From accountant to trusted advisor
November 2007
Bruce Stormer says Xero enables him to be his clients' first choice as key business information advisor – not just their numbercruncher.
"Xero saves time and gives better information. Clients end up understanding more about their business and accounts. Xero helps me to help them help themselves."
Bruce was one of Xero's first accounting partners. In less than a year he has introduced several clients to Xero and has become a keen Xero supporter.
When Bruce heard about Xero last year he was immediately interested. He had been looking for a small business accounting system that would empower the relationship he had with his clients, and he saw Xero as the solution.
"I love new technologies and new ways of doing things. I have a number of tech-savvy clients, but my clients that make the switch to Xero are varied and not necessarily techie people."
Markhams MRI Wellington clients using Xero include a photographer; a public relations consultant; a property manager; a trustee of residential rental properties; a project manager and a web design company.
Bruce said because of the level of information derived and the time saved using Xero, accountants can give the advice and analysis that clients expect.
"It builds integrity with your clients."
In the past, Bruce spent a lot of time fishing out client records for debtors and creditors, costing time and money. But now using Xero, extracting information is much simpler, and he gets an overview at a glance.
"It just makes sense.Using Xero, having it online, providing collaboration for me and the team, and our valued clients."
Bruce sees that over time, Xero will empower the relationship between accountants and their clients.
"Instead of spending money on low end stuff, your clients will be paying for more informative accounting advice – Xero will affect the relationship you have with your clients for the better."
"I want to be my clients' first choice for business information advisor, not their numbercruncher."
Bruce Stormer, a partner at Markhams MRI Wellington, is a general practitioner with a strong knowledge in taxation issues. Bruce provides ongoing management advice to his clients and is especially interested in new business ventures – particularly advising small contractors on how to grow their business.
Markhams MRI is a national group of independent chartered accountanting firms throughout New Zealand. Markhams prides itself on supporting and developing their clients' businesses, and are not afraid to embrace new technologies.
