CASE STUDIES
A migration of dreams for Darroch Accountancy
Nicola Darroch is the owner of Darroch Accountancy LTD, a practice that has been serving clients for over 15 years. With a diverse clientele of nearly 200 clients spanning various industries, including performing arts schools and plumbing services, Nicola has built a reputation for delivering reliable and efficient accountancy services. For more than a decade, she relied on Taxfiler for her tax and accountancy needs, but recent changes prompted her to consider a transition to IRIS Elements.
Fearing the worst
In early 2024, IRIS Software Group contacted Nicola regarding the migration of Taxfiler users to their new platform, IRIS Elements. Nicola had used Taxfiler for many years, and the thought of migrating to a new system filled her with apprehension. She tells us, “I was incredibly nervous about migrating over to IRIS Elements. I really liked Taxfiler, I knew it well, and I was worried that the migration was going to be difficult and time-consuming.”
To minimise disruption, Nicola decided to complete her tax returns and wait for a quiet period of time before making the switch. Once her accounts were finalised, she booked in her migration date for February 2024.
A painless transition
To Nicola's surprise, the migration to IRIS Elements was much smoother than she had anticipated. “It took half a day at that – and that was only because I was meticulously checking each of my clients and making sure they were completely up to date.”
This quick and efficient transition allowed her to quickly resume her practice without any downtime. Nicola was shocked at how quickly she was up and running, and how easy the IRIS Elements software was to navigate. She tells us, “I really had been worried about the whole process so when it was so easy, and so quick, I was pleasantly surprised.”
The team at IRIS has been actively working to ensure the migration process is as pain free as possible and have recently created bespoke data migration tools to help do the heavy lifting for customers.
One Platform, One Experience, One Shared Client Record
After migrating, Nicola started utilising IRIS Elements Tax and Accounts immediately, as well as IRIS Elements AML. One of the most significant advantages she noted was the consolidation of her software tools. Previously, she had been using a separate application for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. Now, having everything under one system was a game-changer for her practice.
“I really like the Elements software and I think the price is really good,” Nicola stated. “The reason people are nervous to move, I believe, is that they think it will be so much more difficult than it is. I certainly did!” The ease of use, combined with the comprehensive features of IRIS Elements, has greatly enhanced her workflow.
Key Features of IRIS Elements
- Cloud-Based Accessibility: Being cloud-based allows Nicola to work from anywhere.
- Scalable Modules: The ability to add modules as needed means her practice can grow and adapt without significant additional investment.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Managing all client records from a single, user-friendly dashboard has streamlined her daily operations and reduced administrative overhead.
- Automated Compliance: Automated compliance measures ensure that Nicola maintains HMRC standards without additional effort, freeing up time for more strategic tasks.
- Advanced Security: The built-in security features provide peace of mind regarding the safety of sensitive client data.
Nicola's experience with the migration to IRIS Elements serves as an encouraging story for other accountancy professionals contemplating a similar transition. Her initial fears were quickly alleviated by the system’s ease of use and efficiency. “I’m really happy I migrated over, and I’d highly recommend IRIS Elements.”
As the accountancy landscape continues to evolve, solutions like IRIS Elements empower professionals like Nicola to enhance their services, improve client satisfaction, and maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic market. By investing in cloud-based technology, Nicola has not only streamlined her practice but also positioned herself for future growth and success.