RA Business Advisors

cloud technology

Single Touch Payroll For Everyone!

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Small business STP

It is now official, all businesses no matter how many employees they have will be required to electronically file each pay run with the tax office using Single Touch Payroll (STP) as of July 1. With 40% of the nation’s workers employed by small businesses, this is a big opportunity for cloud-based solutions to overhaul the efficiency of your small business.  

Xero has been the royalty of cloud-based solutions for some time now, with STP being only two clicks away. For the 90,000 businesses yet to embrace any software, this is a great time to start looking.  

What does this mean for micro-businesses?

As of last week, Xero announced a standalone solution for micro-businesses with four or fewer staff. This payroll-only product will process, pay and report information for up to four employees, with an expected price of just $10 a month (what a steal!).  

Did you know RA Business Advisors are long term Partners with Xero? If you want to hear more about what Xero can do for your business, give us a ring on 07 3367 0852 or email your questions through to mail@raaccountants.com.au

Security – The Endless Dilemma

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Internet security

 

In this day and age, nothing takes precedence more than security. When I say security, I’m not talking about locking your front door or installing a home security system. I mean keeping your account and business information secure and encrypted.

Attention-grabbing headlines relating to online scams, hacks, or viruses are endless, we are constantly trapped worrying that our secure data is being uploaded to someone halfway around the world. Despite these endless stories, the internet is still safe for businesses – provided you take necessary precautions.


Information Matters

No matter what hard drive you use, IT guy you’ve got on speed dial, or how locked tight you keep passwords; your valuable information is NOT safe. From accidentally spilling your morning coffee, to a virus infecting your system and stealing all your valuable information.

Viruses have been plaguing computers well before illegal downloads occurred. In fact, computer viruses (or worms) first began in 1971 with ‘The Creeper Virus’. The first worm was simply an experimental program that became self-replicating, and an anti-virus program was created to remove it. Whilst virus and anti-virus are considered quite yin and yang, security packages just won’t cut it when a hacker wants your information.

To defend against these notorious criminals you don’t need to hire a professional anti-hacker for combating worms, you simply need to move your accounting to the cloud. The cloud replicates your data in different locations to make sure it’s both secure and available when you need it. Not even a natural disaster can affect your accounting data.

Your decision

If you’re thinking about moving your accounting the cloud, look no further than Xero. Security is the top priority and Xero takes every measure to ensure your information stays safe. You won’t need to research what cloud company to join, as Xero has done their due diligence and already utilize a secure and reliable company.

How Cloud-Based Technology is Changing the Way Businesses Operate

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Gone are the days of office-based accounting software where your data is only accessible from one computer. The presence of the cloud-based technology means businesses are operating on-the-run with little time, or patience, to stop and smell the roses. Here are some interesting ways cloud computing technology is changing the way businesses operate:

1. Real-time updates
Cloud-based software takes care of all updates and upgrades, as well as sending real-time job and purchase data to employees, no matter their location. This allows for businesses to focus on the task at hand, instead of spending their time waiting for software to update.

2. Low operating costs
Due to the automatic updates there is a decrease in need for IT staff and equipment costs. Although cloud computing services do cost money, it is only a fraction of what it costs for onsite IT services.

3. Mobility
The cloud allows for data to be sent to employees in real-time, which allows them to work from home or across the world. This means that if Bob is sent a new job he is able to get the job information straight away and let his employer know if he can take it.

4. Security
It has been said before and I’ll say it again, the cloud is as safe as a bank. Because the information is stored in the cloud and not on a device itself, business data is always secure and accessible.

5. Customer demand
If you still think your business operates 9-5 then you are in for a shock! Customers are now expecting to communicate and interact with businesses 24/7, whether it be through email, marketing or online purchases. The cloud allows for customers to communicate with you, download or view files, and new information on your products at higher speeds giving them the clarity and satisfaction they need and leading you to increased sales.

6. No more data entry
Cloud-based software, such as Xero, allows you to automatically bring “live feeds” of your bank account and credit card statements into your accounting stream. Applications such as ReceiptBank and Hubdoc now automatically sync up with Xero and allow you to send your invoice data at the snap of a photo. Less data entry and more time to focus on growing your business.

Interested in learning more about how the cloud can help you grow your business? Give us a call today to talk to one of our small business experts.