Cloud accounting & technology
Cloud accounting & technology

Cloud accounting apps – are they all useful?

Author: Michael Austin | 1 October 2020

I’ve long been annoyed by and critical of the cloud accounting app and software community for selling the sizzle and not the sausage. They promote whizzy tech and leave you with a feeling of missing out if you don’t adopt it.

But is it useful just because it’s techie?

Here’s what happened when we tested a very popular cloud accounting app.

Testing a timesheet app

We do timesheets, been doing them for years. We use our old desktop accounting software for timesheets. Everyone can access and use this software without fuss, but the important bit is the reporting it gives us about productivity and client service.

The information we get from the data entered is exactly what we need.

But in the pioneering spirit of our age I thought I’d give a time recording app a chance. It’s got all the bells and whistles, it integrates with our current accounting software (one of the cloud accounting services) and you can do your timesheet from your phone!

I arranged a free trial, had an hour of online tuition and got it going. During the online tuition I asked about reporting. I showed the tutor a report I rely on in our desktop software and she said it couldn’t be produced in her app. But, she thought, once I had exported the timesheet data to my accounting software I might be able to produce the same report.

No such luck.

I enter the same timesheet data in both the desktop software and the app but only the desktop solution produces the reports I need.

The free trial ended there.

A useful approach to considering new technology

Above all else – conquer your Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). Not all tech is useful, as the case study above demonstrates.

  1. Figure out what systems and processes your business needs
  2. Get them working, learn what goes wrong and how to fix problems
  3. Start to make your systems and processes more scalable and efficient

Step three may or may not involve a cloud accounting app or any other new technology for that matter.

And by way of a sanity check – across our entire client base of owner-managed businesses, run by some pretty switched-on people, I think there are fewer than five apps in regular use.

Visit our dedicated cloud accounting service page to learn more about how you can benefit from using cloud accounting apps.

Michael

Back to all posts

Get in touch

We don’t believe in forms, we believe in talking to people, finding out your needs and tailor-making a solution just for you.

Give us a ring on 020 7125 0270 or email us at info@bluedotconsulting.co.uk

Trusted by many

“Michael and the Blue Dot team have been an essential part of our journey from startup through to being an established company, and we look forward to continuing working together long into the future. They have always been on hand to offer support and sound advice whenever it is needed.”

“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”

“Blue Dot Consulting went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.

Their deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges was evident from the outset. They provided unwavering support to our team, ensuring they felt confident and well-prepared for the changes ahead.”

“Thank you again for your help and training so far – it’s honestly been invaluable.”

“I’m no expert but it has been transformative the help and advice I get from Michael and his team.

Michael was fantastic. He quizzed me on how my business worked financially and was super patient with me. Explaining everything in a non-accountancy manner. He then showed me how to utilise all the less obvious tools in the program, which he continues to do, so that I can see immediately what monies held belonged to my company and what is held for clients. I now do my own VAT returns and payroll because of his help and continued support.”

“I really enjoy working with Blue Dot Consulting — they’ve helped me take control of our financial situation in a practical, no-nonsense way.

They take a common-sense approach and, most importantly, they get things done. For example, we now have weekly planning and forecasting calls, along with monthly cash flow reviews using simple, easy-to-understand spreadsheets.

Their support has made a huge difference in how we manage and plan for the future.”

“As the business owner, it can get lonely making all the decisions.  I feel I have a ‘silent FD’ that I can call, challenge and that any idea is OK to discuss, and to arrive at a sensible way forward.”

“Having someone in the room that is happy to (in a structured way) challenge the norm and not simply accept that, because things look good, we should stop looking to improve.”

“Blue Dot are uncompromisingly systematic and thorough so that you can get on with running your business.”

“Outstanding service and support. They get things done, just what you need. Recommended.”

“It was the genuine level of care and interest in what we do as a business.

The regular check-ins and the effort to ensure the systems they’ve implemented are working for everyone stood out.

It felt like more than just a service, it was a partnership.”

“I’ve been delighted with both the service and expert advice I’ve received from Michael and his team. They take the weight off my shoulders when it comes to my business’s financial requirements, allowing me to focus on building and managing the company.”

Daniel, MD

“We are a small organisation with no in-house financial expertise, so it’s a huge weight off my mind knowing that I can rely on Michael and his team to take care of everything.”

Wendy, Chief Executive

“I can wholeheartedly and highly recommend Michael and his team at Blue Dot as an exceptional accounting firm. They put my mind at rest knowing I am in excellent hands.”

Emma, MD

“Michael and the team are my saviours. Always helpful, approachable and reliable. They show an interest in my business and give excellent advice and recommendations. Above all, they are highly likeable and fun to work with.”

Wendy, Founder & MD

“They went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.”

MB, Senior Finance Manager

“You guys are brilliant. It’s been a challenging few weeks facing up to the issues but I do feel positive towards them now and I feel a weight has lifted from my shoulders. I am honestly so thankful!”

“I was a little apprehensive about working with a new accountant but I didn’t need to worry – I have found their approach to be friendly, genuine and they go above & beyond to help.”

“Michael’s straightforward, practical and tailor-made approach was perfect for me and our business.”

Lorraine, Company Accountant

“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”