Keys to Selecting the RIGHT Accounting System

Just about any accounting system will process and accurately report accounting transactions. Having the right accounting system, one that fits your organization and needs, can help you produce reports for management quickly and easily.

With the right system, you can access the information you need, when you need it, in the format you need, without doing double-entry. With the right system, you can manage projects and an organization better.

Knowing what to look for may not be easy. Here are two keys from S Systems' booklet, "7 Keys to Selecting the RIGHT Accounting System," to consider when you are evaluating systems to help you make sure a system is right for you, today and down the road.

Key Number Two: Easily Shared and Changed

Accounting data gets used in hundreds of different ways. Many people in the organization use it and need to easily incorporate accounting data into their reports.

With the right accounting system, you should be able to access accounting data from your desktop's word processing, email and spreadsheet programs. For example, you might want to create a separate, special database that is linked to the accounting database so that you can generate a specific management report. The right accounting system lets you share your database easily.

Reporting needs change. The report you produced last month may not be the report you need this month. If your needs change, can you change your system easily? With the right accounting system, you should be able to quickly and easily change field names and reports. The right accounting system helps, doesn't hinder, coping with dynamic needs.

Key Number Six: Optimized and Integrated with Operations

The right system can be a valuable asset to help you run your business better and more efficiently. For example, when evaluating systems, consider the following capabilities: Can the accounting system track suppliers' and subconsultants' contracts and electronically match vendors' invoices against their contracts? Will it allow your employees to remotely enter time sheets and feed that information directly into the accounting system? Can the system verify that the codes employees have entered on their time sheets are valid?

In evaluating systems, also consider: Can the system directly capture and import project costs from equipment, like a copier or plotter? Can it automatically create an AP voucher or an invoice? Can it interface with other software used in your operations?

The right system can do all of this and more; it can be a robust tool for running your daily operations and monitoring costs.

Get All the Keys

S Systems has published a booklet, "7 Keys to Selecting the RIGHT Accounting System," that provides valuable tips for evaluating and selecting software systems. To request a copy, call 412-388-1645 or send us an email. Be sure to include your name, title, company name, address and phone number.