Traditionally, businesses handled their accounts using manual expertise. The accountants relied on paper documents and ledgers. They tediously calculated all the financial transactions and spend copious amounts of time on it. But today, we have computer applications to do all these activities. The best accounting software for small business reduces human effort, time, and errors.
Digital technologies simplify the storage, processing, and retrieval of accounting information. Nowadays, you can access the software using a smartphone too. On the other hand, end-to-end commercial software offers many features and functionalities. It ensures faster data entry, in-depth analysis, and comprehensive reporting. So, you have to choose the best accounting software for small business based on your requirements.
Functionalities of the best accounting software for small business
Accounting tools have to handle a plethora of financial transactions. They have to deal with invoices, inventory, reports, and other sensitive data. They also have to streamline a company’s workflows and reduce the human burden. So, choose the adequate software system based on these key considerations.
A small-scale business needs limited features and a low volume of data analysis. Whereas, the large enterprises would need software that can deal with integration with multi-department, automation, advanced reports, etc. Such features are just added-advantages for a small company. The number of people using this software in the enterprise will be less. Thus, simple yet effective encryption features, basic accounting features, and simplicity to use are the main elements.
Best accounting software for small business based on the vertical
Your company may fall under the category of finance, automobile, education, banking, or more. It is possible to find niche accounting software for a specific genre. However, it would come with complicated features unnecessary for a small business, and there is a budget constraint too. Such customized packages would be expensive. So, you can opt for general accounting software with essential features and integrate it with your daily operations. For instance, a larger hotel chain might need accounting software designed for the hotel industry. However, a small restaurant can manage with general accounting software with limited features that would suit the restaurant business.
User-friendliness in the best accounting software for small business
All said and done; the software has to be user-friendly. Ultimately it is the accounting staff that will utilize the system. So, choose an application or tool that matches your company’s financial literacy. Remember, even competent book-keepers will struggle if the software is not intuitive or easy to use. A small business cannot afford to hire a project manager or a finance expert team to handle the software. Training costs could be overwhelming for a small enterprise. Thus, the package you choose should be simple, easier to learn, and your finance workforce should be comfortable with the new software.
The best accounting software for small business as an app
The best accounting software for small business can be in the form of a mobile app. Yes, today, the software market offers diverse solutions for accountancy. You can select a commercial product or even go for a cloud-based service. The web-based solutions are beneficial because you can access the tools from anywhere using an internet connection. You do not have to buy servers or even software licenses, or worry about software updates, back-ups, and upgrades. Data security is superior, as the service provider ensures safety. Some cloud solutions also integrate with popular software like QuickBooks.
Confirm the budget of the software
Accounting software or service is still a commercial product. Your small business has to shell out good money to access the tools. Yes, some sellers offer flexible pricing plans and multiple software versions. You can also choose a basic or free edition with limited plans, features, and functionality.
A start-up can begin with free software to manage its accounts. Since a small to mid-size company requires a few specialized features, they can at least opt for the standard or limited-feature products. They are more expensive than the basic monthly plans but have a good set of features.
Circumspect business managers can also try out trial software for free. They can install the free version for a limited period. It becomes possible to test the functions of the software in real-time to verify its fitness.
Flexibility and scalability features are vital for small business
Accounting operations are not restrictive to payroll, billing, and bank statements. Bookkeeping also involves financial reports, taxation, and asset management. A small business might not need every segment, but as the business grows, the need for such will increase. A flexible and scalable solution will have the add-on option. You can bring in extra functionality into the accounting software on-demand. For example, you can have remote access, online payments, and e-commerce store integration when your business needs. Some solutions also allow up-scaling with features for tax compliance, foreign currency, risk analysis, etc.
Complexity of the software and the skills required
It is not profitable to hire a tech-savvy person to deal with software complications in a small business. Thus, the best accounting software for small businesses should be easier to manage, troubleshoot, and upgrade. It is best to choose packages where the vendor offers 24/7 support services for free or yearly charges.
Can an employee with basic accounting skills use the software? A small business might be dependent on a small workforce with limited skills. Thus, software processes and management must be simple and straight-forward. A simple dashboard with easy-to-read reports is a crucial requirement of any accounting software.
Last but not least, check out the reviews of the software and the vendor. Learn the elements that can be of use in your organization. Do not blindly pick the best software in the market. You ought to choose the one that suits your requirements today and in the future. After all, moving from one accounting software package to another is a daunting process requiring copious amounts of resources and time.
