Dains Evolve
Dains Evolve

What is cloud accounting?

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Put simply cloud accounting is like many other accounting software packages, but it is accessed via the internet. 

Is it safe?

Many say its safer than traditional accounting software:

  • The cloud-based applications use encrypted connections which means that before you send the information from your device it is encrypted and then sent to the remote server and again when it returns. But what does that mean? It means that because the data is encrypted it cannot be read or intercepted by a third party
  • No trace of financial information is left on company laptops or computers
  • No need to put data on flash drives
  • Backups are often kept by the cloud accounting providers in more than one location should a network go down – meaning you still have access to your data

How will it benefit my business?

  • Flexibility – anywhere, anytime on any device with an internet connected via the web or an app
  • 24/7 Real time data and visibility throughout the business increasing collaboration across departments and offices and with bookkeepers and accountants
  • Increases control of your financial processes
  • No issues with different employees working on different software versions
  • Frees up internal resources as you don’t have to install, back up or maintain the software yourself
  • Real time financial reporting
  • Potential monetary savings – eg less overheads; reduced IT costs, reduction in paper reduces storage costs
  • Sustainable and reduces paperwork, printing, and postage costs
  • Speeds up payment processes

How does cloud accounting work?

The process for cloud accounting is very simple and is usually a simple 3 step process eg

  • Scan your financial documents
  • Upload to cloud accounting platform
  • Let the software work its magic

What is the best software for my business?

You must pick the right software for you and your business.  Knowing your requirements is key so that you can compare the features and benefits available.

Listed below are just some of the most popular cloud accounting software platforms:

  • Xero
  • Quickbooks
  • Sage Cloud Accounting
  • FreeAgent
  • Kashflow

Enterprise level:

  • Twinfield
  • NetSuite ERP

This is not a comprehensive list of cloud accounting software providers.

If you would like to discuss this topic further please contact us on 0845 555 8844 or complete our enquiry form and we will get in touch with you.

Discover more...

Business Success Stories

I came to computer book keeping late in life compared to many people, but with the guidance and support of Dains Accountants and in particular Alan Ollerenshaw it has been an easier transition than I thought.

Although I have a long way to go Alan has always supported when required and I have never felt a failure at making mistakes.

If anyone requires training with the Xero accounting programme, than I can certainly recommend using their training without hesitation.
Christine ChellGiven Trading Co. Ltd
Although we persevered longer than we should have, we established that our previous software wasn't working for us and we decided to convert over to Xero with the help of Laura Harwood. The training was super flexible as Laura was able to work around my schedule. It was clear Laura knew our business and had looked at our previous software and year end accounts as she had already established exactly what we would need out of Xero. As someone who had no experience with Xero, it was daunting to begin with but now I love it! It is easy to use and time saving but the bonus is that Dains are able to access the data quickly which is definitely reassuring.
Lucy JonesWilliam Jones Motors Limited
I worked with Laura Harwood and Alan Ollerenshaw at Dains who were invaluable in setting up Destination Digital’s accounting systems in Xero. They handheld me through the first few financial cycles to train me in all aspects of using the software including VAT submissions, payroll, accounts reconciliation and the all important invoicing system.

It’s been a really easy system to pick up under the guidance of Dains and can thoroughly recommend Cloud Accounting as the way forward.
Debbie PorterDestination Digital Marketing Ltd
We have worked with John Southwell and the team at Dains for over 7 years and find the support and advisory work they do invaluable for our business.

We have quarterly MI & strategy meetings which help us steer the business in the right direction along with the usual year end compliance and corporate tax assistance.

Dains have also provided assistance in preparing our business plan and developing the internal financial function to be able to produce accurate MI internally.
Jeremy PughPugh & Sanders
Laura Harwood at Dains has been a godsend in helping us change over to using Free Agent cloud accounting technology from manual records.

Any problems we have, she is just a phone call away and sorts out any issues with ease. I can't recommend her and Dains enough.
Robb LunnCharles Titch Precision Ltd
We moved to Dains in 2017 and were using a desktop accounting software which worked well for us. We then had a ‘shakeup’ of staff and Laura Harwood started to maintain the books and records on a monthly basis. It was mentioned whether we would consider moving to cloud software, not only would it be easier to access the software as this could be done remotely but could save us costs with subscription fees. The conversion proposal was well priced and transparent, so we knew exactly what service to expect in terms of xero set up, training and further support. Xero is maintained by myself and by Laura on a quarterly basis for the VAT returns preparation, therefore being on cloud software has been such a life saver with the current climate as we have not been able to have Laura work on site.
Natalie LavenderT Wright Transport Limited
With absolutely no experience with accounts nor accounts programmes, I was ‘thrown in at the deep end’ and asked to take over the accounts and learn how to do it digitally. Dains recommended Xero to us and put me in touch with Alan Ollerenshaw.

I was very apprehensive and not looking forward to learning the programme at all. Alan spent the best part of 2 days going over everything with me. He was patient, kind and explained everything down to the smallest detail, and even when it would have to be explained for the 3rd or 4th time, it was never a problem or too much trouble. I am very grateful to Dains and with the help of Alan feel much more comfortable doing the accounts.
Charlotte HawthorneN E Hawthorne & Son Limited
Due to Making Tax Digital we had to revaluate our book keeping system. At first we moved to Xero just to get us Making Tax Digital compliant but having worked closely with Laura Harwood and getting the well needed support we have become a lot more efficient at running our business.

I now have a much better understanding of preparing a VAT return, chasing overdue customer invoices and bank reconciliations. I don't know where we would be without it. I may not get it all correct first time - as Laura will know - but if I can use Xero, anyone can!
Steven EusticeA E Whiston & Sons
At No.42 Interiors, we like to pride ourselves on our attention to the detail, be it a smoked bronze with brass toggle light switch or getting the right shade of colour for our clients walls, it really does make the difference and when we set about integrating our ecommerce site, which is Shopify based, into our accounts package, Xero, we needed that same level of detail.

Alan Ollerenshaw from Dains not only integrated our orders from Shopify to Xero using Xero Bridge but also set up PayPal and Stripe payments to work directly with Xero. The level of assistance and expertise was exactly what we needed and we are extremely pleased with how the integration is working. Its all in the detail and Dains really get this, its a pleasure to work with them
David GlennanNo.42 Interiors
I have worked with Alan Ollerenshaw for several months in setting our 3 companies up to use Xero for reporting our quarterly financial reports. I have never used Xero before, and after looking into this found it a bit daunting and steered away as the set up seemed complex. However, after Alan was appointed to help us set this up, I have to say it’s so simple and easy to use and produces all the financial reports we would ever need for our business.

Alan has a wealth of knowledge on the workings of Xero, and how to best use it for your business by personalising the set up as you need. He has been instrumental to the set up and has a great way to keep things simple and explain the in's and out's. Great work Alan and you have been a brilliant support to us.
Harj SadhraHAS Group
Starting with a new accountant at the beginning of new financial year, scary? Not with the continuous help from Dains. Laura Harwood set us up on Xero and spent the time we needed to be comfortable using it solo.

Xero is so simple it is easy to pick up from any computer, at home or work, or on the go. I feel secure in the knowledge that Dains know the software so well that help is always at hand if/when needed.
Yvonne IrvineAlumacraft Motorsports Ltd
Laura Harwood was tasked with getting our systems and processes in to the 21st century! Not only did we have a really old version of Sage and a separate bespoke till system to worry about but both of my accounts staff had left and I was really left in a sticky situation! Laura came in and got us set up on Xero and ReceiptBank (Dext) as well as putting the necessary processes in place which were more than needed. Both are relatively easy pieces of software to use, we were able to utilise the staff already employed with Laura's teaching and support which helped us save on further employee costs.

One of the best things about cloud software is that Laura is able to help us as and when we need as the data is accessible so much easier as all our data is all in one place.
Mick BurnsChase Auto Paints Ltd
I was nervous about updating to a cloud accounting system from a very antiquated paper based system that we had been using for decades – need not have worried!

Alan was patient and knowledgeable. He took the online learning at a pace suited to me and his instructions were clear. No doubt I will have some queries in the future but I feel confident to approach Alan as needed.

A very professional service.
Lynne WeaverLynne's Pet Feeds
The team at Dains have been very efficient, helpful, and have provided a smooth implementation process.

They provided training for the team, with additional links and resources and make themselves available at their earliest convenience, if we need any additional support.
Moneat Grant-WilliamsPrime Calibre Care Group Ltd
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DAINSevolve is a trading style of Dains LLP.  Registered company number OC331125.  Registered office: The registered office is St. Johns Court, Wiltell Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9DS. Dains is a trading name of Dains LLP. The Principles are the Members of the Limited Liability Partnership and hold the title of Partner.

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Dains LLP is a limited liability partnership registered to carry on audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk under number C001528129 for the UK.

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