Deliverables
- Xero set up and ongoing training
- End-of-year accounts and independent examination
- Auditing
“I unequivocally recommend PEM. I find the system intuitive, and the ongoing assistance from Sophie and the wider team has been fantastic. If I have any questions, they are always approachable and on hand with answers. They’ve supported and encouraged me in the move to a digital world, which means I can analyse reports better.”
Rebecca Maciejewska, Chief Executive, The VC and GC Association
The client
The VC and GC Association is a members’ organisation for living recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC) and the George Cross (GC) – awards recognising gallantry and selfless courage. The Victoria Cross, created in 1856, honours acts of extreme bravery in the presence of the enemy. The George Cross, established in 1940, recognises acts of extreme bravery carried out by civilians and military personnel.
With members across the Commonwealth, the Association educates the public through school outreach and organises events, member reunions and memorial days. It also offers benevolence support for widows.
The brief
When we started working with the Association in 2024, Chief Executive Rebecca Maciejewska was managing all accounting through a large Excel spreadsheet. This encompassed all bank transactions, with multiple tabs covering potential accruals, event details, expenses, expected income, and stock.
This method of financial record-keeping consumed valuable time and carried inherent risks around accuracy and information tracking. As the Association planned to expand its activities, it needed to find a more sustainable digital solution to streamline operations and better track income from fundraising and grants.
The solution
PEM implemented Xero, migrated opening balances, assisted with setting up a direct bank feed, and set up an appropriate chart of accounts, complete with bespoke training on the new accounting system. We provided ongoing training and detailed guidance notes, enabling Rebecca to maximise Xero’s functionality and follow best practice.
Our team of trusted accountants and tax advisers remain on hand for additional support, while our audit team continue to work with Rebecca on annual compliance requirements.
The outcome
As Rebecca is the sole contractor for the entire organisation, the move to Xero has transformed the Association’s financial efficiency. Rather than manually inputting and categorising every transaction, Rebecca simply reviews the bank feed – freeing her time to focus on her wider responsibilities. She can now track information more effectively and share valuable financial reports with trustees.
The transition to Xero enables our audit team to extract detailed information directly from Xero, resulting in a smoother process from an annual compliance perspective when preparing the end-of-year accounts and Independent examination.
Rebecca says:
“PEM quite simply takes the stress away. This is mainly down to the people who work there; they have a very understanding approach and are helpful and supportive. They checked-in post set-up and offered further training beyond the initial training provided.”
It’s now far easier to prepare the accounts and examine transactions in Xero, compared to the old spreadsheet. Our service can scale easily, ready to adapt should the Association’s complexity increase in the future.
Please note that this content is not intended to give specific technical advice. It is designed to highlight our clients’ experience, rather than provide an exhaustive explanation of the topics. Professional advice should always be sought before action is either taken or refrained from as a result of information contained herein.