You deserve to know that your data is secure, the processes around handling your financial information are efficient, and the tools to get the job done are reliable. For most small businesses, gone are the days of physically writing checks and balancing checkbooks, and paying bills and sending invoices via snail mail, just to name a few.
To match the evolving needs of businesses today, many bookkeepers have become solely cloud-based when it comes to providing services for their clients.
What is the cloud?
Simply put, cloud computing is the storage and access to data and programs over the Internet as opposed to the local hard drive on your computer. You have control of your data and have the ability to provide others with access in a secure fashion. You can access your data on any device with access to the Internet.
What setup do non-cloud bookkeepers use?
If your bookkeeper isn’t working in the cloud, they’re likely storing their financial software, your financial data, and the data of all of their other clients on their own computer’s hard drive, and at times portable drives like a USB flash drive or portable hard drive. It’s also very common for your bank statements and other financial documents to be printed out and used as hard copies while they are working on your financials.
What setup do cloud bookkeepers use?
Cloud bookkeepers use secure online software such as QuickBooks Online and Xero to manage your books. If they handle bill pay, they’re using an online service like Bill.com. If they manage your payroll, a company like Gusto is likely in the mix. Are they invoicing for you? That can also be done through QuickBooks Online, Xero or a handful of other cloud-based providers. And the beauty is, all of these tools have the ability to connect with one another and with your banks (securely of course). And to add to the secure nature of how cloud bookkeepers work, they’re almost certainly working with a password storage program like LastPass or 1Password.
Benefits of working with a cloud bookkeeper?
Security
Computer stolen? No problem. Data doesn’t live on your bookkeeper’s computer. So unless the thief knows the passwords for their online accounts (which are thankfully stored in a password manager) there’s nothing to see here.
Office break-in? No printing of your financial documents means your data is still secure.
Encrypted real-time backups of your data as opposed to manual data backups.
Reliability
System updates are automatic so they don’t cause any downtime. Compare this to local system updates and software upgrades that take time and troubleshooting to manage.
If there’s a natural disaster, not only is your data still safe but work can still continue.
Efficiency
Data is securely shared between financial institutions and the online software being used, eliminating the need to mail, email and upload.
Access your financial data 24/7 via mobile app or computer or anywhere you can access the Internet.
Take pictures of receipts with your mobile phone and track effortlessly. Goodbye shoe boxes filled with receipts!
Run real-time financial reports when you want.
Invite others to securely view your data and even control the level of access they have.
Improved collaboration with your bookkeeper thanks to reduced back and forth. You get time back!
As small businesses move more of their business functions online as a response to improved security, reliability and efficiency, it only makes sense to ensure your bookkeeper is following suit.
At Above & Beyond Bookkeeping, we take pride in knowing that our clients hold us to the highest standard in the areas mentioned above. As a bookkeeping service that practices entirely in the cloud, we’re positioned to grow with your small business. Contact us to learn how we utilize cloud bookkeeping to help you exceed your financial goals.
You said you would find a good bookkeeper when pigs fly.
Well, today is your lucky day!