Xero Partner Highlight: Brian Forsythe (4 min read)

Meet Brian Forsythe of Solid Chops Accounting, A Xero Bronze Partner

Solid Chops Accounting LLC is a small firm in Tacoma, WA specializing in nonprofit accounting. We relieve stress and financial clutter of executive directors and managers by accurately managing their accounting function and make information readily available to make sound decisions and report to grantors, board members, government and the public.

About the Practice

• Practice Name: Solid Chops Accounting LLC
• Contact: brian@solidchops.com
• Year Established: 2018 (previously operating as a sole proprietor - 2005)
• Industry Focus: Small to medium sized nonprofits and business in a range of industries
• First Experience with Cloud Accounting: 2012
• First Cloud Accounting Client: Banana Design Labs
• Clients on Xero: 60% (Other Cloud 5%, Other Desktop 35%)

What do you think is the biggest misconception about cloud accounting?

That data is safer on the desktop than it is online! I think it’s just the fear of it all being in the cloud and maybe not fully realizing that they are connected to the internet and can get hacked just the same way. It’s sometimes easier than a program whose entire reputation is based on keeping information secure. You’re going to hear about if there is a data breach. 

What was your experience before cloud accounting?

Mostly desktop. I had used a couple things here and there at the companies I was working for, getting into Oracle financial at one point. I worked for a company that had MS Access customized to do all their accounting, and way back in the 90’s I used Real World DOS version.

I also taught desktop classes for about 5 years. While I was working at a Regis co-working space for a consulting client there was a woman who had a company that had students funded by state unemployment insurance. She asked me to teach. I found I really enjoyed teaching and educating others.

What were your initial thoughts about cloud accounting?

There was always the apprehension of having information in the cloud back when it was starting to happen. I remember hearing about Xero and signing up for a certification class to learn about it. I was really excited about the prospect. Historically I have worked with emerging businesses and nonprofits who were more apt to using new technologies. Being able to share reports and information easily and more readily appealed to me and many clients. 

How was the transition from desktop to cloud?

It took a period of time. I’ve had clients that were new and weren’t set up on any accounting system. I consult with them on which system is best for their needs. Other clients already have an accounting solution set up. Some of those clients want to stick with what they know and not go through a learning curve to start a new accounting system. I still have clients in that realm - still on desktop and use it themselves or someone in-house. They are not ready to change.

How do you convert clients over to Xero?

It’s usually when someone brings it up or in the on-boarding process. I ask them if they are happy with what they have and getting what they need out of it and are interested in exploring an online solution, which I always go towards Xero. It’s just been recently that I’ve lost the fight to have no Quickbooks online clients because some people are already on it and are happy with it. I always have an eye on migrating to Xero. It’s just much easier to deal with than Quickbooks Online - it’s such a clunky product. 

If you didn’t transition from desktop to cloud, where do you think your practice would be?

I feel like Solid Chops Accounting would be behind the curve if I wasn’t using online solutions. There is definitely a desire from emerging companies and nonprofits to be in the cloud with different applications communicating with each other and collaborating online.

How has your practice changed since adopting Xero?

The transition was like learning any new software; there’s a learning curve. The software itself has evolved over the years. Limitations have been overcome with more third party integrations available. Some clients have found me and my company through the Xero directory. It’s a natural progression based on what’s going on through website shopping carts and all sorts of other apps and programs where folks are managing the rest of their organizations.

What made you decide on Xero and why do you prefer Xero over other solutions?

It was actually from a client I picked up, they were using Quickbooks Desktop. The guy had a couple different businesses, one was a toy company, one was with other partners making these called a pulse sensor, which is a device that sits on your finger and takes your pulse. It connects through open source software to be able to do any sort of programming you want with the information. He was very into the maker fairs and as a guy that designed microchips, was really into new technologies. He is the one who introduced me to Xero.

If someone is looking at cloud accounting, where should they start?

I would say to set up a demo company, put some of their own information in and see how the information flows. There is always going to be a learning curve but it’s all going online soon anyway. You can make the change now or 5 years down the road. 

Any final thoughts on Xero and cloud accounting?

It’s one of the things that allowed me to be more remote. I started my accounting career in New Jersey and moved to New York City. I was there for 12 years. That’s when I started working for myself and getting into Quickbooks desktop and smaller business accounting systems. When I decided to move out to Washington, having clients already on an online solution just made it that much easier. I actually thought I would lose more clients when moving that I did through cloud accounting.

To wrap up tell us a little bit about yourself

Area you live: Tacoma, WA

Last significant item you bought for yourself? A drum-set 

What skill would you like to learn? I'd love to learn how to do electrical work in home

Last gift you gave: An old concert shirt to a friend that was moving out of town

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Become a Xero partner today or schedule time with me (Andre Hale) to learn more about how Xero can help your practice!