From spreadsheets to a single source of truth: how MWR is scaling acquisitions with TaxCalc and Engager

Before Engager, MWR relied on multiple spreadsheets to track confirmation statements, accounting deadlines and self-assessments, a system Jonathan describes as fragile.

"The problem with spreadsheets is they can be edited, lost, or corrupted, which is not really a great way to run a practice."

The fact that Engager linked directly with TaxCalc made the decision straightforward. Eight months on, Jonathan calls it a "game changer" for the practice.

Visibility into workflow and bottlenecks

Engager has given MWR's leadership team clear visibility of where work is stacking up, and where staff need support.

"It's been about monitoring the workflows, seeing where we've got bottlenecks, and being able to give support to staff who are struggling for whatever reason, whether it's just the timing of deadlines."

"You basically set the client up, create the letters of engagement, and then once you've got the details of the other accountant, you can send all the letters through the system for clearance. It's been really useful, saving a lot of time on admin."

The results have gone beyond what MWR expected when moving off spreadsheets.

"The more we use it, the more we're getting out of it. I'm sure there are still elements of it we should be spending a bit more time getting set up properly, but from day one it's been a big time saver for us. I can't fault it."

Looking ahead, the firm plans to build out automated client communications in Engager, covering mass communications and checklist chasers, ahead of the next tax season.

A long-standing relationship with TaxCalc

MWR first adopted TaxCalc in 2010 for self assessment and corporation tax returns, running it alongside a separate accounts production system. When TaxCalc's accounts production module became available in 2016, the firm consolidated onto a single connected platform.

"The integration with the tax return side of things was a big plus. If we had to use a new system, we might as well use something that talked to the other side."

That integration has paid off day to day. Where the firm's previous accounts system meant closing down one client's file before opening another, TaxCalc lets the team move between clients instantly.

"If you get a phone call from a client, you're working on someone else's set of accounts, they've got a query, you can quickly load up that file, open a new tab and away you are. With the old system we'd have to shut it down, see what you're doing, shut it down, open it up again. You're wasting lots of time opening and closing programs."

Real-time reporting has also changed the way the team works: posting a journal and running a report gives an instant, up-to-date result, rather than a lag while the team waits for figures to catch up.

The transition was smooth for staff, thanks to TaxCalc's step-by-step approach to tax returns.

"There weren't any complaints. Everything's visually laid out easy, even with attached returns, there's the simple step notion, so even if you don't know what you're doing, you could have a good go at it."