The maturity of United Kingdom (UK) accounting actors in Software as a Service (SaaS) and their readiness for automated integrations
Treves, Luke (2017)
Pro gradu -tutkielma
Treves, Luke
2017
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe201704126105
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe201704126105
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of the level of maturity amongst the vendors and users of Software as a Service (SaaS) in the UK Accountancy sector, as well as to measure their readiness for automated integrations. In order to address these issues, this thesis provides an up to date academic analysis of SaaS and Cloud Computing in general and more specifically an in-depth report on how it is currently used in the accountancy sector in the UK. In addition, it examines the business and relational strategies behind the selection and development of SaaS solutions and provides an insight into the type of business relationships, and division and influence of power amongst the key relationship stakeholders.
These issues are of particular relevance to a business sector that has many predefined misconceptions and is in a current state of flux in terms of the rapid movement away from legacy systems, such as desktop software solutions and manual records, to Cloud-based solutions. In addition, a new generation of accountants and clients who have grown up using technology as a norm, are demanding alternative and modern business solutions. In turn, this is having an effect on how the UK accountancy sector will function and look like in the future, and how related relationships and business strategies will be managed. The study focuses on SaaS Vendors and Accountancy Firms located in the UK and who are currently using SaaS solutions. This is a qualitative-based study and it utilises methods such as interviews and open-ended questionnaires with specifically selected interviewees.
These issues are of particular relevance to a business sector that has many predefined misconceptions and is in a current state of flux in terms of the rapid movement away from legacy systems, such as desktop software solutions and manual records, to Cloud-based solutions. In addition, a new generation of accountants and clients who have grown up using technology as a norm, are demanding alternative and modern business solutions. In turn, this is having an effect on how the UK accountancy sector will function and look like in the future, and how related relationships and business strategies will be managed. The study focuses on SaaS Vendors and Accountancy Firms located in the UK and who are currently using SaaS solutions. This is a qualitative-based study and it utilises methods such as interviews and open-ended questionnaires with specifically selected interviewees.