MCI & Associates, chartered accountants with offices in Pahiatua and Dannevirke, works with farm clients of every type across a wide area. For associate Cheri Henricksen, the best results come when the accountant and the farmer work as one team, and Farm Focus is what makes that possible.
“I call it a collaborative system because we’re working closely as a team and yet neither party has to leave their office.”
Why do farm clients need specialised software?
Cheri’s rural clients farm in many different ways, but they have one thing in common: they need software built for farming. She was talking about Cash Manager Focus, as Farm Focus was then called.
“Our rural customers require a specialised farm management package and for me Cash Manager Focus (Focus) is one application that stands out. Unlike regular accounting software, Focus includes essential features designed specifically for farmers such as production analysis and a livestock inventory. Farmers can now forecast and model anticipated revenue using unique features such as the dairy forecaster.”
Software that keeps evolving
For Cheri, one of Farm Focus’s strengths is that it never stands still.
“Focus software is also ever-evolving. The package has been designed and developed to meet local needs so the software can be tweaked and updated. It’s like a living document that can stand the test of time.”
When we spoke with Cheri, the newest feature was invoice scanning, and she was a fan.
“It’s a game changer and customer feedback says they also love it! It takes time to set up but it’s well worth it. Having direct access to all the information you need in saved documents makes life much easier for all parties. From an accountant’s point of view, it is a time saver. No more time spent chasing pieces of paper or waiting for customers to get back to us.”
From invoice scanning to AI
Her “living document” has kept growing. The Invoice Scanner can now code pre-trained invoices automatically, and in July 2026 Farm Focus gave all subscribers the AI Farm Assistant. Farmers and their advisers can ask it questions about actuals, plans and reports and get answers straight away, alongside AI report summaries and insights.
How can accountants and farmers work as partners?
Clients see the value in having their advisers linked directly into their business.
“Focus is cloud based so more than one user can access the documents they need at any time. Again, no more sitting around waiting for someone to log out before I can get in – access is immediate for all parties.”
Today, accountants and advisers can run all their client farms from one dashboard with Focus Workspaces. The farmer keeps the books up to date, the adviser sees the same live numbers, and both can ask the AI Farm Assistant a quick question about the figures. Lock dates protect finalised accounts.
Is it easy to switch to Farm Focus?
Cheri says switching is straightforward.
“The most difficult part is thinking about it!”
“Focus software is user friendly so it’s simple to self-teach, plus the CRS Customer Support Team are there if you need advice and I have to say they’re great. The real beauty of having a help desk is being able to jump on the phone and talk to them – having that quick two-minute chat makes such a difference!”
CRS was the company’s name at the time; it’s the same Farm Focus support team today.
Losing information is often the biggest worry when changing systems. Cheri reminds her clients that their information and business history come with them.
“They don’t need to run two systems and keep referring to both. Their history is right there in one place and that’s a real advantage.”
Do farmers need two systems to see the full picture?
Cheri’s point goes further than switching day. Many farm businesses run a general accounting package for the books and a separate farm tool for budgets and planning, then piece the picture together. In Farm Focus it’s all in one system: actuals, budgets and forecasts, livestock, GST and reports, built for farming from the start. One login, one set of numbers, and the farmer and their accountant are looking at the same thing.
For Cheri, it’s an easy call.
“It is just the click of a button and you’re supported all the way.”
Every Farm Focus customer gets free onboarding and phone support from a team that knows farming, in New Zealand and Australia.
