Best Business Accounting Software

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When talking about the best business accounting software, you must first know the relationship between finance and accounting. Conceptually speaking, they are closely related to the extent that accounting is an important input in financial decision making and there are key differences in viewpoints between them. Accounting is a necessary input into finance. That is, accounting is a sub-function of finance.

Accounting generates information or data relating to the operations or activities of the firm. The end-product of accounting constitutes financial statements such as the balance sheet, the income statement (profit and loss account) and the statement of changes in financial position (sources and uses of funds statement). The information contained in these statements and reports assists financial managers in assessing the past performance and future directions of the firm and in meeting certain legal obligations, such as payment of taxes and so on. Thus, accounting and finance are functionally closely related.

But there are key differences between finance and accounting. The first difference relates to the treatment of funds while the second relates to decision making. The viewpoint of accounting relating to the funds of the firm is different from that of finance. The measurement of funds (income and expenses) in accounting is based on the accrual system. For instance, revenue is recognized at the point of sale and not when collected. Similarly, expenses are recognized when they are incurred rather than when actually paid. The accrual-based accounting data do not reflect fully the financial circumstances of the firm. The viewpoint of finance relating to the treatment of funds is based on cashflows. The revenues are recognized only when actually received in cash (i.e. cash inflow) and expenses are recognized on actual payment (i.e. cash outflow).

Finance and accounting also differ in respect to their purposes. The purpose of accounting is collection and presentation of financial data. It provides consistently developed and easily interpreted data on the past, present and future operations of the firm. On the other hand, financial manager’s major responsibility relates to financial planning, controlling and decision making. Thus, in a sense, finance begins where accounting ends.

Small Business Accounting Software

2007-08-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Your business, no matter how small, needs an effective accounting management system to sustain its day-to-day viability and establish its long-term financial goals. But when you are already multitasking as the CEO, the manager, and the salesman, you don’t really have time to be an accountant too, do you? Yes, actually, you do.

With a good small business accounting software program, you can still manage your cash flow hands on, without spending too much time. A few clicks here and there, and you can forecast revenues, pay bills, and generate reports. But what functionalities should you look for in accounting software? What do you really need and what can you do without? Read on for some tips.

Look for user-friendly software. Choose accounting software with an interface that resembles its traditional paper counterparts so that you can immediately navigate your way around it. The more familiar the layout of the software is to you, the easier you can intuitively explore its functionalities.

Internet and e-commerce features can also be important. If your small business relies on sales and orders via the worldwide web, you definitely need accounting software that seamlessly connects to e-Commerce functionalities. Find something that you can easily hook up to your bank’s online payment portal, for example, so you can automatically track payments made to you and bills you have to pay.

Search for compatibility with frequently used programs. If most of your records are Windows based, find small business accounting software that easily synchronizes with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. Such a feature will let you integrate your existing records without the risk of corrupting data. There are also specialty accounting software programs available for other platforms.

Examine the professional reports included in the software. Beware of some software packages that can generate hundreds of kinds of reports – you probably won’t use more than half of them, so why pay the extra price? Concentrate on essential reports instead, such as statements needed for tax filing and time-billing reports, if you use such.

There are other extras worth considering. If your business is quickly expanding, it might be a good idea to invest in expandable, multiple-user accounting software that integrates payroll functionalities, inventory tracking, job costing, and other productivity features. These types cost a little more, but are definitely necessary for any fast-growing small business.