Cloud computing is transforming the way accountants are managing financial data, for more efficiency!

The accounting industry has welcomed technologies and innovations such as cloud computing that make the lives of accounting professionals easier. Unlike traditional accounting, which involves a lot of manual data entry, cloud-based accounting dramatically reduces the time accountants need to perform basic tasks. Besides shortening the accounting processes, cloud computing ensures improved accuracy and automates some of its functions for streamlined operations.

Cloud computing is revolutionizing the way accountants operate and manage financial data. Below are the benefits of cloud computing for accountants.

1. Improved data security

Customer data can easily be compromised when filing taxes or handling any other high-value company data. This is why accountants should be careful of the threats associated with the software, hardware, and communication channels. Cyber security for accountants is of great concern because they handle sensitive client and company data vulnerable to cyberattacks. With cloud computing, confidential information can be stored in the cloud where data security and privacy are assured, while scheduled upgrades can guarantee it.

Storing financial data in the clouds also protects it from natural disasters because it's automatically backed up for easy retrieval in case of a calamity. You can hide all accounting data from prying eyes by using security safeguards like firewall, data encryption, and multi-factor authentication.

2. Easy data access

With the desktop-based accounting system, accountants are tied to an office, as their data, software, and accounts are saved in a local drive. Cloud computing allows fast access to data from anywhere. When accounting data and other applications are stored in the cloud, accountants can access them provided they have internet-connected devices. Cloud-based accounting software allows 24/7 accessibility, making it easy for accountants to access records, reports, and receipts on the go. This makes it possible for accounting professionals to work remotely.

3. Improves accuracy

Since cloud computing allows for the automation of most accounting functions, human error is reduced. Using journal templates, repetitive invoices, and auto reserved accrual journal ensures the accuracy and efficiency of financial records. Accountants also get comfort in that every transaction processed through a bank account is displayed and reconciled in the cloud accounting file, ensuring that they don't miss any financial events.

4. Enhances speed

The automation feature in the cloud computing system fastens routine tasks, giving accountants more time to concentrate on other functions, increasing productivity. Besides eliminating human error, automation of key processes prevents data duplication, saving time and effort.

With cloud accounting, data is automatically saved and backed up as you go, so accounting professionals don't have to waste time-saving data or doing data back-ups. Since software updates and back-ups are no longer necessary on a cloud platform, accountants are always logged into the latest software with all the updated features.

5. Facilitates collaboration

Accessibility enhances collaboration. When working with desktops, you have limited access to your statements and records, making it challenging to collaborate with colleagues and advisers. Since several stakeholders such as team members, management, and advisors can access books online, the workload can be delegated.

Since the accountants handle the most complex functions such as long-term forecasting, in-depth reporting, and planning, bookkeepers and small business owners can handle basic tasks like paying bills and bank reconciliations. Cloud computing software lessens accountants' work, enabling them to offer more services to their clients.

6. Reduces paperwork

In a traditional accounting system, accountants have to deal with paperwork and manual data entry, which leads to slow and ineffective processes. With cloud accounting, accountants can significantly reduce reliance on paperwork because they email invoices to clients, eliminating printing and postage costs, accelerating the payment process.

Incoming receipts and bills can be scanned and saved with the associated transactions in the accounting software.  With your financial statements, reports, and other financial data stored in the cloud, accountants don't need to keep original paperwork, saving storage and filing space costs.

7. Improved customer relationships

Accountants need to maintain good relationships with their customers. Cloud computing allows them to collaborate with clients across any device virtually. Accountants working with vendors, distributors, and other colleagues, can easily find any bills, invoices or identify if a payment was missed. This helps accountants to ensure that all records are up-to-date, easing the tax filing process.

8. Flexible and scalable operations

Cloud computing allows accountants to scale their resources up or down whenever necessary to ensure they only pay for what they need. With cloud computing, accountants can meet the requirements and demands of a growing business. This is because the scalability feature of cloud computing allows them to transition to a more comprehensive accounting solution as the business grows. It also allows you to integrate add-ons and software options to customize your accounting solution.

9. Enhances centralization

With cloud computing, all financial data is stored in one database, allowing everyone accesses to similar information. Accountants working from different sections don't have to waste time figuring out which spreadsheet is suitable. This ensures consistency across all financial processes and reports.

Endnote

Compared to manual spreadsheet-based processes and desktop-based accounting, cloud-based accounting offers many benefits to outsourced accounting firms in general. Consider investing in cloud computing for streamlined accounting processes.