Cloud Computing for Accountants

Author: Stephen M. Yoss

Technology continues to expand at an exponential rate, creating many opportunities for you to improve your company’s efficiency 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 gives an introduction to the Cloud, one of the fastest growing trends in Internet technology.

Publication Date: January 2017

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

Topics Covered

• Introduction to the Cloud
• How the Cloud can be used inside your organization
• Benefits and risks of moving to the Cloud
• Differences between the different levels of cloud technology
• Applications vs. thin clients
• The role of mobile apps
• Various different types of Internet connections

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 (Software-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service and Infrastructure-as-a-Service) and be able to choose which one would be right for their firm
• Differentiate the benefits and risks of moving a firm to The Cloud
• Describe real life steps they can make to move some office processes (ex. Email and calendars) to The Cloud today

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Computer Software & Applications (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None