Historically, Bookkeeping was performed in an office with pencils and ledgers.  Then companies revolutionized to desktop accounting programs.  Now, it is possible to perform bookkeeping functions from anywhere there is internet connectivity which is almost anywhere in the world.

With the cloud, users can log in and subscribe to services that use a shared infrastructure via the internet.

The benefits to using these services are plentiful.  Not only does cloud based bookkeeping programs provide benefits to users, they also prove to provide a cost savings for the companies that use them.

Anywhere, Anytime Access– The first benefit to using a cloud based bookkeeping system is that no matter where you are or what time of day it is, if you have internet connectivity, you have access to your accounting records.  Many programs such as QuickBooks Online also have an app that you can install on your smartphone and have access to your account at the touch of an icon.

Time Savings– The world of Cloud Computing allows time savings as Bookkeepers can now access data just by logging on rather than having to make a trip to the Office.

Collaboration– Collaboration is now being taken to a different level as small businesses cannot collaborate with their Bookkeepers and see the workflow process every step of the way.

Secure Sharing– Many of the data centers housing data have security infrastructures that are stronger and more secure than an individual firm could afford to have on its own.DataCenter servers are protected by firewall security, security systems and intrusion detection software which is also monitored by Security Personnel.

Automatic Backups– A numerous amount of time can be saved without having to worry about scheduling backups and then transferring those backups to an off-site facility.  By using a cloud based program, you can back up your data every time you exit the program always ensuring that your latest information is available.

Automatic Updates– There is no need to have to worry about upgrading when the newest version of software comes out.  With Cloud Computing, the latest version is always being used.

Affordability– Since cloud-based programs are subscription based, there is no license fees resulting in reduced initial costs.  They also usually include free support with the subscription resulting in reduced IT costs to you.

As you can see the cloud provides companies of all sizes the opportunity of a revolutionary alternative to doing business.

Currently, Your Faithful Assistant uses the following cloud based services:  Office 365, QuickBooks Online, Dropbox and BaseCamp and Benchmark Email to perform the needs of its clients.  For more information on any of the services above, you can check out the following links:

www.office365.com

www.Quickbooksonline.com

www.dropbox.com

www.basecamp.com

www.Benchmarkemail.com

This post was written by Shelley Drasal, Owner of Your Faithful Assistant, LLC. Shelley is a mother of 2 teenage daughters who she thinks very highly of. Along with running her own business, she is President of the school Parent Teacher Association and is very active in her Church. She feels really blessed to be able to use her gift of administration and organization to assist others in making their work life run smoother