Accounting is a tedious process. And for most of us, it’s a language we haven’t spoken since that one class we took in college. But inexperience is no excuse because the importance of proper accounting cannot be overstated. That’s why there are so many accounting software solutions available to help.
Choosing the right tool can be as stressful as accounting itself. To help, we’ve summarized some top accounting software per business size classification.
Whether you’re running a non-profit or working for a large enterprise, there’s a solution here for you.
Non-profit accounting solutions
Non-profit needs are very similar to those of small and medium businesses. Non-profits don’t need the full-scale tools of enterprise software. Rather, they need something that gets the job done without breaking the bank. Cost management is key.
- Sage50 is a great tool for non-profit accounting because it offers several things a non-profit needs. Users can get credit card processing, which is helpful for managing and tracking donations. Also, if this is something new to you, Sage50 offers instructional videos to help you learn.
- FreeAgent is useful for non-profits that operate outside the United States because it offers a solution normally reserved for enterprise software: multi-currency invoicing. Customizable invoicing is also available, which is perfect for the varied needs of a non-profit. Did we mention it’s used by more than 90,000 businesses?
Small-medium business accounting solutionsAs mentioned, the needs of smaller businesses are akin to those of non-profits. But the differences matter. Here are a few accounting solutions better suited for smaller, growing businesses.
- QuickBooks Pro is the perfect tool for those who want a basic accounting software upgrade. There are a ton of options, but here are some relevant ones that stand out: Customizable email templates, memorized transactions, payroll options, and individual user permissions.
- ZohoBooks is for those who just need a simple, affordable solution without all the frills. For $9 a month, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more affordable option.
- aACE has a 99% user satisfaction rating and is a popular accounting software solution in the 21-50 employee range. aACE aims to be a more comprehensive solution, integrating CRM tools with accounting features.
Enterprise accounting solutionsLarge businesses need the most robust accounting software available. Enterprises are less constrained by costs, instead looking for a solution that can “do-it-all.”
- Oracle NetSuite was ranked by PCMag as 2019’s best accounting software. That’s not surprising given how much you get in terms of functionality and built-in features. Oracle offers cloud-based solutions, multicurrency management, and many other features. The vast amount of resources makes it ideal for a wide variety of businesses.
- Acumatica is another top PCMag pick. Editors liked that this SaaS application offers non-user pricing models, which is great for large businesses that are still growing. It’s also easy to navigate, which is a luxury when dealing with enterprise software.
A final tip for those looking to switch accounting solutions or who are just getting started. Many solutions offer free trials, so be sure to try before you buy. And if you’re switching and cost is the primary reason, be sure to let your vendor know. You just may get a discounted rate.