If you are a business manager or owner, chances are you already have an existing online accounting system that helps you in managing your finances. But if not, now is the perfect time for you to start searching and looking for the best software package that can cater to your needs and fit in your budget.
For now, let’s say that you are using a package, and this is one that issues invoices, keeps track of all your customers, and tells you when they have been paid. This helps you a lot when it comes to managing your expenses, which makes it much easier for you to put all your accounts together when the year comes to an end.
However, there are still many other ways for you to ensure that your accounting software will work for your advantage. Here are a few simple tips for you to make the most out of your existing program.
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Give Access to Your Accountant
It might sound a tad too obvious but once you give your accountant a log-in access to the software package you are using, they can check your finances in a glance and go through individual things as required. These online accounting software programs often let you control the type of access users can have. Don’t forget to discuss with your accountant how you can manage this better.
Look for Compatibility and Investigate Scalability
If you are currently using a Customer Relationship Management package, try to check if the accounting software you plan to use is compatible with it. For instance, it might be of great use if you can see a customer’s invoice data in the context of a certain sales cycle or a new campaign for upselling your services. In case you are selling your products online, you will be able to save more money and time if you integrate your online accounting software with your ecommerce platform.
While you are checking the compatibility, it also makes sense to ensure scalability. Your accounting software must be able to adapt to and keep up with the growth of your business. You might want to add other users for you to have several persons managing specific functions or overseeing your finances. You might want to use these options for integration to make your sales and ordering processes flow better and more efficiently. Instead of having to purchase another software package, it makes more sense to use the add-ons and options integrated in your existing software.
Use Reporting and Forecasting Options
Many small businesses only stick and use the basic functions of their online accounting package. However, most of the time, there are still many other extra features which can be of great help to you when it comes to business planning. One example of this great tool is forecasting as it allows you to predict what your expenditure and income will be over a certain period. It prepares you for busy periods or quiet times and also lets you see how your business will be affected when you lose a key client.
