Empowering charities through change: How we supported Medway Voluntary Action’s transition to Xero

MVA is a cornerstone of the Medway community, supporting the Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise & Faith sector (VCSEF) for over 35 years.

Their mission is to empower local organisations and individuals to build stronger, more connected communities. 

In October 2024, MVA’s Finance Manager Jeanette Thurston and their Treasurer Trustee met with our team—Cassie Fisk (Audit Assistant Manager), Sam Rouse (Partner, Audit and Assurance), and myself, David Petitt (Accounts Manager)—to explore the feasibility of migrating to Xero. From the outset, our approach was collaborative and flexible, ensuring the transition aligned with MVA’s operational needs and year-end deadlines. 

We took full control of the conversion process, providing clear timelines and regular updates. Our support included: 

– Tailored templates to guide data extraction and ensure consistency with MVA’s existing Sage coding.
– Migration of two years’ historical data, enabling continuity and aiding staff returning from leave.
– In-person training at MVA’s offices to ensure confidence in using Xero from day one.
– Hands-on support with VAT submissions, bank feed setup, and invoice template configuration. 

Jeanette shared her appreciation in a recent testimonial:

“Kreston Reeves provided exceptional support during MVA’s transition from Sage 50 to Xero. From the initial planning meeting to post-conversion assistance, their team—especially David Petitt—offered clear guidance, timely responses, and hands-on training. The process was smooth, efficient, and tailored to our needs, with minimal downtime. Their approachable and knowledgeable support gave us confidence throughout. We’re grateful for their professionalism and continued assistance.” 

This project highlights the value of working with a knowledgeable, professional advisor who understands the unique needs of the charity sector. By moving to Xero, MVA now benefits from more efficient processes, improved reporting, and greater confidence in their financial systems—freeing up time to focus on what matters most: supporting their community. 

We understand that for charities, financial clarity is more than just numbers—it’s about accountability, transparency, and the ability to deliver impact. That’s why we were proud to support Medway Voluntary Action (MVA) in their transition from Sage 50 to Xero, helping them modernise their accounting systems and streamline their financial reporting. 

If your charity is facing similar challenges with outdated systems or complex reporting requirements, we’re here to help. Get in touch to talk to us about how we can support your digital transformation journey.