Discussion groups are a great way for bookkeepers to learn from others and source information from a range of people collectively. They enable local bookkeepers to gain access to specialists, consultants, professionals and other bookkeepers in a group atmosphere. Bookkeepers can learn from and talk to other bookkeepers about their experiences and more importantly gain ideas - the more you contribute the more you learn!

Bookkeepers looking for practical ideas, information on how to cope with various issues, feedback on their own ideas, practical advice on what to do when a problem arises, feedback on management practices or even just for a social outing should consider joining the NIA Bookkeepers discussion group.

Discussion groups:

Provide an environment conducive to learning
Provide access to specialists, professionals and consultants
Allow for sharing problems and seeking advice
Allow for a sharing of resources
Provide comradeship between members and within the community

Participation in an NIA Discussion Group is also an approved CPE activity and is a cost effective and convenient way for members to meet part of the 80 hours of CPE they are required to complete each biennium.

Our Main focus is to support, help and educate local bookkeepers

Check back here soon for more news on our next meeting!

Kelly,

On the topic of the NIA discussion group, I am interested in hearing what consultants - such as yourself - would perceive which features would be useful in the software your clients use that you are supporting.

To clarify a little : what does your clients software not do, that you wishes it did ?

I have a few ideas myself, but I don't want to pollute the seeds of knowledge with my own ideas, so I'll just leave it at that.

Mike

Hi Mike,

I will certainly put forward your questions to the discussion group.

However, what we, as consultants would want, would also differ greatly from what some of the general users would like to see in software. i.e. ease of use, customised reporting, easy updates, etc.

To kick things off though, I know one of my personal wishes is for better payroll systems for the mid-sized accounting software package ranges. Whilst many provide the basic requirements, it is too easy for users to get into trouble. Especially when they are not aware of how things are linked in the system or the tax treatment of various componenets that often require manual calculations. I know that there are several seperate payroll packages or service providers but these are usually costly and you have the added pain (as well as the added chance for errors) of journalling this back into the accounting software! Perhaps even just something to link the two or import to make this easier?

Better cashflow reporting would also be nice? I often need to explain to clients why profit and loss reports don't match what is in their bank account and what the difference is.

For smaller businesses, a way of invoicing on the go could prove very useful!

If I think about it a bit more, I am sure I could think of many more - especially if I note them as I am processing and working. I will try to post them here as I go!!

Topics Wanted and Next Meeting!

Hi all,

I am trying to set up another meeting for the discussion group and was hoping to organise something for the 8th September 2010 (After the MYOB Partner Connection).

I would be interested in knowing if this date suits everybody and what topics you would like discussed?

Topics have previously included:

Engagement Letters
Changes in Legislation
Training or Seminars/Courses of Interest
Shared Resources (Tax on the Couch DVD's)

Perhaps, we should include the new Tax Practitioners Board registration?

Let me know your thoughts!