Implementing Practice Management Solution Suite Case Study

Goldsmith Fox PKF Limited

Roger Keys - Director
Tel: +61 3 371 4400
Email: roger@goldfox.co.nz

General

When did your firm implement its APS Advance Practice Management system?
We first implemented Advance Tax in 1995. I am pleased to say we were the trial site for the first SQL version in 1997.

How many users do you have?
We have 40 users. Which APS products have you taken out licences to use?
We currently use Xcede Professional Accounting (XPA), Taxation, Practice Management & Fees.

Who was you previous supplier and how long were you using that supplier’s software for?
We started with Hartley in 1979 (which became Paxus) until Paxus was sold to Solution 6 in 1993 and APS was formed.

How did your firm arrive at the decision to become an APS client?
I had known Shane Compton since 1982, when she was with Paxus. I became a founding director of APS with her and assisted with the abortive CeeData venture. APS for a period supported our Paxus software. In 1994 GFPKF had a brief flirtation with Sol 6, this was a giant step at best sideways. I had a pretty wide knowledge of Sol 6, CeeData & CA Systems and once APS started to make progress on its windows platform (without baggage) realised this was the path for the future. Fortunately Shane & Pierre LeGrange quickly convinced the rest of my practice likewise.

The Relationships

Has APS been more than a software supplier to your firm? What has been the relationship formed between your firm and APS?
From the Hartley days onwards both Hartley & Paxus in New Zealand had a very strong user group, as Shane had empathy with the users. The users financed the APS start-up to initially continue support of Paxus software, retain great support staff including Shane and to find a new direction. Quite a few New Zealand users have attended conferences for approximately 25 years. This highlights the strong relationships and loyalty developed over the years.

Would you recommend APS to another firm in the market?
Yes.

Product

Functionality

Looking at APS from a product perspective, what were the most important factors from a functionality point-of-view that were seen as critical to your business
The Central Database especially for Tax, PM & Fees, as it was hotchpotch in its competitors. The pure windows approach meant that new Microsoft literate staff could get up to speed quickly.

Future Development

What would you like to see APS add to its product set in its next releases of Advance that will assist your business?
Better ability to consolidate XPA & Tax returns.
Simplify and streamline its software update process.
It needs to retain its roots with responsive support to its loyal clients in spite of becoming more corporate & global.

Summing Up

Do you have any final words that sum up how you feel about APS, its team and its software?
So far APS has continued to develop and enhance its products in line with its clients’ needs and adhere to its promises fairly well. APS' support for their users and long term loyalty remains a point of difference. However care does need to be taken that this mutually beneficial approach is not eroded as the sometimes more self centred needs of the big four are catered for.

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