Cloud accounting – manna from heaven for the small business owner.
Everything you need to get on top of your business finances from your phone, laptop or anywhere else.
Easy. Simple. Off you go. See you at the year-end.
In many ways this is right. Cloud accounting software is incredibly powerful, helpful and, once you know how, easy to use.
And here we have the key point – “once you know how“.
The quote in the title of this blog is real. An owner-manager said it when he called us to see if we could help him make sense of his own accounting. He’s not the first to make that phone call and he won’t be the last.
There aren’t many things you need to learn in order to make the best use of a cloud accounting solution but if you don’t learn them then there’s no way your numbers will be right and there’s a good chance you won’t know that and when the realisation dawns there might be quite a clean-up job to be done.
Along the way, you’ll have wasted a lot of time, probably submitted some incorrect VAT returns and maybe made some wrong decisions simply because you think your business is performing better or worse than it really is.
For a salutary tale read “This must be my profit because it says so on my phone.“
Well, probably.
Accountants team up with software suppliers but often they don’t look at the other software available.
And some cloud accounting solutions are better than others. A good test is whether you can get the reports you need to understand and run your business.
The important thing is that you’re using the software that’s right for you. Software you understand, feel comfortable with and which does the job your business needs it to do.
So it might be that your accountant isn’t the best person to give you the training you need on the software you want to use. And in that case, look around for someone who offers that training.
You don’t want to end up pulling your hair out over accounting software. Yes, it will help your business, yes, it’s easy to use and yes, you can do most of it yourself if you wish.
But learn how to do it properly!
And if you need help, give me a call – 020 7125 0270
Michael
Related links:
QuickBooks training – made to measure
Xero training for your business
Chartered Accountants – Bedford House, Fulham Green, London, SW6 3JW
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
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”
