Month: April 2021

Technology is transforming people’s lives and has impacted different sectors of the economy, including the financial system. In this sector, specifically, technology has played an important role in transforming relations with users and in the progressive disappearance of cash.

The use of new technologies in the financial system demonstrates that this progress is already a reality. These are the main digital trends that are modifying the financial sector:

Big data and analytics:

A large amount of information, the speed with which it arrives, and the complexity and diversity have given rise to the term Big Data. The important thing about Big Data is the collection of all this information and what is done with it. Today, financial institutions use Big Data and the analysis that comes out of this information to make transcendental decisions for companies.

Virtual banking:

Large banks have leaped into the digital world, creating platforms that allow transactions, payments, purchases, and paperwork at any time and from a mobile device. The Financial Superintendence affirmed that in 2018, more money was moved in digital financial services than in bank offices for the first time in Colombia. More than 6 billion operations were recorded through digital channels.

Blockchain:

The Blockchain, or blockchain, is a technology that structures data and encrypts information to secure digital money, facilitates information retrieval, stores files, among other functions. At first, it was born to protect virtual currencies. However, the financial system is being obliged to incorporate this technology into its operations, facilitating negotiations, collaboration, and trust between the different actors.

Artificial intelligence:

Artificial intelligence is responsible for designing tools that emulate the physical and reasoning capabilities of the human being. These tools recreate human procedures, such as learning and reasoning. One of the uses that the financial sector gives to artificial intelligence aims to personalize the services of customers.

Cognitive technology:

Artificial intelligence helps financial service businesses in covering all their diverse aspects. It can best and helpful cases in the industry. Financial businesses already have high computing and cognitive abilities. They manage risks, identify data patterns, and detect fraud with the help of artificial intelligence. In this way, they make decisions with the least human intervention. Also, AI helps customers perform budget analysis, get a saving suggestion, realize the best mobile banking experiences and digital payment.  

Conversational chatbots

Chatbots were useful technology but lost their value as they can’t deliver experiences like humans. The integration of AI in Chatbots rebuilt their charm and usefulness. By the end of 2020, AI-powered Chatbots can handle 85% of interactions among businesses and customers. Financial services businesses use conventional AI solutions to send humanized experiences to clients. Database and current interactions help in growing and learning AI-based chatbots. In this way, financial service providers bespoke replies to client queries, perform beyond expectations and give relevant suggestions.

Online perils and financial crimes

Complex and sophisticated financial crimes are unsafe from traditional prevention techniques. That’s why financial companies need advanced technologies for strict protection. Analytics and Artificial intelligence are best to improve detected fraud and threat visibility effectively. Eight out of ten financial service providers believe that embracing new security-related technologies is faster than the previous ones. American banking sectors can lose their $350 value due to cybercrimes in the next five years.

Cloud computing 

Mobile banking meets all demands, online insurance transactions are going on, and tech-savvy clients are fond of digital wallets. Financial service providers got access to such proceedings. Now, financial businesses can get all of these facilities by cloud computing technology seamlessly.

The digital-powered sharing economy never sleeps as their clients want to connect smart devices, communicate, and 24 hours transactions. That’s why cloud computing encourages mobility in a true sense. As financial businesses have many expectations from cloud computing technology, it helps them keep up with the digital-born client pace. It has instant access to data and offers on-demand computer resource availability without direct management via the user.

These trends demonstrate the change the financial system is experiencing. The new digital generations are increasingly visiting bank offices. The step towards digital is a reality, and the financial system is moving towards the virtual world.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Obtaining funds for a startup is vital to sustaining the project. This makes it possible to recruit competent people, buy the necessary tools for the company to function properly, and increase the credibility of the brand.  Funding is important when we consider 8 out of 10 startups go bankrupt because of financing problems.

The biggest challenge for a startup is to finance quickly and efficiently. This is a complicated step as investors want to ensure a return on their investment and are reluctant to lend money to a newly created company.

How to finance a startup

There are several ways to raise funds. Some are faster than others but can recover less money. Therefore, it is important to understand financing steps and choose the right source of funding so that you do not lose time and can increase your chances of success.

It should also be considered that some funding sources are only possible once your business has reached an advanced stage. So, here are some possible financing options.

Self-financing

When we have an idea in mind, we must try to realize it quickly, even if the product or service is not yet finalized. This allows you to quickly test the idea on the market and avoid wasting time developing a product that does not work with the public. To launch your idea, you will probably need to use your own funds and self-finance at first.

So, be prepared to self-fund, especially at the beginning. If your company has several co-founders, each one will generally bring money up to his stake in the capital of the company.

Love Money

When you have a draft product or service, you can then try to recover money from relationships (your family, your friends). This is called Love Money. If your relations require no repayment, you can still offer parts of your startup at a preferential price.

Business Angels

Business Angels are often the first people that you will contact to obtain financing after your loved ones have contributed. They are individuals who invest in your personal business to make a profit if your startup takes off. They are generally able to invest between $150,000-$500,000.

Venture Capital

These are investment funds that contribute to unlisted companies that are still young. They invest the money entrusted to them by others whom they have convinced beforehand.

First employees

The first employees can be paid by accepting a lower salary but by obtaining shares in the startup in return. They are counting on the success of your business.

Investment Banks

At this point, the investment banks can then act and make an IPO (Initial Public Offering) of your company.

The Public

Following the IPO, the general public can buy and sell shares in your company. It is also easier for the founder of the company to sell his shares.

Develop a Business Plan

A business plan is a document that must be created in the initial stages of a business venture. It contains all the information about your future business and aims to appeal to investors. Presentation of the team, product, market analysis, competition, and financial forecasts is highlighted in this document.

It is very important to present a perfect business plan to investors to demonstrate the seriousness of your project. Without a strong and well-crafted business plan, it is almost impossible to raise funds.

If your forecasts are utopian and unworkable, or you have no way of distinguishing yourself from a competition already in place, there is a good chance your investment request will not be successful.

It is also helpful to read your business plan to your loved ones, see what they think, and determine how to make them understand what you need financially. Indeed, the business plan helps develop an idea. Having this document read may give you further insights into the project and save you from making a big mistake.

Do not neglect the business plan. It is a central element to obtaining financing for your startup and is an important element to evaluate the potential of your idea.

Networking

Your network is important! You must never stop expanding and deepening it. Indeed, it is easier to set up a business when you have good contacts.

Lawyers, accountants, business leaders, executives, employees, freelancers, bankers, investors are all profiles that can be useful to develop your business.

Through advice or services at preferential or free rates, you will be able to easily manage your business. Be careful, though; networking works both ways; you must give to be able to receive help in your network.

Keep building your network over time. The more your company gains visibility and credibility, the more you will meet competent and influential people. Feel free to help when you have the capacity, and your network will be more stable and trusting.

Conclusion

Financing a startup is not the simplest step, but it is important. Without money, it is difficult to advance at a suitable pace and to obtain resources.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Individuals involved in selling as real estate investors do not pay careful attention to the importance of their house being presentable. Having a clean and decorated house increases the chances of buyers prioritizing your house.

The US, real estate market has many homes for sale, and a buyer might have visited multiple houses during the search before arriving at a conclusive decision. As a real estate investor, you must make your home stand out among all those options, and to make that happen, cleaning and decorating your house are the first steps.

Often, first-time home sellers list their homes at times of the year that are not considered ideal for selling. The demand for homes at certain points of the year in the US (east coast and west coast states) is remarkably high during spring and fall. At these times of the year, you can get a great price for your home that is relatively much higher than what you will get in the winters.

It is the instinct of a human to remember things that may appear different in a pragmatic way. It is your responsibility as a seller to offer potential buyers that point of differentiation. Real estate investors are not generally aware of the red tape processes and lose time and money on the deal just because they did not pay attention to the maintenance needs of the house. Here are three hot tips to help you get top dollar as a real estate investor.

Give Your Agent Chances to Show the House

Most investors do not give their real estate agents much time to show potential buyers around the house. Buyers need to look thoroughly around the house. Let the buyer observe the most intricate details before they make a purchase. Real estate investors must go through a lot of trouble to make them realize the importance of open houses. Just two hours once a week of open houses are as good as nothing when you want the house to sell fast and at a good price.

Give your realtors the time and space they need to convince potential buyers that the house is the best choice they will make. It is only possible if the realtors can show the buyers around the house multiple times a week for a few hours. It will help the buyers make up their mind and finally “give you an offer you cannot refuse.”

Have the Most Breath-Taking Listing Pictures

The home’s listing pictures are the first thing that any buyer will notice about the house. It is always a good idea to invest in a professional photographer to do the listing photography. You do not want the first outlook of your house to a potential buyer to be scrappy and be unprofessional that do not catch their eye at all.

The first impression of the house should catch the buyer’s attention such that it intrigues them rather than disappointing them. Find yourself a good photographer and have them do what they do best rather than limiting the house’s marketability just because you want to save a few dollars. Please do not consider this money as expenditure but deem it as an investment that will pay off by giving you a good price for your home in a short amount of time.

Knowing What Your Rights and Obligations Are

Selling the house for the first time is not a simple process. There are clauses in the sales contract that most people do not know the importance of. It is of elemental significance in the US to be aware of all your rights and obligations related to the deal. There are disclosures that you need to make, inspection and regulatory compliances, and other such things that can get you in trouble.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Multinational companies are growing day by day. With the developing economy, the need for foreign investment is necessary. Multinational companies bring the required investment to countries that are in the development process and help them progress. However, multinational companies have become harmful to developing countries.

The reason is we usually don’t look beyond our shores to analyze the greedy human behavior, previously or in the present.

Multinational businesses are large corporations with operations in many countries worldwide. For instance, Ford, Apple, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Google all have operations in the U.S. and other lesser developed countries simultaneously. Their turnover and size can be higher than the total GDP of many growing economies. There are some benefits and disadvantages of multinational companies, as discussed below.

Benefits

Employment

Multinational companies help to create employment opportunities and worldwide. Inward investments by MNC build much-needed foreign currencies for growing and developing economies. They also generate employment opportunities and help raise the expectation of what is possible in lesser developed countries.

Ensure minimum standard

The main reason for multinational companies’ success is that customers like to purchase products and services to meet minimum service standards. For example, if you visit any country, you will know the star bucks coffee offers something you already familiar with. It might not be the best coffee in the area, but it won’t be nasty or worst. People like the safety of knowing what to expect.

Foreign investment

Multinational organizations engage in FDI (foreign direct investment) and operate in more than one country. They have better control over market knowledge, research activities, management, and financial resources since they have insights into every economy they are operating in.

For example, Unilever is one MNC that owns over 400 brands whose products are available in more than 190 countries with billions of dollars in annual sales. MNCs have been strengthening global transfers, ensuring global economic development, and deepening globalization on a massive scale.

MNCs have played their part in developing ties and building strong relationships with all the economic stakeholders, government institutions, corporate legal advisors, corporate workforce, customers, etc.

Outsourcing of production

Outsourcing of production via MNC allows lower prices. This lower price point grows disposable income in developed countries and will enable them to purchase more products and services. Building new sources of jobs to offset the lost jobs from outsourcing manufacturing works.

Promotes competition

 When various MNC’s are present in one economy, competition is flashed along with more investment keen into developing a firm’s good, regardless of whether it enhances its efficiency or quality of the manufacturing process. Ultimately, the economy will develop.

Competition boosts the international competitiveness and performance of the business area and helps economic growth—generally, MNCs advantage well from decreasing and deregulation tax rates. An increase in regulations stops man business from maximizing their full possible while hindering competitors’ free entrance.

Deregulation helps economic contribution, inciting competition. Companies can only grow their incomes to increase efficiency, cut wages of workers, or increase the price of products. In the U.S, deregulation has lessened the price by 30%-75% in various vital sectors imposing those businesses to reorganize to become more effective. Without competition or rivals, the companies’ status and position won’t be endangered. None will be prepared to risk capital to recover.

Disadvantages

Human rights abuse

One of the most general norms modes regarding companies in economics is that companies purpose to maximize income. In reality, companies do that by cutting production charges, the most direct method to lessen the cost of workers’ wages.

Though in developed countries, they are already set on minimal salaries, and the salaries can difficult to go further down on a specific point, relying on which economy. This phenomenon, called strictly wages, was discovered by John Maynard, one of the most dominant economists ever.

Companies will move their factories to countries that will pay lower wages, such as Pakistan and China. In both countries, the number of workers is more than the demand for work, permitting companies to lessen their wages still attracting the same number of laborers.

The incentive of shoddy labor and better income attracts many foreign companies. One of them being Primark, who has been suspected of paying children some amount for few days. These labor children’s working conditions appeared as poor, where they are forced to work for long hours without having a proper break.

Environmental pollution

MNC frequently contributes to pollution and utilizes non-renewable resources underlaying the environment at risk to search for more revenue. For instance, some multinational companies criticizing or point out outsourcing pollution and environmental degradation to emerging economies where pollution values are low.

Conclusion

Multinational companies are beneficial for the economies of developing countries. On the other hand, it can have some harmful effects on the industry. It is important to understand the benefits and disadvantages of running a multinational company if you consider taking your company internationally. About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Business relationships depend on human relationships. They require communication, patience, common sense, and knowing how to conduct oneself. No business is capable of subsisting on its own and depends on suppliers, customers, and buyers. However, in this chain, not everyone interprets its role well, which causes debts and defaults. 

The default is an indebtedness that occurs when a natural or legal person does not fulfill its obligation to satisfy a payment in a period based on established conditions. This individual or organization is commonly known as a defaulter. To be recognized as a defaulter, a document must be established that is legally recognized by both parties where the debtor is obliged to make payments.  Common agreements include credit agreements, telephone service contracts, mortgage deeds, etc.

Many companies resort to giving generic answers for all the defaults. This can cause a slowdown of the processes, and bad practices can lead to uncomfortable and irreversible situations. Therefore, we must bear in mind these fundamental principles:

• Every default is different. It should address issues such as the customer, the sector, the age of the debt, etc.
• Any non-payment carries information that may be useful for the future of the company. How we handle the defaulter will determine the financial situation tomorrow.
• We must remember that the objective is not to collect the debt as to collect it effectively. That is, do it in the shortest time and with the least cost.
• To keep in mind that the legitimate right to collect the debt must not clash with the fundamental and basic rights of the debtor.

There are multiple types of payments, as many as customers, but the vast majority could be classified into five large groups. Here are the characteristics of each group and the most appropriate way to handle them:

Impact technical: is one that occurs as a result of a technical error, either in the payment channel, data, and order information or a change in the company that invoices. This implies that the debtor knows the debt and is willing to pay it, but that error asks for it. The lack of bank loyalty caused by the economic crisis and the emergence of different forms of online payment have generalized this type of default.

The best form of action is to inform the debtor that the default has occurred. Notification of attempted recovery by any means of communication could jeopardize the relationship between the company and the client.

Immerse: it is a consequence of a commercial disagreement. There is no reception of the product, or it is defective, poorly invoiced, etc. In principle, if it is not an alibi, the debtor has the funds to face the debt.

The most advisable measure is to suspend all activities related to the current payment until the resolution of the conflict. Likewise, it is not advisable to classify the client as delinquent or to the process as unpaid, but as a pending dispute. This will avoid damaging the relations with the client and the performance of the recovery department.

Temporary or definite specific insolvency: this non-payment occurs when the debtor, in agreement with the products and services received and aware of the date of payment, goes through an economic and financial situation that prevents him from facing the debt temporarily or definitively.

The way of action is the collection of the debt, either through an internal recovery department or an external company, always trying to cause the least possible damage and minimum costs. For this, it is convenient to find out as soon as possible the opportunities of future payment, to individualize each case according to the characteristics of the client. If it is considered convenient, discounts can be applied in time and form that allow payment. First of all, it is necessary to weigh the cost of the recovery and resort to the legal aspect as a last resort.

Global Insolvency: serves the same reasons as the previous type of default, but in this case, it is determined by a higher instance that has to provide funds and release the payment, or by the socio-economic situation of the sector or country. This occurs mainly in the Public Sector, whose release of funds depends on higher instances.

In this case, the best measure is prevention. It is convenient to choose the clients well. In addition to the recovery, other measures such as factoring can alleviate the consequences of the debt. Likewise, it is possible to resort to claims of interest for late payment.

Fraud or fraud: It is conscious concealment of information by the debtor. He is fully aware of his insolvency and the default he causes.

Here there are only two ways of acting. On the one hand, prevention, by previously informing about everything related to the client, and on the other, judicial or criminal course of action, once the default has been committed. It is important to weigh the economic and image or reputational costs involved in opening a legal process.

There are many ways to deal with defaults and debt collections. The main course of action is prevention. All the necessary information must be collected before undertaking commercial and economic relations with a client. If a default occurs, the most important thing is good communication to preserve that relationship and the reputation of the company.  Of course, respect and follow all legal avenues available.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Real business leaders are not born; real leadership talent comes from experience and commitment to learning. Although some people are God-gifted with some traits that make them good suited to management roles, everybody can become the best leader. If you are unsure how to grow leadership skills, completing an MBA or Master of Business Administration degree proposes a practical solution to increasing the vital qualities for development chances.

Once undertaking a Master of Business Administration degree, you will learn many leadership skills and incorporate and develop them into your future career. Here are eight ways an MBA can enhance your leadership skills.

Challenge your view

You will be provided business information and practices built to challenge your views all over your MBA degree. Various office leaders have difficulties showcasing their views and opinions, resulting in making the worst business decisions because they have not taken all the teams’ thoughts and ideas into account. Challenging your view is considers a good point and helps to improve your leadership skills.

Communication

When learning for an online MBA, you will advance strong communication skills imperative for leadership success. Simultaneously, there are no exact areas of an online MBA that mainly focus on communication. The whole degree’s experience will empower you to connect and communicate with the peers and work on projects and tasks together. You will efficiently communicate solutions between your lecturer ad peers all over your study, serving build on your communication skills. When you have developed these skills, you will be able to maintain them with you in your workplace.

Marketing plans

When you are starting a business, you must have leadership skills. MBA marketing provides you leadership exposure to your business’s market, which helps reach the general audience, and provides success to your business which is the primary leadership factor.

Teamwork

While working as a team can feel primarily daunting, the more projects and tasks you do, the more confident you will feel. Collaborative and teamwork drive you into circumstances that might be out of your comfort zone. However, the more you communicate with your peers, the more comfortable and relaxed you will become. Once you work in a team, listen to all points of view as some are probably to differ from your own. Having everyone’s issues and thoughts into account will put you in better stead and provide you excellent leadership skills.

Problem-solving

Additional significant quality to have as an efficient leader is evaluating a situation and solving issues under pressure. All over your MBA degree, you will face problems that will involve working under pressure, which will help you become a good leader in the office or workplace. Solving the issue will assist you in making the right decision on a task or project.

Passion for development

When you have completed your MBA degree, your desire for development should not end. Actual leaders are always determining success and thinking of how they can better themselves to improve their market value or professional career. Make sure that you choose an MBA program that fulfills your needs. With a wide variety of MBA benefits, choose the top-rank MBA program to ensure that you are getting the best education level.

Integrity 

A real leader must prove integrity, build trust in their workers and establish themselves as expert figures. During your MBA degree, you have learned from experience career coaches and advisors who will work with you on an individual level through one-on-one career and leadership sessions. Those experiences will provide you with feedback and insights that will allow you to develop leadership skills in a way that relates to your future goals.

Focus on organizational change

The business sector is varying rapidly, though there are different ways to avoid being left behind. MBA  spots the significance of dealing with change in the office, giving aspiring leaders an understanding of new techniques to financial productivity goals and social effects during the disruption.

McKinsey estimates that 70% of the exchange programs last with the failure to accomplish their worker resistance goals. Through treating the ability to navigate companies’ change as a core leadership skill.  An MBA can make you a responsible leader and change management skills. Because of an exchange program’s current failure rate, proposing real change management techniques will help you stand out from the large audience.

Conclusion

An MBA provides different skills like communication skills, time and team management skills, problem-solving, passion for development, and man more. Altogether, it gives a leadership skill, which opens different opportunities for the skill full degree holders.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

By: Jennifer Brazer

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen

6 Ways Cloud Computing Will Transform Your Business

I remember the day I watched our IT budget shrink faster than I ever imagined possible. We’d just migrated our entire team to a cloud-based system, and the results? Immediate. No more server room headaches, no more hardware graveyards, and suddenly we had capital to reinvest in growth. That’s the magic of cloud computing—it saves you money, scales with you, and brings agility you didn’t know you were missing.

If you’re still on the fence about embracing cloud computing for your business, let me walk you through the six reasons why staying grounded could be the thing that’s holding you back.

Key Takeaways

• Cut infrastructure costs by switching from CAPEX to OPEX using cloud computing
• Scale your business up or down instantly without buying new hardware
• Boost productivity with cloud-based collaboration tools that work anywhere
• Protect sensitive data with security that rivals bank-grade systems
• Innovate faster and respond to the market with more agility
• Reach global audiences with minimal setup using cloud infrastructure

Why Cost Savings Should Drive Your Cloud Adoption

Let’s talk dollars. Traditional IT setups require huge upfront investments in servers, software licenses, physical space, and maintenance. Cloud computing flips that script.

With cloud services, you’re paying for what you use, when you use it. It’s operational spending (OPEX), not heavy capital expense (CAPEX). That alone can free up thousands in your budget. I’ve seen businesses slash their IT spending by over 70%—and we did it ourselves at Complete Controller. This aligns perfectly with research showing businesses can save up to 70% of IT spending by switching to cloud-based operations, according to NextWork’s 2025 cloud computing statistics.

After eliminating hardware and server rooms, we discovered paperless efficiency and other benefits of cloud computing that went far beyond what we expected.

Here’s why it works:

• No upfront purchases of equipment or space
• Automatic updates and maintenance included
• Say goodbye to idle infrastructure—scale down during off-seasons
• Pay-as-you-go pricing keeps you lean and responsive

What might surprise you is just how big this market has become. Global end-user spending on cloud services is forecast to hit $723.4 billion in 2025, with an expected increase of 21.5% in 2025. This explosive growth follows a pattern—the cloud computing market grew from $24.63 billion in 2010 to $156.4 billion in 2020, a staggering 635% increase.

But here’s what you need to know: McKinsey research on the benefits of cloud computing for businesses confirms that cost optimization happens when you plan strategically. Without careful management, 58% of companies report their cloud costs running too high, and two-thirds can’t accurately measure these expenses.

The upside? Smart financial management practices like FinOps could save companies up to $21 billion in 2025 alone, potentially cutting cloud costs by as much as 40%.

This means more flexibility with your finances and more room to invest in growth, hiring, or customer acquisition—whatever moves your needle.

Leveraging Scalability to Meet Business Demands

Scalability might sound like a buzzword, but in the cloud world, it’s pure power. One minute you’re a team of five. The next, you land a major contract and need to double headcount or server capacity—fast. With cloud infrastructure, that’s not a crisis—it’s a dropdown menu.

When demand spikes:

• Instantly increase storage, processing power, or users
• No need for physical installation—just adjust settings
• Automatically scale based on traffic patterns or sales cycles

In my two decades running Complete Controller, I’ve seen clients panic when sudden growth hits. With traditional systems, expansion meant weeks of planning, ordering hardware, and installation time. Now? I watch those same businesses scale in minutes without breaking a sweat.

One of our clients, a seasonal tax preparation service, used to maintain expensive servers year-round despite only needing full capacity for four months. After moving to the cloud, they scale up during tax season and back down after April 15th, saving nearly 40% on their annual IT costs. That’s what I call smart business.

This kind of responsiveness is what sets modern businesses apart. You stay lean, but you’re never caught unprepared. That’s a serious win.

Enhancing Team Collaboration through Cloud Infrastructure

Remember when version control meant naming your file “finalFINALversion_revised2.docx”?

Yeah. Let’s never go back to that.

Cloud-based collaboration tools eliminate the friction, especially for remote and hybrid teams. Everyone works in the same space—live, in real-time, from anywhere.

We made the shift internally and saw a 15% productivity boost almost overnight, just by giving our team seamless access to shared documents and dashboards.

Here’s how cloud computing drives collaboration:

• Live document editing (think: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
• Shared calendars and workflows
• Centralized data access for teams across time zones and roles

One of our manufacturing clients struggled with communication between their office staff and floor managers. After implementing cloud-based collaboration tools, their production planning errors dropped by 35% in the first quarter. The reason was simple: everyone could see the same information, updated in real time, without playing phone tag or waiting for emails.

If your teams need to collaborate fast and often (and whose don’t?), cloud computing removes the roadblocks.

Ensuring Data Security with Cloud Storage

You might be thinking, “Isn’t keeping my data in the cloud riskier than storing it locally?”

Actually, no.

Here’s the truth: Cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure offer security protocols most small businesses can’t match in-house. We’re talking encryption, redundancy, intrusion detection, regular backups, and disaster recovery—all included. You can learn more about cloud security best practices for remote teams that protect distributed workforces.

In fact:

• Many businesses report fewer cyberattacks post-cloud migration
• Cloud storage comes with georedundancy (copies of data spread across regions)
• Security isn’t just technical—it’s audited, certified, and trusted

By 2025, research shows that 50% of all data will be stored in the cloud, up from 25% in 2015. With global data expected to reach 200 zettabytes (a trillion gigabytes) by 2025, businesses are recognizing that professional cloud security simply makes sense.

I’ve guided hundreds of clients through cloud migrations, and security concerns always top the list. But here’s what happens after migration: sleep. Real, peaceful sleep without worrying about server room temperatures, physical theft, or natural disasters wiping out local data.

When it comes to security, you’re not just buying software. You’re tapping into advanced, battle-tested systems guarding data for banks, governments, and vendors around the world.

Increasing Agility with Cloud Computing

If you want to move fast, build new things, and improve them quickly, cloud computing is your playground.

New product idea? Spin up a test environment in minutes.

Need real-time analytics? Plug into cloud-based dashboards instantly.

Want to integrate AI or machine learning? You’ll find platforms ready for it within your existing cloud ecosystem.

For businesses looking to stay ahead, cloud computing for businesses looking to innovate offers a competitive edge without the technical complexity of building everything yourself.

Agility isn’t just about speed—it’s about freedom. The freedom to react, pivot, and deploy without calling together your IT team for a six-week strategy meeting.

Cloud computing gives you:

• Faster time to market for apps and features
• Access to cutting-edge technologies without upfront cost
• Easy experimentation without long-term risk

One startup client tested three different app prototypes in a single month using cloud development tools—something that would have taken them a quarter or more with traditional methods. They found their winning product faster and beat their competition to market by months, not days.

The only limit here is how fast you’re willing to move.

Expanding Globally with Minimal Effort

Want to win in Los Angeles and London? Offer seamless service in Singapore and São Paulo?

Cloud infrastructure makes this not only possible but easy.

You can:

• Launch applications across global data centers instantly
• Minimize latency for international users
• Comply with local data regulations using regional controls

Take Netflix: They scaled globally by using Amazon Web Services. No need for brick-and-mortar footprints. Just cloud deployment, replicated and optimized across continents. Their strategy relies on global cloud infrastructure that spans multiple geographic regions to ensure fast, reliable access for users worldwide.

I’ve worked with small businesses that suddenly landed international customers and scrambled to serve them well. The cloud-based companies adapted overnight, while those with traditional setups struggled for months to expand their reach.

If global growth is on your whiteboard, cloud computing takes you there without jet lag.

Real-World Cloud Migration Strategies That Work

When we moved to a cloud-first environment, the benefits weren’t theoretical. Cost savings were real. Team collaboration became seamless. Suddenly, geography wasn’t a hurdle—it was irrelevant.

And we’re not alone.

Businesses from startups to Fortune 500s have embraced cloud computing for good reason—it works. If you don’t have a plan yet, you’re already behind.

Start with:

• Auditing your existing infrastructure
• Identifying tools that can transition to cloud-based versions
• Working with experts (like our team at Complete Controller) to map and execute the migration

One manufacturing client was spending over $15,000 a month maintaining outdated servers. After a carefully planned migration, they cut that to $4,200 monthly while gaining features they didn’t have before. The transition took six weeks, but the ROI was visible within the first month.

You don’t have to leap into the deep end—but you do have to start swimming.

Conclusion: The Cloud Is Your Business Backbone—Time to Climb On

The future isn’t coming. It’s already here. And cloud computing is one of the biggest reasons some businesses thrive while others fall behind. Whether you’re a scrappy startup or a scaling enterprise, the key to speed, security, and growth lies above—in the cloud.

From my experience leading Complete Controller’s transformation to a cloud-first company, I can tell you this: businesses that make the shift gain more than technology—they gain freedom. Freedom from infrastructure headaches, geographic limitations, and the constant cycle of hardware replacement.

Ready to transform your business with cloud computing? Complete Controller specializes in helping businesses move their financial systems to the cloud, creating more efficient, secure, and scalable operations.

Want help making the shift? Visit Complete Controller to discover how we can help your business soar in the cloud with our bookkeeping, controller, and financial management services.

FAQ

What are the main benefits of cloud computing for small businesses?

Small businesses gain five major benefits from cloud computing: significant cost savings by switching from capital expenses to pay-as-you-go models, instant scalability without hardware purchases, improved team collaboration with anywhere-access tools, professional-grade security beyond what most small businesses can implement in-house, and the ability to compete with larger companies through access to enterprise-level technology.

How secure is cloud computing for business data?

Cloud computing is typically more secure than on-premises solutions for most small to medium businesses. Major cloud providers invest billions in security measures including encryption, intrusion detection, regular security updates, compliance certifications, and geographic redundancy that spreads your data across multiple locations. According to the official NIST definition of the types of cloud computing services, security is a shared responsibility, with providers handling infrastructure security while you manage access controls.

How much can businesses save by switching to cloud computing?

Businesses typically save between 30-70% on IT costs by switching to cloud computing. These savings come from eliminating hardware purchases, reducing IT maintenance staff, lowering energy costs, and converting capital expenses to operational expenses. The exact amount varies by industry and company size, but even with ongoing subscription costs, the total cost of ownership is substantially lower than maintaining on-premises systems.

What types of businesses benefit most from cloud computing?

While all businesses can benefit, those with specific needs see the greatest returns: companies with remote or distributed teams, businesses experiencing rapid growth or seasonal fluctuations, organizations with limited IT resources, companies handling sensitive data requiring strong security, and businesses looking to expand geographically without physical infrastructure investments.

How long does it take to migrate a business to cloud computing?

Migration timelines vary based on business complexity, but typically range from 1-6 months. Simple migrations of standard applications might take just weeks, while complex enterprises with custom applications and large datasets might require several months. The key is creating a phased approach that prioritizes critical systems first, allowing businesses to see benefits quickly while spreading out the transition for minimal disruption.

Sources

• AWS. About AWS Global Infrastructure. https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/global-infrastructure/
• British Business Bank. Cloud Adoption Overview. https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/cloud-adoption-overview
• Business Queensland. Cloud Computing and Online Security. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/cloud-computing-online-security
• Deloitte. (November 19, 2024). Cloud gets lean: ‘FinOps’ makes every dollar work harder. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/2025/tmt-predictions-finops-tools-help-lower-cloud-spending.html
• GlobalDots. 13 Benefits of Cloud Computing. https://www.globaldots.com/benefits-cloud-computing
• Kraft Business. Cloud Effects on Operations. https://www.kraftbusiness.com/cloud-effects-operations
• McKinsey Digital. The cloud as a catalyst for cost optimization. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-cloud-as-a-catalyst-for-cost-optimization
• Mes Computing. (December 20, 2024). Reining In Cloud Computing Costs In 2025. https://www.mescomputing.com/news/cloud-computing/reining-in-cloud-computing-costs-in-2025
• NIST. NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. https://www.nist.gov/publications/nist-definition-cloud-computing
• NextWork. (February 11, 2025). Cloud Computing Stats 2025. https://www.nextwork.org/blog/cloud-computing-stats-2025
• Oracle. Top Cloud Computing Benefits. https://www.oracle.com/cloud/cloud-computing-benefits
• Park University. Leveraging Cloud Computing. https://www.park.edu/leveraging-cloud-computing
• Salesforce. Cloud Computing Benefits. https://www.salesforce.com/cloud-computing-benefits
• Spacelift. 55 Cloud Computing Statistics for 2025. https://spacelift.io/blog/cloud-computing-statistics

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Globally, the economy inevitably goes through periods of growth and recession. Various factors can lead to political and economic turmoil, which can result in a market crash, plummeting prices of oil and precious metals, economic data, and slow GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth. When it comes to the lethargic economy or recessionary periods, people should ideally keep a close eye on lavish spending. Even financially strong people are bound to be impacted by an economic downturn. However, the middle class and lower class should also follow take precautions. In addition to overspending or high expenditure, everyone in an economic slump should avoid taking unnecessary risks that may put their financial obligations in difficult circumstances.

It is recommended that a business owner who cosigns a financial debt fully understand their obligations for the entire proposition. Similarly, this is a prudent exercise during a booming economy. When a person takes a loan with a cosigner and fails to meet the financial obligation or repayments, the burden falls on the cosigner to fulfill the financial debt. This adds further stress to the cosigner’s financial burden. In the event of a recession or economic turmoil, cosigning a financial agreement could even be riskier. The person who took the loan and the consigner could be at risk of paying the entire loan and could be susceptible to losing their job and becoming a part of the unemployed population. This added stress of unemployment and mounting financial obligations can have dire effects on the individual’s mental and physical health and family.

Bearing all aspects and factors mentioned above, there may be some instances when cosigning a loan for a close family member or friend becomes unavoidable, despite the economy’s health. Only when the cosigner has saved up enough reserves in case of non-payment should cosigning the loan take place.

Many people dream of building or owning a home.  If the small business owner or investment stockbroker considers purchasing a home, few might prefer to secure a home loan through an ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage). While some situations may seem this as a sensible option, this may have an adverse effect in the long run. The benefit of an ARM is the rock-bottom interest rates often quoted to clients. Subsequently, the EMI (Equal Monthly Installments), which includes interest as a composite to the total payment, is also manageable and a smaller amount. Now assume that the recession or economic turmoil has started to hurt the revenue stream of an organization.  The first thing that a business does is pay off its employees, either through downsizing or through rightsizing. In countries where the economy starts to slow down, the federal bank jumps into action and increases interest rates.

When the rates increase, the EMI, or the mortgage payment, also increases. In the previous scenario, where payments appear affordable, they are now eating up a substantial portion of the salary. Slowly and gradually, the person who has taken a mortgage to purchase a house finds it difficult to cope with high monthly installments. Now the individual must carefully adopt an approach to ensure that they have a steady income to pay their monthly mortgage amid layoffs. Secondly, they should reduce any other sources of expenditures. If there is non-payment or late payments, the credit score and history of the obligor will be severely affected and can quickly escalate. At first, it could be late payments or non-payments. Next, defaulting on payments will further harm their credit history. In the end, when the recession is all over, and the individual wants to reapply for a loan, the inability to pay or defaulting on loans will reflect poorly on their credit history. It may prevent financial institutions from extending future credit to the person.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Equity is an essential part of a company’s balance sheet. It highly valuable when determining the commitment of the principal shareholder and the reputation of the firm. Equity Financing is the most common option that any company prefers, whether it is for capital expenditure or expanding business operations. When considering capital expenditure, the raising of paid-up capital is through the issuance of shares. It can be through the issuance of Right Shares or Preferred Shares if the paid-up capital is within the scope of authorized or regulated capital. If there is no cushion available in the authorized capital, the company needs to amend its articles of association, write a letter to the company ordinance regulator, request an increase in authorized capital, and pay a marginal fee. This will also justify the purpose and inform the respective stock exchange accordingly.

Right Shares

Issuing shares to existing shareholders of the organization is known as right share issuance. To put it simply, a right share is a form of dividend payout to the existing shareholders. The company offers the subscription rights to purchase more shares to the shareholders within the company. The right shares can be issued to both private and publicly listed companies (quoted and unquoted). In the case of a public company, the market value of the shares is not diluted, and the capital is injected, which, in the eyes of the investor, shows the shareholder’s commitment to the organization. Usually, a prospectus or an add-on supplement, after being funneled through the process of underwriting, accompanies the issuance of the right shares. Under this agreement, the existing shareholders are at liberty to purchase the new shares from the issuing organization within the stipulated period of subscription. If the subscription is undersubscribed, then the public is given the option to purchase the shares, where it then goes through the process of public offering.

Issuance of shareholders can prove to be beneficial for existing shareholders as it might increase their shareholding percentage within the company.

Common Shares

The second mode of equity financing is through the issuance of common shares. This offers the shareholders the opportunity to have some share in the organization’s net profit, either in the shape of dividend payout or capital gain. However, in the general meeting of board members, it is up to the mutual consensus on paying dividends or not.  If they agree to pay dividends, they must next determine what the price will be. In some instances, shareholders of common stock are also given the right to vote as per their shareholding.

Preferred Shares

Preferred Shares are the third type of equity finance.  While it is deemed to be less erratic than common shares, it has less potency for profit sharing. They do not have the right to vote but have a higher preference for the company’s assets. It means that if the organization goes bankrupt, shareholders having preferred shares will be given the first right of refusal and, if any amount remains, it is handed off to the common shareholders.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Equity Financing

Mentioned below are some of the pros and cons of Equity Financing:

Repayment Obligations

One major benefit of equity financing is that the shareholders have no compulsion to make fixed compensation or dividend payout to investors.

Shared Risks

In equity financing, shareholders are at liberty to disperse risk associated with the company, but you, as an investor, do not bear the burden of financial repayment of borrowings from financial institutions. 

Dilution of Shares

The most prominent disadvantage is the dilution of share price value. Without any increase in paid-up capital, the issuance of shares will lead to a decrease in the market value of the share price. However, this can be avoided if the swap ratio is helpful in assuring that it does not go below the book value of the share price.

Loss of Control

The other disadvantage can be losing control over decision-making or a possible hostile takeover should any of the shareholders acquire more than the agreed percentage of shareholding through proxies.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Leading large-scale manufacturing and service-oriented corporations have been scaling down costs and outsourcing low to no revenue-generating jobs to offshore countries. The outsourcing business strategy is not new but is often the source of controversy as there are plenty of American workers looking for employment at any given time. Outsourcing is seen to get cheap labor and is a widely adopted practice by large companies while not generally utilized by smaller companies. However, some will import products and materials from offshore sources.

Low revenue business units, such as customer service centers, software, design development, and assembling of electronics and consumer appliances, are a few of the commonly outsourced jobs. World-renowned corporations have also adopted outsourcing approaches as a best practice in their business model, including stitching, labeling, packaging, and finish work. Some of the leading and more well-known clothing manufacturers that outsource are Zaraman, Inditex, Ralph Lauren, and other leading stitched apparel.

The question is how outsourcing jobs or outsourcing business processing operational units can generate revenue in offshore countries instead of being an internal division of the company. The answer is simple, ever since Activity-Based Costing (ABC) was introduced, many large-scale and world-renowned corporations started to establish Cost Business Units and Revenue Business Units. These units include financial divisions, production divisions, customer relationship departments, human resource departments, customer service departments, printing departments, in-house software development, and advertising departments.

Since ABC was introduced, these units were established within the corporation, deemed essential to remain stateside. Those jobs or units which were labor-intensive and low in revenue generation were outsourced to countries like India, Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, China, and the Philippines.

For example, Apple has outsourced the assembly, packaging, and printing of its consumer items like iPhone, iPad, and iMac to China. Suppose someone from the Middle East, Far East Asia, South East Asia, and Oceania wants to purchase any of the Apple Products online. In that case, when the package arrives, the backside of the product will clearly state, “Made and Assembled in China.” This is because that the cost of production and labor is substantially lower in China.

In the end, when cost and revenue are collated, and the bottom line is derived. It essentially affects the EPS (Earning per Share) and the stock exchange value on the stock exchange. It is imperative, as these corporations are publicly traded and listed on the stock exchange. If there is any financial misrepresentation or negative trend in the income statement, it is bound to impact the share price, investor’s confidence, and overall share value.

Therefore, if the corporation outsources those units of the operations that are not generating any substantial revenue, it can be profitable. The monetary advantages can be brought to fruition in the least amount of time and provide you the leverage to concentrate more on producing sales and effective customer service, thus being evaluated efficiently.

The scope of outsourcing is wide. Entities provide both inbound and outbound customer services through IP telephones, accounting and bookkeeping services, CAD drafting services, photography, advertisements, marketing services, and other areas to bear in mind when considering how to amplify revenue stream.

In real-life scenarios, we encounter situations where many managers and executives spend a substantial amount of precious time dealing with after-sales service. It is frustrating for any management executive. When the person can finally make a sale or close a deal with the anticipation that the performance appraisal will bear fruits, the same person finds a flood of messages and issues related to after-sales. Therefore, customer service is of paramount importance. But, since they consume a lot of time and don’t generate revenue, these units are often outsourced to professional call centers and customer service organizations to retain the customers. On the other hand, the in-house or internal management executives can focus on bringing in more revenue by acquiring new customers.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud-hosted desktop where their entire team and tax accountant may access the QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools in an efficient and secure environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.