The Surrey Wildlife Trust has selected Access Dimensions from Asyst Solutions, a business and accounting consultancy extensive experience of the not-for-profit sector. Surrey is the third Trust to choose the award-winning accounting system from the charity specialist, following in the footsteps of both Devon and Kent .
Peter Lalor, head of finance for the Surrey Wildlife Trust, commented, "We needed more detailed reporting facilities than our previous system would allow, due mainly to the changing demands of charity law. Having spoken to other Trusts that use Access Dimensions, their positive feedback gave us the confidence to opt for this solution."
Like other not-for-profit organisations, changes to the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) has affected the way that the Surrey Wildlife Trust presents its annual reports - something which Access Dimensions caters for. The Trust also needed to consolidate different divisions into one system as well as analyse income and expenditure across particular funding streams and events, often spanning multiple financial periods.
Christine Hawkins, head of finance services for the Devon Wildlife Trust, commented, "We've used Access Dimensions for a while now and we're very happy with the level of reporting available. In fact, when the auditors arrived to check our accounts we were very well prepared for them. Everybody had their 2006/7 budgets available from the beginning of April - something that we've only ever achieved once before in the last 10 years.
"This was only possible because of the help and support that we have received from Asyst Solutions, who took the time to identify and respond to our needs by offering us practical solutions. As a result, we now have the ability to change budgets on a regular basis – crucial for a charity where funding is continually changing. Access Dimensions has revolutionised the way we account for and manage staff time spent on projects," she continued.
