Forecasting a clearer financial future, thanks to cloud.
Cloud-based digital technology can take the crunching out of “data crunching” – and make insights quicker and clearer to see.
Whether you’re running a cattle ranch in Cascade County or operating a chain of restaurants in Missoula, you’re generating a fast-moving, ever-changing stream of data. Transactional tallies, payroll records, infrastructure depreciations, IRS filings and the like can garner so much attention there’s often little time in traditional accounting processes to take a breath and think “what’s next?”
To capitalize on future growth and avoid potential pitfalls, many Montana companies are turning to cloud-based digital technologies designed specifically to harness and analyze financial data – often in a fraction of the time needed when using traditional spreadsheets.
Cloud-based financial software programs provide significant advantages over even the fastest office computers.
JCCS, one of Montana’s leading accounting firms, has a rapidly growing client base now using a suite of such cloud-based financial software applications offered through its Client Advisory Services. These platforms are turning the relationship between JCCS and its clients into powerful partnerships for enhanced performance and potentially even greater profits.
Tony Vanorny
Cloud makes office computers seem like four-function calculators.
Cloud financial software programs are internet-based platforms for storing, accessing and tabulating data. They provide significant advantages over even the fastest office computers:
- Information when and where you need it. Now.
Because it tabulates data in a cloud-located system – continuously and in real time – company leaders, the internal accounting staff and the company’s financial advisors can access and assess the financial information needed from any computer, or even smartphone, at any time. No more sharing records with a USB stick, or by email, or by paper. - Centralized system keeps data safe and secure.
The computer crashes right at crunch time. The laptop gets stolen. We’ve all had it happen. Because data is kept off-site and in secure redundant systems, a business can go on regardless of disasters, natural or otherwise. And because these platforms are built with the same security used by the largest financial institutions, data stays safer from hackers. - Your fiscal year ends at the end.
When using traditional accounting methods, accountants and bookkeepers often are well into the first quarter of a new fiscal year before they have finalized all the numbers for the previous fiscal year. This is time lost applying what was done right and avoiding what went wrong to the new year. But when cloud-based, the data is automatically and continuously updated in near real time – so the year-end books can be closed at actual year end. - Updates actually stay up to date.
Software updates are automatically implemented by the cloud provider, freeing users from the expense and time needed to upgrade in-house software.
Cloud turns accountants into strategic advisors.
JCCS has found cloud-based technologies let its professionals step away from accounting tasks as mundane as keying in data to instead focus on value-added activities that can help clients identify, mitigate and capitalize on trends in their businesses and industries.
The data generated by your business shouldn’t be just a set of numbers living in Excel.
One such platform, Fathom, allows JCCS and clients to review, visually and in real time, a host of key performance metrics including cash flow analysis, profitability analysis and trend analysis.
Another platform, Receipt Bank, has proven particularly valuable to JCCS clients that process large amounts of transactions. With Receipt Bank, clients can scan receipts on their smartphones and push the information, including an image of the receipt, directly to QuickBooks Online. This eliminates the need to store – and potentially lose – receipts. It is also searchable for fast verification of information as needed.
The cost for CAS services is varied and is established after a discovery meeting to determine a client’s current processes, pain points and goals. Plugging into the system can take as little as a few weeks, depending on the size of your business. Every implementation is customizable and scalable to your specific needs, with CAS representatives providing on-the-ground training to you and your staff.
Putting the true power of your data toward enlightened decisions.
The data generated by your business shouldn’t be just a set of numbers living in Excel. When captured in the cloud, it can be a powerful driver for reaching the potential in your future.
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