Cloud

Moving Your Firm to the Cloud

LevelBasic CPE Credits2

📋 Overview

Cloud technology has already helped many businesses improve collaboration and streamline business technology while saving money. This presentation outlines how and why this new technology can benefit your firm. The course provides detailed, step-by-step examples, giving you practical advice on how you can make the most of the cloud. This course is designed specifically for public accounting firms, but the principals can be applied to any organization. A brief overview of the cloud is outlined, explaining what it means to move your firm to the cloud. Next, the three most common levels of the cloud are explored, demonstrating the features and constraints of each level. The merits and risks of each layer of the cloud are discussed with examples of relevant apps, services, websites and platforms. The course also discusses the best practices for moving your firm to the cloud, giving you all the information you need to make this transition. Finally, a case study shows how your firm can move email, calendar, telecommunications, accounting software, and other business applications to the cloud.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Describe what “The Cloud” is and how it works within an office.
Identify the differences between the three levels of cloud computing (Software-as-aservice, Platform-as-a-ervice and Infrastructure-as-a-Service) 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.
Identify and describe the actions needed to mitigate the risks inherent to operating in The Cloud.
Identify specific applications and processes in your firm that would become more efficient and secure in The Cloud.

🚀 What You'll Walk Away With

You'll stop guessing at the differences between SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS when choosing firm software.
You'll identify which specific firm processes are ready for a cloud transition and which should wait.
You'll spot the specific security risks inherent to cloud computing before they become problems.
You'll create a transition plan for moving your email, calendar, and accounting software to a remote environment.
You'll use a clear framework to evaluate if a cloud platform's features outweigh its specific constraints.

🏷️ Topics

Cloud TechnologyTips & Tricks

❓ Questions

Is this course only for public accounting firms?

While the examples focus on public accounting, the core principles of cloud levels and risk mitigation apply to any organization. You'll find the case studies relevant if you manage professional services.

Do I need a technical background to understand the material?

No. This is a basic-level course designed to explain how the cloud works within an office setting. We start with a brief overview and build from there.

What specific cloud models are covered?

We explore the three most common levels: Software-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service. You'll learn the merits and risks of each layer.

Will this help me move my actual files and software?

Yes. The course includes a case study showing how to move email, calendars, telecommunications, and accounting applications to the cloud.

Does the course address security concerns?

We spend significant time identifying risks. You'll learn specific actions to take to mitigate the dangers of operating in a cloud environment.

✍️ A Note from the Author

I built this course because I've watched too many firms struggle with the gap between hearing about the cloud and actually putting it to work. I wanted to create a clear roadmap for public accounting professionals who need to move past the jargon and start making smart technical decisions. This is for the firm leader who wants to modernize their operations without compromising on security or efficiency.

🎤 About the author

Stephen is a certified public accountant, the CEO and partner of Devmatics, LLC, a continuing education instructor for financial professionals, a professional speaker at live events, and a licensed pyrotechnician. While his interests and skills are varied, they all share a common thread—his love for and skill in finding technology-based solutions. Whether it’s teaching in the classroom, consulting clients in a boardroom, or shooting a fireworks display, Steve brings passion, hard work, value—and above all else—technological expertise to each of his clients. With an open, honest approach, he creates a unique strategy for each client specifically designed to benefit their needs and streamline their operations in order to create efficiency and maximize their financial potential.

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