Overview
There are several customisation steps we recommend as best practices for admin users to follow in order to tailor Active Workpapers to your firm's needs. We understand that every firm is different and may want to customise different aspects of Active Workpapers. We recommend working through the customisation steps in order, skipping any that are not required.
For definitions of key terms used in this article, refer to the Glossary Of Key Terms.
The steps are as follows:
Update Firm Settings
Review Standard Templates
Customise Record Templates
Customise Binder Templates
Customise Job, Record, and Client Query Statuses
Advanced Customisation Features (including standard chart of accounts, lead schedules, external reporting feature, and matching rules)
1. Update Firm Settings
Review your firm settings and add any applicable information, including offices, teams, users, and integrations.
For guidance on updating firm settings, refer to the Firm Settings Guide.
2. Review Standard Templates
Examine the standard templates provided in the system and utilise as many as possible. Approximately 100 templates are available, managed by qualified accountants and compliant with tax laws. Using these templates ensures consistency across your firm and compliance with regulations.
To view the list of available record templates, visit the Record Templates List.
For automated record templates enhancing user productivity, see:
3. Customise Record Templates
If your firm has existing templates you'd prefer to use:
To add your firm's record template to Active Workpapers, see the Adding Firm Record Templates Guide.
To customise checklist items within a standard record template or add a new checklist, refer to the Customising Record Templates Guide.
4. Customise Binder Templates
If the standard binder template doesn't meet your needs, customise the binder templates. Admin users can create firm-specific binder templates, outlining standard sections and adding desired record recommendations.
Options include:
Creating a binder template from scratch: Creating Binder Templates Guide
Adding worksheets to an existing binder template: Adding Worksheets Guide
Customising record template recommendations: Customising Binder Recommendations Guide
5. Customise Job, Record, and Client Query Statuses
Customise statuses for jobs, records, and client queries as needed (e.g., "In Progress," "Completed," "Created," "Sent").
To modify default statuses, consult the Customising Statuses Guide.
6. Advanced Customisation Features
Customise advanced features such as the standard chart of accounts, lead schedules, external reporting feature, and matching rules.
6.1. Customising a Standard Chart of Accounts
If the default chart of accounts doesn't suit your firm, customise it at the firm level.
For instructions, see the Standard Chart of Accounts Guide.
6.2. Enabling Lead Schedules
Lead schedules allow you to create custom account groups, providing an intuitive way to manage grouped accounts.
To set up lead schedules, refer to the Lead Schedules Guide.
6.3. Enabling the External Reporting Feature
Maintain a separate reporting file (e.g., CCH, Iris, MYOB AE) from the client's accounting file. Import data, process year-end work, and export the finalised trial balance to the reporting file.
For enabling this feature, see the External Reporting Feature Guide.
6.4. Customising Matching Rules
Define how accounts from the client's file are allocated to the master chart of accounts using matching rules.
To customise matching rules, consult the Matching Rules Guide.
Additional Resources
Enhance your knowledge with the following resources:
Resource | Description |
Training Centre | User training courses for Business Fitness products: Access Here |
Support Centre - AU | Support and user guide articles for Australia: Visit Here |
Support Centre - UK | Support and user guide articles for the UK: Visit Here |