‘Incredibly user-friendly.’ Saul Fairholm enjoys greater efficiency after TaxCalc switch.
Saul Fairholm, a firm of Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors based in Lincolnshire, acts for many multi-million pound turnover businesses, specialist organisations, family-owned businesses, and the individuals behind them.
The practice had been using Digita for 9 years, but it had come to a crossroads. The provider ceased development and updates for the Digita Professional Suite as new software took its place.
But Craig Wells, Director, explains: “We didn’t feel this new product was suitable for our practice – at which point we looked to switch.”
“TaxCalc is constantly updated and developed but it always remains user-friendly, efficient and simple.”
Craig Wells ACA, Director, Saul Fairholm
Firm details
Firm Name: Saul Fairholm Chartered Accountants
Location: Lincoln
Practice Size: 4 Partners; 40+ staff; 1,600+ clients
Previous Software: Digita
Why move to TaxCalc?
The firm needed a solution that could handle both personal tax and FRS102 accounts, while complementing its use of Xero for smaller clients.
TaxCalc’s seamless integration with Xero meant the latter was taken care of.
But with so many accountancy and tax solutions out there, what made Saul Fairholm opt for TaxCalc?
Craig trialled TaxCalc on a large audit client, while one of the tax directors tested the personal tax module. The results were immediate.
“We felt that the interface was incredibly user-friendly and the modules carried that on, with applications that we could pick up on day one without needing too much training.” He adds: “The pricing is also very competitive.”
Saul Fairholm now uses TaxCalc for tax return production and accounts production.
“We felt that the interface was incredibly user-friendly and the modules carried that on, with applications that we could pick up on day one without needing too much training. The pricing is also very competitive.”
The TaxCalc experience
When asked why they opt to stick with a software provider, accountants often say they’re worried a switch will cause disruptions or delays to crucial client work. But Craig says he was happy to discover how smooth the switchover was — in contrast to the general perception that it’s something to fear.
He says: “It was a good transition process which didn’t require too much outside involvement. When we needed advice the support service was very efficient and thorough.”
He adds: “During the trial the TaxCalc support team was incredibly helpful and have been since we switched over.”
Ending the waste of chargeable time
The firm has seen clear improvements in efficiency and usability, Craig says. He explains:
“The posting of larger accounts and completion of notes has become much more efficient. One of the big factors in this efficiency boost is loading times have improved in TaxCalc. Our old Digita software had to be refreshed once a change was made — which then led to us wasting chargeable time.”
And there have been other great benefits too.
“In personal tax, the SimpleStep tool is incredibly easy to pick up and use — even for junior members of our tax team — so that has been speeding up the training process.”
Features loved by the team
What If? Planner is a feature that has made a big impact. So much so, in fact, that Craig says:
“The tax department love the What If? Planner.”
“What If? Planner is a powerful tool for estimating upcoming tax outcomes in the future. Being able to open numerous different accounts years and tax years allows for quick interchange between them.”
“The TaxCalc support team was incredibly helpful and has been since we switched over.”
Advice for accountants
Craig’s advice to accountants considering a switch is to follow his firm’s example — take a trial and see the benefits for yourself.
“You won’t be nervous once you’ve completed a trial,” he says.
And what does he appreciate most about TaxCalc?
“TaxCalc is constantly updated and developed but it always remains user-friendly, efficient and simple.”
A one-stop solution
With TaxCalc now fully embedded into their operations, Saul Fairholm has found the all-in-one solution they were looking for.
“It’s a one-stop shop.”
