Cloud consultant

Suggested CPD

Negotiation skills for accountants

Corporate resilience and decision making

Certificate in Digital Innovation for Finance (CertDIF) 2021 Edition

Certificate in Data Analytics (CertDA)

What is a Cloud consultant and what do they do?

This role supports the transition from legacy on-premises data management solutions and ERP systems to secure Cloud-based solutions (including hybrid Cloud combining on-premises, private and public Cloud). For SMPs it’s a key value driver that improves the ability to operate and secure document access remotely, and benefit from the flexibly scalable nature of Cloud.

To do the role, the Cloud consultant will have experience of different applications: Cloud accounting (eg Xero, QuickBooks Online); invoice automation (eg Receipt Bank, Auto-entry, Hubdoc), reporting (eg Spotlight. Futrli, Fathom), and cash flow (eg Float, Fluidly).

Key responsibilities

Responsibilities will vary, but examples include: 
 

• creating a project plan in line with business vision – understanding the vision of the business and creating a project plan to move the firm and its client base to Cloud systems, including staffing requirements, prioritising clients for conversion, systems to use, training requirements, milestones and timelines
• building a Cloud team – following the size and scope of the project being understood, creating a team to help deliver the agreed outcomes
• creating Cloud processes – changing existing processes or creating new processes for businesses looking to move to the Cloud or new services created by modern technology
• assessing opportunities – assessing the current and future opportunities the new systems will create
• training and education – training staff on the systems that will be used, the steps to be taken in setting up, how to process, things to look out for, and continuing education about updates
• building partnerships – building long-term relationships with the software vendors and negotiating licence agreements
• promoting the Cloud – being an advocate for Cloud systems, both internally and to clients at events and roadshows. Host sessions to raise awareness of the systems which are used and the benefits of being on such systems
• providing support to the Cloud team and all levels within the business during set-ups and servicing of clients
• building a support network – creating an internal support network for all queries, and potentially supporting the Cloud team by working with businesses that provide external support for all application-related concerns
• managing projects – ensuring project targets and timelines are being met and managing all aspects as agreed
• conversion support – supporting team members and staff with converting clients’ data and processes to new Cloud systems
• keeping up to date – Cloud software is very fast moving and forever changing, and the individual will need to keep up to date with product changes and legislative updates that affect clients and the staff using these systems.

Why are they important?

The quality of migration is as important as making the shift. Moving to the Cloud but retaining old processes reduces the return on investment (ROI) and does not accelerate practice growth as hoped for.

Thus it is essential to invest in doing this correctly or the business will not fully benefit from the move, despite the cost and disruption that arises. The Cloud consultant ensures this happens well. 

Person specification

A Cloud consultant is likely to be a professionally qualified accountant with at least five years' experience, ideally across a range of sectors/clients. They must be passionate about technology and have extensive hands-on experience of using Cloud accounting systems and associated applications. 

They need experience of converting client’s data and processes from desktop systems to Cloud accounting systems.

Strong project management skills to manage and monitor multiple work streams and individuals are required, as are business partnering and communication skills to deal effectively with users across the practice and with software vendors. Thus they need to be confident in discussing Cloud accounting technology and relating specific issues back to the end user. In addition, they must be confident giving presentations and training, both internally and externally. 

They need a problem-solving mentality, finding creative solutions to issues as they arise, in addition to a curious mindset, with a liking for new challenges and continuous learning. 

Team management and leadership capabilities are essential, with a proven ability to drive change.