One of the fastest industries to adopt new technology to help provide better client outcomes.
The shift to cloud
Accounting firms are at the forefront of cloud adoption and now grapple with various powerful business applications. However, the evolving technology landscape has left them with a mismatched IT support structure and strategy, relying on approaches from traditional IT service providers.
This gap hinders the realisation of total productivity gains for many modern accountants. Traditional IT partners fall short, unable to deliver the lean, modernised platform needed. Firms require industry-focused support to navigate this complexity, enhance efficiency, and leverage technology for a competitive edge.
Before cloud solutions
Before the widespread adoption of cloud technology in accounting firms, the industry primarily relied on local servers in the office to store and manage data. Accounting software and applications were installed on individual computers, requiring manual updates and installations whenever new versions or upgrades were released (often at least annually!).
The server-based model also introduced vulnerabilities such as single points of failure. If a server encountered an issue or failed, it could disrupt the entire workflow of the accounting firm, causing downtime and potential data loss—the need for IT experts to manage infrastructure to address technical issues added to the complexity and cost.
Accounting firms faced the cumbersome task of dealing with many standalone applications for different functions. The lack of integration between applications often resulted in inefficiencies, increased chances of errors, and difficulties in collaboration among team members.
The shift
The transition to cloud-based solutions addressed many challenges by offering a more flexible, scalable, and collaborative environment. Cloud technology eliminated the dependence on local servers, reduced single points of failure, and allowed for seamless access to applications and data from various devices and locations, transforming how accounting firms operate and manage their IT infrastructure.
The emergence of Microsoft 365 and Xero marked a paradigm shift for accounting firms, offering real-time client financial interactions. This revolution challenged the traditional IT services model, diminishing the relevance of tasks like server installation and maintenance.
Where accounting firm app stacks are predominantly cloud-based, transforming once complex practice management systems into user-friendly platforms. However, the gap persists as traditional IT providers struggle to prioritise user experience, cloud optimisation and business automation.
This discrepancy results in real-time user-level obstacles, hindering efficient client service.
Modern Technology Solution Partners have shifted their value proposition from reactive onsite visits to proactive involvement in optimising accounting workflows, improving data security, and minimising IT costs.
The key lies in industry-specific expertise; a one-size-fits-all approach falls short. By aligning with an IT partner specialising in the accounting industry, firms gain insights into the latest industry-specific technology, enabling quicker issue resolution and efficient utilisation of applications. This dedicated approach empowers accounting firms to transcend IT limitations, enhancing staff productivity and delivering superior service to clients.
How Qamba helps Accounting Firms
Here are six key reasons why you should engage Qamba:
1. Improve security
Qamba is continuously investing in advanced security measures to protect data and systems without creating a productivity or complexity impact for staff that typically results in poor security posture.
2. Cost savings
Qamba can help small businesses save money on IT expenses, as we provide access to a wide range of IT services and technologies at a lower cost than a small business could provide on its own.
3. Expertise
Qamba has a team of IT professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise, which can be beneficial for a small business that may not have the resources to hire and maintain an in-house IT team.
4. Scalability
Qamba can help small businesses scale their IT resources up or down to meet changing demands, which can be especially important for companies that are experiencing rapid growth or are dealing with seasonal fluctuations in demand.
5. Improve reliability
Qamba provides more reliable IT services than most small business can deliver on their own, as they have the resources and expertise to identify and fix potential issues proactively.
6. Reduce risk
Qamba provide a 90-day, 110% money-back guarantee on the Manage and Outcome plans (which include a significant amount of licensing for Microsoft, Backup, etc.) because we understand that establishing or changing IT can be costly, complex and risky.
