BDO, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Abacus orders makes Star the predominant Isle of Man Practice Management software supplier
With a new contract this month from Abacus Trust Company Limited, complementing orders from BDO and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Star Computers has completed a ‘Hat Trick’ in 2007 of orders from three new strategically important clients on the Isle of Man. Adding to an existing client portfolio on the island which includes Equiom and Ernst & Young, Star is now the predominant supplier of specialist Practice Management software to Isle of Man firms.
First of the three was BDO, whose rapid expansion meant that the firm needed a system that could accommodate its multi-entity structure and give room for continued growth without facing another system change in the next few years. “Star is already a major supplier to BDO in the UK, Northern Ireland and Guernsey so once we were sure they could meet our requirements we felt comfortable about embarking on a long term business relationship with them,” comments one of the Directors, Guy Wiltcher. “We ordered in June and set a ‘go live’ date of the end of July. It was ambitious but working together we did it and the benefits from the system are already coming through to the business.”
Next was PricewaterhouseCoopers. PwC wanted to move on from a bespoke system that has been used by them for some years. The firm wanted a more ‘off the shelf’ solution from an established supplier, but because the bespoke system had been tailored significantly, finding an alternative that could match the very specific functionality it enjoys proved difficult. “Star was the closest fit and we felt confident that when they said they would work with us to enhance their standard system to do the extra things we needed, their extensive experience with accountancy firms meant they would be best placed to deliver on this,” says Financial Controller Andy Piggott. “We have been working closely with them since July and the project is on track and what we have seen of the new functionality thus far has been very encouraging.”
Abacus will also be moving from a bespoke system, with the same issues regarding maintaining very high levels of functionality but it was also looking to change the firm’s core financial system as well. “The fact that Star ticked so many boxes for Practice Management and could also provide an overall accounting solution in the shape of Microsoft Dynamics Nav (formerly Navision) means we only have to work with one supplier for a complete solution. Moreover, Star’s Practice Management software will be linked to Navision - which is a level of integration we have never had before,” explained Abacus’ Operations Director, Paul Watterson.
BDO Isle of Man is a well-established local Isle of Man accountancy practice backed by the world's international resources of BDO one of the largest firms of accountants and management consultants. The firm has a wide ranging client portfolio from local businesses and start-up situations through to international companies.
For more information please visit www.bdo.im
PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. PricewaterhouseCoopers has member firm offices in 766 cities in 150 countries.
For more information please visit www.pwc.com
Abacus is one of the Isle of Man's leading trust companies and fund administration providers. Abacus has been operating in the Isle of Man since the mid-1970's and is one of the premier offshore fiduciary and financial administration providers.
For more information please visit www.abacusiom.com
