More than 27% have fully embraced cloud-only software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions. Credit: TippaPatt/Shutterstock.

Cloud2Me’s recent survey at AccountEx Manchester has revealed the challenges accountants face when transitioning to cloud-based IT solutions.  

The findings indicate that nearly half (46%) of accountants surveyed operate with a hybrid IT set-up, combining both cloud and server-based applications, reported Onrec.  

Meanwhile, more than 27% have fully embraced cloud-only SaaS solutions, signalling a growing shift towards digital-first operations. 

Despite the shift, 11% of companies still rely on hosted desktop providers and 14% continue to use office-based servers to run desktop software.  

The data highlights the struggle within the accountancy sector to modernise IT systems. 

Accountants are said to be encountering several hurdles in their attempts to fully adopt cloud solutions.  

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The top three cited reasons include a lack of time and headspace, a shortage of internal IT experience and high migration costs.  

Additionally, concerns about downtime, uncertainty over uncapped cloud-related costs and a continued preference for traditional accountancy desktop applications over cloud counterparts are among the other obstacles. 

Another key finding from the survey is the distribution of IT management responsibilities across companies.  

While 38% have in-house expertise, typically a partner or director with IT experience, 59% continue to rely on local IT support providers (MSPs).  

While this model has worked well for practices running in-house servers, many generalist MSPs lack the specialised knowledge needed to virtualise accounting software. 

Cloud2Me’s business development director Jack Bedell-Pearce said: “Accountants are navigating a difficult landscape when it comes to IT transformation. 

“Our survey highlights that many are embracing a ‘best of both worlds’ approach as evidenced by nearly half of all respondents opting for a hybrid approach. Those that are struggling to make the transition to hybrid are mostly worried about the migration process.”