New IRIS platform aims to centralize accounting solutions

Business software developer IRIS Software Group released IRIS Elements, a cloud-based platform for accounting solutions that aims to be a central core resource for professionals versus using numerous separate apps.

The platform so far features several integrated features that can share data between each other. They include:

• IRIS Elements Proposal Manager, which creates and prices quotes for prospects, as well as tracks and manages the process from engage letter to service delivery;
• IRIS Elements Anti-Money Laundering, which allows for onboarding clients with ID and business checks, reflecting changing AML legislation and training requirements;
• IRIS Elements Tax & Accounts, a compliance solution that covers personal, partnership, corporation, trust and estate tax returns, as well as final accounts production for small limited companies, LLPs, partnerships and sole traders; and
• IRIS Elements Practice Management, a CRM system with a customizable workflow engine to manage jobs and tasks across the firm, including a customizable dashboard that helps professionals identify the opportunities to improve productivity and practice performance.

IRIS expects to roll out new features and capabilities over time. Head of product for accountancy Jonathan Priestley said the platform was developed to address what he called "app fatigue" from having to switch between different applications to manage different parts of an engagement.

“IRIS Elements changes the game," he said in a statement. "Firms want and need a single core platform that puts the client at the heart of the company. With Elements, accountants can work smarter through intuitive workflows and bring vital data insights to life with user-friendly dashboards to create better outcomes for their firm and clients."