Cloud computing accounting software is accounting software that is hosted on remote servers. It is also known as online accounting software, web-based accounting software, and cloud accounting.
What does cloud computing accounting software do?
Cloud computing accounting software provides accounting capabilities to businesses using a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) business model. Data is sent into the cloud, where it is processed and returned to the user, and all application functions are performed off-site, rather than on the user’s desktop.
In cloud computing, users access software applications remotely through the internet or other network via a cloud application service provider. Using cloud computing accounting software frees the business from having to install and maintain software on individual desktop computers or local servers. It also allows employees in remote or branch offices to access the same data and the same version of the software.
History of cloud accounting and traditional accounting software
Before computers, accountants and bookkeepers used paper logs to track expenses and income and manage customer records. In the early 20th century, the first punch card machine, popularized by IBM, allowed accountants to manage financial data.
Accounting software originally ran on mainframes and mini computers, and financial data was stored in databases, from which the software accessed it. As computing power became cheaper and software capabilities expanded to handle increasingly complex accounting tasks, businesses faced a decision between keeping their legacy computer systems (with older software) or entirely upgrading.
Accounting software installed on computers on-premises had many shortcomings. This service model required costly hardware, including dedicated computers installed with the software, a local network, and on-site data storage.
Other costs included software licensing, maintenance, and hiring or contracting IT support staff. Data could be cumbersome to keep secure and to sync across devices and users. Increasing data capacity was costly, access to data was limited, and users had to deal with software end-of-life (EOL) issues.
In 1998, NetSuite released the first online accounting software, generally considered to be the start of cloud accounting. Today, cloud accounting software provides advanced business intelligence and analytics that increase the insights companies gain from their accounting platforms.
What are benefits of cloud-based accounting software?
Without assistance from software, accountants and other financial professionals spend long periods of time completing manual tasks, such as creating and filling out spreadsheets and completing math equations. Automating these processes can reduce error and give accountants more time to work on other projects or to provide more actionable analysis of the company’s accounting data.
Accounting solutions based in the cloud provide even more flexibility. Here are some reasons why 67% of accountants say cloud technology is improving client interactions and service offerings:
Access and availability
Cloud accounting software and data can be accessed anywhere there is a secure internet connection. Access requires only a browser or application on a thin client PC, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. This decreases access costs and opens up the possibility of distributed work teams and remote work.
Employees can download cloud accounting software on their personal devices, if needed. Many companies have shifted to remote work or hybrid work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a cloud-based accounting platform means that employees can work wherever they have an internet connection.
Computing power and speed
As complexity in accounting has grown, so too has the need for more computing power. Future demand for more insights and utility from accounting data will call for significant increases in computing power and speed. Forbes predicted in 2020 that AI, robotic process automation, IoT, blockchain, and Big Data will all drive the need for significant IT infrastructure growth. To remain competitive, therefore, online accounting providers are constantly upgrading storage, processors, and software to keep up with end-user demand.
Unified business operations
Cloud-based applications allow integrations with other business software, so the connection between data is synced and visible. Data entry and processing takes place in real-time or close to it, so employees and decision-makers are working with the most recent financial data and can make timely, accurate decisions with that data. This improves collaboration across departments while reducing errors.
Cost savings
Since data is stored in the cloud, minimal capital investment in on-site hardware and technical expertise is required. Vendors handle all updates, maintenance, and technical support. Expensive and time-consuming on-site upgrades are eliminated, and a subscription model eliminates up-front costs, spreads costs out over time, and makes costs more predictable.
Payment models based on data storage, transfer, or usage can also be more cost-effective for companies. Both subscription and usage models allow for virtually infinite and instant scaling of data in real-time for companies with flexible data needs.
Security and risk management
Businesses need to be able to store and mirror their financial data in more secure locations. In an on-premises accounting application, all the information is stored in local servers, which are vulnerable to theft, fire, and natural or man-made disasters. Because cloud service providers backup application data in different locations, companies are less likely to see a disaster wipe out their data.
Cloud accounting software also features security measures such as end-to-end data encryption, administrative permissions, multi-factor authentication, virus and malware protection, security audits, dedicated servers, secure server sites, segregated networks, automatic security updates, and more.
The specialization and comprehensiveness of security features and risk mitigation may be greater than any one business could affordably provide for itself. All of this minimizes the possibility of critical failures and ensures business continuity.
Automation and financial intelligence
Cloud accounting automates workflows and handles repetitive tasks, lessening the possibility of human error, improving user efficiency, and freeing up human resources for better uses. The pooling of data in the cloud also makes it easier to analyze data and provide advanced reporting, analytics, data visualization, and financial intelligence. This supports the optimization of operations at every organizational level.
Convenience
Other features saving time and money include live bank feeds, online payment, the payment of local and national taxes online, built-in industry standards compliance, and the ability to leverage cutting-edge technology. All of these end-user focused features contribute to more streamlined invoicing, quicker payment processing, and transparency into the financial health of the company.
Webopedia’s Top Accounting Software Recommendations
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Most cloud application providers typically charge based on usage compared to site license fees associated with traditional accounting software deployments. Accounting data backup and disaster recovery should also be a part of your cloud computing accounting software account.
