Cloud accounting set-up

Essentials › Accounting › Cloud accounting set-up

Finance foundationsUnited Kingdom

The problem it solves

Accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks or Sage only saves time when it is set up well. A messy chart of accounts, missing bank feeds or badly migrated history leave you with reports nobody trusts and bookkeeping that still needs manual fixes.

What it covers

  • Choosing the right package and plan
  • Designing a chart of accounts and tracking categories that match how you run the business
  • Connecting bank feeds, cards and payment platforms such as Stripe or PayPal
  • Migrating opening balances and history
  • Linking receipt capture, payroll, expenses and invoicing apps
  • Training and user permissions

Who it is for

Businesses still on spreadsheets or desktop software, and those switching platforms or tidying up an inherited set-up.

Good to know in the UK

  • Making Tax Digital for VAT requires VAT records to be kept digitally and returns sent through compatible software.
  • When you switch platforms, plan how you will keep access to historical records, because HMRC can ask to see them for at least six years.

Questions to ask a provider

  • Are you a certified partner for the software you recommend?
  • Will you migrate full history or just opening balances?
  • Which integrations do you recommend for our sector?
  • Is training included?

This is a plain-English summary for United Kingdom businesses. It is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and rules change: facts last checked 8 November 2026. Speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.