--- title: The benefits of cloud accounting software description: Businesses in the UK are switching to cloud accounting software to successfully manage their bookkeeping, accounts, VAT and payroll. image: https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/Downloaded%20Hubspot%20Stock%20images/Close%20up%20of%20human%20hands%20using%20virtual%20panel.jpeg --- [![Shorts_logo_White](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/New%20Site%202018/Shorts_logo_White.svg "Shorts_logo_White")](https://www.shorts.uk.com/) [Blogs & News](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/) > [Xero](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/xero) # The benefits of cloud accounting software Alicia Williams - 23 January 2018 ###### Select topic - Please Select - [ Audit ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/audit) [ Business Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/business-taxes) [ Radius – R&D Tax Relief & Patent Box ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/radius-rd-tax-relief-patent-box) [ Corporate Finance ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/corporate-finance) [ GENUS Management Accounts ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/genus-management-accounts) [ VAT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/vat) [ Private Client ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/private-client) [ Payroll ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/payroll) [ EOT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/eot) [ International Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/international-taxes) ![featured image](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/Downloaded%20Hubspot%20Stock%20images/Close%20up%20of%20human%20hands%20using%20virtual%20panel.jpeg) ###### Small businesses in the UK have increasingly been switching to cloud accounting software to successfully manage their bookkeeping, accounts, VAT and payroll.  We take a look at the benefits of cloud accounting packages like Xero over more traditional accounting software like Sage 50. ## **Traditional accounting software ** Although traditional desktop based software, is good for recording data and keeping good records, they do have several draw backs. - The software and data are not up to date – which means you will have to upgrade to the latest version – usually at a cost. - Limited user access, due either to limits in the software or the fact that its only on one computer. - Although am leap forward from Excel sheets and paper records these pieces of software can be difficult to navigate. - Most offer support but at an additional cost which can be expensive. - Hardware required – for example servers and hard drives add further to the cost. - It can also be expensive to keep back ups - Reports tend to be basic or difficult to format and can lead to an over reliance on Excel sheets which can be unstable. - Information contained within the system can be difficult to find and is not set up for the non-accountant. The result is an unnecessarily time-consuming process, with minimal and inaccurate results to show for it. ## **Cloud based accounting software** Cloud accounting software, however, enables books and records to be held online in one clear and intuitive space. Some of the many advantages include: - Quick and easy data entry - Faster software and backed up data storage - Customer support is usually included within the fee - Information (such as invoices) can be found rapidly and anywhere with internet access - It can be tailored and adapted to individual businesses - A variety of add-ons can be used for specific business needs - Affordable with many packages to choose from, usually on a low monthly rental model - Better reporting within the systems and linked directly into the accounts using an approved add-on and therefore giving better business insights much quicker and more simply. It also enables users to access their accounting information on the go and via a variety of devices. It has made modern day accounting easily understandable for all users, regardless of their accounting experience. As a result, businesses can spend more time to focus on nurturing and growing their business, rather than on their accounts. There are a range of cloud accounting platforms on the market.  Xero is an extremely popular option for businesses as it provides a diverse range of intuitive accounting solutions, prices start at £10 per month up to £27 per month for an unlimited number of users and including support.  There are also over 500+ add-ons tailored to specific business needs and tasks which can both save you time, cost and make your processes more efficient and effective. Please click [here to arrange your free consultation](https://info.shorts.uk.com/research-and-development-tax-relief-1). [![Your free consultation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2442072/3b02d41f-8fc4-48e5-8225-3b1d76ef6e50.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2442072/3b02d41f-8fc4-48e5-8225-3b1d76ef6e50) Other recent articles; - [Why should I convert to cloud accounting?](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/why-should-i-convert-to-cloud-accounting) - [5 Ways Xero software can improve profit margins for landlords](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/5-ways-xero-software-can-improve-profit-margins-for-landlords) - [Shorts - The Region's first Xero Platinum partner](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/shorts-confirmed-as-regions-first-xero-platinum-partner)   ![author](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/Alicia%20williams-1.jpg) #### Alicia Williams I am Partner of the Genus team at Shorts, a chartered certified accountant and Xero specialist. I specialise in cloud-based accounting solutions, particularly Xero and add-on software, helping clients streamline processes and improve efficiency. As a Client FD, I work closely with businesses to give them a clear understanding of their current position and support their long-term planning and growth. [View my articles](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/author/alicia-williams) Tags: [Xero](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/xero), [GENUS Management Accounts](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/genus-management-accounts), [Accountancy Services](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/accountancy-services) Share this on - - - [Questions? Get in touch with us](https://www.shorts.uk.com/contact/) ###### Tax Saving Guide 2026-27 Written especially for entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses, this guide is full of planning ideas and tax risks to avoid. [ Download now ](https://info.shorts.uk.com/en-gb/tax-saving-guide) ![Tax saving guide 2026-27](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg?width=375&height=465&name=Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg) ###### Related articles ##### [How to pay bills directly from Xero - New](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/how-to-pay-bills-directly-from-xero-new) ##### [Financial Accounting vs Management Accounting – Jargon busting](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/financial-accounting-vs-management-accounting-jargon-busting) ##### [Financial Digital Transformation](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/financial-digital-transformation) ##### [In AI we trust — but not with our taxes](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/in-ai-we-trust-but-not-with-our-taxes) ###### Latest articles [Should UK business owners reconsider exit timing?](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/uk-business-owners-reconsider-exit-timing) [Xerocon 2026: Innovation, inspiration and a look at the future](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/xerocon-2026-innovation-inspiration-and-a-look-at-the-future) [Salary sacrifice pension changes 2029: what you need to know](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/salary-sacrifice-pension-changes-2029) [How to separate a business through a demerger](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/how-to-separate-a-business-through-a-demerger) [A case of aggressive tax avoidance: Glasgow Rangers Football Club](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/aggressive-tax-avoidance-affect-you) [What is VAT? - Complete Guide (Updated for 2025/26)](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/what-is-vat) [Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/ashgate-hospice-sparkle-night-walk-2026) [Stocktaking guide for UK businesses](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/stocktaking-guide-for-uk-businesses) [Supporting the Chatsworth Cascade for future generations](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/supporting-the-chatsworth-cascade-for-future-generations) [Deal of the Year win at Insider Dealmakers Awards 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/deal-of-the-year-win-at-insider-dealmakers-awards-2026) #### About Us Use this little footer to reinforce your message about who you are and why people love working with you. 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