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Future-Proof Your Finance Beyond Exchequer

With Exchequer now in extended support and development ceased, UK businesses face a critical decision. 
This guide evaluates Exchequer vs Access Financials to help you choose a modern alternative that delivers everything you loved about Exchequer, plus the cloud capability and ongoing innovation your business needs.

6 minutes

Written by Steve Thomas, Finance Software and Systems Specialist.

Trusted by 1000s of finance leaders in the UK

Why Access Financials is the natural progression from Exchequer

1. Actively Developed, Not Just Maintained

Access Financials receives continuous investment in new features, integrations, and improvements. Regular updates keep you ahead of regulatory changes and business needs. 
Exchequer now only receives essential maintenance and security patches.

2. True Cloud Architecture

Our software was built for the cloud from day one. You can access it anywhere, scale instantly, and get automatic updates. No more server management or version upgrades. Exchequer requires on-premise infrastructure or basic hosting that doesn't deliver true cloud benefits.

3. Modern Integration Capabilities

Open APIs and pre-built connectors to CRM, e-commerce, and business intelligence platforms. Real-time data flow across your entire tech stack easily. Access Financials includes integrated payroll and HR capabilities, ensuring your people data and financial data work together without complex integration projects.

4. UK-Based Support Team

Our 250+ UK specialists provide comprehensive support via phone and email. Deep expertise in UK finance, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.

Access Financials vs QuickBooks: The Real Differences

Features:
Access Financials
Exchequer
Core Capabilities
Development Status
✔ Actively developed
⚠️ Extended support only
Deployment Options
✔ True cloud SaaS
⚠️ On-premise/hosted
Multi-Company
✔ Unlimited with consolidation
✔ Available but complex
Reporting Tools
✔ Real-time dashboards & Excel
✔ Visual Report Writer/Excel
Workflow Approvals
✔ Sophisticated multi-level
✔ Basic workflows
Payroll solution
✔ Owned
⚠️ Third-party
Automatic Updates
✔ Seamless, no downtime
✘ Manual upgrades required
API Connectivity
✔ Modern REST APIs
⚠️ Limited, ageing interfaces
Implementation & Support
Product Roadmap
✔ Active development
✘ No new features
Regulatory Updates
✔ Automatic compliance
⚠️ Essential updates only
Partner Ecosystem
✔ Modern cloud integrations
⚠️ Traditional integration methods
Training Resources
✔ Continuously updated
⚠️ Static documentation
Support Investment
✔ Full product support
⚠️ Extended support only
Migration & Costs
Migration Path
✔ Proven from Exchequer
N/A
Data Transfer
✔ Full history preserved
N/A
Training Required
Familiar concepts, modern interface
Existing knowledge
Total Cost of Ownership
Predictable cloud subscription
Rising infrastructure costs
Reviews & Reputation
Current Satisfaction
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Growing
⭐⭐⭐ Declining
Implementation Experience
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well-supported
⭐⭐ Limited new implementations
Future Confidence
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ High
⭐⭐ Uncertainty

Implementation: Managed Migration vs Figure It Out Yourself

Access Financials provides comprehensive data migration services. Our team works with you to understand your current workflows and reporting requirements.Our methodology preserves your chart of accounts, transaction history, and reporting structures. 

Advanced provides extended support for Exchequer but does not offer migration services. Third-party specialists can extract data from Exchequer using tools that convert proprietary formats into standard SQL for import to new systems.

Investment: Cloud Subscription vs On-Premise Costs

Exchequer requires on-premise infrastructure or hosting arrangements, plus licensing costs. Consider server maintenance, upgrades, and IT resources needed.

Access Financials operates on a subscription model including all updates, support, and infrastructure. Access Financials pricing depends on business size, modules selected, and implementation scope. Once set, there are no  hidden costs for servers, upgrades, or maintenance.

Which Platform Secures Your Future?

Choose Access Financials when you:

  • Want confidence in ongoing development
  • Need true cloud capability and mobility
  • Require modern integrations and APIs
  • Value UK-based support
  • Seek a long-term partnership
  • Want to migrate once, not twice

Stay with Exchequer only if you:

  • Can manage increasing support risks
  • Can accept eventual forced migration
  • Have dedicated IT resources
  • Are comfortable with uncertainty

Join hundreds of businesses who've successfully migrated from Exchequer to Access Financials.

FAQ: What Exchequer Users Need to Know

What does "extended support" mean for my Exchequer system

Extended support means Advanced has stopped developing new features for Exchequer. You'll only receive essential security patches and legislative updates. No new functionality, no performance improvements, and gradually reducing third-party support. While not officially end-of-life, it's a clear signal to plan your migration.

How similar is Access Financials to Exchequer?

Very similar in concept, but modernised in execution. You'll find familiar features like multi-dimensional analysis, Excel integration, and flexible reporting. The difference is these are delivered through a modern cloud interface with enhanced functionality. Most users are productive within weeks.

Can we keep our Exchequer data and reporting structures?

Yes. Our migration moves across your key data from Exchequer. Many clients even replicate their Excel-based board packs with simple find-and-replace operations. Nothing valuable is lost in migration.

What about our Exchequer customisations and integrations?

We review all customisations during migration planning. Most Exchequer modifications aren't needed in Access Financials because the functionality exists natively. For genuine custom requirements, our platform offers better tools for configuration without code.

How long will Exchequer remain in extended support?

Advanced hasn't announced an end date. Extended support means essential maintenance and security updates only, with no new features or enhancements. Businesses should plan their technology roadmap accordingly.

What are the cost considerations when comparing the platforms?

Exchequer involves licensing, infrastructure, and potential hosting costs. Access Financials uses a subscription model that includes software, updates, and support. Each business should evaluate total cost of ownership based on their specific requirements and infrastructure.

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