Guide to Small Business Accounting Software

Gone are the days when paper-based ledgers were the only option to track key accounting tasks. Now, a plethora of small business accounting software choices are available. Accounting software can help your business in numerous ways: reducing errors, saving time, organizing customer data, streamlining payroll and giving you a complete view of your company's financial status. With a clear picture of your financials, you can make smarter business decisions.

Before choosing among software accounting systems, here are some key questions:
Can it scale or upgrade if my business grows?
Is it easy to learn and easy to use?
Does it have all the features I need?
Does it have features I don't need?
Will it run on my computer?
Will it work on an office network?
Does the vendor offer online and phone support?
Is the price right for my needs?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done




QuickBooks rules the roost in small business accounting software
The leading small business accounting software offers many products to fit your needs. Simple Start, its most basic version, is ideal for sole proprietors and tracks sales and expenses, prints checks, pays bills and prepares invoices. More powerful, yet still easy-to-use versions are geared for multi-users in growing small businesses. They work with Microsoft Office and offer additional features, such as managing payroll, forecasting, budgeting and tracking inventory. QuickBooks also offers industry-specific accounting systems for retailers, professional services, manufacturers, nonprofits, wholesalers/distributors, contractors and accountants.