Module 1 - System Functions (Mercia)

Edit Password and User details

This can be selected from the file drop down menu. You may change your password at anytime by selecting the Edit password and user details option from the File menu. On selecting this option, the system will display the Edit password and users dialog box, first asking you to log in if you have not previously identified yourself to the program.

Please note only the system manager can edit other people’s passwords.  If you are not the system manager your own password will be automatically offered for edit. 

Edit password and users dialog box 

When the dialog box is presented, the insertion point will be in the password entry box and your existing password will be offered for edit. Type in the new password you would like to use and either click on OK or press <Enter>. Passwords may be up to 15 characters and are case dependent.

System Options

Select system options from file drop down menu.  The first tab ‘system options’ can only be edited by system manager status and shows the directory to be selected to import 3^rd party trial balances.  There are also a number of check boxes that can be selected or deselected.

The ‘data paths’ tab shows the directories where data and master pack files are located depending on whether you are accessing the data at local level, network at office or network at client. 

The ‘colours’ tab enables users to change the colour coding in a number of areas. 

Transfer client pack from the network to the laptop and vice versa

Ensure that the correct ‘access data from’ radio button is selected as this will direct the software to the correct data path for the client data. Then login with user id and password (case sensitive). The password denotes level of user (e.g. partner, manager, senior etc.). You also have the option to login using windows authentication if you tick the relevant tick box.

When transferring from network, the pack on the network becomes backup copy which is accessible but the user is warned if accessing backup copy.  The reverse happens when transferring back to the network. You must be logged in to ‘local computer’ in order to transfer the pack back to the network.

Help Functions

In addition to this handout there is additional help within the system as follows:

There are guidance screens giving further explanation in the more complex areas of the product.  These are activated by selecting from the dialog box in the relevant areas.

Differences between paper and Audit Automation

There are clearly some major differences between a paper and automated system one of the most important being is when a client is created it is linked to a Master Pack and takes on the properties of that pack. Also when a client is balanced forward from one year to the next the customisation of audit programmes, audit risks, key controls, documents etc. can all be carried forward greatly reducing set up time in the new year.  In addition the Mercia guidance notes manual will be supplied in PDF format.