Small businesses given accounting software advice

News Article - 28 August 2008
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Small businesses have been given advice on buying accounting software by two experts in the field.

John Court, head of the ICAEW's IT faculty and Simon Hurst, vice chairman, write on Accountancy Age that it is important to evaluate any accounting software before purchasing it.

One recommendation is to contact other users of the product, preferably those "of a similar type to your own firm and who are likely to use the software in a similar way".

While this is true of any small business software, in accountancy particular attention is to be paid to how the system deals with developments in online filing and XBRL.

This is because "deadlines for online filing both of tax and accounting information are rapidly approaching".

They add: "A good document and knowledge management system could have a substantial and direct effect on the quality of client service."

A list of requirements for the software should be drawn up too, against which all potential products can be evaluated, with the list concentrating on important areas or where the particular business is unique.

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