Blog
Welcome to the Cloud Accountants blog. You can expect regular updates about working in the Cloud, how to get the most out of Xero... or whatever...
Happy New Year + Systems Overview
By Cloud Accountants | March 31, 2015
With the new financial year upon us, there are the usual pieces of information that we need at 31 March for standard balance date businesses. Please see further details below. The end of a financial year/start of a new one is the perfect time to review the systems that you use in your business! We are massive fans at Cloud Accountants of using technology to not only create efficiencies in your businesses, but to provide the necessary tools for you to grow your businesses. Now is the time to... Read more
Xero Annual Meeting 23 July 2014 – Questions?
By Cloud Accountants | July 3, 2014
Xero’s annual meeting will be held at 4pm on 23 July in Wellington. I cannot attend this year and there does not appear to be an Auckland repeat, so I thought it would be an idea to put together some questions that I would put to the board of Xero. (and maybe, just maybe obtain some responses from Rod either at the AGM or prior 🙂 ) Competition is heating up in the online accounting space both locally and globally. How does Xero, both now and in the future, differentiate itself from... Read more
Cardigans & Comb Overs
By Cloud Accountants | June 15, 2012
When Hamish Edwards (Xero co-founder) recently tweeted that he was looking for an accountant, and that ‘if you wear a brown cardigan or have a comb over you need not apply’, it got me thinking. In 2012, what does an accountant look like? Are there still the pin stripe suits and ties? Or has it gone as far as jeans and t-shirts? For me, it is not so much about the appearance but the following: Having a positive attitude and Passion! Being straight up and honest (the truth... Read more
Emma’s tips – Bank Rules
By Cloud Accountants | May 23, 2012
Thanks for the introduction Justin! I’ve been using Xero for over 4 years now and I’ve learnt some great tips and tricks along the way that I’m looking forward to sharing with you over the coming months.  I’m confident these will help you use Xero more effectively and efficiently plus save you time as well! Bank Rules These are fantastic when set up correctly in Xero and they make reconciling some transactions so much easier and faster! I’m going to use Entertainment... Read more
Is Xero really that easy to use?
By Cloud Accountants | May 16, 2012
Our qualified answer is Yes. But any accounting engine is only as good as the information that is going into it. With bank feed transactions being reconciled on a regular basis, accounts receivable and payable being processed and reconciled, GST returns/Payroll being checked and paid throughout the year, Xero (with some add-ons) certainly makes accounting simple and more intuitive. There are some tricks and better habits to get into however. And these will make the end of year preparation... Read more
Cloud Accountants, Bookkeepers & 100% Xero
By Cloud Accountants | February 23, 2012
There has been a lot of talk on LinkedIn and other forums around the use of bookkeepers with accountants, when the businesses are using an online accounting system such as Xero. I believe that it is a misconception that bookkeepers will become redundant, if a business was to move to Xero. At Cloud Accountants we are a 100% Xero practice. We use bookkeepers (we call them Xero Consultants!) with many of our clients, and they (the Clients) tend to fit into one of the following groups: ‘We... Read more
Xero Conference 2012
By Cloud Accountants | February 13, 2012
I attended my second Xero conference a couple of Friday’s ago, and it did not disappoint with the offering of a taste of things to come, and plenty to be excited about for Cloud Accountants. What I enjoy the most about Xerocon is the chance to not only hear about what is on the horizon with the system and add-on’s, but to rub shoulders with like minded accountants that are using technology to provide a better and smarter service to our existing and potential clients. It was a surprise... Read more
George FM ad
By Cloud Accountants | September 8, 2010
We, at Cloud Accountants, are pretty excited about our radio ad that started on George FM yesterday. Big thanks to Barnie (for his patience) and Samuel! You can listen here... Read more
Transparency
By Cloud Accountants | September 6, 2010
Transparency, along with working smarter/being more efficient in your business (see our last Blog here), is another key aspect of doing business with Cloud Accountants. There are 2 parts to this: Transparency when it comes to your financials Transparency when it comes to your accountant Financials Do you know how your business is performing right now? In real time? The technology is available now for you to keep a constant eye on how you are going. And now, not in 3 or 6 months time... Read more
What do you do with your weekends & weeknights?
By Cloud Accountants | August 18, 2010
Over the next few weeks I will give some insight into how Cloud Accountants operate with their clients, and how technology and systems, can change the way, you too, can run your business for the better. I hope you enjoy! So what do you do? It may sound like a personal question….and maybe it is! Do you relax by playing/watching sport? Spend time with the kids? Maybe DIY is your thing? Read or go to the movies? These are the activities that you should be involved in, doing the things... Read more