What Is Cloud Accounting?

Cloud accounting software is similar to traditional, desktop based solutions, with the difference being that it is hosted on remote servers. Data is sent into the “cloud” where it is processed and stored.

What are the benefits of cloud accounting?

• Ability to manage your business on the go with access to real time data from anywhere with an internet connection, and from any device–including laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
• Track your business expenses – record expenses for tax time
• Photograph receipts right into the app
• Instantly see how your business is performing with real time cash position (how much money you have and how much you owe)
• Control your cashflow and schedule recurring payments to save time.
• Create access for your Employees or Accountant so they can login remotely and work with your data.
• For business owners, peace of mind comes from knowing that routine maintenance and updates to the software are managed by the SaaS (Software as a Service) provider.
• The cloud accounting software never goes out of date – you’ll always be using the most up to date version.
• Your data is secure and backed up at all times.
• Cloud accounting is often packaged up with extra features such as the ability to create custom invoices, job costing and cloud inventory management.

Cloud accounting solutions are often subscription based, and customers can upgrade their monthly or annual plans to meet the growing needs of a business. This pricing model is similar to popular consumer SaaS providers such as Netflix, Google Apps, and Dropbox. Not requiring a long term commitment is another strong reason to consider cloud solutions.

According to Intuit’s e-book “The Appification of Small Business ”, it is estimated that 78 percent of small businesses will rely on cloud technology by 2020. This makes sense when you consider that under the SaaS business model, providers are incentivized to innovate and provide great customer service–all at a competitive price.

The benefits of cloud accounting

For new businesses, starting fresh with a cloud solution is easy as signing up. Established businesses however, will need to plan ahead for migration to ensure that critical data is kept intact and everything continues running smoothly. Fortunately, major cloud accounting providers such as QuickBooks Online allow seamless transition from older, traditional desktop based solutions.

Here are the top benefits to consider when researching cloud accounting solutions:

1. Safe storage of financial data

Cloud accounting technology can provide a more secure method of storing financial information than desktop based software. Data is routinely backed up to servers in multiple locations by the SaaS provider, and there are no physical hard drives or computers containing sensitive data that can be stolen. Since financial information isn’t kept on-premise, the risks of fires and natural disasters are also mitigated.

2. Sync data automatically

Cloud accounting software does the heavy lifting so you can spend your time on other important business tasks. Automatically sync your bank accounts so you don’t have to manually import transactions or verify expenses. If 84 percent of businesses using cloud software are cutting their application costs — it’s a good indicator that with the adoption of online accounting, you can too.

3. Pay as you grow

Small businesses often experience growing pains, which makes choosing software with future growth in mind a priority for many. Cloud accounting software allows businesses to purchase what they need and increase their spend as they grow. This includes adding more storage space, users, and more advanced features.

4. Multi user access

Once you reach a point where your business is looking to outsource specific tasks, using cloud accounting can help scale in a cost-effective and controlled manner. The multiuser feature of cloud accounting means you can give different people access to your financial records and bookkeeping process, which they can access remotely. This streamlines workflow, and allows you to ask your advisor or accountant questions directly, all based on the most up-to-date versions of documents. The multiuser feature makes for quick communication, team collaboration and less back and forth.

5. Data accuracy

Cloud accounting programs promote accuracy by streamlining the data-importing process and eliminating double-entry mistakes or other human errors that might occur. TechRepublic praises Saas-based accounting systems citing the “built-in controls that automate identification of duplicate entries, and prevent other errors.”

6. Prevent unauthorized access

The same way you don’t want strangers accessing your pictures or your Google documents, unauthorized users in your accounting software is even more disheartening, and even dangerous. Login credentials for your cloud accounting software enable only designated people to view and access your financial information. Data is completely private and protected.

7. Minimal downtime

As with any online or desktop software, periodic security upgrades and software updates are essential to keep programs running smoothly. Cloud accounting software is no different. You will experience some — though minimal — downtime for such updates, but will be alerted ahead of time.

What features are included with Cloud Accounting Software?

QuickBooks Online, a leader in cloud accounting technology, offers small businesses a wide variety of features and bookkeeping capabilities. Easily see all of your accounts and financial data, record sales, get paid, and keep track of all your money in one organized place.

See the Cloud Accounting pricing plans for QuickBooks to compare the best subscription for your needs. The platform allows you to customize your plan as you scale.

Connect your bank accounts and credit cards, sync transactions and access operational data from anywhere. If your accounting is taken care of, you can spend the time you save doing things you like — like scaling and growing your bottom line.