Back to Blog

7 Cloud Accounting Services to Enhance Client Engagement

Posted on 12 May 2025

Overview

This article presents an overview of seven cloud accounting services specifically designed to enhance client engagement, showcasing their key features and benefits. Services such as Glasscubes, Xero, and QuickBooks Online play a pivotal role in improving customer interaction and operational efficiency. Through automation, intuitive interfaces, and real-time reporting, these platforms not only increase response rates but also lead to improved financial management for businesses. By addressing the current challenges faced by accounting managers, these services provide effective solutions that drive success.

Key Highlights:

  • Glasscubes offers a secure, GDPR-compliant portal for efficient information gathering in accounting, improving customer engagement.
  • Firms using Glasscubes report a 40% increase in customer response rates and a 50% reduction in response times.
  • Xero provides cloud accounting services with automated bank reconciliation, customizable invoicing, and real-time reporting, enhancing small business financial management.
  • Statistics show that 60% of small enterprises have adopted cloud accounting services, with Xero being a leading choice.
  • QuickBooks Online streamlines accounting tasks with features like expense tracking and invoicing, suitable for businesses of all sizes.
  • Sage Business Cloud Accounting automates routine tasks, allowing accountants to focus on strategic insights and improving client communication.
  • FreshBooks simplifies invoicing and time tracking for accountants, with automated reminders enhancing cash flow management.
  • Zoho Books integrates with other applications, automating tasks to reduce manual data entry and improve client engagement.
  • Wave Accounting is a free solution for startups, providing essential features without hidden fees, crucial for effective cash flow management.
  • Kashoo offers a user-friendly interface for invoicing and expense tracking, enhancing operational efficiency for busy accountants.
  • AccountancyManager automates administrative tasks, enabling financial professionals to improve client service and operational workflows.
  • FreeAgent is tailored for freelancers and small businesses, providing project tracking and invoicing with a mobile-friendly interface.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of accounting technology, professionals are increasingly turning to innovative software solutions to enhance efficiency and client engagement. Platforms like Glasscubes streamline communication and information gathering, while comprehensive tools such as Xero and QuickBooks Online simplify financial management. These options cater to the diverse needs of accountants and small businesses alike.

As firms strive to optimise workflows and improve client satisfaction, understanding the unique features and benefits of these tools becomes essential. This article delves into a selection of leading accounting software solutions, exploring their functionalities, user experiences, and the significant impact they have on modern accounting practises.

Discover how these solutions can transform your accounting processes and elevate client relationships.

Glasscubes: Streamline Client Communication and Information Gathering

Transform Your Accounting Experience with Glasscubes

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial services, UK accounting professionals face significant challenges in customer interaction and information management. Glasscubes emerges as a state-of-the-art platform designed specifically to address these issues, improving customer engagement through efficient information collection. By offering a secure, GDPR-compliant portal, Glasscubes empowers accountants to gather personal tax, audit, and payroll information with remarkable efficiency.

Key functionalities such as automated reminders and real-time reporting drastically reduce the time spent on follow-ups. Firms utilising Glasscubes have reported an impressive 40% increase in customer response rates and a 50% reduction in response times, underscoring its vital role in modern accounting practises. User testimonials further highlight the platform’s effectiveness, with one audit manager stating that Glasscubes has saved an astounding 288 hours in a single tax season by facilitating faster uploads from users and providing clarity in the information requested.

As Steve, an audit manager, emphasises, ‘Glasscubes has changed our audit process, allowing us to see precisely what information is outstanding and enabling customers to upload documents more quickly than prior.’ This transformation is not just about efficiency; it’s about enhancing the overall client experience.

Furthermore, Glasscubes offers dedicated onboarding assistance to ensure firms transition smoothly, maximising their experience with the platform. With pricing plans starting at £120 monthly and support packages ranging from Bronze to Gold, this blend of efficiency, an intuitive interface that requires no training, and improved client interaction establishes Glasscubes as an indispensable resource for professionals aiming to streamline their workflows and elevate client satisfaction.

Embrace the future of accounting with Glasscubes—where efficiency meets excellence.

Accountant Using Glasscubes Platform

Xero: Comprehensive Cloud Accounting for Small Businesses

Xero emerges as a powerful platform for cloud accounting services tailored for small businesses, equipping them with essential tools for effective money management. With key features such as automated bank reconciliation, customisable invoicing, and real-time reporting, accountants are empowered to maintain accurate monetary records effortlessly. The platform’s intuitive interface and mobile accessibility have positioned it as a preferred choice among small business owners, enabling seamless collaboration with their accountants.

As we look to 2025, Xero continues to innovate, introducing updates that enhance both functionality and user experience. These updates include improved integration features with other business tools, further streamlining monetary processes. Numerous success stories abound, with small businesses reporting significant improvements in their fiscal management after adopting Xero. A recent case study, for instance, showcased how a small retail business reduced its invoicing errors by 70% and enhanced cash flow management, underscoring the platform’s impact on operational efficiency. This is particularly relevant given that 38% of startups fail due to inadequate cash flow management, emphasising the critical need for robust fiscal oversight.

Currently, Xero holds a substantial market share in the UK software sector, reflecting its popularity among bookkeepers and small business owners alike. Statistics indicate that approximately 60% of small enterprises have adopted cloud accounting services, with Xero being a leading choice due to its comprehensive features and user-friendliness. The global bookkeeping software market is projected to reach $11.8 billion within the next eight years, highlighting the growing importance of efficient management solutions such as cloud accounting services. Expert opinions consistently highlight the benefits of cloud accounting services, noting that they enhance client collaboration and provide real-time insights into financial health, which are vital for informed decision-making. In fact, audit firms collectively generated $190 billion in revenue in 2022 and surpassed $200 billion in 2023, underscoring the economic significance of adopting strong bookkeeping solutions like Xero.

As small enterprises navigate the complexities of money management, Xero’s innovative solutions position them for success, enabling them to focus on growth while ensuring robust fiscal oversight.

QuickBooks Online: User-Friendly Cloud Accounting Solution

QuickBooks Online emerges as a premier solution for cloud accounting services, adeptly streamlining fiscal oversight for businesses of all sizes. With essential features such as expense tracking, invoicing, and tax preparation, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools that are accessible from any device. The platform’s intuitive design facilitates simple navigation, making it particularly suitable for professionals who assist clients without requiring extensive training. Furthermore, QuickBooks Online’s ability to integrate with various third-party applications enhances its functionality and flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their financial processes to meet specific needs.

Recent updates in 2025 have significantly enriched the user experience, solidifying its reputation as a preferred choice among financial professionals. Statistics reveal that businesses leveraging cloud accounting services have experienced marked improvements in financial management efficiency, underscoring the effectiveness of tools like QuickBooks Online in simplifying accounting tasks. Notably, tools like Glasscubes not only save financial professionals an impressive 288 hours during a single tax season but also lead to a 50% reduction in customer response times. Glasscubes elevates customer engagement by offering a secure, user-friendly platform that enables users to view outstanding requests and upload information swiftly, fostering transparency and efficiency in the audit process.

As highlighted by Sage Practise of Now (2020), a striking 87% of consumers desire increased flexibility and enhanced service from financial professionals without corresponding fee increases, emphasising the necessity of adopting such innovative solutions. Understanding the user adoption rates of QuickBooks Online among financial professionals further illustrates its efficiency and market appeal, making it an enticing option for elevating customer engagement.

Efficient Cloud Accounting with QuickBooks Online

Sage Business Cloud Accounting: Versatile Solutions for Accountants

Sage’s cloud accounting services effectively address the diverse needs of finance professionals and small enterprises, offering a suite of adaptable solutions such as:

  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Invoicing
  • Expense management

By automating routine tasks, Sage significantly diminishes the time accountants allocate to administrative duties, empowering them to focus on delivering strategic insights to their clients. Notably, statistics indicate that 39% of research and development teams exhibit the highest demand for automation, underscoring its critical role across various sectors, including accounting. This automation not only streamlines workflows but also minimises errors, thereby enhancing overall accuracy in budget reporting.

Furthermore, businesses typically expend approximately 80% of their time on data cleansing—a task that automation can accomplish in mere minutes—highlighting the substantial time-saving advantages of platforms like Sage. With robust reporting features, Sage enables accountants to swiftly generate meaningful financial statements, thereby improving communication with clients.

As automation continues to reshape the accounting landscape, firms aiming to enhance efficiency and customer engagement find that cloud accounting services like Sage are indispensable. Additionally, companies leveraging tools such as Glasscubes have reported a remarkable 40% increase in customer response rates and a 50% decrease in response times. Glasscubes elevates user engagement through its secure, encrypted, and GDPR-compliant platform, which streamlines communication and automates reminders, ensuring that financial professionals can manage customer information both efficiently and securely. This effectively addresses challenges related to customer engagement and information management during the transition to new systems.

Accountants Utilizing Sage Cloud Accounting

FreshBooks: Simplified Invoicing and Time Tracking for Accountants

FreshBooks emerges as a leading accounting software that significantly streamlines invoicing and time tracking for accountants. Its intuitive interface empowers users to generate professional invoices swiftly while effortlessly tracking billable hours. Beyond invoicing, FreshBooks boasts robust features such as expense tracking and project management, positioning it as an all-encompassing solution for freelancers and small businesses alike. Notably, the platform automatises reminders for overdue invoices, enhancing cash flow management and boosting customer satisfaction.

In contrast, Glasscubes provides an advanced automated reminder feature that enables users to send up to 10 reminders on a simple schedule or an unlimited number on customisable schedules. This flexibility allows for message customisation for each reminder, indicating greater urgency for upcoming deadlines, thereby enhancing client communication and engagement—particularly advantageous for financial managers seeking to optimise their workflows.

With an impressive user base of 24 million across 160 countries, FreshBooks has processed over USD 60 billion in invoices, saving users an average of 192 hours annually. Furthermore, FreshBooks offers 24/7 access to its chatbot, FreshBot, significantly enhancing customer support and user experience. This efficiency is reflected in current user satisfaction ratings, underscoring the platform’s effectiveness in improving resource management for accountants.

As noted by Olivia Bond, a Research Executive, “FreshBooks is dedicated to helping business owners find the most reliable solutions to drive the best outcomes for their needs,” reinforcing its reputation as a prime choice for novice users and small business owners.

FreshBooks Accounting Software in Action

Zoho Books: Integrated Accounting Tools for Enhanced Efficiency

Zoho Books emerges as a formidable financial software solution, seamlessly integrating with other Zoho applications to offer a comprehensive suite of tools specifically designed for financial management. Key features such as automated bank feeds, customisable invoices, and efficient expense tracking are meticulously crafted to simplify the financial process. By automating routine tasks, Zoho Books significantly reduces manual data entry, empowering financial professionals to concentrate on higher-value activities that enhance client engagement.

The platform’s automation capabilities have proven transformative for numerous accounting professionals. For example, firms that leverage Zoho Books report substantial efficiency improvements, with many financial experts observing a noteworthy increase in productivity owing to the diminished time spent on administrative tasks. This evolution enables more meaningful client interactions, fostering stronger relationships and elevating service delivery.

Furthermore, the integration of Zoho Books with various accounting tools has become increasingly essential in 2025, as more accountants aim to optimise their workflows. Current user demographics reveal a rising preference for integrated solutions, with many professionals acknowledging the advantages of a unified platform that enhances financial management efficiency. Success stories abound, illustrating how companies have harnessed Zoho Books to achieve significant operational improvements, ultimately leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.

In conjunction with Zoho Books, Glasscubes stands out as another innovative tool tailored specifically for professionals in the UK, focusing on enhancing customer interaction and streamlining information collection. Glasscubes offers a secure, GDPR-compliant platform that significantly reduces the time accountants allocate to customer communications. Users have reported saving an impressive 288 hours in a single tax season and experiencing a 40% increase in customer response rates. This underscores the effectiveness of financial tools in bolstering customer engagement.

As George Blekas from Marine Data Cloud Ltd remarked, “I have economised on work-hours and frustration by not having to manually get the .ofx data and import them manually to Zoho Books.” This statement underscores the benefits of automation in financial management, showcasing how tools like Zoho Books and Glasscubes can substantially enhance efficiency and client handling.

Zoho Books in a Modern Office

Wave Accounting: Free Accounting Software for Startups

Wave Accounting stands out as a premiere free accounting application tailored for small businesses and startups, delivering essential features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting—all without hidden fees. Its intuitive interface simplifies money management, enabling users to navigate their accounts with ease. The robust reporting capabilities empower financial professionals to provide valuable insights, which are crucial for informed decision-making.

This budget-friendly solution is particularly beneficial for startups, given that approximately 70% of small enterprises operate without an accountant, underscoring the need for accessible financial tools. Furthermore, the updates introduced in 2025 have enhanced invoicing features and improved expense tracking capabilities, making Wave Accounting an even more attractive option for startups eager to streamline their financial processes.

Success stories from small businesses utilising free bookkeeping software like Wave illustrate significant advancements in oversight—an essential factor in preventing cash flow issues, as 38% of startups fail due to inadequate cash flow management. By adopting Wave Accounting, startups can refine their financial practises while minimising costs, positioning themselves for sustainable growth.

With total B2B payments in the US projected to hit $23 trillion in invoices, the importance of efficient financial solutions like Wave cannot be overstated.

Wave Accounting Interface for Startups

Kashoo: Simple Cloud Accounting for Busy Accountants

Kashoo stands as an intuitive cloud-based financial solution tailored for busy financial professionals and small business proprietors. It effectively streamlines essential tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and cash flow management through a user-friendly interface. By emphasising simplicity, Kashoo empowers professionals to manage their customers’ finances without the complexities often encountered in conventional financial software. Its real-time data synchronisation and robust reporting capabilities significantly enhance operational efficiency, establishing it as an indispensable tool for financial professionals.

Statistics reveal that the average small company utilises 254 SaaS applications, underscoring the growing reliance on cloud solutions like Kashoo. This trend highlights the critical importance of adopting efficient tools that seamlessly integrate into existing workflows. Users have consistently reported that the platform not only simplifies accounting tasks but also enhances client engagement. Many financial professionals have noted improved workflow and reduced time spent on administrative duties, showcasing the platform’s effectiveness.

Success stories abound, with small businesses leveraging Kashoo to streamline their financial management processes. For instance, accountants using Kashoo have shared insights on its efficiency, emphasising how the platform’s straightforward design enables them to focus more on strategic advisory roles rather than getting bogged down by complex software. This trend aligns with the rising need for straightforward cloud accounting services, as companies strive to enhance their operations and boost customer satisfaction.

In comparison, tools like Glasscubes have demonstrated considerable time savings and enhanced customer response rates, with users reporting an impressive 288 hours saved in one tax season. Glasscubes improves user engagement through features like automated reminders, allowing financial professionals to send personalised notifications to users. This ensures timely data submission and decreases response times by up to 50%. Additionally, the platform provides real-time visibility into audit processes, enabling both accountants and clients to track outstanding information requests seamlessly. Such case studies emphasise the effectiveness of cloud accounting services in enhancing operational efficiency. As Gartner notes, “SaaS dominates cloud services delivery models,” reinforcing the relevance of platforms like Kashoo and Glasscubes in today’s accounting landscape.

AccountancyManager: Practice Management for Accountants

AccountancyManager stands out as a dedicated practise management software tailored specifically for financial professionals, expertly designed to automate essential administrative tasks such as customer communication and task management. This automation empowers financial professionals to concentrate on delivering exceptional service to their clients. Key features of AccountancyManager encompass automated reminders, efficient document management, and user-friendly portals, all of which promote collaboration and streamline workflows.

In 2025, the trend toward automation in accounting is more pronounced than ever, with a remarkable 90% of small businesses leveraging technology to enhance their tax season experience. AccountancyManager supports this transition by offering resources that boost efficiency and engagement, ensuring that financial professionals can adeptly meet the needs of those they serve. Users have reported substantial benefits, including increased response rates and reduced follow-up times, which are critical in today’s fast-paced environment.

Success stories from accountants utilising AccountancyManager underscore its transformative impact on practise management. For instance, companies have observed a significant enhancement in their operational workflows, enabling them to manage customer requests more effectively. The user-friendly interface and dedicated onboarding assistance provided by AccountancyManager further improve its usability, facilitating easier adoption and integration into existing processes. With features such as real-time visibility into outstanding requests and automated reminders, firms can dramatically reduce response times and enhance customer interaction. As Thomas Wailgum noted, the primary ERP modules are predominantly utilised for bookkeeping and financial applications, highlighting the importance of robust practise management software. As the sector evolves, the integration of such automated solutions is becoming indispensable for accountants striving to improve customer satisfaction and optimise their processes.

FreeAgent: Tailored Accounting for Freelancers and Small Businesses

FreeAgent stands out as one of the leading cloud accounting services meticulously crafted for freelancers and small enterprises, addressing their unique management needs. Its key features—project tracking, invoicing, and expense management—are designed to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. The platform’s intuitive interface facilitates effortless financial oversight, enabling users to navigate their resources with ease. Furthermore, FreeAgent’s mobile application provides portable access to vital financial information, empowering users to manage their accounts anytime, anywhere.

As we progress into 2025, FreeAgent continues to evolve, integrating enhancements that further refine its offerings for small business users. With a significant market share in the UK financial software sector, FreeAgent is recognised for its ability to meet the specific needs of freelancers. Accountants leveraging cloud accounting services such as FreeAgent can deliver a comprehensive solution that not only simplifies financial management but also fosters stronger customer relationships through enhanced engagement and support.

The global accounting software market is anticipated to reach $11.7 million by 2026, highlighting the growing significance of cloud accounting services like FreeAgent. Success stories illustrate the platform’s effectiveness in project tracking, enabling users to monitor their financial progress and manage multiple projects seamlessly. Additionally, tools such as Glasscubes enhance workflows and elevate customer satisfaction with their user-friendly interface that requires no training. Glasscubes’ automated communication features and real-time progress tracking significantly reduce response times and boost user engagement, making it an indispensable tool for financial professionals.

As the financial landscape evolves towards more strategic roles, tools like FreeAgent and Glasscubes are crucial for accountants striving to provide tailored solutions that align with the changing demands of their clients. The accounting software market is set for sustained growth, with projections indicating a global market value of $11.7 million by 2026.

Empowered Freelancing with FreeAgent

Conclusion

The exploration of leading accounting software solutions reveals a transformative landscape for accountants and small businesses alike. Platforms such as Glasscubes, Xero, QuickBooks Online, and others offer innovative functionalities that streamline operations, enhance client engagement, and improve financial management efficiency. Each tool brings unique strengths to the table, from Glasscubes’ secure client communication to Xero’s comprehensive cloud accounting features, showcasing the diverse needs of modern accountants and their clients.

Moreover, the emphasis on automation and user-friendly interfaces across these platforms highlights a significant shift in the accounting profession. As firms increasingly adopt these technologies, they report substantial time savings and improved workflows, translating into better client relationships and enhanced service delivery. The statistics speak volumes: firms using tools like Glasscubes have documented impressive increases in client response rates and reductions in follow-up times, underscoring the effectiveness of these solutions.

In conclusion, embracing innovative accounting software is no longer just an option; it is essential for firms aiming to thrive in a competitive environment. By leveraging these tools, accountants can focus on strategic advisory roles while ensuring their clients receive the highest level of service. As the accounting landscape continues to evolve, the integration of such robust solutions will be pivotal in driving efficiency, fostering client satisfaction, and ultimately, achieving long-term success in the industry.

About the Author:

Craig leads the Glasscubes Customer Success Department, with over 30 years experience in the field, helping accountancy firms achieve maximum success with collaborative technology.