Cloud computing has changed the way that accountants and accounting firms do business. It has grown substantially over the past decade, progressing from an industry trend to become the industry standard.
For accountants, cloud computing has expanded the services you offer, and it has even redefined relationships with clients. With Sage accounting software and Sage cloud hosting or QuickBooks accounting software with QuickBooks cloud hosting, accountants can efficiently and securely manage your clients and provide them with the services they need to succeed.
Customer Success Story
The “cloud” is a term that refers to remote storage of data on third-party servers so that you don’t have to keep it stored locally on a computer or other physical drive. With cloud technology, you can access all of your data any time from any location as long as you have an internet connection.
Cloud services come in several forms:
Cloud hosting offers accountants and their clients much more secure storage than a filing cabinet or a single computer, where a natural disaster or cyberattack could quickly destroy or compromise sensitive information. The consequences could harm your accounting practice and your clients’ businesses.
With data encryption and various security measures, cloud providers work to ensure the security of data. Sage or QuickBooks cloud hosting with Summit provides you with your own dedicated server, which enhances your security even further. All data is secured in an off-site location where it receives 24/7 intrusion monitoring. It’s protected by enhanced encryption and security-related certificates. It’s also secured by multi-factor authentication, which requires a strong password along with a biometric reading, a text code, or a key upon login.
Our cloud hosting also provides additional security with network segmentation. This approach makes one network look like several to a potential intruder, making it even more difficult for them to infiltrate and gain access to your data. Network segmentation can also isolate potential threats, reducing the risk of malware spreading.
Cloud hosting allows for the automation of essential bookkeeping processes, such as entering debits and credits and making adjustments at the end of each accounting period. It also enables you to automate tedious and repetitive tasks, such as data entry and invoice filing. Automation frees your time so that you can focus on other tasks, increasing your productivity.
As an accountant, you know how quickly expenses can add up. Maintaining a computing network can be expensive, between purchasing new software, keeping it current, and paying for increased storage. Going to the cloud helps your firm save a significant amount of money.
Disasters happen. In addition to the threat of cyber attacks, there are also the risks of on-site issues, such as damaged hardware, natural disasters, and human intervention (such as theft). Cloud hosting typically automates data backups, and many providers retain copies of those backups for a certain period of time. Summit performs nightly dedicated server backups, ensuring that you always have the latest data in the event of a disaster.
You provide essential services for your clients, from maintaining their records to preparing reports that become the basis of crucial financial decisions. Sage or QuickBooks hosting makes it easier for you to help your clients forge a path to success. Cloud hosting makes data available to all authorized users, wherever they are and whatever time it is. At the same time, hosting ensures the safety of that data, protecting it from unauthorized access and compromise.
With QuickBooks cloud hosting or Sage cloud hosting, you can incorporate many tools, such as ledger management, invoicing, and tax preparation. Even tools that you use locally on your computer can include cloud support, enabling you to store relevant information that you can access at any time.
Your own data management tools can include multiple versions of commonly used financial tools and apps, allowing you to work with clients who use them. Having real-time access to these tools allows accountants to provide more effective and comprehensive services to meet the unique needs of each one of your clients.
The ease of access to tools and financial management services in the cloud allows clients to take a more active role in managing many of their day-to-day financial operations. While some people initially feared that this access would minimize the perceived need for accountants, it’s actually redefined and strengthened the relationships between many clients and accountants. It can help you to build stronger relationships with clients who gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of your level of expertise.
Cloud hosting gives you access to real-time data on demand. Rather than doing everything for your clients, you’re able to act as an analyst and an advisor, providing insight to your clients and helping them to make informed and critical financial decisions regarding their businesses.
Contact UsSummit Hosting can also integrate a variety of QuickBooks and Sage accounting software applications that you need to run your business effectively. The software is intuitive and easy to use. Here are some of the most common apps include:
With cloud hosting, accountants and accounting firms can help their clients safely and effectively manage their financial data, including balancing books, preparing taxes, and staying compliant. If you’d like more information about cloud hosting and how it could benefit you and your clients, read more about why accountants should move to the cloud, or contact Summit Hosting today. We’re here to answer all of your questions and help you to find the right solutions for your accounting business and your clients.
