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How Jack Ross staff are managing working from home

We are all aware that we are in unprecedented times. The impact that Covid-19 has had on our society cannot be overstated and is requiring a massive shift in how we all operate.

As an accountancy firm, clients depend on us for our financial and business expertise, something that has never been more important during this unsettling time.

As the situation grew more serious, it became apparent that having the office open as usual was no longer feasible, both for the safety of our staff and our visitors. Therefore, we set about introducing home working, allowing us to practice social distancing, while still serving our clients.

Luckily, as we are a forward-thinking firm, a lot of our systems are already based online and in the cloud.

For example, we were among the first firms in Manchester to use Xero. Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that connects people with the right numbers anytime, anywhere, on any device, and is our ‘go-to’ for digital accountancy.

Xero is our primary tool, but we use many other applications that help digitize our processes.

We use Signable, which sends accounts and other important documents for e-signatures, ensuring we do not waste paper and resources by posting these directly to clients. Another vital application is Receipt Bank, this allows clients to photograph their receipts and upload them directly to us.

Similarly, we have our JR Inbox system which is especially useful to our barrister clients who can forward their receipts and other important documents to a dedicated, personal email address that has been allocated to them. This email is regularly monitored by that client’s accountant, and the information uploaded to our system to be dealt with.

Jack Ross even have our own in-house programmer, our Director of Innovation Nick Lord. Nick has greatly improved how our firm operates electronically.

Nick, working alongside our Managing Partner Umar Memon, has implemented many systems which ensure that Jack Ross continue to be ahead of the curve in terms of digital working.

All these systems have been in place since before this pandemic and have greatly smoothed the transition from office-based working to home working for our employees and clients.

We did add a new notch on our belt to assist with home working – Microsoft Teams. This software allows us all to communicate via video and audio calls throughout the day.

We utilised Teams to host an online webinar discussing the financial assistance measures brought in due to Covid-19.

The webinar was attended by more than fifty clients and non-clients alike and we received highly positive feedback.

If you wish to view the webinar, please follow the link below:

https://www.jackross.com/coronavirus-webinar-30-march-2020/

All in all, working from home has been a smooth and easy transition for us. All our staff have adapted well, and we have been able to happily maintain our usual high standard of client service.