Accounting and Bookkeeping Software
Make sure that the software is user-friendly and easy to use - you shouldn't need an accountant's degree to work with it. Do you have staff in-house that will manage the program or will you need an outside professional to work with it?
Understand your needs before purchasing accounting and bookkeeping software. Will this be exclusively for home use? Do you run a small business requiring a barebones solution or a large business with a need for very robust, application rich software?
Find an accounting and bookkeeping software package that provides useful reporting tools.
Determine how many people will need administrative rights to the software. Will you need a single-user version or multiple-user version?
Work with a software package that will let you import and export data from your existing documents or spreadsheets.
Is your software package forward and backward compatible with previous and later releases?
Use a software package that allows you to customize statements and documents
By law, businesses are required to keep detailed books, either in ledger form or by PC.
Determine what your needs are before you purchase. If you are a small business that's just starting out, you may not need anything more than a boxed software package you can find at a software vendor's shop. If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution with training, readily-available customer support, and a full warranty, there are options out there but they are costly reaching into the thousands of dollars.
If you do use off-the-shelf software, keep in mind what your limitations might be. You may have to purchase a separate time-and-billing program and spend valuable time putting together trust statements and reports that the software is incapable of putting together.
Purchasing tips
Flesh out all the fees. Very attractive pricing that is asterisked with "additional fees may apply" should be thoroughly investigated before you sign up.
Balance low prices with good service. Do not simply purchase the lowest price deal - seriously consider the ongoing service you will receive.
Check support. Make sure your provider's support hours match your business hours to ensure you can get help when you need it. Also, understand what level of support is provided.
Focus on what matters. Sales pitches can be rife with flashy features and technical lingo that obscure the basic purchase facts. Keep your focus on the features that matter to your business.
Keep long-term needs in mind. Build in flexibility to expand or decrease your system or service commitment in future years.
Involve the affected. Even though it can take time to involve multiple people in the purchase, doing so can help ensure your purchase becomes well integrated.
Make the most of references. References can be a tremendously useful source of information about your potential vendor. Ask them specific questions about what works and doesn't work with the vendor. To ensure a similar experience, speak with businesses comparable to yours.
Authorized providers. Check whether you are dealing with an authorized reseller. If not, it can affect your warranty and access to support and parts.
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