Five tips for a successful accountancy software relationship

Finding the right accountancy software is a big deal, as frankly, it will underpin your firm.

So, it’s understandable if you’re nervous when making the decision – the last thing you want is a software regret.

Don’t panic. We’re here to help.   

Here are five tips for ensuring the relationship with your supplier remains fruitful and prosperous for as long as possible.

1) Get to know your new supplier 

We’d advise you to reach out to your new account manager and share your business strategy, goals and expectations if you haven’t already.  

Additionally, it’s also handy to learn a bit more about your new software vendor.

Consider asking the following:  

•  What does the product roadmap look like?  
•  How else can they assist?  
•  What other solutions are available that could support my firm?  

By having an open and honest dialogue, you can create a better working relationship which benefits both parties.   

2) Utilise change management   

Change can be hard.  

If someone has spent years working a certain way, the prospect of altering that can be incredibly daunting.

To combat people’s natural aversion to change, use a change management strategy that tackles the psychological hurdles by focusing on awareness, desire and involvement.  

Awareness: communicate to your employees and answer why they should bother with the change, why you are changing software and what’s in it for them.  

Desire: once you’ve created awareness, the next step is to promote the benefits of your new software, cementing people’s desire for the change.   

Involvement: after the concept of change has been accepted, bring staff into the planning and implementation, helping drive accountability and ease the adjustment by making them feel part of the new solution.  

More content: for more information on change management, read our comprehensive blog here.   

3) Familiarise yourself with their resources   

Software vendors, such as IRIS, tend to have a heap of resources available on their websites.  

From webinars and industry thought leadership to FAQs and training videos, chances are, you’ll be able to find content that helps you along your journey and enables you to stay at the forefront of the industry.   

As an example, see the IRIS blog and our resources hub.   

4) Stay in the know    

Whether it’s service updates, such as reduced staffing over Christmas or upcoming product changes, a good software provider will communicate news through a variety of channels.  

Be sure to follow your new provider on their main social media channels and ensure their email is on your safe senders’ list.  

5) Limit the number of vendors you use  

With software, multiple vendors can often complicate processes, especially if your various apps don’t connect.  

Whether it’s hosting and digital record keeping or the HR and payroll software you use internally, we advise you to explore what other solutions your new provider offers and see if you can bring more of your tech stack under one roof.  

The break-up guide

For those looking to break-up with their current provider, we’ve got just the guide for you! Check out our break-up guide for everything you need to know about switching your software provider.

Alternatively, check out our break-up webpage for help finding the right software relationship.