Cloud accounting What you need to know

Cloud accounting What you need to know by Amber Rolfe Ready to get your head in the cloud? Whether you’re an accountant or you’re looking to become one, you work in finance, or you’re a small business, cloud accounting software could be a great way to streamline your accounting processes. Not sure what it’s all about?We spoke to Xero, one of the world’s leading providers of cloud-based accounting software, to learn what it is, and how utilising it could benefit you and your business:  What is ‘the cloud’? ‘The cloud’ is a term used for services and software that lives and runs via the internet, instead of on a single device.It allows individuals and companies to safely store, edit, and share their data across a variety of platforms, with multiple people.  What is cloud accounting? Cloud accounting is a type of software that functions through the cloud.It works by allowing users to send data direct to ‘the cloud’, where it is processed and returned back to the user.As it operates via a remote server, companies and individuals can save the time it takes to install and maintain the software via multiple desktop computers. Anyone can access it, from any device, from wherever they are â€" providing they have an internet connection.Cloud accounting software also allows employees in all areas of a business to access the same software and data, and work collaboratively in real-time.  Is cloud accounting secure?Cloud accounting solutions are an extremely secure way of storing and sharing data.By having important data accessible across a range of platforms (and not just in one place), the risk of losing it through a laptop or computer being stolen, broken, or lost is reduced. You can also ensure your data is safe through password protection and encryption.Even if a server goes down, you still won’t lose your data â€" thanks to automatic back-ups across a number of servers.And, because cloud accounting software allows you to share data without the use of USB sticks, your informa tion is less likely to get lost.  What’s the difference between cloud accounting and traditional accounting software?The main difference between cloud account and traditional accounting software is thatit’s operated online, instead of via one computer.Here are a few of the core differences:  What are the benefits of cloud accounting?Cloud accounting saves time, improves flexibility, and ultimately streamlines the accounting process â€" making it an increasingly popular tool amongst businesses and Accountants alike.Here are a few benefits of using cloud accounting:It’s scalable, easy-to-use, and cost effectiveIt provides the ability to view and evaluate your financial position in real-timeIt can be accessed from work, home, or on-the-goIt improves collaboration and visibility across teamsIt provides the perfect link between business owners and AccountantsIt backs up data automaticallyIt installs updates automatically without the need for manual installationIt’s managed by the cloud service provider, meaning maintenance, system admin, and server failure costs are reduced  Why should I study cloud accounting? Cloud accounting is useful for people working in a variety of fields.Whether you’re an Accountant, you work with Accountants, or you’re looking to start a career in the field â€" learning the core principles of cloud accounting is a great way to keep your skills current and maximise your performance.Not only will it make you better at your job, it’ll also boost your CV and make you more attractive to the hundreds of thousands of employers who use the software.  Why study with Xero? Xero is a leading provider of cloud-based accounting software, with thousands of accounting partners based in over 180 countries worldwide.They’ve already helped 1.5 million businesses and accountants all over the world thrive, and are one of the fastest growing service companies in the globe. In fact, demand for Xero skills is the highest it’s ever been.And with more than 300,000 subscribers in the UK alone, there’s never been a better time to get qualified in the fast growing tool.Here are a few benefits of studying with Xero:A certification from a leading provider of cloud-based accounting softwareGet qualified in as little as six hoursLearn how to set up and run Xero on a day-to-day basisAccess to a bonus six hours of additional content, free of chargeKeep your skills up-to-date  Find out more  Want to learn more about how a Xero qualification could change your career? Enquire now.Xero is a leading provider of cloud-based accounting software, offering courses to help businesses worldwide learn the core principles of cloud accounting.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the

The Symbiotic Benefits of Corporate Responsibility in the Developing World

The Symbiotic Benefits of Corporate Responsibility in the Developing World With the omnipresence of gas and oil, the energy industry has a constant influence across the world. As former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said, “energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows the world to thrive”. Oil being the largest energy source, it is integral to our daily life, and a key to international development in the 21st century. Businesses do not exist in a social or environmental vacuum, and this is particularly true for oil and gas, which often operate in resource-rich developing countries. Being under constant public scrutiny, oil companies must strike a balance between the economic, environmental, and social impacts, ensuring economic growth while integrating social, environmental, ethical, and human rights concerns into their operations. The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is therefore particularly important for industry players. Fundamentally, CSR refers to a company’s organizational ethics and obligation to address the environmental and social impact of their operations. Contrary to common belief, CSR is more than a few philanthropic gestures undertaken to improve the firm’s external perception. CSR is a systematic attempt to converge environmental and business interests that have symbiotic benefits for all parties involved. Yet few oil companies pursue worthwhile CSR that really makes a difference to the societies in which they work. Naturally, oil companies are cautious of criticism, particularly when it comes to addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems, but this should not deter them from involvement in causes they are passionate about. Through CSR activities, oil companies can pave the way for positive transformation in the developing world. Providing investments and jobs to local communities are essential ways to stimulate regional growth in an area that concentrates a large proportion of the world’s unemployed youth and ‘working poor’. GPB Global Resources and its affiliates for instance consequently employ around 4000 people in many countries including Ethiopia and Niger. These local talent pools have in turn offered a huge amount to the company in cultural knowledge, language skills, and economic growth. As natives to the region, they have strong ties with the local communities, enabling them to navigate potential challenges more effectively. Listening to local communities and capacity building are at the core of CSR activities that improve the relationship between the companies and their host countries. The mineral and petroleum extraction industry can easily disrupt traditional ways of developing a country with an agriculture-based way of life. As such, it’s important to demonstrate to local communities that the disruptions can bring around positive change; namely development, education, infrastructure and improvement to areas that have previously seen little investment. Engaging in CSR allows governments in developing countries to create social value and improve social welfare, develop public policy capacity and utilize new resources through the partnerships. Since 2014, GPB GR has made a firm financial and organizational commitment to supporting local projects in Ethiopia. The company began hydrocarbon exploration in the region in 2014, and since then, has supported numerous community projects on food security, wate r access, medical training, and education. CSR affects companies’ internal and external growth, having multiple benefits beyond reputation management. Through CSR activities, companies can find their voice, and differentiate themselves from competitors. Engaging in sustainability helps companies to cut costs, improve the quality of materials and equipment that adhere to safety and environmental regulations, reduce the likelihood of environmental damage and the need for constant maintenance. HR teams should not overview the fact that CSR is good for employee relationships too. Having the power to improve the lives of others is a privilege and can positively impact company sentiment and staff morale, so corporate social responsibility mandates in developing regions should be taken very seriously. Employees respond positively to their company’s CSR activities and have a higher self-image, resulting in higher employee satisfaction, increased commitment, lower turnover, and higher growth. CSR has also become an increasingly important factor for millennials for choosing a company, making it easier to identify with the business they work for. While CSR might not be the ultimate solution for all problems, it certainly debunks the myth that short term corporate objectives and long-term development objectives are mutually exclusive. CSR is an effective tool to strengthen the cooperation between the private and public sector, generating lasting change in regions that need it most, and fostering economic development in the interest of all stakeholders. About the author: Boris Ivanov, is the Founder, and Managing Director, GPB Global Resources.

The Importance of a Great Company Culture

The Importance of a Great Company Culture After standing at Waterloo station for 45 minutes on a Tuesday morning and being inundated with various job offers from around the world and one of the biggest football clubs in the world Manchester United graduates still ask me why did I choose to work at my company? So what attracted me to the job? I wanted to work somewhere where everyone knows my name, I don’t want to be on the fifth floor and other employees are staring at me like who is this new guy even though I’d have  been there for about 9 months. I wanted the chance to manage my own projects in various industries simultaneously rather than working for a big sexy company like Nike, Adidas or Coca-Cola, where I would probably just handle one of their social media accounts #Boring. How did it happen? So about 2 hours after leaving Waterloo station I received a LinkedIn InMail from company Director Matt Churchward, stating that he had walked passed me at Waterloo station, saw how busy I was and asked me to come into their head office. I sat with all three company directors who congratulated me on my out of the box efforts in  attempt of landing a marketing role. I was just what they were looking for to help the business move forward. They told me what I wanted to hear, I would join as a Marketing and PR Project manager and create my own marketing campaigns, as well as being a part of the internal recruitment process hiring more graduates. The deal sealer What sealed the deal for me was when I walked into the office for my second interview. The atmosphere was just what I was looking for. It was a young group that I knew I could get on with and achieve some great things with and we have already been nominated for a few awards this year. In comparison to everywhere else I interviewed with, I didn’t feel the same connection between current employees and I just couldn’t work somewhere where people just turn up and are glued to their computers for 9 hours and leave. We play football together, have team nights out, as well as going on company holidays to Barcelona, Berlin and Budapest. What sets us apart from the rest and why it is such a great place to work in comparison to other organisations  is the great  company culture that has been built. There is no magic to solve the issue of graduate unemployment, but we  will be playing its part to provide opportunities in the green, digital and property sector as I’d hate to be the reason commuters are bombarded by hundreds of graduates at station in the morning asking for a job! Author:  I am Alfred Ajani the Coventry University graduate from South London also known as ‘The CV Man’.  I am Marketing and PR Projects Manager at The Asoria Group, responsible for driving the Marketing and PR function.

Happily Ever After How To Give The Perfect Wedding Gift

Happily Ever After How To Give The Perfect Wedding Gift It doesnt matter how long youve known the blushing bride or groom, although if it’s years instead of months you’ll have better luck, you’ll still find yourself wondering what on earth to buy them. Do they already have one? Is it on the list? Finally is it, well, unique enough? Have no fear as we’ve compiled a handy checklist that should help to solve at least one of your wedding woes. What colour hat should you wear? Sorry, no idea! Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Many guests don’t like to do this as they feel it’s a little presumptuous but if you’re good friends with the couple or, even better, family it’s perfectly acceptable to ask them what they might like. Nowadays couples living together will already have plenty of towels, mugs, and bed linen which were amongst the traditional items bought by guests when the couple were moving in together as newlyweds. You may find out though that they’re looking to upgrade their kitchen so some funky, art deco tableware would be a safe choice or that theyre on the hunt for a new piece of pop art for the living room. Registries Are There For A Reason Registries are the quick, easy and hassle free way of gift giving. The husband and wife to be will have registered at stores they like and will have included items theyd like such as tableware, new appliances, crystal glasses and technology. Yes, buying a gift off the registry is somewhat predictable, but it saves you the stress of guessing what colour coffee machine they’d like, they’re aware of how much you’ve gifted and so can spend a similar amount on gifts for your wedding. Registries are a good way of keeping track of who gave what and everyone avoids the slightly awkward conversation that ends with did it come with a receipt? It’s The Thought That Counts You really can’t go wrong with a thoughtful, personal and memorable gift such as engraved champagne flutes, personalised photo frames or a romantic couples journal. By choosing a gift like this, you’re showing that you actually know the people whose wedding you’re attending. For example, you know Jack loves golf and so a personalised golf bag would be cool. You know that he and Amy adore travelling and personalised maps, passport cases or a couples travel journal would be right up their street.  You Can’t Go Wrong With Cash Lots of couples have wedding websites, some are even free to use, that have lots of extra information about the wedding, members of the bridal party and downloadable maps. Check to see if your couple does have a website as it could be that they’ve included a honeyfund, i.e. they’re inviting guests to contribute money towards honeymoon experiences such as a romantic dinner, scuba diving or horseback riding at sunset. However, this information should appear entirely separately to the official invitation. It’s exceptionally bad etiquette to ask for gifts then as you are attending as their guest. Remember, giving any gift is entirely your choice as is the overall amount you then choose to spend. Image credit.

Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Giving A Presentation CareerMetis.com

Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Giving A Presentationâ€" CareerMetis.com Source â€" DepositPhotos.comBelieve it or not, mistakes in presentations happen a lot.In fact, whatever company we’re talking about, at whatever age, with whatever kind of employees, the kinds of mistakes they make in presentations bear a striking resemblance.There are certain common mistakes you should avoid if you want to make a killer presentation that actually makes an impact on the audience.evalSo what are these mistakes that you should avoid? Well, here are 5 of the most common:1) Your Presentation has an Excess of InformationevalIn all of my experience with presentations, I have come to notice that most people tend to get exhausted by too much information in a presentation.The major problem here is the difficulty we face when we try to arrive at a consensus about the amount of information that is enough.A good rule of thumb is that whatever amount of information you think is enough for a presentation, the ideal amount is probably far less than that.It’s a general character istic of humans that when you bombard them with too many facts they are less likely to remember those facts. Think about that for a minute.A good way around this problem is not to think too hard about the information you are presenting.Think instead about the implications of those facts and their relevance to your audience. For example, it is likely that most of the ‘facts’ in your presentation will be nothing more than data.evalDon’t just recite them; think about why they are the way they are and what implications they have on the future. On the one hand, you have facts; on the other you have insight. You must balance the two to have a good presentation.2) Your Presentation is riddled with JargonThis isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Sometimes you need to save time, and many companies have their ways of doing this. One of the most common ways to save that is to use acronyms to communicate common business terms.This may seem like a good idea on the surface but can act ually backfire if you think about members of the audience who may not be veterans of the particular industry to which the presentation is relevant.So, for example, if you’re making a marketing presentation and have members of the audience who are not marketers or aren’t familiar with marketing terms, it might be a good idea to explain ‘PPC’ when you mention it the first time. Tell them it stands for ‘Pay Per Click.’evalWhen you hear an acronym you don’t understand, you are likely to spend some time thinking about what it means, which is likely to leave you distracted, which will cause you to miss whatever else follows the strange jargon, at least until you can rein your mind back to the present moment. That is definitely something you do not want your audience doing.Be sure to know your audience and their understanding of the material you are about to present.If you’re presenting to industry experts, jargon is allowed, though you still shouldn’t go overboard with i t. If there are likely to be non-industry experts in the audience, then temper your use of acronyms and jargon.3) The Information is not tailored to your AudienceMore often than not, you are going to have to make a presentation to an audience that really has no inherent interest in the subject matter of your presentation.If you’re from the marketing team and need to make a presentation for a budgeting proposal to the accounts department, you want to do it in such a way that it makes sense to the accounts people, not in the way that it would make sense to marketing people.In all situations, your audience should be the focus of your presentation and not just your content. Why do they need to listen to you? How can you make yourself more interesting for them? How can you make things more relevant to them?These are the questions you should be asking yourself.If you don’t find a way to make your information relevant to your audience, then all of the brilliant ideas you have will die before they’re out the gate.4) No One knows what your Call to Action isYour presentation isn’t very different to a sales email or some kind of online advertisement. People need to know what to do when they’re done listening to you and it has to be specific enough that they can do it without difficulty.evalThe best way to figure out how to craft your call to action is to assume your presentation was actually successful. The audience loves what you are telling them; the next step is to give them a call to action. Make it specific enough and easy enough that they won’t feel like it’s too much work; the clearer the call to action the better.eval5) Your Delivery is flatUsually, this mistake doesn’t come on its own. It comes with the additional mistake of the presenter constantly reading directly from the slide. This is an insult to the intelligence of your audience. They can read your slides just fine.It’s understandable that confidence does not come easily to everyone. The presentation might feel awkward and, if you’re not naturally bubbly, it might be quite difficult to call on that character in an instant. The best thing to do in this case is to prepare.Before your presentation, record yourself on your phone and play the recording back to yourself over and over again. Listen to it and figure out what needs changing. Do as much work as you can before the actual presentation so, when it comes, it doesn’t feel as awkward.CONCLUSIONThink of a presentation as a sales pitch. You are always trying to sell something no matter what kind of presentation you are making, even if they’re not going to buy it with cash, so focus on making what you’re saying saleable.eval

Motivation Monday Optimizing Time

Motivation Monday Optimizing Time Are you optimizing time? Do you invest your time doing the right things or are you mostly responding to emergencies? In this Motivation Monday, I want you to be more planful. Where do you want to be three-four months from now? If securing a new job is your plan, start optimizing time spent on the right activities now! It will take that long (or longer) to secure a new job. It is so easy to get caught up in the idea of planning yet never taking action on it. But, having a plan and taking the right steps to implement your plan is the secret to success. If you say that you dont have enough time to conduct a job search, please allow me to challenge your thinking. Maybe you need to consider if you really are doing the right things for the right reasons? Structuring Your Time I havent mentioned Steve Coveys matrix in a long time, so here goes! If you havent read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey, it certainly is worth it! (affiliate link) There are so many valuable parts to his book, but the one I find most relevant is his time management quadrants. So often, we manage our lives by what we think others want or whats easy for us to do; not by whats really important. Covey says that we need to spend more of our time in quadrants I and II. Optimize time and find a way to invest more of your effort in quadrant II. Quadrant I and II work Starting today, what will you do to move your job search activities into quadrant II? Capability improvement (both the job search process and your own personal improvement!) Relationship building (read Networking Is A Waste of Time- Or Is It) Recognizing new opportunities (keep your eyes and ears open- Looking For A New Job? How To Job Search Today) Planning, recreating (Find target companies, marketing materials, a Plan B) Are you ready? Go!

How Resume Writing Has Changed Over Time

How Resume Writing Has Changed Over TimeIn the world of business, many industries are experiencing huge changes which make it easier for employers to find a job candidate they may be interested in. For instance, when using a computer, it is possible to have a search facility that allows you to conduct a search within a short period of time. This is especially helpful when looking for jobs and submitting a resume online. However, some job applicants make the mistake of only looking at the information online and missing the importance of proper resume writing.In addition to using the search option for resume writing, people must also research on what information they will be putting on their resume. Job hunting requires looking at what is available in resumes for the specific job one is applying for. These should include basic information about the applicant such as education and experience.Next, the information in the resume should reflect the job the applicant is applying for. If the applicant is applying for a position in the health care field, they should put in all their details about their education and work history. However, there are some resumes that do not include this information. In order to find these types of resumes, applicants should perform a keyword search by entering the specific job they are looking for into the search engine.Next, it is important to see what a particular company is looking for when looking for an employee. The online application can be submitted either via email or through a post on the company's website. In order to get more information about the company that needs an employee, a job seeker should research on the company that is seeking the applicant.Finally, once the resume is completed, it is important to make sure that it is formatted correctly. A resume should be professionally written so that an employer can read it and identify if the information in the resume is accurate. In addition, it should be formatted in a way t hat is easy to use. In other words, it should be both brief and concise.One way to ensure that the resume is properly formatted is to use a professional resume writing service. They will help with professional resume writing by organizing all the information that should be included in the resume. After the correct information is included, they will write the resume for the job applicant. Most of the time, they can have the resume ready in a few days and will also give suggestions for different formats that the resume can be written in.With all of the changes that resume writing has gone through over the years, many people have found that the most difficult thing to do is to know how to update a resume. This is because many times, people feel that the information contained in the resume has been gathered correctly. While it is true that most information included in the resume should be accurate, it is also important to remember that people who apply for the same job have different st yles and preferences. The more different information in the resume, the better.In order to understand how resume writing has changed, individuals should examine the trends that are happening in the world of employment. One of the best ways to do this is to look at the type of work one is doing and how much experience they have in the field. As far as how resume writing has changed, there have been many changes over the years and in many instances, it has been necessary to consult a professional for the best professional resume writing services available.