If you’re looking to cut costs for your business without sacrificing quality, cloudsourcing is the way to go. Never before have business owners had so much freedom and customization available to them at their fingertips. Read on to learn more about cloudsourcing and the benefits you can look forward to when you move your accounting and bookkeeping to the cloud.
What is cloudsourcing?
“The cloud” isn’t a new idea – it’s just another term for the Internet. And at its simplest, cloud computing is storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of from your computer’s hard drive. Many of us currently store files in the cloud – such as photos taken on our smartphone and music – and almost all of us check our email in the cloud on a daily basis.
Cloudsourcing takes this idea one step further – outsourcing business services through the use of cloud-based technology. At Cloudsourced Accounting, we specifically focus on cloudsourcing accounting and bookkeeping services.
What are the top benefits of cloudsourcing?
1. Accuracy – There’s no need to send files back and forth. Everyone can access the same file remotely at any time, which helps to ensure version control. Cloud-based software can also improve data entry accuracy. Our accounting software, Xero connects to a client’s bank account and automatically downloads their transactions several times a week. The software learns from our employees. If a bookkeeper codes a transaction a certain way, Xero will ask if they’d like to code a similar transaction the same way.
2. Efficiency/cost savings – We’re able to keep our prices competitive because we don’t have overhead. And that same benefit also applies to your business. You don’t need office space or a computer for an in-house bookkeeper. You also end up getting more for your money. While a small business owner might be able to afford a part-time bookkeeper, it would be a real stretch to hire a controller. At Cloudsourced Accounting, every client gets assigned to a bookkeeper, as well as a controller, who oversees the work. There’s also the money saved during tax season – a clean set of books that’s easy to work with means fewer hours needed from a busy CPA.
3. Freedom – Having all of your information in the cloud means 24/7 access from any device connected to the Internet. This gives you tremendous freedom in terms of your location and work hours.
4. Security – There’s a popular misconception that storing data in the cloud isn’t secure. In fact, it’s much more secure than alternative options. In an office, someone can break in and steal your computer (and the important data that goes with it). It’s also highly insecure to email files back and forth. With Xero, we can drag and drop files into a secure online storage space.
5. Integration/customization – Having your business online means that there are more possibilities for integration and customization. There are 300 companies that make add-ons that integrate with Xero – everything from time tracking to project management to inventory. We evaluate the add-ons and make recommendations as needed, satisfying each client’s individual needs. And we specialize in setup and maintenance of your integrations.
This is just the beginning for cloudsourcing. As more companies and services move into the cloud, there will be more opportunity for start-ups and other small businesses to grow on a tight budget. We’re excited to be a part of that.