I generally adopt a "what the client wants" approach - so if they want to run with a cloud package, that's up to them. However, in the situation you describe, I'd be inclined to suggest to them to use an alternative method because, as you say, the supposed benefit of using a cloud package is both you and they being able to use it. (Technically, they are - but in a limited way).

On the other hand, there is a huge problem with clients getting involved with the bookkeeping - which is clients, who may not really understand what they're doing, getting involved with the bookkeeping.

That same supposed benefit is also a pitfall, because most of the time, while the business owners and staff might be okay with basic stuff, they're going to stumble on some things, and will get stuff wrong. Given that one of the reasons the client is doing some of the work is often to reduce what they pay for the bookkeeping service, you can't spend looking over what they've done - they don't want to pay you to do that - so the only times their mistakes become apparent is when they affect something else that you're doing, or when their mistake causes them problems and they come running to you to fix it.

So, no, you aren't being old fashioned - you're looking at it sensibly and pragmatically.

I also go with the flow and nearly every cloud client I take on is in a pickle so you do start to become a bit of an all-rounder. I'm a fan of VT and for any client who wants to go with, or change an online software option I suggest Quickfile (via my Affinity account). The reporting isn't as good as some of the others, but for most it is fine and much cheaper for the client also.

Its the likes of the QB online advert (along with the receipt capture ones) that make folk think that its easy to do their own bookkeeping because all you have to do is upload all this 'stuff' and the software does the rest. Including, according to some of the adverts, actually send your tax return (or CT) to HMRC. Of course that all magically happens and there is absolutely no need for any adjustments to the figures before such needs to be sent, so what on earth do bookkeepers and Accountants do all day.

Many business owners just bimble along on this basis and will continue to do so until they get caught. Some realise that it isnt actually that easy. The rest as the other say, get in a mess and then call in the cavalry.

I do also think that most folk thing £20/£30 a month or so is nothing to pay, because they do not make the link between that and the overall annual cost (ad infinitum). A bit like folk who go on such programmes as 'Eat Well for Less'. Have you ever watched it? Dreadful programme, but I admit to watching one (I was studying at the same time so in truth I had just left the telly on in the background). Well you should watch it just for a laugh and I will hazard a guess that you will be screaming at the telly in shock and awe at how people can be such morons - how can they not have figured out for themselves that by not going to the takeaway shop 6 nights a week they can save themselves a fortune?!!! I made an ex colleague of mine, who drove me nuts constantly whining about how he always ends up having no money at the end of every month, add up how much he was spending on coffees and lunches which was at least £50 a week about 15 years ago!

Anyway as the others have said and Ive said before Im happy to let my clients use whatever they want. Unless that software drives me so nuts that its restricting what I need to do. Or if I think I can save them by moving on to something that I can use that is quicker and so saves in other ways (my cost).

Leger wrote:

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Thanks Vince, it does seem that people get shoved onto a cloud accounting package despite having Ltd knowledge of bookkeeping, and my intention when I do have cloud clients (no, not angels lol) is to have a skeg through their accounts once a month just to look for any potential errors. It's something I'd have to do at the end of the year anyway if I was doing their annual return. If I can spot issues early on I can correct them and train the client going forward.

Hi Julie, I agree with your comments and I see myself in a similar role.  Just one quick correction, It's only the VAT element that comes under MTD next April, MTD itself will be 2020 at the very earliest.

Hi Mike, I'm a die hard VT fan but have no issues with using cloud software. This will be my first experience of using it properly and I'll make a decision once it's up to date.  Given that she's only using it to do invoices I may well look at moving her onto VT together with aninvoicing program, or possibly a no expense cloud offering, as paying £30 a month is overkill imo.  I've dabbled with Quickfile but it's a few years ago now.  Have you looked at Pandle, it looks quite interesting and I intend having a play with it over the next few months.

 

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Hi Vince

Never heard of Pandle, there's soo many out there now! Good luck with the Xero mission.

Juliaarora2018 wrote:

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Cloud accounting really helping CPA, accountant and business owner to make their accounting workflow efficient and productive.

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 Julia says so - so it must be true.   I say the earth is a triangle - so that must be true as well.