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Disabled People’s Association of Singapore (DPA) and Singapore Association of Visually Handicapped (SAVH), two of the first movers who had signed up for iServe’s services, also shared their experience on outsourcing during the 2nd Charity Council Networking Seminar.
 The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) aims to help the Visually Impaired help themselves by acquiring new skills and gaining self reliance to cope with the integration into society. Ms Judy Lim, Executive Director, SAVH, shared some of her thoughts as follows:
“One of the key benefits that iServe has brought to SAVH is, overall reduction in cost to SAVH for provision of administrative services. MCYS funding from VWOs-Charities Capability Fund (VCF), NCSS, is made available to charity organisations and IPCs to reduce the cost of engaging ST Electronics’ iServe.
“Handling over of the accountings during the transition period is done and handled smoothly by experienced and professional staff from iServe to ensure continued productivity. The previous problem of coordination and staff adapting to new roles no longer exist. Furthermore, a second level check by a third party service provider will help to induce public confidence. “
“As a result of payroll outsourcing to iServe, the problem of high turnover rate among staff is now resolved. Instead of looking for payroll staff that has strong knowledge of payroll software, SAVH now has iServe and that reduces the need for more payroll staff.” |
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 The Disabled People’s Association of Singapore (DPA)’s mission is to be the voice of people with disabilities, helping them achieve full participation and equal status in the society through independent living. Ms Anusiah, Administrator of DPA Singapore has this to say about iServe.
“Proper segregation of duties was not possible in DPA previously due to small number of permanent staff. With iServe, this is now possible.. iServe also helped to ensure that we complied with the Charity Council’s Code of Governance”
“Prior to iServe, DPA had worked with bookkeepers. However, due to the low transactional volume and low fees incurred, DPA was given lower priority by the bookkeepers and many transactions were processed late. This is not the case with iServe. Reports were given timely and on both transactional and project basis which is very helpful to DPA’s management” |
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 Started out as a simple group providing shelter for a group of 4 men and a family, a Shelter for Men grew to become a full fledged community organisation called New Hope Community Service (NHCS). Registered as a charity organisation in 2004, NHCS has been actively reaching out to people in need regardless of their race and religion.
NCHS’s vision of providing shelter of hope to needy individuals and families are reflected in its core services, which includes providing shelter for displaced families and individuals, providing shelter for men-in-crisis and management of Children’s Character Fun Club.
NHCS has signed up for iServe services since Jan 2010 for both Finance & Accounting and Payroll services. Ms Leah Tan, Centre Manager of NCHS was pleased that the comprehensive set of finance and payroll solutions provided by iServe has helped them to achieve higher efficiency.
Qn 1: What are some of the issues that NHCS faced in areas of finance & accounting, payroll and procurement, prior to signing up with iServe?
Ans: We started with outsourcing of Finance and Accounting to iServe in January 2010 and Payroll in June 2010. Prior to engaging iServe, we outsourced our accounting to a freelance accountant. As such, our work was compromised whenever the freelance accountant is unavailable. This is an issue if it occurs during month end or year end period. With iServe, this is no longer an issue as iServe provides timely processing and more comprehensive and detailed reports. As for payroll, before outsourcing, cheques were prepared manually. With iServe Payroll, the processes are now electronically driven.
Qn 2: What are some of the issues that NHCS hoped to address by signing up with iServe?
Ans: NHCS would like to strengthen the finance management and controls of NHCS.
Qn3: As of current, have these issues been addressed by iServe? Please provide some examples of how these issues are addressed.
Ans: Currently, it is an on-going process of fine tuning the processes (eg. payment schedule and document filing). iServe has also advised and recommended ways to improve the accounting practices.
Qn 4: In general, is NHCS satisfied with the quality of services provided by iServe and is there any particular aspect or person that you would like to highlight?
Ans: Yes, in general NHCS is very satisfied with the quality of iServe’s services. iServe’s sraff are very helpful in giving advices as and when required.
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