How to Choose an Accounting System
Selecting the best accounting software for your organization is one of the most critical business decisions you face. We created this guide to provide you with the essential information you need to make the best decision possible. You may be wondering, “Why would an accounting software company like Sage distribute a booklet that doesn’t promote its own products?”
We know how important great information is to making great decisions. What’s more, we’re confident that the more people know about accounting software, the more likely they are to seriously consider—and ultimately choose —Sage accounting, ERP, and business management software solutions. In other words, our software solutions stand up to the most stringent selection criteria. We at Sage look forward to helping you succeed in choosing the best accounting software solution for your organization.
Why Change At All?
Who should consider choosing a new accounting system? Do any of these describe you and your organization?
- You’re a fast-growing company and need a system that can grow with you.
- Your company has outgrown its current system.
- Your processes have changed the way you do business, your system doesn’t track unique data, and much of your data and information about your business processes is stored in the heads of your staff.
- You’re using unsupported or old software technology.
- You’re using a PC-based spreadsheet (for example, Lotus™ or Microsoft® Excel) or an introductory accounting package (for example, QuickBooks®) and your business processes and data are stored in the heads of your staff.
- You’ve got a legacy system—some “old iron” customized for your organization—that people may not necessarily like, but they understand and can use the system without much effort.
Many organizations stay with their current accounting system too long. It’s comfortable to use something that’s known and understood. There’s usually fear involved (or at least a strong apprehension) with switching to something new and unknown. Plus, there are significant time and resource issues, including the cost to change and the time needed to learn the new system.
But comfortable doesn’t always cut it—especially when it comes to the financial health and long-term success of your business.
In order for a system to meet your business needs, it should mesh with your existing business practices and adapt to technological innovations. Ideally, you want software that’s simple, intuitive, and closely matched to how you already do business. Be sure the system can:
- Customize easily to fit the unique requirements and needs of your business, including transaction volume, global or international requirements, number of users, accounting complexities, and multiple company management.
- Scale to the changing size of your business, including addressing increasing numbers of users and transaction volumes, the management of multiple companies, global expansion, and accounting complexities.