Benefits of Cloud Accounting: Things I Never Thought I Would Say
I’m a pen-and-paper girl through and through! I can easily self-motivate by creating a checklist on a cute notepad* with my favorite pen. No tablet or Google Calendar reminders here - it must be pen and paper. When I decided to start my bookkeeping business, I had to think deeply about my own preferences regarding cloud-based software. Let’s be honest, there is no way I could support multiple clients remotely and effectively with the “notebook and Sharpie gel pen” approach. I got involved with QuickBooks first, and it did not take long to understand the benefits of cloud-based accounting.
We tend to “panic plan” at the end of the year. We tell ourselves that next year we will keep our receipts organized and do our bookkeeping weekly, then next tax season won’t feel so stressful. I can help you with that! At the very least, I can educate you a little on the benefits of cloud accounting and real-time numbers.
Incorporate new technologies and access your numbers at any time. A client recently migrated from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, and he did not hesitate to download the app. Although I wouldn’t recommend making big financial decisions on a whim, sometimes fast-moving deals come along that we can’t pass up. Being able to pull out your phone and see an overview of your financial situation would be great in a moment that needs a quick decision.
Along with this ease of access comes real-time transaction recording and ongoing reconciliations. Give yourself some time back in your day by automating what is capable of being automated. I am linking two articles below; one of them talks about a study that showed a “70% reduction in the time spent on month-end processes” using automation. Less time spent on books means more time spent on growth, and cloud accounting can grow with your business. There are always subscription options to the software, depending on your business’s specific needs. Start with the one you need now and upgrade as you grow.
If you are uncertain about using cloud-based software for your bookkeeping because of security risks, I understand. I used to feel the same way! I came to understand that there is a risk of security breaches no matter how or where you keep your accounting information. If you keep it physically onsite at your office, there is still a risk of fire, theft, or hardware failure. I implement safe security measures wherever possible, and the software has amazing security as well.
Acceptance and grace – there is a limit to what we can control!
Thanks for reading 😊
~Taylor
*The current favorite notepad is two shades of purple and has a pattern of tiny dragons. Thank you, Des Moines Public Library, for hosting an adult bookfair where I found the tiny dragon notepad.
Articles:
https://www.rickyspears.com/ecommerce/25-essential-accounting-tips-for-small-business-success-in-2025
https://www.atacpasltd.com/benefits-cloud-based-accounting-small-businesses