Guide on Cloud Computing 

August 9, 2012

With the rise of cloud computing and constant availability of mobile devices, there’s been a big shift in the way tech-savvy practices compile, analyze and deliver financial data for clients. Most accounting practitioners have known that there are significant advantages to automating their business processes and adopting digital technology. But just now the accounting firms have a roadmap to guide them through the process of using cloud computing.

In a book “10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud: New Levels of CPA Firm Workflow Efficiency” published by the American Institute of CPAs, the authors describe the 10 steps for getting a digital practice up and running:

• Get the right technology infrastructure to leverage the cloud.
• Provision enough Internet bandwidth, both wired and wireless, to operate effectively.
• Select the right mix of desktops, laptops, mobile devices and software to function in a productive, effective way.
• Install the right scanning systems to aid the shift to a paperless office. 
• Deploy a document management system to maximize efficiency with digital records.
• Use trial balance working paper software, if the firm performs many of these engagements.
• Transform the firm’s Web site into a full-fledged client portal.
• Maximize productivity with workflow software.
• Offer clients cloud-based accounting systems.
• Have the right plan and tools in place to ensure data security and speedy disaster recovery.

This brand-new resource will help firms leverage technology through automating data processing in order to work as efficiently and profitably as possible, and focus all efforts on services that will increase the value brought clients.  Leveraging technology and moving to the cloud will improve the quality, efficiency, and profitability of the services.