How To Choose The Best Accounting Software

Comprehensive, easy-to-use accounting software sets a business or nonprofit on the path to success by closely managing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. The best accounting software has specific features that distinguish it from the competition.

What to Look For in A Software Package

Good accounting software is, most importantly, easy to use and backed up by comprehensive tech support. Many programs offer extensive files and FAQs without cost. Telephone, chat, and email support may come with an associated fee.

The best packages also have great features. First, they can track both accounts receivable and accounts payable, providing invoicing, purchase orders, check printing, and shipping features. Second, they can work with any bank, performing automatic or direct deposits and creating deposit forms.

Third, a great package performs payroll functions like tracking hours, benefits, deductions, and taxes. It prints payroll checks or performs direct deposit for employees, and the most advanced products can track employee files and status. Fourth, it is easy to convert files from an old tracking system, such as Excel or Quickbooks, to the new software. And finally, the package provides comprehensive reporting so that a business owner can know his or her financial position at all times.

Sage Peachtree Complete Accounting 2011

Peachtree Complete provides audit trail reporting, job cost modules, tools for managing fixed assets, and both PDF and email invoicing. Its inventory controls are excellent: it can track stock location, vendor quantities, and preferred vendors. It can also sort inventory by UPC or SKU. Its initial setup, however, can be confusing, and someone new to the program should ask for assistance. After the initial difficulty, however, it is fluid and easy-to-use. It is also offered in a multi-user version.

Quickbooks Pro

Quickbooks Pro is the best value for the money. It offers all of the functions that a small business needs as well as added fee-based functions, like credit card processing, POS systems, and banking supplies. Quickbooks Pro can support five users at a time, which is another great cost savings. Peachtree does more, but Quickbooks is more affordable.

AccountEdge

AccountEdge is specifically designed to support online business. Products can be managed through their compatible storefront, called EnStore. The program can support three product images and a description. It can also track weight, tags, and location. If a person knows a little about bookkeeping, he or she will find it easy to understand. Its major drawback is that it cannot import files from Quickbooks, so switching over from Quickbooks to AccountEdge is cumbersome.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeeper is one of the cheapest programs available, costing under forty dollars. They provide a responsive support team and terrific banking tools. It cannot import from Quickbooks and offers no tracking for fixed assets. It is also difficult to move data, such as invoices, from one version to an updated version.

Whether a business needs a simple program or something more comprehensive, it is easy to find an accounting package that is both affordable and easy-to-use. The best accounting software is easy-to-use, takes care of invoicing, banking, and payroll, and easily converts your old data into the new package.

Sam is a professional consultant who specializes in best accounting software.

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