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7 Check List For Migrating To SaaS Based Accounting Applications

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Biplob Dev
7 Check List For Migrating To SaaS Based Accounting Applications

Online accounting is a form of accounting that uses an internet-based system.


It performs the same operations as desktop accounting software, but it adds a plethora of new functionalities.


With the rise of cloud computing and the convenience of working remotely, online accounting software that integrates with an online database has become a need.


Online accounting will be critical for your company's performance if you need to send invoices or receive statements in electronic format.


Whether you're a small or large business, new to the cloud industry, or a seasoned pro you should be asking yourself the following questions.



Questions to ask yourself while considering online accounting


1. What are the benefits that my business will reap from the software?

2. What precautions does the vendor or developers take to ensure data security?

3. What are the various pricing packages available and the features along with them?

4. To what extent does the software go to make collaborations easy?

5. To what extent does the software simplify tax compliance?

6. What other integrations does the software provide?

7. Is the software customizable to your business needs?


Once you are clear with these questions and choose to invest in the software, make a checklist of all the steps that are necessary to migrate.


I have articulated a basic checklist that a business should follow while migrating to accounting software online.



Check List For Migrating To Online Accounting

Preparing these checklists might help you to consider a seamless accounting migration from Desktop to Cloud.


1. Plan a cut-off date

It's critical to set a deadline for discontinuing operating the old system and switching to the new one.


A business is free to choose any date, although most choose the month's end, quarter's end, year's end, or the start of a new financial year or month.


Choosing a cut-off date also makes it easier for businesses to compare data when the transfer is complete.



2. Backing up data

Before making the switch, make sure you have a backup of all your data.


This backup ensures that data is secured, particularly in the event of a migration failure, and that data is not lost.



3. Pinning down your reporting needs

This is a vital stage since it will be easier to map the income, expenses, assets, and liabilities on your profit and loss statement and balance sheet once the organization has identified its reporting needs.


To gain a clear view of how your firm is operating, talk to your accountants, bookkeepers, and financial consultants and create a proper chart of accounts.



4. Data formatting and mapping

Because each software for accounts has its own formatting requirements, past data must be structured in order to avoid problems when migrating to a new system.


The prepared data should transfer from one system to the other without error. This can be accomplished by providing the specific location of each piece of data that has to be moved.



5. Running tests and trials

It is essential to perform trial runs on imported data to ensure that the new software is working properly and with minimal errors.


Consider running it parallel with your old software for a short period so as to highlight differences.



6. Contact clients

Contacting them about the shift will help you serve them better.



7. Train users

Before introducing a new system, a company must set aside enough time to teach the users; modern accounting systems are clever and simple to use.


They also provide standard system processes for the company's users and support staff to follow. The more users learn to use the system, the more benefits the company will receive.



Final thoughts

There are numerous advantages of shifting your practice to the cloud. Another thing to keep in mind is your clients and what they're up to.


Your clients are almost certainly adopting technology like mobile and the cloud, which means your business needs to stay on top of it.


If you don't, it might mean a gap between you and a client who decides to work with you or go with a competitor.


Finally, customer needs and the ability to serve them better is one of the primary underlying themes driving why transferring your business to the cloud is so important to any accounting firm.

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