This guide explains how to use the new Sort by dropdown on the Client & Accounts browse screen in Bright Accounts Production. This feature allows users to organise their client list by any available column, making it easier to manage workloads and find information quickly.

Overview

Users can now sort the Client & Accounts browse list using a dedicated Sort by dropdown, rather than clicking column headers. The sort applies instantly and works alongside existing filters.

Sorting can be applied by any supported column and in either ascending or descending order.

Available Sort Columns

You can sort the Client & Accounts list by the following columns:

• Code • Name • Country of Incorporation • Entity Type • Template Type • Current Year End • Bookkeeping

Where to Find the Sort Control

The Sort by dropdown is located near the filter area on the Client & Accounts browse screen.

When no changes have been made, the button displays a default label, for example:

Sort by: Code (A–Z)

The label updates automatically to reflect your current sort selection.

Using the Sort Dropdown

Open the Sort Options

1. Navigate to Client & Accounts.
2. Click the Sort by dropdown near the filter controls.

Choose a Sort Field

When the dropdown opens, you will see a list of all sortable columns displayed as radio button options.

1. Select the column you want to sort by.
2. The client list re-sorts immediately.

Choose a Sort Order

Below the sort field options, you will see an Order section.

1. Select Ascending or Descending.
2. The list updates instantly to reflect the new order.

The dropdown button label updates to show both the selected column and order, for example:

Sort by: Name (Z–A)

How Sorting Works

Text Columns

When sorting by text-based columns (Code, Name, Country, Entity Type, Template Type, Bookkeeping):

• Ascending order sorts alphabetically from A–Z (case-insensitive). • Descending order sorts from Z–A. • Names containing special characters (such as O’Brien or ABC & Co) are sorted logically within the alphabetical order. • Blank or missing values appear at the end of the list.

Date Columns

When sorting by Current Year End:

• Ascending order sorts dates chronologically, with the earliest date first. • Descending order shows the latest dates first. • Dates spanning multiple years are handled correctly. • Clients without a year-end date appear at the end of the list.

Sorting with Filters

Sorting works seamlessly with filters:

• When filters are applied, sorting operates only on the filtered results. • When a sort is already applied and a filter is added or changed, the existing sort order is maintained.

Sort Persistence

Your sort selection is retained during your session:

• If you open a client record and return to the browse screen, your sort remains applied. • When you reopen the Sort by dropdown, your current field and order selections are shown as selected.

Summary

The Sort by dropdown on the Client & Accounts browse screen gives you full control over how your client list is organised. By allowing sorting on any column and maintaining your preferences during your session, this feature makes it faster and easier to work with large client lists.