Before You Buy Accounting Software

Using an accounting software package in your small business can simplify your life. This is true only if you choose the right accounting software package. You want a package that meets your needs. You don't want a package more complex than you need or with fewer features than you need. Before you buy an accounting software package, take a look at these tips.

Determine Which Features you Need in Your Accounting Software

Is your business small and do you run it out of your home? Are you the only employee? Are you a self-employed professional with an office in your home? If you can answer yes to these questions and you have no employees, you need a simple accounting package. You might look at accounting software that combines your personal and business finances. If you want to bank online, be sure that is included as one of the features. If you have employees, you need an accounting package that does payroll.

Make Sure the Software Fits Your Type of Business

If you sell a product or products, make sure your accounting software program can generate purchase orders and keep track of inventory. If you have a service business, you will need to keep track of time and billing.

Check out the Learning Curve

Some accounting software package are simpler to use than others. All have a learning curve. You have to invest some time in learning to use your accounting software package and, if you have employees, they have to learn it as well. Will you have to pay for training or can you learn the package yourself? Do you have to have more than one user license for your employees to use the software? This is another important question to answer.

How Good are the Support Features?

Does the accounting software package have a 24/7 support telephone line? What about online help? Do you get a good print manual? How long do you have to wait on the telephone if you need help? Support features are very important in choosing any kind of software.