Why we created IRIS Elements Enterprise

Our journey to the cloud has now seen the launch of IRIS Elements Enterprise.

The release of this tax and accounts software for large firms is an exciting landmark that follows hot on the heels of our Essentials and Professional tier releases.

On the surface, building a cloud-powered tax and accounts solution for any size firm has taken relatively little time – just over five years.

But we promise that, behind the scenes, hundreds of extremely talented people have made a huge effort to get this far; we only release Elements features when they feel perfect.

The launch of Elements Enterprise Tax and Accounts means we’re now heading towards the final stage, with a similarly scaled practice management solution just around the corner.

Yet, some of you might be curious about why we created IRIS Elements Enterprise when our desktop solutions are so well used.

The cloud is the future, and we must take you there

IRIS Accountancy Suite is a go-to solution for accountants everywhere. We love it, develop it, maintain it, and we’re very proud of its evolution over 45 years.

However, many firms are looking towards the cloud, and we wanted to deliver the next step in the IRIS accountancy experience within that realm.

The result, IRIS Elements, has been our most ambitious project to date.

Why businesses benefit from the cloud

Done well, the cloud sets a gold standard in software.

Purpose-built cloud solutions like IRIS Elements let you work from anywhere with an internet-enabled device and keep data synced across your firm. You can do the latter without needing a physical, on-premises server.

This makes life easier for accountants and enables firms to better adapt to the new, more flexible working methods that attract and retain industry talent.

Furthermore, no server means no constant updating, maintenance, and no sudden hit to the budget when it gives up the ghost.

And software updates, which traditionally can take time, are instantaneous when the technology is implemented correctly.

A good year for IRIS Elements

IRIS Elements continues to be celebrated for its award-winning contributions to the accounting industry.

So far this year, the IRIS Elements platform has been named a finalist in:

• The 2024 Computing Cloud Awards for ‘Best Cloud Support Provider’ and ‘Multi-Hybrid Cloud Solution of the Year’,
• The 2024 ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) UK LUCA Awards for ‘Tax and Accounts Production Software of the Year’
• The 2024 BCS UK IT Awards for ‘Digital Transformation Project of the Year’

Furthermore, 63% of this year’s Accounting Excellence Award winners were IRIS customers.

What IRIS Elements Enterprise brings you

The release of IRIS Elements Enterprise is the next logical step for you, our customers.

We have already launched tiers that give small and small-to-medium firms all they need to handle client work and stay compliant across tax and accounts – while overseeing everything with a powerful, customisable dashboard.

What have we brought large accounting firms with IRIS Elements Enterprise Tax and Accounts?

Tools to handle complex compliance: IRIS Elements Enterprise Tax and Accounts is designed to handle complex compliance requirements, enabling firms to navigate intricate regulatory standards. And they can do it quickly, thanks to workflows and sophisticated templates. Meanwhile, instant updates keep you up to pace with regulatory changes, such as HMRC’s Making Tax Digital initiative.

Efficiency and automation: The platform automates time-sapping tasks like chasing clients for details or doing the kind of busy work that stops people from focusing on strategic activities like advisory work.

Real-time data sync: The platform synchronises real-time data, linking accounts production and tax to a central database. This gives accountants the insights they need and cuts down on retyping and the mistakes this can bring.

Scalability and flexibility: IRIS Elements Enterprise delivers a scalable solution that can grow with the firm, supporting both current operations and future expansion. Firms pay only for what they need and have access to a full suite of sophisticated tools.

Robust modern security: Large firms are prime targets for hackers. Cloud architecture and the servers that run them provide a secure environment that meets your rigorous safeguarding criteria. Because it is one unified platform, there is no need for multiple logins inside IRIS Elements, and security updates are instantaneous.

The next step

The work doesn’t stop there. Our ambition is to continuously deliver new features and updates.

As part of its ongoing development, IRIS will introduce IRIS Elements Practice Management Enterprise later in 2024. It will feature more advanced reporting, time and expenses tracking, and scheduling capabilities so firms can further streamline their compliance efforts.

What about if I want to keep IRIS Accountancy Suite?

We haven’t forgotten you – in fact, we have built a powerful "hybrid" data-sharing capability with this in mind.

If you still need to use the desktop for compliance due to serving the most complex clients, you can always link the two solutions. When that happens, IRIS Elements becomes your online, synced-up central database. You then use Elements for most jobs and Accountancy Suite for the niche tasks we haven’t yet added to its cloud cousin.

What to know more?

Head to our IRIS Elements Enterprise hub to see a full set of features and discover how it can improve processes, drive efficiency, create a great work environment for staff, and keep complex clients happy.

Click here for more.