A Checklist for Finding Small Business Bookkeeping Software

Considering a small business bookkeeping software program for your smallbiz? There are a number of things you need to think about before deciding on the right program for your business.

If you are thinking about a free bookkeeping program as you have limited funds there are a number of things that you should consider first:

1. Do they provide support by phone or help?
2. Are there How to books available anywhere in case you need quick help. The Dummies series books have a number of books available for the commercial bookkeeping programs but I am not sure about the free software
3. Does your accountant and bookkeeper know these programs? If they don't it may cost you extra money in the future.

A really good free option for Bookkeeping Software

If you are looking for a free program initially I would suggest the Microsoft Excel program or a spreadsheet in Google Docs.

This is the most simple way of displaying your income and expenses particularly when you are first starting out. Usually at this stage you don't have a lot of transactions so it is the easiest option until the business is really taking off.

Benefits of using Google Docs as a Bookkeeping Program

Using the Google Docs Spreadsheet there are a number of really great benefits:

1. You can access Google Docs from anywhere once you have an account setup
2. You can grant access to your accountant or bookkeeper which is a great timesaver ... no more having to drop the information in a shoebox (or if you are really organised on a USB or CD) to your accountant.
   
3. It does nearly anything that excel does
   

To see a sample of how Google Docs or Excel can be used as a bookkeeping program click here.

Commercial Bookkeeping Software Programs

There are a number of really good software programs that I would recommend.

1. MYOB (my favourite :)]
2. Quickbooks
   
3. Peachtree
4. Netsuite
5. Business Works

There are more you can read about them here >>

Before signing up with any commercial bookkeeping software you want to know the following:

• that they have excellent support whether by phone or email
  
• they are easy to use and navigate
  
• that the company provides training if necessary
  
• that your accountant knows and uses the program - if your accountant knows the program it will make life much easier and reduce your accounting costs

No. 1 piece of advice ... work with your accountant!

Tammy Love is owner of Basic Bookkeeping Courses - delivering courses online, and by distance for people wanting to become bookkeepers and small business owners wanting to improve their bookkeeping skills. Visit her at Twitter or Facebook

If you would like to get a copy of her free reports 10 Top Tips for making Bookkeeping Easy and Top 10 Tips for Becoming a Bookkeeper you can visit www.basic-bookkeeping-courses.com