Module/Section Title:

Engager Weekly Live: Updates on Time & Profitability Reporting, Budgeted Time, and Upcoming Integrations

Key Topics:

• Updates to Engager’s time and profitability reporting features
• Enhancements to completed jobs report (including new filters)
• Budgeted time settings and customization per client/service
• Integration with Xero for WIP reporting
• Managing file attachments for tasks and services
• MTD IT: best practices for small clients, software suggestions, and bank account advice
• Upcoming Adfin integration and webinar details
• Changes to Companies House filing requirements from 2027
• Pricing strategies for MTD IT quarterly and annual filings
• Best practices for invoicing and workflow integration with Xero/QuickBooks/FreeAgent
• AML onboarding and workflow advice
• Announcements of upcoming events and conferences

Key Concepts or Theories Explained:

• Time & Profitability Reporting: Importance of capturing accurate data (time, costs, charge-out rates, service fees) for meaningful profitability analysis.
• Budgeted Time: Setting default and client-specific budgeted times for job phases; calculation of cost and charge-out rates per phase.
• Work in Progress (WIP) Reporting: Using Engager and Xero integration to track and export WIP for accounting purposes.
• MTD IT Compliance: Behavioral change, use of recognized software, and importance of business bank accounts for compliance and efficiency.
• Invoicing Best Practices: Automating recurring invoices in accounting software vs. ad hoc invoicing via Engager for efficiency.
• AML Workflow: Customizing onboarding phases based on AML supervisor requirements and governing body guidance.

Examples or Case Studies Mentioned:

• Example of profitability reporting: Job charged at £5.75 with no cost/time tracked (full profit), and a job with £22.50 cost but no billing (loss).
• Client using personal/savings account for business, resulting in account closure by the bank.
• Firm’s approach to MTD IT: Charging £45 per quarterly filing (excluding software/bookkeeping), with additional charges for annual returns.
• Use of Apron and Monzo in the instructor’s own firm.
• Workflow for reviewing bookkeeping health scores using Xenon before filing.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand recent updates to Engager’s reporting tools and how to leverage them for profitability analysis.
• Learn how to set and customize budgeted time for jobs and clients.
• Gain practical strategies for WIP reporting and integration with Xero.
• Explore best practices for MTD IT compliance for small clients.
• Learn about upcoming integrations (Adfin) and how to prepare for them.
• Understand changes to Companies House filing requirements and implications for practice.
• Develop pricing strategies for new MTD IT filing requirements.

Interactive Elements (Quizzes, Discussions, etc.):

• Live Q&A throughout the session (participants asked questions about budgeted time, WIP reporting, MTD IT, AML onboarding, invoicing best practices, etc.)
• Discussion prompts regarding use of Engager’s new features and feedback on profitability reporting.
• Invitation to submit feature requests via Engager’s “Request a feature” portal.

Additional Resources or Readings:

• Engager Help Center (for webinar recordings and support)
• Engager.app > Support > Upcoming Events (for event listings)
• HMRC MTD IT recognized software list (for compliant software options)
• Social media pages and email newsletters for Adfin integration webinar registration

Assignments/Exercises:

• No formal assignments, but participants encouraged to:
  • Try out the new profitability reporting and filters in Engager
  • Review and update their budgeted time settings
  • Explore WIP reporting and export options for integration with Xero
  • Submit feature requests for desired functionality (e.g., file attachments for tasks)

Next Steps:

• Attend the Adfin integration webinar next Thursday at 11:00 (registration via social media or newsletter)
• Watch for the release of new features (profitability report filter, Adfin integration, Zenon, proposals, TaxCalc integration)
• Check the Engager Help Center for the recording of this and future sessions
• Consider attending upcoming in-person events and conferences listed on Engager.app
• Review internal workflows and pricing strategies in light of upcoming MTD IT and Companies House changes
• Join the next weekly live session for further updates and Q&A