When Queensland-based Spire Accounting started out in 2016, the six-person team chose a software platform that soon created some major headaches when it came to completing tax returns.

The practice specialises in helping small and medium-sized construction firms with business planning and growth, compliance, and managing their SMSFs to help them save for their retirement. But with the wrong software in place, they found themselves spending too much time helping clients access the portal and untangling multiple accounts, passwords and logins – wasting hours on admin.

“The software was too complex for our clients’ needs and the team wasted countless hours on manual data entry and other administrative tasks, like chasing signatures,” says founder Ken Bensley.

Seeking a better solution, the team gave QuickBooks Tax a trial run. Powered by tax platform LodgeiT, it transformed their operations.

“It was absolutely remarkable,” says Bensley.

With automated reminders, seamless authentication, and effortless integrations, the team now has more time to work with their clients on the bigger picture and building strong relationships with its clients.

Streamlined access and security

QuickBooks Tax not only simplifies importing client data from QuickBooks Online but also supports financial imports from other platforms like Xero, MYOB, Reckon, and even Microsoft Excel.

Unlike other reporting systems, QuickBooks Tax uses a single import and classification exercise to automatically populate working papers, tax forms and financial statements.

Its two-factor authentication process also enhances security, eliminates password confusion, and provides stronger protection for both the firm and its clients.

Spire co-founder Joel Gurciullo says another game-changing feature is the ability to send automated reminders.

“It’s made life just so much easier on our end,” he says. “We were constantly hounding clients for signatures. It was a nightmare.”

Using the dashboard, the Spire team can instantly see which clients have outstanding paperwork or need a nudge to submit their data. The system also auto-generates follow-up emails, which can be sent in bulk, and clients can approve with a single click. There are also unlimited e-signatures included as one of the benefits of the ProAdvisor Program.

Since making the switch, Spire only has to follow up manually with 5% of its clients, compared to 30%–40% when using their previous software platform.

“Getting client approvals used to take weeks,” says Gurciullo. “Now, we often get signatures back overnight. It’s worlds apart.”

Generating financial statements with ease

The Spire team values QuickBooks Tax for its single import and classification step, which automatically populates working papers, tax forms and financial statements.

With data imported directly from the QuickBooks Prep for Taxes tool, the process is faster and more efficient and has removed the need to re-enter data for multiple purposes.

“It’s an absolute game changer,” says Bensley. “You can build a set of financial statements in three-four minutes instead of three or four hours.

“Once people see how Prep for Taxes integrates with QuickBooks, I think it’ll blow their minds,” he adds. “It’s seriously the best in the market.”