Cloud Computing for Accountants

📋 Overview

Technology continues to expand at an exponential rate, creating many opportunities for you to improve your company’s efficiencies and lower your operating costs. Firms across the nation are quickly realizing the need to adopt these new technologies or risk being left behind. This presentation introduces the Cloud, one of the fastest-growing trends in Internet technology. It takes a deep dive into the major components, deployment methods, service providers, and applications. It aims to help attendees have a good working knowledge of how the Cloud and Internet work so they can better implement these technologies in their organizations. This essential course explores the use of how the Cloud can be used inside your organization and the benefits and risks of moving to the Cloud. The course discusses the differences between the different levels of cloud technology, applications vs. thin clients, the role of mobile apps, and different types of Internet connections. Finally, many examples of actions your office can take to move to the cloud are explored, outlining the risks and benefits of these actions.

👥 Who Should Attend

Designed for industry and public practice accountants who regularly use a computer or mobile device.

🎯 Learning Objectives

• Describe the evolution of accounting technology and explain why accounting firms are adopting cloud technologies.
• Make an informed decision on what type of computer hardware, software, operating system and Internet connection would best serve their office.
• Describe what “The Cloud” is and how it works within an office.
• Identify the differences between the three levels of cloud computing (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS) and be able to choose which one would be right for their firm.
• Identify the benefits and risks of moving a firm to The Cloud
• Describe various cloud storage options and providers (e.g. OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.). Additionally, discuss the major functionalities, how the work, and benefits/risks of the major providers.
• Describe real life steps they can make to move some office processes (ex. Email and calendars) to The Cloud today.

🚀 What You'll Walk Away With

• You'll choose between SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS based on your firm's specific hardware and software needs.
• You'll identify the security risks and operational benefits of moving your client data to the cloud.
• You'll select the right internet connection and operating system to support a thin-client or mobile workflow.
• You'll move basic processes like email and calendars to cloud-based systems using a clear, step-by-step plan.
• You'll compare storage providers like OneDrive and Dropbox to see which one fits your current document management style.

📚 Major Topics

1. Introduction to the Cloud
2. How the Cloud can be used inside your organization
3. Differences between the different levels of cloud technology
4. Benefits and risks of moving to the Cloud
5. Traditional desktop applications vs. thin clients vs. mobile apps

🏷️ Topics

❓ Questions

✍️ A Note from the Author

I remember when keeping files on a local drive felt like the only safe way to work, but that mindset now creates bottlenecks that slow our firms down. I wrote this course for accountants who see the shift toward remote access and want to understand the mechanics before they commit their data to it. We'll look at the actual infrastructure so you can lead your office toward better efficiency without feeling like you're just following a trend.