For many accounting firms, the transition to a cloud-accounting platform comes with many benefits, including the ability to automate time-consuming tasks and free up employees to focus on higher value engagements.
Your clients can leverage these same benefits, especially if you help them manage expectations about cloud accounting before, during and after their transition.
One of the best ways to do this is to be prepared to answer the following key questions related to the process of adopting a cloud accounting platform:
Will my team like the new accounting solution and work as easily as we do now?
Cloud-based accounting platforms are built to provide optimal user experiences. The Xero platform, for example, is designed to load logically, which means users don’t have to wait for features that they don’t use as often to load.
In addition, the software is built specifically for accounting workflows, so the necessary functionality is always easy to find.
Who owns data in the cloud, and will I still be able to access it, even if I’m late on a payment?
Clients continue to own and control their data in the cloud, and it is always accessible to them no matter where they are as long as they have access to the internet. The right cloud accounting doesn’t withhold data if there is a payment or other dispute.
Plus, data in the cloud can be accessed working from anywhere which means your clients (and team) can access everything they need from any device.
Will the new accounting platform integrate with the other business applications we need?
When you provide your clients with the right cloud accounting solution, integration with key business applications should be standard. With Xero as a client’s cloud accounting foundation, there are hundreds of integrations with key business applications available from CRM platforms through to financial planning and analytics.
How easy will it be to get technical help or troubleshoot the solution?
It is common to hear objections from your clients about the quality of support they receive from some accounting software platform companies. You can assure your clients that when partnering with your firm they can rely on your staff—backed by your cloud accounting platform provider—for the support they need.
How secure will my data be in the cloud, and can we recover it when needed?
Beyond the advanced functionality of Xero’s cloud-based accounting software, your clients also will benefit from enhanced security features and data backups that will give them the capability to manage access to critical data, stay in compliance with data management regulations and secure data using multi-factor authentication and other security features, while still providing 24/7 accessibility.
You can find additional strategies in the "Xero Best practices for your Transition to Cloud Accounting eBook" which can be downloaded HERE.
How disruptive will the transition to the new platform be to my business?
Transitioning to the cloud will cause less disruption than continuing to work in a desktop environment, especially if a hybrid team is involved. Your cloud accounting provider should help you create a systematic and seamless onboarding process that will help users get up and running quickly with much higher levels of efficiency and productivity.
Plus, remote workers will have all the tools and data they need to work just as efficiently as if they were sitting at a desk in the office.
How expensive will the new platform be—will it increase our operating costs?
Cloud accounting solutions can actually help to reduce costs, eliminating the need for this-party support entities and on-site hardware and servers.
Plus, you will always have the latest software updates without having to pay additional fees for them, unlike desktop software.
While the end result of transitioning to a cloud accounting platform is very appealing, the process of fully implementing the technology can take time and patience to complete thoroughly. Answering your clients questions upfront and being prepared with the right answers will help eliminate hesitancy and increase confidence in the decision to make the change.
With these answers in hand, you can progress to include other best practices in the process your firm uses to help clients (and your own team) make the transition to cloud accounting.
Ready to transition to cloud accounting? Download the ""Xero Best practices for your Transition to Cloud Accounting eBook" HERE