Digitisation presents accounting profession with fresh challenges, says expert

Date: 28th May 2010

The accounting profession has a new set of challenges to face due to the rise of specialist accounting software.

This is the view of software backup specialist Backup Direct, which said software solutions such as Sage, IRIS and QuickBooks have streamlined productivity in the profession and improved the services that clients receive.

However, Harry Burton, the organisation's marketing executive, explained that there are new trends emerging that are increasing the pressure placed on businesses to ensure the security of information.

A recent report by Backup Direct suggested that there are four main IT challenges facing the accounting profession: data explosion, data on the move, virus threats and downtime.

Mr Burton explained that the increasing amount of data stored in the UK and the ease at which data can be accessed on the move means businesses must do more to ensure their information is protected.

"Accounting has embraced the benefits that software brings and understood its importance in gaining long term competitive advantage," he said.

"However, to maintain market position and relative goodwill, accounting firms need to be aware of and mitigate for the IT challenges ahead. Those who are best prepared in the present will prosper most in the future."

Posted by Emily Smith