Thematic Review of Cloud Accounting and Cloud ERP Adoption and Impact in SME’s

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic thematic review of literature from 2013 to 2025 on the adoption and impact of cloud accounting and cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Analyzing 20 peer-reviewed articles, this review identifies and synthesizes six critical themes: (1) drivers and barriers to adoption, (2) Cloud ERP and firm performance, (3) governance, audit, and control implications, (4) digital transformation, leadership, and skills, (5) the role of big data and analytics, and (6) SME-specific bookkeeping practices. The findings consistently demonstrate that technological, organizational, and environmental factors collectively shape adoption decisions. Furthermore, cloud-based systems significantly enhance decision-making quality and productivity when supported by strong digital leadership and skills development. The review also underscores the necessity for evolving governance and audit functions to mitigate emerging risks. The study concludes by identifying critical research gaps, including the need for longitudinal studies in emerging economies like India, mixed-methods research linking adoption to tangible financial outcomes, and intervention studies on training for SME owners and accountants.