Back

Why Tax and Accounting Pros Should Embrace the Cloud

With tax season in its busiest couple of weeks of the year we thought wed remind you just how cloud computing and the tax and accounting profession ...

4 min read
Published on Apr 3, 2015
Why Tax and Accounting Pros Should Embrace the Cloud

With tax season in its busiest couple of weeks of the year, we thought we’d remind you just how cloud computing and the tax and accounting profession go hand-in-hand.  Store files and data securely in the cloud, and access them from anywhere, at any time with Microsoft Office 365.

As one of the leading Office 365 migration specialists in the world, Agile IT is perfectly equipped to help you move to Office 365 in a cost-effective, efficient and seamless migration. With hundreds of thousands of mailboxes successfully migrated to Office 365 world-wide, we have experienced and resolved many of the issues it is possible to encounter.  Contact us today to see how we can help transform how you do business.


From smartphones to movie streaming, most of us use “the cloud” in our personal lives on a daily basis—even if we don’t know it. But is the accounting profession effectively using the cloud to meet the expectations of today’s consumer?

When we look at overall consumer behavior, like a recent study by Internet World Stats and Pew Research Center, Internet penetration is at 87 percent for adults, with 18-29 year olds at 97 percent. Given the connectivity of clients and prospects, it’s unquestionably time for accounting firms to understand what the cloud is all about and take full advantage of its benefits.

For the tax and accounting profession, cloud services can mean securely storing accounting, billing and time management software online, and using the cloud to store client data and information safely.

Flexibility, Convenience and Efficiency

Using cloud technology, you can access your firm’s data without being tied to a specific location or computing device. This is particularly beneficial if you have employees working in multiple offices or client locations. Because information can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection, your firm’s productivity and efficiency gets a major boost.

The cloud also gives you an opportunity to extend online access to your clients, giving them the ability to view their own data at any time—a convenience that’s nearly imperative for today’s consumer.

Cost and Time Savings

Moving your firm to the cloud can also offer substantial savings in terms of IT implementation, maintenance and infrastructure costs. Traditional business software typically requires a large upfront licensing fee, in addition to an annual maintenance fee and your own infrastructure costs, while most cloud service providers offer a pay-as-you-go model where you’re charged a monthly or annual fee for use.

Cloud services can also reduce the need for in-house IT staff, as cloud vendors handle server and software maintenance, as well as tech support. Vendors also typically handle system upgrades, which happen automatically, giving you immediate access to updated software.

Safety and Reliability

Even with its potential advantages, it may not be easy for the risk-aware accountant, concerned about the vulnerability of their clients’ personal information, to implement cloud technology within their firm. Rest assured the rapid adoption of cloud services has led to an increased focus on data security.

Security breaches like those experienced by major retailers, while widely publicized, do not reflect the low possibility that a reputable cloud vendor would be hacked. However, it is important to choose a reputable vendor that has been in the business for at least three to five years.

Cloud vendors not only store data in a centralized offsite location, but they often keep copies of your information in one or two other locations for additional backup. The systems are typically self-healing, meaning that if there is a failure at one site you can immediately access the same data via another location.

Consumer Expectations

Perhaps the most compelling reason for tax and accounting firms to make the switch to using cloud technology is remaining relevant for today’s consumer. The widespread use of cloud technology in the consumer space is driving its transition across numerous industries—and that includes tax and accounting.

With a trusted cloud services provider at your side, don’t be afraid to take a walk in the cloud to boost your firm’s productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.   This article excerpt, by Christina E. Wiseman, originally appeared here: http://bit.ly/1MbCYLV

This post has matured and its content may no longer be relevant beyond historical reference. To see the most current information on a given topic, click on the associated category or tag.

Related Posts

Azure Migration Made Easy Tools Automation and Best Practices

Azure Migration Made Easy: Tools, Automation, and Best Practices for a Smooth Cloud Transition

Simplify your Azure migration with the right tools and automation. Explore Azure Migrate, Site Recovery, DevOps, and third-party solutions for an efficient cloud transition.

May 26, 2025
7 min read
How to Enable Cross-Cloud Collaboration Between GCC High and Office 365

How to Connect GCC High and Office 365 for Cross-Cloud Collaboration

Learn how to securely connect GCC High and Office 365 for cross-cloud collaboration. Explore supported features, limitations, and compliance best practices.

May 22, 2025
6 min read
Key Controls for Achieving CMMC Level 2

Key Controls for Achieving CMMC Level 2 Compliance

Discover the key security controls required for CMMC Level 2 compliance. Learn how to implement NIST 800-171 practices to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

May 21, 2025
7 min read
Understanding CMMC Enclaves: A Guide for DoD Contractors

CMMC Enclaves: Your Comprehensive Guide to Protecting CUI

Discover how CMMC enclaves can streamline compliance and bolster security by isolating Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within a secure environment.

May 21, 2025
7 min read
How MSPs, RPOs, and C3PAOs Help Organizations Achieve CMMC Compliance

How MSPs Help Organizations Achieve CMMC Compliance

MSPs, RPOs, and C3PAOs play a crucial role in CMMC compliance. Learn how to choose the right consultant, third-party auditor, or provider to meet CMMC certification requirements.

May 20, 2025
8 min read
CMMC Compliance Requirements for Level 1 Level 2 and Level 3

CMMC Compliance Requirements for Level 1 Level 2 and Level 3

CMMC certification requires different cybersecurity controls at each level. Learn the key requirements for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 compliance and how they align with NIST 800-171.

May 16, 2025
5 min read

Ready to Secure and Defend Your Data
So Your Business Can Thrive?

Fill out the form to see how we can protect your data and help your business grow.

Loading...
Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Let's start a conversation

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Schedule a Free Consultation

Location

Agile IT Headquarters
4660 La Jolla Village Drive #100
San Diego, CA 92122

Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out

Schedule a Free Consultation