It’s no secret that staying on top of your finances is essential for commercial success, but oftentimes, it’s easier said than done to keep your ducks in a row. Fortunately, modern accounting technology has made it easier than ever to manage your business's financial activities. 

Professional accounting software can streamline your overall processes, automate mundane tasks and provide valuable insights into your company's financial health, but with so many options to choose from, selecting the right accounting software for your business can be tricky. 

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined some key things you should consider when choosing business accounting software.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Software

There are five main components to think about when comparing accounting software:

Scalability

One of the most crucial factors that should influence your decision is the scalability of the software. As your business grows, your accounting needs will evolve, and you’ll need to make sure that the accounting software you use can accommodate potential future requirements, such as handling a higher volume of transactions, managing multiple branches or entities, and integrating with other business systems.

Features and Functionality

Not all accounting softwares are created equally, with features and functionalities differing between providers. Think carefully about your specific business needs and identify the key features that are essential for your operations. Common functionalities to look for include invoicing, expense tracking, reporting, inventory management, and tax preparation.

Ease of Use

Accounting software should simplify your financial processes, not complicate them. Choose software with a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation. Look for features like customisable dashboards, easy data entry and clear reporting formats. It's also beneficial to choose software that offers tutorials, training resources and ongoing customer support.

Integration Capabilities

Check if the accounting software integrates seamlessly with other tools and systems you use in your business, such as CRM software, payment gateways or e-commerce platforms. Integration negates the need for manual data entry and ensures smooth data flow between systems, reducing errors and saving time.

Security and Data Protection

Because accounting software manages sensitive financial information, robust security measures are crucial. Ensure the software you choose has key features like data encryption, access controls, regular data backups, and compliance with industry regulations like GDPR.

Is Accounting Software Right For You?

While accounting software offers lots of benefits, it’s not the ideal solution for every business. Smaller businesses or those with straightforward financial operations might find a more hands-on, manual approach from business accountants is better. If you’re unsure about whether software is the right choice, consider the following points:

• Complexity of Financial Operations: If your business has minimal transactions, uncomplicated financial reporting requirements, and doesn't require advanced inventory management or payroll processing, manual bookkeeping methods may be sufficient. However, it's important to note that as your business grows, manual processes may become time-consuming and prone to errors, at which point implementing accounting software may be the best option.

• Cost: Accounting software can be pricey and ongoing rather than a 1-off purchase. Consider your budget and the potential return on investment before investing in any software. Think about the upfront cost of the software, ongoing maintenance fees, training expenses, and any additional modules or add-ons you may need. Compare the costs with the benefits and time savings the software can provide to make an informed decision.

• Comfort with Technology: Some business owners or employees may not be comfortable using accounting software or may prefer a more hands-on approach. Assess the technological capabilities and comfort level of your team before implementing accounting software. If the learning curve is steep or the software could disrupt your business operations initially, you may need to invest more time in training and transitioning to the new system.

Choosing the right accounting software is a critical decision for your business. If you think you’d fare better with a manual approach, we can help. Barnstone Accountancy are experts in business accounting and can help you effectively keep on top of your commercial finances. Speak to us to find out more.