The Benefits Of Cloud Accounting

School finance has changed a lot in recent years and thankfully, so has the software behind it.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the office after hours, trying to finalise month-end reports or waiting for a local install to update, you’ll know the pain of older, outdated accounting systems. They're often slow, clunky, and locked to a single computer. That’s where cloud accounting comes in.

At XfE, we help schools and trusts move away from those legacy systems and into a more flexible, modern way of working with cloud-based accounting tools like Xero, backed by expert support and our own school-focused app.

So, what exactly is cloud accounting and why are more schools making the switch?

What is cloud accounting?

Simply put, cloud accounting means your financial software lives online, not on a single computer or local server. You can log in from anywhere, work in real time, and access everything you need from one secure place.

Instead of passing around spreadsheets or waiting for system updates, your team gets a shared, always-up-to-date view of your school’s finances.

Why it works for schools

Schools and trusts have complex needs but that doesn’t mean your systems need to be complicated. Cloud accounting gives you:

• Anywhere access – Whether you're in the office, at home, or across the trust, your data is available wherever you are.
• Live reporting – Budgets and transactions update in real time, so you're never working with old figures.
• Better collaboration – Finance teams, school business managers, headteachers and governors can all access the same data (with the right permissions).
• Fewer IT headaches – No software to install, no backups to worry about, and no waiting around for updates.

Cloud accounting + support = confidence

We often hear from schools who’ve tried cloud software before but felt like they were left to figure it out on their own. That’s not how we work.

At XfE, we combine powerful cloud accounting tools like Xero with personalised support from real accountants who know the education sector inside out. We also provide our own custom-built app for schools, giving staff an easy way to submit purchase requests, track spend, and stay in the loop.

It’s not just about having the right software it’s about having the right team behind it.

Is it time for a change?

If your school or trust is still relying on outdated systems, cloud accounting could be a game-changer. And we’re here to help you make the switch smoothly, securely, and without disruption.

Want to find out more?
Get in touch and see how cloud-based accounting could help your school work smarter, not harder.

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