Common features of the best accounting software for not for profits
Whilst you’re evaluating what is the best accounting software for charities – and what might best suit the specific requirements of your not for profit – look out for these common features.
Cloud-based software
Have you have considered moving to the cloud? Learn how much of a difference cloud-based accounting software could make to your charity. By allowing staff, stakeholders, trustees and volunteers to submit data, complete tasks, action approvals and view relevant reports remotely and securely - everyone can work from wherever they are and on whatever device they’re on. Total flexibility.
Revenue sources and SORP compliance
The best charity accounting software packages are designed for ease of SORP compliance. Your staff won’t need to spend hours and hours trying to analyse income and expenditure across multiple fund streams.
Automatic expenses and receipt scanning
It’s likely your staff won’t enjoy manually entering data from their receipts and compiling their expenses claims. Some charity accounting software solutions include receipt scanning which speeds the whole process up and boosts accuracy.
Integration with HMRC
Imagine how much easier it would be to automate payroll and VAT submissions to HMRC. The good news is that with a modern charity accounting software solution: you can! It’s common for the latest iterations to integrate with HMRC and meet your Making Tax Digital requirements.
Integration with existing systems
Already using CRM, a membership solution, or a platform for fundraising? Then it will be helpful to assess any new charity accounting software on its ease of integration with what you currently have in place. Any charity accounting software provider worth their salt will be able to advise you on how this might work.
Optional add-ons
While some functionality may be common, not every charity accounting software package is the same. Consider add-on functions that might be useful for your organisation, such as:
- Automated purchase order
- Invoice entry automation
- Expenses management
- Credit card approvals