Is switching from desktop accounting to cloud worth the cost?

Switching from desktop accounting to cloud accounting is absolutely worth the cost. There is a lot of fear mongering for accountants considering moving to the cloud, especially from desktop advocates. They think the cloud isn’t worth the additional expense and doesn’t offer many other benefits than operating from a browser.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

When you look at the:

1. Total cost of ownership

2. Time you save

3. Reduction in compliance risk

It is 100% worth the price increase.

Let’s explain in more detail.

1. What is the total cost of ownership for cloud accounting software?

At a first glance, it may seem that the price doesn’t match the value, but there’s a lot more to it. You’re not just getting its desktop-based equivalent, you’re getting a completely new streamlined system.

Think about it. When you’re buying a new car but look at the same model from 10 years ago, it’s not the same. You’re buying the smart features, the revamped design, and a lot more perks and safety features that weren’t there 10 years ago.

Same for accounting software.

You’re investing in:

• New and improved design

• Flexibility to work from anywhere

• Easier team collaboration

• Better client experience

• Additional smart features

• Real-time updates

And so much more.

2. Is there compliance risk when switching accounting software to the cloud?

There is no compliance risk when switching your accounting software to the cloud. In fact, compliance only gets easier when you move to the cloud.

• Automatic updates, so you’re always using the latest version

• Improved GDPR-compliance

• More secure as data is longer stored on a desktop-based system

3. How much time can I save by moving accounting software to the cloud?

When it comes to saving time, cloud accounting software is the superior choice.

When using desktop, look at the time spent:

• Downloading latest version of accounting software

• Checking legislation updates have been applied

• Delaying urgent work until you’re back in the office

• Waiting for someone to leave a desktop app before you gain access

Switching to cloud accounting software is the natural choice for busy firms. Its removal of administrative burden, automatic updates, flexibility and seamless collaboration make it the best option for firm who are looking to save time in their work weeks.

When you compile all of these benefits together, they far outweigh the cost of the software.

How does Bright compare to Sage or QuickBooks for accounting software?

Bright stands out from Sage, QuickBooks, and other software vendors because of its ‘OneBright’ vision.

Bright is being built with intent to make an impact.

From onboarding to final declarations, they have a product for every stage of your accounting workflow. Their cloud product suite has been built with end-to-end workflows in mind.

The goal is to have a fully integrated suite where all products seamlessly communicate for every stage of an accountant’s workflow.

From their practice management, payroll, tax, bookkeeping and company secretarial software, they’ve got everything you need for any stage of your journey.

This content may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools. Content is reviewed by a member of the Bright team before publication. Guidance on legislation can be obtained from your industry body.