IRIS 1st to Gain ICAEW Accreditation for all its products

IRIS Software has scored another important 'first' as the only accountancy software developer to have all of its core practice products accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Those packages accredited include: IRIS Accounts Production, IRIS Business Tax, IRIS Personal Tax and IRIS Practice Management.

The accreditation is also held by the market leading Exchequer accounting and business system, acquired by IRIS in May 2005 and now part of the IRIS Enterprise Software range. Accredited products can use the ICAEW logo on product packaging and promotional materials.

Martin Leuw, Group Chief Executive, explained why IRIS considers the Accreditation scheme to be so important. "Replacing an IT system involves significant time and resource and to any accountant working in practice, time is the most valuable commodity.

"We see the ICAEW Accreditation scheme as a fail safe way for firms to gain an independent overview of any system they may be considering. If the software has been through the rigorous assessments set down by the ICAEW and receives an independent accreditation, they can feel confident in their choice.

"We could see no point in only having one or two of our programs accredited. The real IRIS differentiator is that all of the products are integrated and they work together using a single central client database to improve practice efficiency and profitability. An advantage that is still unique to IRIS in the marketplace."

All of the IRIS products were independently and rigorously assessed by Baker Tilly, the ICAEW's chosen assessor to ensure all accredited software meets with a stringent set of criteria. Paul Druckman, immediate past-President of the ICAEW commented: "The ICAEW is delighted that IRIS is so wholeheartedly supportive of the Accreditation Scheme. The research carried out by the IT Faculty of the Institute consistently shows that IRIS meets members' expectations. The IRIS involvement reinforces the importance of the scheme."

Independent research, carried out in 2004 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales confirms that IRIS is the accountancy profession's most highly recommended brand, effectively and consistently (in 2000, 2001 and 2002 as well as 2004) beating its competitors on quality, reliability and service.

The report states that there is 'a clear difference between the IRIS product and its competitors in terms of perceived performance and recommendation' in the key categories of: Accounts Production, Personal Tax, Business Tax, Time and Fees and Practice Management. In the July 2004 ICAEW Survey, the Exchequer Accounting and Business system was rated the best product for businesses in the small and medium range.

A traditional philosophy of aiming to deliver only the highest standards of customer service is at the heart of everything IRIS does. As a result, the company has the highest customer retention rates in the industry standing year on year at 97%.