Where do I start with getting my firm into the cloud?
While time spent online is increasing exponentially for most businesses, some still work more traditionally.
Paper ledgers are fast becoming a thing of the past – but, as an accountant, you’ll probably be well aware of the struggles of encouraging your clients to move to cloud accounting software.
And, maybe you’re still doing things on spreadsheets or using workarounds yourself. Every business is different.
As a provider of an all-in-one solution, in this article, we’ll help you get to grips with the benefits moving to the cloud will bring and where to start if you’re unsure.
Start using cloud software
Whatever you choose, the first step is to identify the software you’d like to use and research how it will function in your business.
It’s a big step for some businesses that’ve gotten used to working in a certain way for years now. And it’s natural to be apprehensive about change.
Change is great in our eyes. If you embrace and learn from it, you’ll become a better business.
So pick software that works for both you and your clients – there’s no point in signing up for something if you can’t really afford it.
You’ll want to move your accounting platforms away from spreadsheets and onto cloud solutions like Xero or Sage.
Getting set up on cloud accounting software will come with an onboarding process – where you move your data into the cloud platform and then work to depreciate your old documents.
You’ll need to start your preparation and plan how this will affect you and your team whilst you get set up.
Get rid of paper
Once you’ve moved to the cloud, it’s time to remove all your paper ledgers and documents.
Bar notices from HMRC, Companies House, or legal documents, most documentation can be produced digitally nowadays.
By becoming a paperless office, you’re not only saving the planet by reducing the deforestation from paper production, but you’re also saving hours of filing and admin that traditionally have come with old-style office models.
This saves all the hassle of ‘lost documents’ and compliance headaches that go along with physical information.
You’re also encouraging a more flexible work-life balance – when everything can be done online, your staff can work from anywhere. If they’re waiting for a letter, they must always be in the same place.
Train your staff
Take the time needed to bring your team up to speed with your new cloud platform. It’s no good bringing in a fancy tool if no one can use it.
Make sure you work with the provider to onboard effectively, setting up accounts and giving your staff time to ask questions if they’re unsure. Our customer service team will be on hand, should you need them though.
If you have an IT department, it makes sense for them to get trained on it first and then have them get you set up on it. That way, you’ve got some common ground to fall back on should things get complicated.
Move to an all-in-one solution
Now you’re in the cloud, you can go one step further – use AIRPA to connect all your cloud programs in one hub.
As an accountant or small business, this is a game changer. Our suite allows complete integration between platforms, with features such as:
- Universal search – find documents and info in seconds
- Data sync – all your data connected at once
- Dashboards – see quick overviews of performance
- Automation – save hours through a few clicks
AIRPA is built with busy people in mind – we’ve made the platform as streamlined and user-friendly as possible because we know that usability is vital to getting everyone to use something.
You don’t have to move all your programs at once – it makes sense to try a few out first to see if you like it. We’re always a call away to help you if you get stuck.
Want to see what AIRPA is all about? Why not book a demo or use our free trial.