Why choose online accounting?

 For several years, online accounting offers have developed considerably. For some professions, particularly in the field of service provision, choosing an online accountant can be quite attractive.

 

 

Indeed, independent service providers ( consultants, IT freelancers, business advisers) often have relatively simple accounts to keep, with customer invoices and few expenses (expense reports, professional insurance, bank charges). The services of an online accounting firm may be particularly suited for these professionals.

 

The main services provided by an online accounting firm

Here is a typical offer that an online accounting firm can offer you for the management of your accounting:

 

·       Access to a web application allowing you to manage your customers' invoicing (at least, the establishment of quotas and invoices);

·       Automatic import of your bank statements into accounting;

·       The live dashboard, which allows you to see quickly and at any time where you are;

·       Managing your expense reports;

·       Editing of accounting statements.

Then, depending on the firm and the offer chosen, other functions can be added to this list: management of customer reminders, forecast cash flow statement, VAT management, etc.

 

Points to check when choosing your online accounting firm

 

First of all, it is necessary to verify that the online accounting firm is registered with the Order of Chartered Accountants. On the internet, it is indeed rare to come across service providers who illegally offer chartered accountancy missions without having the necessary diploma and without being registered.

 

After that, it is essential to carefully analyze the mission proposal (called an engagement letter) drawn up by the cabinet. It must be clearly indicated there which are the included services of the proposed mission, the amount of the fees, as well as the optional services which you can benefit from in case of need (with their price).

 

Next, it is important to check that the tools made available by the firm are accessible on all your devices, regardless of their category (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) and their operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.).

 

In addition, to facilitate the use of the tools offered by the firm, it is necessary to verify that the online accountancy firm offers quality training and educational support.

 

Another particularly important point: even if it is an online accounting firm, you must have a direct interlocutor and be able to contact one of the firm's accountants if necessary, and no any time of the year. The firm must be able to respond to you quickly.

 

In this regard, we advise you to make sure that the online firm has competent contacts in various fields: in the accounting of course, but also in taxation, business law, labor law, etc.

 

Finally, it is essential that you can download the accounting entry file ( FEC ) from your customer area. This file must be communicated to the tax authorities in the event of an audit, it is compulsory for any company falling under a real tax regime that keeps its accounts using a computerized system.

 

Independent service providers: why an online accountant?

There are several advantages to the independent service provider working with a “good” online accounting firm  :

 

·       Obtain an affordable fee budget adapted to its activity;

·        Reduce the time spent on the administrative management of your business;

·        Benefit from a management tool accessible online at any time to manage to invoice, accounting and monitor performance in real-time;

·        Have a dedicated advisor they can get in touch with quickly and get answers.

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