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Is It Time to Move Your Accounting Software to the Cloud?

Accounting tools change over time, from written ledgers to Excel spreadsheets to the many advanced accounting software solutions available today. The challenge for businesses and nonprofits is to weigh the benefits of transitioning to newer solutions against the convenience of staying with what they know. 

You can see that struggle playing out right now, as organizations debate whether it’s time to shift away from their traditional on-premise accounting solutions, where software and databases are stored on local servers, to cloud accounting solutions that store software and data in the cloud. 

Let’s explore a few key differences between on-premises and cloud technologies to help you decide which is best for your business.

Cost efficiency

On-premises software solutions require upfront investments in servers, databases, and other expensive hardware. If you’ve already made those investments, you are ahead of the game, but you still have to pay to manage, update, and upgrade the hardware, and you need staff or consultants to help you do that. 

Cloud accounting software is generally less expensive and more predictable because cloud providers typically operate on a pay-as-you-go or subscription model. If you expect your business to grow in the months and years ahead, cloud solutions also make it easier and less expensive to scale while avoiding additional staff and hardware costs.

Integrations with other applications

To support growth, your financial and business data should flow efficiently and automatically across accounting, sales, reporting, HR, and other departments. If instead you’re finding that you’re struggling to integrate your data, and your spreadsheets require a lot of time-consuming manual work, it may be time to transition to the cloud.

Best-in-class cloud accounting solutions like Sage Intacct and Accounting Seed were designed to integrate seamlessly with custom systems and databases, as well as popular cloud applications like Bill.com and Salesforce. Look for cloud software that provides pre-built integrations that make it easy to set up the integrations you need.

Accessibility

The more your teams work remotely, the more likely you’ll benefit from the accessibility of cloud-based software solutions. On-premises software typically requires use of a VPN for remote access, whereas one of the top benefits of cloud accounting software is that it provides anytime, anywhere accessibility. 

If you want your finance and other teams to have the flexibility to securely access real-time data from anywhere, using nothing but a standard web browser and internet connection, cloud-based accounting solutions are your best option.

Get the implementation support you need

Clear Cloud One connects Salesforce with Accounting Seed and Sage Intacct, the leading accounting apps, to give businesses one platform that speaks one language. Our CPAs and Salesforce certified professionals help both commercial and nonprofit organizations improve their accounting processes through workflows, automation, and integrations.