No annual licence fees combined with accounting and payroll software that continues to be quick and easy are two of the main reasons behind the local success of QuickBooks SA: "Since inception, our user base has grown 160% and our local team has quadrupled," says MD, Gary Epstein. He says that what is most telling is that he only has five support people in his call centre: "Proof that we are living up to our brand promise and our software is quick and easy. We don't need a large call centre because our customers are not only happy with the product, but they can manage the books themselves."
Aimed at SMEs, Epstein says that he understands the cost conscious needs of his customers which is why QuickBooks does not charge an annual licence fee for its accounting products. He says the software is also not modular: "Everything is included in a once off payment, which helps SMEs manage their cash flow more effectively."
Epstein says another significant growth area has been the QuickBooks Reseller Network (QBRN). Launched in 2005, its contribution to Group turnover has grown an impressive 800%: "Our reseller channel is vital to the success of the QuickBooks brand in the SME sector. To ensure we adequately service this ever growing sector, we need good coverage within sub-Saharan Africa and this can only come from committed and driven reseller partners." Epstein says more accountants and bookkeepers have come onboard, recognising the immense benefits to be gained by being a QBRN partner.
Another reason for its popularity amongst the accounting fraternity, Epstein says, is that the products also include secure password protection and an audit trail. SME businesses are 100 times more at risk for internal fraud than a big business. It is thus essential to set up internal controls and other precautions to minimise the risk of theft and fraud. One very important measure to consider in an accounting system is the audit trail. Epstein says that with QuickBooks users can set up the financial software so that the audit trail is always on and records the transactions that are being entered, edited or deleted from the system: "Without a reliable audit trail, it is possible for employees to produce fraudulent transactions and then cover their tracks by deleting or editing the transactions to appear normal."
Software integration is another key element for SME businesses today. Epstein says it should form part of every decision making process when considering an accounting package.
SMEs look for time saving software tools that are easy to use and quick to learn, which is why integration is important. "By selecting a software package that integrates well with other programmes, a user will benefit immensely," says Epstein. An example is the integration into Microsoft Outlook, which enables users to send invoices, estimates, credit memos, purchase orders, sales receipts and orders, statements and reports in an email format. A user can also synchronise Microsoft Outlook contacts with QuickBooks, thereby adding in new customers or suppliers without having to re-enter information: "This kind of integration is very useful for a business owner as it saves time and money, reducing paperwork and administrative tasks. It also takes away the hassle factor and ensures that even a novice user will manage the process and benefit from it."
In a nutshell, it is quick and easy which is what QuickBooks accounting and payroll software is all about. Next year sees the launch of QuickBooks 2007 and Epstein says his customers will be delighted with the new version: "We have taken the award-winning, simplified design of QuickBooks 2006 to the next level. Enjoy easy to design and use custom forms, save time on repetitive tasks, and attract new customers easily," concludes Epstein.
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