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Switching Accounting Software: What to Expect?

Many people are wary about switching accounting software, possibly due to experiences they had many years ago, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be a drama.

Your Access implementation team is here to get you using Access Financials as soon as possible. That way you can start to realise the value of your switch to online accounting software quickly and with the minimum of fuss.

Discover everything you can expect both before and after you start using Access Financials and give you some tips about switching accounting software.

What is Access Finance Accounting Software?

Our financial management software is a next-generation cloud-based accounting solution designed to supercharge your business.

At its heart is Access Financials, a core ledger system that provides the starting point for functionality that really derives value.

Every business is different, so that’s why we’ve developed best-in-class modules from fixed assets to invoicing, and inventory to reporting that can be switched on in an instant giving you exactly the functionality you need with room to grow.

Being cloud-based means that you don’t have to deal with upgrades, backups or server management, and with military-grade security, you know that your data is as safe as can be.

Why customers switch to Access Finance Accounting Software

Before we answer the question “how to switch to Access Financials” we have to answer "why switch?"

One of the key reasons that we find people choose to come to us is the sheer number of applications available within the Access stable.

This means that whilst all of our customers use the core financial management system, they are then able to add on functionality that allows them to develop almost a bespoke end-to-end system.

“I have never found the same number of applications available from one supplier. The Access suite provides a lot of well-integrated pieces of software" David Kay, Director at Adlib

Whether your aim is to go paper-free with a fully-featured document management system module (ADM) or you want to integrate your accounting software with payroll, HR and financials so that you have one source of the truth, The Access Group provides it all.

We find our customers love;

The efficiency - no more switching in and out of apps. With Access Financials it is all in your Workspace
The automation - saving time and effort by removing manual processes
The control - great controls and defined workflows mean you can relax
The visibility - reporting has never been easier with one source of the truth
The paperless office - efficient and streamlined processes mean speed and accuracy
The convenience - you don’t need to worry about maintenance or security of your software, we do it all!

"We now have better controls in place and because you get better visibility with Access, you can check that it’s working. We’ve saved half a person." Julie Ball - Financial Controller, APH

Discover more Access Financials case studies.

How to switch accounting software to us

If you are considering switching accounting software then we would love to help.

The first step is to book a demo so we can give you an overview of what is possible with Access Financials. You can also download our brochure which will give you more information on specific aspects of our system.

We’d suggest that you then sit down and work out exactly what you want to see from the system and what business problems you are seeking to solve.

We’d recommend following that by having a chat with one of our advisors who will be able to run you through the solutions we can provide for the problems you have identified and give you a clear idea of the timescales and costs involved.

Once you have decided to switch to online accounting software with Access Financials, we’ll help you every step of the way, giving you guidance about the best way to run your project and how to manage the switch. Get in touch today to discuss your switching requirements.

Find out more about the benefits of switching your accounting software.

Discover our expert guide to switching your finance software

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Interested in switching your accounting software? Book a demo

Is it easy to switch accounting software?

Yes, switching accounting software is easier than it has ever been before. Our tried and tested ‘flightpath’ methodology means that you can switch in as little as 24 hours.

Can I change to Access Finance accounting software mid-financial year?

Yes. We would always recommend switching accounting software at a natural breakpoint such as month-end but in-year transfer is no problem at all and in fact, the majority of our customers choose to do this.

Can I transfer my old information when I switch accounting software?

Yes. We’d suggest making sure that you do a ‘data cleanse’ so that you don’t carry over information that you don’t really need. But your current data like customers, suppliers and Chart of Accounts can all be transferred over.

How can I avoid common problems when switching accounting software?

Our experienced project management team will help you cover all of your bases so that you don’t forget any tasks or make mistakes when choosing your options. We’ll be with you all the way until you are up and running and beyond.

What prep do I need to do when switching accounting systems?

We suggest making sure that you have a clear idea about what you want from your switch to online accounting software and communicate to your stakeholders about your project.

It’s always best to make sure you have removed all the information you don’t need from your current systems and that loose ends like odd balances in your accounts are tidied up.

Use our accounting software implementation checklist to make sure you've got everything covered.

How do I train my people to use the new finance software?

The Access Group provides a fully-featured Learning Management System that has structured courses covering all aspects of the system. When we first start to test your system we’ll teach people how to do the important stuff and the process of testing also works as a kind of ‘on-the-job’ training.

Are there any learning resources available for Access Financials?

Yes. Our learning management system has a wide variety of structured courses, articles, videos and other learning materials to make sure you can do exactly what you need to with the minimum of fuss. These are available when you switch to our software.

We also have a vibrant and active community of users who can help answer any questions you have about your new accounting software.

Is there any support after we switch to Access Finance?

Yes. Our customer success department is specifically focused on making sure that when you switch to online accounting software you get the best outcome possible. They will monitor your system, make sure it is working as intended and let you know any areas where there may be a better way to do things.

Can I add more accounting functionality later?

Yes. Switching accounting software to Access Financials means that you have a base system that can be extended later to include much more functionality like HR, Payroll and Purchase Orders. The only limit is your imagination and creativity.

Advanced functionality and features include:

Real-time financial reporting tools
Expense management
Inventory and stock control
Making Tax Digital (MTD) system from HMRC
Accounting software integrations

Download the brochure to see all the features of our financial management software suite.

Can we integrate our finance software with our other systems?

Yes. Access Financials has a fully-featured REST API, allowing you to integrate with other Access products and third-party applications. This means that you could easily integrate your accounting software with your operational or online sales systems.

Discover more accounting software integrations.

How to choose the right accounting software for your business

Using the right accounting software can be a game-changer. Learn what good accounting software looks like and how to choose the right solution for your business.

How to choose accounting software

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Discover the power of cloud-based accounting. Take a tour and find out how our accounting systems to see all the benefits and functionality in action.

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Benefits of switching old systems

Join thousands of customers benefitting from our financial management software.

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