Using accounting software saves hours of time compared to handling the books manually and is usually more efficient than using spreadsheet. This is because accounting software reduces or eliminates redundant data entry, like entering the customer’s address on the quote, then the work order, and then the invoice.If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, low or no inventory and a handful of customers, you may not even need accounting software or there are free or low priced accounting software options available. Small business owners who carry inventory, have more customers or employees will save time and have more accurate records if accounting software is used. Most accounting software is much easier to use than it once was, and some small business accounting software was designed for ease of use by a person with no accounting background at all.
Accounting software does not replace an accountant for ensuring that your business adheres to legal and accepted accounting and tax practices. But, when you use accounting software, you take every day accounting tasks out of the hands of an accountant, which saves money for a small business.Good any accounting software will have the reports you need to give to your accountant on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Either the reports can be printed or they can be delivered securely to an accountant electronically.Ask your accountant what reports are needed and be sure you can generate them with the accounting software you are considering.