Does it make doing the accounts easier? That is the calling card of what makes good accounting software for accountants and small businesses. Perhaps the most valuable feature of cloud accounts is that it allows for users to log in from anywhere at any time.
This is completely redefining the relationship between a small business owner and their accountant. Previously this relationship revolved around the right version of the accounts being exchanged between the two or setting up face-to-face meetings to resolve any issues with the records.
With cloud technology now powering accounts software, real time collaboration between the parties is becoming the norm. This can be done by both accountant and business owner logging onto the same set of records at the same time from wherever they are while they discuss the situation in real time over the phone.
The time saving for the business owner is notable, not having to step out of the business to meet with his or her accountant. On the other hand, the day-to-day work of an accounting practice has become infinitely more efficient as they can potentially collaborate in real time with any of their clients using cloud accounting software. John Farry, an accountant in practice who uses Big Red Cloud has experienced this, ‘As external accountants we can also login to our clients’ records and make changes and deal with any queries quickly and easily’.
Another fundamental feature of what makes good accounting software for accountants is free access. If a small business owner has chosen to prepare their accountants with a software package it only makes sense to allow their accountant to access their records for free. This means that accountants don’t even have to think about adding software costs when they bill their clients. More importantly, it means they have the capability to manage many or all of their clients from one software package without any extra charge to either party.
An understated component of what makes good accounting software for accountants is the simplicity of the software itself. If the business owner is the one who will be doing most of the day-to-day bookkeeping, a simple software interface will make the accountant’s job a lot easier.
Complicated software can lead to mistakes, meaning an accountants time will have to be spent rectifying the records. The simpler the accounting software, the better as the accountant is freed from administrative duties and now has the time to provide real business advice on how the business is performing.
These are just a handful of things that make good accounting software for accountants but they may be some of the more prominent ones. There are of course others (automatic backups, stored in high security data centres, automatic updates, unrivalled support) but the continued progression of accounting software and the technologies which enable them are making life easier for business owners and, particularly, accountants alike.
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Here at Big Red Cloud we’d like to think we make simple accounting software that can help make your life easier. Our accounts package is hosted on the cloud and we do of course offer free access to accountants. If you’d like to find out more feel free to visit our features page
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Big Red Cloud Book of Accounting Blunders
Here at Big Red Cloud we’ve put together an interesting compilation of bookkeeping errors from some of the biggest names in business. These are 10 lessons that startups and SMEs alike can learn when it comes to running their businesses.
