In the Trenches: Accounting in the Cloud

Since the day we opened for business, we’ve used good old-fashioned accounting software sitting right here on my desktop computer. But things are changing, and I want to get more people involved with accounting. That opens up a ton of new options, but I’m not quite sure which way to go.

Up until now, I’ve been the only one who touches the books. That makes it easy. I keep it on my desktop computer, and I make all the entries from here. If I’m away, then it can wait. There’s never a hurry to make entries into the system, so it’s never really been an issue.

There is a problem now, however. As I look to remove myself from some of these types of tasks, I realized that desktop software may not be the way to go. Sure, the desktop version has multi-user capability, but having sifted through the instructions, it looks like there’s some real work that needs to be done on the back-end before it would work for us — and before I’d be comfortable sharing this sensitive information over the network. While I could probably figure out how to make it happen, I really don’t have the time or the will to do it right now.

That brings me to the cloud. More and more of these accounting programs can be accessed wholly online. No need to do any real setup — it’s just all there for you. What’s the catch? Well, it’s more expensive. For users of my particular application who want to import files over, monthly pricing plans start at around $25 a month. That compares with less than $200 total to just buy the desktop version and use it for a few years. It may not seem like much money in the scheme of things, but it’s important to watch every penny when you’re a small business.

So what do you think? Stick with the desktop? Go with the cloud? What’s the best way to open this up to more people?

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Cloud computing technology could really help your business and there are lots of companies who are offering this services. Try to explore other offers because sometimes they have good service or promos. But before doing this, you should also make sure that the provider you will get is very reliable for your business.

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Mathfox

Before you go into the cloud, ask how you get your data out of it again! You could get stuck with a provider that you don't like otherwise.Another issue is that the taxman keeps you responsible for your books and will come to you when your cloud provider screws up (or goes bankrupt). That's another reason to have an independent copy of your administration.... I hope you make backups of the important files on your computer now.

Barry

I have been suing QB's cloud version for the last year. I will say the auto pulling of entries from the checking accounts is absolutley worth it.

Paul

What cloud system did you end up using?

Betsy Wuebker

I'll make it a triple. Go for it and don't look back. I used desktop QB for years (and Peachtree before that) in two small businesses. Because we're location independent now, I switched to the cloud for a couple of reasons: automatic, daily backups and online sync'ing of bank account activity. QBOnline automagically gets stuff categorized and assigned from a regular bank download. The thing I hate most about accounting is the input - what a slog! Anything that gets me editing rather than inputting is a plus in my book.

Paul Zantander

Definitely yes to cloud computing technology. However you might need an extra layer of security to ensure only the right people can see your accounting data. Perhaps a second password, vpn?Cloud technology is everywhere even Business Telephone systems like RingCentral

Cherilyn Collins

I'd vote a big YES for the cloud.You or your bookkeeper, CPA, etc. can access it anytime from anywhere. (You can set passwords and limit access) Plus it is always backed-up and you always have the current version!It is the way of the future but I understand when you any some of my clients are hesitant. It seems not too long ago I was reluctant to give up my type writter.Cherilyn Collins Info@YourAccountingDepartment.com

In the Trenches: Accounting in the Cloud

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