If you are not in our office, how do we get our accounting information to you?
There are several ways – email/fax/post/LP/dropbox. By far the quickest and most secure way is by use of a program named ‘Dropbox’. By means of our internet connections, we can pass information back and forth using a ‘shared’ folder which syncs when either one of us updates it. It’s fantastic. You create entries, based on styles (template documents) that we will provide you with, and you ‘drop’ these entries into your sync folder. We pick your information up from there for processing.

How secure is the transfer of our data?
The files you save are saved locally, and are as secure as any other document you save on your PC’s or laptops within your office. Dropbox uses similar technology to online banking to ‘pick up’ and store these files. Please see our ‘Useful Links’ page for access to further information.

Who owns our data?
YOU. You keep your created files locally, and can access these at any time. Your accounting reports are ‘synced’ to your dropbox regularly – this means you have a copy of ALL relevant files at ALL times.

What accounting software do you use?
QuickBooks. This is a program written by a hugely successful company, the global leader for small business accounting software. They have more than 4.5 million active customers. I have used QuickBooks for more than 15 years, and continue to grow with it. It is the most flexible program I have tested, and it just keeps getting better! Please see our ‘Useful Links’ page for access to further information.

How often do we receive completed accounts?
For legal businesses, it is essential to post their accounting information daily. For other business types, it is perfectly acceptable to post less often. We will agree a timeframe and posting schedule with you, based on your current needs and review this regularly to keep you on track and informed.

In what format do we receive our accounts information?
This can be agreed. The 2 main formats for preparation of reports are – PDF viewed in Adobe Reader, and XLS viewed in Microsoft Excel. These are both readily accessible programs, which you will probably have already.

If you are not onsite, what if I have a problem?
Whether your problem is of an accounting nature or an IT-related nature, we are only a phone call away. We make use of remote support to connect with your PC, and we can work through the problem online with you – as if we were sitting right next to you.

What are the advantages of outsourcing our book-keeping tasks?
The main advantage is reduced cost. You will not have employer liabilities – no sickness/holiday pay, NIC, pension contributions and all other items incidental to being an employer. Further benefits include no need for office or computer equipment, as you would as an employer.

How many years experience do you have in book-keeping?
Lynne Moffat, SLA – director – has been involved in legal cashroom book-keeping for over 16 years. During that time, she has worked with several cashiers to introduce and develop systems and operations in around 50 Scottish legal firms – making use of QuickBooks to do so.

What experience do I need?
It helps if you know a little, but it is not essential – we are here to lead you and to help you grow your systems and make them work for you. Of course, if you are a legal cashroom manager, it is essential that you are aware of your duties and responsibilities. There is extensive guidance on The Law Society of Scotland’s website. Please see our ‘Useful Links’ page for access to further information.

What else should I be aware of?
Whilst we will guide you every step of the way, we cannot remove your responsibility completely. We will help you make use of the best technology to make your ever-increasing responsibilities less cumbersome. It is also essential to keep up-to-date with changes, and we will do this with you – to share the burden. As members of The Society of Law Accountants in Scotland, we are required to do 10 hours of CPD (continuing professional development) per year.