BUSINESS
CLOUD
ACCOUNTING
As you may already know, 'the Cloud' is a term we use when talking about
particular kinds of IT services that are not physically located on your desktop
computer. Usually the data and the software are hosted on servers located
many miles away, connected via the internet, and run by so-called ‘Software
as a Service’ (SaaS) providers. The Cloud setup allows you, as a user, to
securely access the functions you need from any connected device — even
a phone — over the internet. Hence you can access the service from
virtually anywhere. A recent interesting development in this area has been
the growth of 'Cloud Accounting'.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CLOUD ACCOUNTING
Why does it matter?
We expect the demand from our clients for this type of service to grow
rapidly over the coming years.
It also presents new opportunities for Wilkins Kennedy, in both the way we
interact with our clients and the services we can offer.
Data is available to us and our clients on an immediate 24/7 basis, so it is
easier for us to give timely advice and add value or even just speed up the
turnaround when providing management accounts.
What is Cloud Accounting?
How will this affect our existing clients?
Cloud Accounting is the term given to accounting software that is accessed
via the Internet by logging into an account with a Cloud Accounting service
provider. The user pays a monthly fee for this service and can process their
accounting transactions in the normal way. The data and software is however
stored on a secure server controlled by the Cloud Accounting service
provider.
Some of our clients are already using Cloud Accounting services, and they
will now have an option to formally connect to Wilkins Kennedy as their
accountant partner. Clients who are not using Cloud Accounting but who
are considering a change or major upgrade may want to include Cloud
options in their list of possible choices.
Some examples of Cloud Accounting service providers are Xero, e-conomic,
Twinfield and Sage One.
What about new clients?
Wilkins Kennedy is an authorised partner with a number of Cloud Accounting
service providers and also works with other companies that provide these
services.
Wilkins Kennedy can now offer clients the option of using a Cloud Accounting
service if it would suit their needs. This is particularly useful for clients who
travel extensively or have multiple locations either in the UK or overseas,
and who are not well served by existing desktop accounting products.
What are the benefits of using Cloud Accounting?
I have more questions about Cloud Accounting, who should I contact?
• Users have the ability to log in from multiple different locations, including
mobile access from smartp hones and tablets.
• There is no requirement to maintain the software or upgrades.
• Wilkins Kennedy does not have to formally receive data from our clients,
therefore creating a more efficient service.
• There are fewer restrictions as the data is accessible at any time of
the day.
• The services normally have a fixed monthly cost, with no significant upfront
investment.
• There are usually no annual maintenance costs.
• Both Wilkins Kennedy and our clients can look at the same data at the
same time, which negates the need for endless backup copies and
questions of who holds the latest version.
• We can meet a client virtually anywhere and still review their accounting
data via any device that can access the internet.
If you would like to know more about Cloud Accounting and/or the detailed
services available, please contact Judy Diamond
([email protected]) or Simon Woodhams
([email protected]) on 01233 629255.
www.wilkinskennedy.com
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