00 Carl McOnie <p style="line-height: 12pt;">We frequently use live webinars as our first choice of end user training tools, however this time we're offering <a href="http://support.acclipse.com/ifirm_intranet_-_learning_centre/videos/intranet_overview">a short 5 minute</a> instructional video to help users of the browser based version of Acclipse iFirm Intranet get started.</p> <p> </p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">This video also serves an introduction to the News Editor and the Intranet Administrator roles, and team members will get a feel for how they can develop and customise their own Intranet solution.</p> <p> </p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">We hope you enjoy this new way of learning how to use your iFirm products.<br /> <br /> </p> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=66 2012-06-07T00:00:00+10:00 2012-06-07T00:00:00+10:00 Carl McOnie <p style="line-height: 12pt;">At Acclipse, the one thing we value most is our relationship with our clients and always listening in to their feedback and enhancement requests. We're constantly organising training sessions on specific requested topics.</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">Recently we arranged a highly subscribed webinar for Acclipse Tax users and close to a hundred firms across New Zealand joined us to hear more about new learning resources and restructured training webinars.</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">These learning resources were created in response to the feedback and enhancement requests we've received recently. The support team and the product manager collaborated to identify and document key processes in Acclipse tax and have published it in the new Tax Workflows link in the Learning Centre.</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">Acclipse Tax users can use the new workflows to define or refine their tax processes as well as define roles and responsibilities in their firm. We've created a number of printable charts to help with the more complicated processes such as the Assessments workflow and the Provisional tax calculations chart.</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">We have also refined the training webinars and the first one covers the setup in the system and daily tax administration while the second one focusses on the payments process. Both the webinars are about 90 minutes long and the key functionalities are demonstrated using relevant and current demo data.</p> <p style="line-height: 12pt;">If you're an Acclipse Tax user and missed out on this webinar, get in touch with as at <a href="mailto:training@acclipse.co.nz">training@acclipse.co.nz</a> and we can send over a recording of this webinar, or arrange one especially for you.<br /> <br /> </p> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=63 2012-05-22T00:00:00+10:00 2012-05-22T00:00:00+10:00 Carl McOnie Real-time and up to date Capacity Planning has finally arrived.&nbsp; Together with recurring jobs and resource allocations you can monitor current and future jobs allocations in your firm with ease.&nbsp; There are many innovative features that make allocating and spreading the workload in your firm more efficient and more reliable. Visit the <a target="_blank" href="http://support.acclipse.com/acclipse_practice_manager_help_centre/jobs/capacity_planning">Learning Centre</a> to find out more.<br /> <br /> <iframe width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41379830"></iframe> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=65 2012-05-15T00:00:00+10:00 2012-05-15T00:00:00+10:00 Rhys Taylor <p style="text-align: justify;">At Acclipse, we share an on-going and intimate relationship with our clients and partners. Recently, I met with a number of accounting firm owners who are running their businesses on iFirm, to gather feedback and to understand how we can serve them better. I asked a number of them about their experience of moving their IT operations to the cloud and how they are reaping the benefits of the move. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This video is the first in a series of conversations with accounting firm owners about iFirm, the Cloud and how it has changed the way they do business. Today, we have Tim Munro, Director of Change Accountants, Brisbane sharing with us what led him to online software, the real benefits of the cloud in the day to day functions of the firm and how his staff embraced it and have taken the business to the next level.</p> Watch the short video below (2:20).<br /> <br /> <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41879505" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=62 2012-05-14T00:00:00+10:00 2012-05-14T00:00:00+10:00 Carl McOnie <p>In Acclipse Client Accounting, ledgers are always based on a Master Chart. Whether you create a new ledger, or import one from MYOB AO, you will be asked to select a Master Chart. The available master charts depend on the entity type of the client.</p> <p>The Master Chart contains pre-defined account codes, relevant to the entity type, for example <em>Full Reporting Company â€" FRS</em>. This structure means that you never need to copy the ledger of another client. You simply create a new ledger based on the Master Chart you require.</p> <p>The Master Charts are standardised and locked to match the supplied Master Reports.</p> <p>Once the ledger is created, you can make customisations to the accounts by viewing and editing the accounts on the Chart tab.</p> <p>Learn more about:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://support.acclipse.com/client-accounting/chart/master_chart">Master Charts</a></li> <li><a href="http://support.acclipse.com/client-accounting/chart/view_account">View or Edit Accounts in a Ledger</a></li> <li><a href="http://support.acclipse.com/client-accounting/add_ledger/setting_up_clients">Setting up clients</a></li> <li><a href="http://support.acclipse.com/client-accounting/add_ledger/create_new_ledger">Creating a new ledger</a></li> <li><a href="http://support.acclipse.com/client-accounting/add_ledger/import_ledger_from_myob">Importing a ledger from MYOB AO</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://support.acclipse.com/client-accounting/add_ledger/import_ledger_from_myob"></a></p> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=57 2012-05-07T00:00:00+10:00 2012-05-07T00:00:00+10:00 Carl McOnie <p>There have also been some major enhancements made to Capacity Planning</p> <ul> <li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">so you can now see your capacity in real time,</span></li> <li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">include all jobs, including recurring jobs (provided the jobs have a target end date and have resource allocated)</span></li> <li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">and set up capacity plans for multiple years.</span></li> </ul> <p>Watch the video and&nbsp;<a href="http://support.acclipse.com/ifirm/release12.02" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to learn more.</p> <br /> <br /> <iframe width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37488085?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0"></iframe> <br /> <em>We will be running a free 45 min webinar on Reoccurring Jobs and Capacity Planning on Friday the 2nd March at 1300 - 1345 (NZDT) <a href="https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/774563984" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to register.</em> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=64 2012-05-04T00:00:00+10:00 2012-05-04T00:00:00+10:00 Carl McOnie <p>The latest release of iFirm sees the introduction of a new feature allowing users to customise their own 901 letter templates. <br /> <br /> This solves the headache of trying to line up your templates with IRD pre-printed stationery,<wbr style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"></wbr> as well as providing the flexibility to make simple changes to the wording of your letters. <br /> <br /> The video below is the first in a series we'll be producing,<wbr style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"></wbr> and demonstrates how the editing tool works in one of the most common scenarios an accounting firm faces: receiving new 901 letter stationery from the IRD.&nbsp;</p> <iframe width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41377970?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;color=c9ff23"></iframe> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=58 2012-03-13T00:00:00+11:00 2012-03-13T00:00:00+11:00 Mike Chisholm <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> It's been a long held dream of mine to deliver a real 'collaborative accounting' solution that truly <strong>empowers accounting business success</strong>.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> Many of you will be aware that through the years of CA-Systems and Acclipse I've attempted to deliver this through partnerships with several business accounting product suppliers.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> Today I'm thrilled to announce <strong><a href="http://ibizz.com">iBizz</a>&nbsp;(</strong>a full online accounting product) and let you know that <a href="http://www.ibizz.com/about"><strong>we've formed a business alliance with BankLink</strong></a> to deliver it to you.</p> <ul> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> Acclipse purchased iBizz recently from a company that created the product over the past 5 years, spending tens of thousands of hours in development.</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> iBizz is&nbsp;fully featured; including automatic bank feeds,&nbsp;quotes, invoicing, payables &amp; receivables, contacts, BAS and reporting. It's a mature and proven product.</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> iBizz&nbsp;is being delivered with the security&nbsp;and reliablity of&nbsp;BankLink feeds.</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> The sign-up process for iBizz will be included as part of the same sign-up process you currently enjoy with BankLink.</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> <strong>iBizz is ONLY available through accounting firms,</strong> just as BankLink is.&nbsp;</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> <strong>iBizz is being launched for a game changing price of $5 per month</strong>, plus BankLink data fees.</li> </ul> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> The teams in Acclipse and BankLink are working as fast as possible to integrate the daily BankLink feeds, and to fine-tune the processes for ordering the product.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;">I expect BankLink users will now be able to offer up to 80% of their clients an accounting solution that fits their needs, at a price both they and their clients will really appreciate.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> At Acclipse we're really enthusiastic about the opportunity this brings to deliver a fully integrated practice and client solution (<strong><a href="http://www.ibizz.com/about">iFirm &amp; iBizz</a></strong>) which really does meet our mission of empowering accounting business success.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px;"> <strong><a href="http://www.ibizz.com/files/docs/ibizz%20launch%20press%20release.pdf">Click here</a></strong> to read the official media release, or visit the <a href="http://www.ibizz.com"><strong>www.ibizz.com</strong></a> website for more detailed information, and to register your interest.</p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=55 2012-02-23T00:00:00+11:00 2012-02-23T00:00:00+11:00 Matt Wilkinson <p>With over 1000 accounting firm websites under our belt, our Web Team know a thing or two about generating publicity for your business online - and any of you who have been through our design process will know this.</p> <p>As well as a thorough research and design procedure, we provide several additional services to enhance your site's value:</p> <ul> <li>Blogs</li> <li>Surveys</li> <li>eMarketing modules</li> <li>Secure client login areas</li> </ul> <p>Our latest offering is designed to make your site even more effective - by optimising it for handheld mobile devices so clients and prospects can find you, and get hold of you, when they're on the go.</p> <blockquote> <p>By 2013, more people will use their mobile phones than PCs to get online.</p> </blockquote> <p>If you find this hard to believe,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.howtogomo.com/en/#why-go-mo" target="_blank">see the reports</a> compiled by Google, Cisco &amp; Gartner - some of the biggest players in the research arena.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acclipse.com/getmobile" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://f.cl.ly/items/3e3X3E0s1j1E3p3K0t1l/Screen%2520Shot%25202012-02-22%2520at%25204.45.png" /></a></p> <p>Mobile is a relatively recent movement, and not until lately has it become viable to offer it without spending thousands developing a custom solution.</p> <p>We've been hard at work behind the scenes to develop a process that makes owning and maintaining a fully customisable mobile site - and now it's ready.</p> <p>This means you get:</p> <ul> <li>A site designed for small screens, that can be saved like an app on your iPhone or other device</li> <li>A mobile-friendly layout, that provides a one click button to call you and gives GPS directions to your office</li> <li>A custom branded site, that matches the theme of your main design</li> <li>Google analytics, to show how many local searches you're appearing in</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.acclipse.com/getmobile" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://f.cl.ly/items/0W0G2x1c423P2s433q01/Screen%2520Shot%25202012-02-23%2520at%25208.45.png" /></a></p> <p>Find out more, and get your own mobile site, over at <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/getmobile" target="_blank">acclipse.com/getmobile</a></p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=54 2012-02-22T00:00:00+11:00 2012-02-22T00:00:00+11:00 Rhys Taylor Today marks the first anniversary of the earthquake that hit Christchurch&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Christchurch_earthquake" target="_blank" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: #ffffff;">12:51&nbsp;pm</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, 22 February 2011.<br /> <p> I know for many of our Christchurch-based staff, clients and other members of the wider Acclipse community this is an important day of reflection, and a significant milestone in the recovery journey.</p> <p>The people and businesses of Christchurch have shown incredible&nbsp;resilience&nbsp;over the past 12 months - weathering the constant barrage of aftershocks, and dealing with the uncertainly they bring.</p> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center"> <p>As the hour nears, our thoughts go out to those in/from <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Christchurch">#Christchurch</a>, and our thanks to all who stood in support. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523eqnz">#eqnz</a></p> - Acclipse (@acclipse) <a href="https://twitter.com/acclipse/status/172105681304944642" data-datetime="2012-02-21T23:49:26+00:00">February 21, 2012</a></blockquote><br /> The support from those outside the city has been overwhelming. Our staff have been inundated with kind messages, offers of hospitality and other gestures that have made this time all the more bearable.<br /> <br /> Christchurch is an incredible city, and we here at Acclipse are committed to being part of the rebuild. To those who offered your support, once again, a thank you from all of us here - and to the people of Christchurch, we're proud to be standing side by side with you. <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=53 2012-02-20T00:00:00+11:00 2012-02-20T00:00:00+11:00 Carl McOnie With the increased number of events and webinars our team has been running lately, it was no surprise when attendees started asking, 'Will this count toward my CPD?'<br /> <br /> Our answer is plain and simple, 'Yes!'.<br /> <br /> After discussions with <a href="http://nzica.com/" target="_blank">NZICA</a>, we can confirm that all Acclipse training sessions count as verifiable Continuing Professional Development hours.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/verifiable-cpd-hours.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 142px;" /></div> <br /> So, if you're looking at your log book and thinking it's a bit bare, we recommend you fill in the blanks with the latest webinars you took part in.<br /> <br /> Don't worry, if you're a little hazy on the details - we have everything documented at our end, so just let us know (<a href="mailto:training@acclipse.com">training@acclipse.com</a>), and we'll fill you in.<br /> <br /> Of course, if you still need a few more hours before the clock ticks over, <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training" target="_blank">why not register for one of the upcoming courses</a>, or get in touch to arrange a customised refresher.<br /> <br /> We're continually running events for new users and administrators, which let you join our product experts in an online training session, focussed on getting the most out of your software.<br /> <ul> <li>To find out more, or to register for an Acclipse iFirm event, click <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training/ifirm_intro" target="_blank">here</a></li> <li>To find out more, or to register for an Acclipse Practice Manager event, click <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training/practice-manager" target="_blank">here</a></li> <li>To find out more, or to register for an Acclipse Document Manager event, click <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training/document-manager" target="_blank">here</a></li> <li>To find out more, or to register for an Acclipse Web Manager event, click <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training/web-manager" target="_blank">here</a></li> <li>To find out more, or to register for an Acclipse Tax &nbsp;event, click <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training/tax" target="_blank">here</a></li> </ul> &nbsp;<div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=52 2012-02-17T00:00:00+11:00 2012-02-17T00:00:00+11:00 Carl McOnie A couple of weeks ago our training team hosted a series of additional webinars for iFirm Practice Manager and Acclipse Web Manager users - the turnout, and feedback following online sessions like these, has been great over the past few months.<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center"> <p>Must say, the @<a href="https://twitter.com/acclipse">acclipse</a> trainings are top notch! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523aheadofthegame">#aheadofthegame</a></p> - Tyler J. Wise (@wisetyler) <a data-datetime="2011-11-28T02:21:43+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/wisetyler/status/140978646201548800">November 28, 2011</a></blockquote> <br /> A big thanks must go out to all who attended - we love putting together these additional events that help you and your firm get the most out of the systems you're using.<br /> <br /> <strong>Practice Manager</strong><br /> <br /> Over 80 firms from across New Zealand and Australia participated in a live discussion focussed on reviewing past performance, and setting up for a successful new year.<br /> <p>The conversation covered <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager" target="_blank">many topics</a> - with special focus on resource allocations, budgets and fees, employee billable time, and annual accounts jobs.</p> <p>Our team also used the session to highlight some key reports in the system, provide an overview of our new and improved capacity planning module, and concluded with a sneak preview of the next release. <br /> <br /> <strong> Web Manager<br /> <br /> </strong>In our discussions with accounting firms, we often find that maintaining the company website is a task that 1) isn't assigned to anyone, or 2) drops off the radar altogether. That is, until we sit down and discuss the importance of growing a strong brand presence online, as doing so is one of the easiest ways to attract new clients.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/web-manager" target="_blank">Web Manager has an excellent feature set</a> designed to make the process of keeping your website up-to-date as simple as possible; including blog posts, email campaigns, and standard web pages.<br /> <br /> For those who joined us in the webinar - we hope the session gave you a better understanding of how you can use each of these mediums to your advantage, and that you can see how a little effort on the part of your website administrator can result in a site that really stands out from the crowd.<br /> <br /> We're looking forward to the next lot of these events. Stay tuned to the blog, or <a href="http://twitter.com/acclipse" target="_blank">keep an eye out on Twitter</a> for details.<br /> <br /> For those who missed these ones, recordings are available. Please contact <a href="mailto:training@acclipse.com">training@acclipse.com</a>&nbsp;for more information.</p> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=50 2012-02-15T00:00:00+11:00 2012-02-15T00:00:00+11:00 Lionel Kemp <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lionel-kemp/6/459/403" target="_blank"><img alt="" style="width: 150px; height: 180px; float: right; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 8px;" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/LJK-Profile-Photo.jpg" /></a>Hi. I'm&nbsp;<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lionel-kemp/6/459/403" target="_blank">Lionel Kemp</a> and I've recently joined Acclipse as a Solution Manager for NSW.<br /> <br /> I excited to become part of the Acclipse team, as I believe we're at the tipping point of a once-in-a-generation change in the way things are done within both firms and with clients, and Acclipse is leading the way.<br /> <br /> <strong> More about me</strong><br /> <br /> With 15 years experience working with some of the leading suppliers to accounting firms, and having spent time working in a firm myself, I chose to jump back into what I am passionate about; serving accounting firms and the teams that serve them to help them reach their goals and aspirations.<br /> <br /> Simply put my goal is to make a difference with the clients I'm working with.<br /> <br /> <strong> Why I chose Acclipse</strong><br /> <br /> There have been a lot of discussions on the new cloud and mobile platforms for years but now that time is upon us, and Acclipse is the only cloud based solution built with accountants in mind. <br /> <br /> I believe it is a revolutionary time to be working with firms on innovative, integrated, efficient and lower cost systems - so I am looking forward to working with firms to gain the benefits of the cloud.<br /> <br /> To those of you in NSW, I look forward to catching up with you soon.<br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=47 2012-02-03T00:00:00+11:00 2012-02-03T00:00:00+11:00 Carl McOnie You can now track job responsibilities; watch this short video to learn more. <br /> <br /> <iframe width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35534237?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;color=01AAEA"></iframe> <br /> <br /> Find out more about how Practice Manager fits into iFirm <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager" target="_blank">here</a>. http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=49 2012-02-02T00:00:00+11:00 2012-02-02T00:00:00+11:00 Mike Chisholm &nbsp;<br /> Today I'm excited to announce another link in the chain towards providing accountants with the most versatile online software solution.<br /> <br /> New Zealand's leading online payroll provider, <strong><a href="http://www.smartpayroll.co.nz/" target="_blank">SmartPayroll</a>, </strong>has<strong> partnered exclusively with Acclipse to provide every accounting firm in New Zealand with a free version of their service</strong>.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/smartpayroll-and-ifirm-integration.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></div> When we roll this out to users, it will make managing the pay cycle easier for all accountants using iFirm. Of course specific permissions can be set, so that only the necessary staff have access to this.<br /> <br /> iFirm users will also be able to manage their clients' pay (if they are authorised) directly from within iFirm, with plans further down the track to enable easy account creation for clients.<br /> <br /> The best part about this integration, is that it requires absolutely no additional effort on the accountants' part, as the pay info for each team member is entered when your iFirm site is set-up for users - and, for those using another payroll system, SmartPayroll will handle the conversion for you as part of their usual customer service.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/smart-payroll-in-firm-menu-small.png" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></div> <br /> I'm really excited about this new offering, and equally so about working alongside the SmartPayroll team - who share a similar vision. Asantha Wijeyeratne, CEO of SmartPayroll says, <em>'we're excited to be part of the iFirm offering to accounting firms in New Zealand. We see this opportunity to partner with Acclipse, a key player committed to empowering accountants, as a logical extension of our business. We’ve been working at developing and strengthening our relationships with accounting firms around the country and this is a logical forward step to provide a better, more versatile online solution for them and their clients. I’m confident that this initiative will certainly connect more dots between accountants and the SME marketplace'.</em><br /> <br /> For too long accountants in New Zealand have had to deal with desktop software and separate vendors (and systems) that don't talk to each other - or if they have made the move to online software, it's simply been to a spaghetti tin of separate vendors, account logins, and multiple browser windows. Sure, they've got themselves online; but they're not realising the true benefits that the cloud can bring.<br /> <br /> Fixing this, and streamlining the flow of data from client to accountant to Inland Revenue, and back, has been my motivation behind developing iFirm.<br /> <br /> It's not just about the flexibility and security of online software, it's about software that is designed from the ground up to be fundamentally better; to simplify capacity planning, to make managing your workflow easier, to automate the tax process, to provide you with an accurate set of reports - faster, easier and smarter.<br /> <br /> But this alone isn't enough.<br /> <br /> The core iFirm modules (Contacts, Practice Manager, Tax, Client Accounting &amp; Fixed Assets, Intranet and Web Manager) provide accounting firms with all the tools they need for their compliance work, and more - and that's just the beginning.<br /> <br /> We know you'll never have all your clients running on the same accounting software (and nor should you) - which is why our General Ledger product supports connections to BankLink, Saasu and Xero. This means instead of worrying about your workflow (the direct integration to iFirm takes care of this), you can focus on what's best for your client.&nbsp;We've even made it easy for firms running MYOB AO to import their ledger files into iFirm with just a few clicks of a button.<br /> <br /> I respect your role as a trusted advisor... you've spent a long time establishing it. Don't risk your reputation by being locked into one system. We've designed iFirm to play nicely with several other great products, and will continue to add more as the platform grows.<br /> <br /> If you're keen to find out more about iFirm, and what it can do for your practice, <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/events/roadshows" target="_blank">join us at one of our free roadshow events</a> throughout February.<br /> <br /> SmartPayroll are also running a series of events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch - you can <a href="http://www.smartpayroll.co.nz/free-payroll-courses-%E2%80%93-feb-march/" target="_blank">register for those here</a>. <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=48 2012-01-26T00:00:00+11:00 2012-01-26T00:00:00+11:00 Carl McOnie <p style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; line-height: 15.75pt;">Just a quick reminder about our Acclipse Special Training Events coming up in Feb - we hope you can join us.</p> <strong>Practice Manager - Get Ready for 2012</strong><br /> This training session focuses on reviewing your performance in 2011. Then based on that review, set up resource allocations, budgets and jobs to achieve the best possible outcomes for 2012.<br /> Who should attend<strong> - </strong>Work Flow Managers, Managers and Partners.<br /> Date<strong> </strong>- 8^th February 3:00 pm <em>NZDT</em><br /> <strong><br /> Web Manager - Best Practice </strong><br /> This training session&nbsp;focuses on best practice tips for updating website content. This will include: blog, e-newletters and optimising your site for search engines.<br /> Who should attend - Anyone in your firm who updates content on your website and has&nbsp;previously attended the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training/web-manager">Content Manager Essential training.</a><br /> Date - 3^rd February 3:00 pm <em>NZDT</em><br /> <br /> To learn more about these events or to register <strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/training/additional_training">click here</a></strong> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=45 2012-01-18T00:00:00+11:00 2012-01-18T00:00:00+11:00 Sofia Silva Our team are hitting the road in February, with a series of <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/events/roadshows">free roadshow events</a>&nbsp;being held in 24 locations across the country.<br /> <br /> We've been hard at work over the last few months preparing our General Ledger module of iFirm for release, and we're pleased to say it's here!<br /> <br /> With this complete - we're now able to demonstate that iFirm is a complete alternative to your old desktop software and that running your firm online, without depending on expensive servers or tedious software updates, is now a reality.<br /> <br /> If the concept of cloud software is new to you, <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/about/cloud">read our points</a> on why it's the way of the future, or alternatively come along to the roadshow and experience it first hand.<br /> <br /> To find an event near you and register, click&nbsp;<a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/events/roadshows">here</a>. http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=44 2011-12-21T00:00:00+11:00 2011-12-21T00:00:00+11:00 Carl McOnie You can now customise the templates for your invoices and statements in Acclipse Practice Manager.<br /> <br /> <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/34000180?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;color=01AAEA" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /> <br /> Find out more about how Practice Manager fits into iFirm <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager" target="_blank">here</a>. http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=41 2011-11-28T00:00:00+11:00 2011-11-28T00:00:00+11:00 Ben Haarmann Next week our team hits the road, putting on a series of free events for accountants in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.<br /> <br /> We're looking forward to catching up with those of you haven't seen for a while, before you disperse for the Christmas and New Year break.<br /> <br /> The main focus of these sessions will be discussion around the launch of our all-new <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/client-accounting" target="_blank">General Ledger</a> module, as well as showcasing our online <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/intranet" target="_blank">Intranet</a> product.<br /> <br /> We'll be giving an overview of the key features of each of these products, and explaining how they fit together alongside our <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/practice-manager" target="_blank">Practice Management</a> and <a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/products_for_accountants/ifirm/tax" target="_blank">Tax</a> modules within iFirm.<br /> <br /> This is a great opportunity for current and prospective iFirm users to find out the latest developments in the product, as well as a sneak peak of the direction it's heading.<br /> <br /> The details of the events are as follows:<br /> <br /> <strong>The George, Christchurch</strong><br /> Monday 5th December, 8:30am - 10:30am<br /> <br /> <strong>NZICA, Wellington</strong><br /> Tuesday 6th December, 8:30 - 10:30am<br /> <br /> <strong>North Harbour Stadium, Albany</strong><br /> Wednesday 7th December, 8:30am - 10:30am<br /> <br /> <strong> Alexandra Park, Epsom</strong><br /> Wednesday 7th December, 3:00pm - 5:00pm<br /> <br /> If you'd like to join us, you can register online&nbsp;<a href="http://www.acclipse.co.nz/more/events/roadshows" target="_blank">here</a>. http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=38 2011-10-19T00:00:00+11:00 2011-10-19T00:00:00+11:00 Damon Bree <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/web-manager-munro.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 217px; float: right;" />It's always great to wrap up a conversation with a client and hear that our products are making a positive difference to their firm.<br /> <br /> I recently caught up with <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jennie-fitzgerald/39/18/7b3" target="_blank">Jennie</a> from <a href="http://www.munro.com.au/" target="_blank">Munro Accountants</a> in the Gold Coast, to see what she thought of their recent website redesign in Web Manager.<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. Before this new website went live, what sort of approach did you take to the internet, and maintaining a web presence?</strong><br /> <br /> A. Being online has always played a part of our firm's marketing plan. It's where people are looking for information these days.<br /> <br /> We've had a site designed by Acclipse (but using different software) for the last 6 years.<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. What prompted the redesign of your site, and the move to Web Manager? </strong><br /> <br /> A. When we found out about the new features Web Manager could offer we were keen to subscribe to some of these features as we could see they would enhance our presence on the net.<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. The process of building a website can be daunting to some - how did you find it working with your Account Manager and Designer?</strong><br /> <br /> A. We've always got on well with the design team - a great relationship. I'm fairly web-savvy and know what I want, but am happy to leave the back-end to the experts.<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. Is there a feature of Web Manager that you like most?</strong><br /> <br /> A. The e-marketing module, ease of setting up new pages, WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor just like Microsoft Word, social media integration... everything.<br /> <br /> I can track our direct hits off Google too, so I know how people are finding us. I also love the SEO (search engine optimisation) tools!<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. What do you think of the design?</strong><br /> <br /> A. We love the site design! It's very unique. We did the layout and used our corporate colours and images but the water background and functionality was from Acclipse and it looks great! We've got a consistent beach theme, and with it a point of difference. We spent time looking at lots of other sites as examples of what we wanted, and were thrilled to have something of our own. It's been a great to help build brand credibility too.<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. Have you seen an increase in site hits and enquiries?</strong><br /> <br /> A. Yes! It's great to be able to track these through the analytics dashboard, and we can see that most come straight off search engine optimisation that we manage ourselves through Web Manager.<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. What do you think of the e-marketing tool?</strong><br /> <br /> It's great. We publicise all our seminars and events through e-newsletters and send out regular e-bulletins. It's a really effective way to get our message out to a large pool of people. It's also a great way to monitor relationships with clients. <br /> <br /> <strong> Q. Do you use the Secure Client areas?</strong><br /> <br /> A. Secure Client Areas are another way we're able to communicate with clients - sharing their reports, files and even letting us put promotional material about new services or events right in front of them. Our clients really appreciate this feature and it reduces our carbon footprint.<br /> <br /> <strong> Q. Overall, how do you feel about your Web Manager site, and how it is helping build a stronger brand for your firm?</strong><br /> <br /> A. The new website has been a great success because it embodies our slogan 'More than just Accountants'. It shows to the world that we are a web savvy company, and with the translation facility, also shows we cater to international businesses.<br /> <br /> It has many features appealing to a younger tech-savvy market such as the Social Media section, The M Zone, and is now multi-dimensional and multi-sensory and encourages participation from the visitor.,, The website is very flexible and easy for us to change and we have built a very strong brand due to the wonderful Acclipse support and development team.<br /><br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=39 2011-10-05T00:00:00+11:00 2011-10-05T00:00:00+11:00 Mike Chisholm A few months ago I met with around 100 accounting firms at some events we were running to present Acclipse iFirm. I asked the audience "who would like to have access to their client or contact database on their phone without needing to update the phone contact list?" How many hands were raised? Hopefully you guessed it as I did - 100%!<br /> <br /> I was amazed that the incumbent suppliers had seemed to get so out of touch with their users and what they wanted.<br /> <br /> Why hadn't they delivered this?<br /> <br /> Well we have and it's here now.<br /> <br /> We've developed a version of iFirm that is optimised for small devices, and makes it easy to pull up your contact records while you're on the way to that out-of-the-way meeting location. <br /> <br /> Accessing the app is simple - simply type your firm's unique URL (eg. smithjones.acclipse.com) into the address bar of your device's web browser, and log in using the same details you use to access iFirm at your desk. <br /> <br /> The screenshots below show the app as it appears on an iPhone... but, because this is a web app (runs online) as opposed to a native app (downloaded from the app store) it will work on your Android, Blackberry, or Windows Phone 7, as well as several recent Nokia and Palm devices. If you're using a device other than the ones listed above, feel free to try it out too - we'd love to hear your feedback.<br /> <br /> PS: Of course this is only the beginning. Our next release will include debtor balances!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/iPhone%20app%202.png" style="width: 200px; height: 300px;" /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/iPhone%20app%203.png" style="width: 200px; height: 300px;" /> <img alt="" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/iPhone%20app%204.png" style="width: 200px; height: 300px;" /> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a> http://blog.cchifirm.com/acclipse_blog?post=29 2011-07-25T00:00:00+10:00 2011-07-25T00:00:00+10:00 Rhys Taylor Prominent industry consultant Rob Nixon wrapped up his Australian &amp; New Zealand G.R.O.W.T.H tour yesterday, with a free event in Christchurch for all those affected by the recent earthquakes.<br /> <br /> I spent the day with his team, and it was great to see so many Acclipse customers amongst the attendees.<br /> <br /> It was an intensive seminar that challenged accountants to rethink their Practice model, and to identify and overcome the obstacles that are limiting their business potential.<br /> <br /> The G.R.O.W.T.H acrostic sums up Rob's message:<br /> <br /> Grow your revenue &amp; profit<br /> Reap the results you deserve<br /> Opportunities for your clients<br /> Win new business<br /> Tactics that work<br /> Happiness with less hours<br /> <br /> It was good to catch up with Acclipse users at the end of the day, and hear their excitement at how they would begin to implement Rob's ideas.<br /> <br /> I could almost hear the penny drop when people realised software like Acclipse Practice Manager is designed to help you run a more efficient firm, and make revolutionary changes like Rob was suggesting possible.<br /> <br /> It wasn't all work though, and we did manage to get outside to make the most of the rapidly disappearing snow!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" style="width: 680px; height: 454px; vertical-align: middle;" src="http://blog.cchifirm.com/files/images/content/Post%20Images/growthchc.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */ var disqus_shortname = 'cchifirmblog'; // required: replace example with your forum shortname /* * * DON'T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */ (function() { var dsq = document.createElement('script'); dsq.type = 'text/javascript'; dsq.async = true; dsq.src = '//' + disqus_shortname + '.disqus.com/embed.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(dsq); })(); </script> <noscript>Please enable JavaScript to view the <a href="http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript">comments powered by Disqus.</a></noscript> <a href="http://disqus.com" class="dsq-brlink">comments powered by <span class="logo-disqus">Disqus</span></a>