The Internet has spawned several cloud accounting software program all over the world including:

The accounting software times, they are a changin’

There are different cloud accounting market leaders all over the world

• the exciting and innovative Xero from New Zealand who invited the MYOB founder to become a major shareholder after he sold out of MYOB — then they ditched New Zealand stock market to list on the ASX
• the Freemium accounting software like WaveHQ in Canada which provides all the up-to-date functionality that most people expect in cloud accounting software but only charge for the complex features like merchant services and payroll
• Countless low cost programs like FreshBooks, Kashoo, ZohoBooks
• QuickBooks Online, backed by a massive US company and market leader over there who had to begin doing some serious innovation with their own software to match the features of Xero
• MYOB neglected the cloud and then had to play catchup with their MYOB Essentials system
• NetSuite, which was formerly a standalone company but was swallowed whole by Oracle in 2016
• The leading accounting software company in the UK, SAGE, launched Sage One in 2016 to get in the new wave of demand

So, what does that mean for the humble bookkeeper?

Although some people think having access to all of these cloud accounting software programs makes it easier for bookkeepers, it doesn’t.

It means, as a bookkeeper, you’ll receive requests for help on all sorts of software programs that small businesses choose to use based on what they see in the marketing material developed by the leading brands.

At one stage, bookkeepers couldn’t stand Xero and its message that “bookkeeping is so simple you can do it yourself” — but no one really likes to do that kind of work unless they make the choice to become a bookkeeping professional!

The other development which has occurred in Australia is that when small businesses need a bookkeeper they can turn to Registered BAS Agents who have gone through the fundamental training and have the relevant experience — rather than someone like an MYOB Certified Consultant who only promotes the use of MYOB software.

Knowledge is Power, arm yourself

Most people in Australia are familiar with the concept of fiduciary duty, even if they don’t know the actual word for it. Don’t worry, the only reason I know of the word is that it was reinforced in a Cert IV in Property Services I recently completed to get my real estate buyers agents licence.

Fiduciary duty is used to define a relationship between an agent and their principal where the agent gives advice and provides recommendations that are in the BEST INTERESTS of their CLIENTS. I mention it in this blog post about accounting software because a lot of accounting companies PUSH their software via bookkeepers and BAS agents at a wholesale price. In return, they make a very good ongoing profit margin by getting new clients to use that software. Find out more about bookkeepers earning commission from cloud accounting software packages. 

It’s almost becoming better to be software agnostic and make recommendations based on the best possible software for features, usability and pricing rather than push a brand and use their logo to build your reputation.

Take the power back

As a bookkeeper our advice is take back your power and learn to use ALL the leading accounting programs.

As a bookkeeper our advice is take back your power and learn to use ALL the leading accounting programs.

This way, you can give your clients, or your employer, the knowledge and resources to run a better business. Our Bookkeeper Combo Bonus offers include access to selected skills, like Daily Transactions and Credit Management Training Courses across all the majors as well as a COMPLETE Beginners to Advanced package for ALL software programs.

Learn more

Want to learn everything you need to know about Xero? Our Xero online training courses include EVERYTHING for ONE LOW PRICE. Furthermore, if you select our Lifetime Membership option, you’ll have LIFETIME access to our ongoing course updates.  EzyLearn courses are endorsed by industry professionals and can be counted towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Find out more about our Xero online training courses.