Regardless of the size of your accounting firm, having an accounting practice management software that works should be at the very top of your list. You don’t want to be using software that’s not up to scratch. Your clients deserve the best, and that’s what you should be providing them. Here are six things to look out for when choosing the right accounting practice management software for your firm.

1. Usability

Of course, your software has to be easy and intuitive to use. This will save you time and increase productivity, both of which are very important. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting valuable time trying to understand how it works. A good software program will provide you with a user guide to get you started and even video tutorials to help you learn more.

2. Ease of Setup

You’re busy, right? So you’re probably not looking forward to spending time setting up your software. Look for a program that lets you import client data, accounts, and so on into your system. This saves you time, money, and effort.

You don’t want to have to spend hours and hours working out how to set the system up. A good software program will be set up in minutes, saving you a lot of time and mental energy.

3. Robust Database

Any accounting practice management software worth its salt will come with a robust database. This should be able to handle thousands of clients and a lot of data. It will also be able to handle audits and any other task that may be thrown at it.

The database should be easy to navigate and include a client and contact manager, invoicing, and outstanding tasks sections. You should be able to find details of your clients and their accounts quickly and easily.

4. Upgrades and Add-Ons

An accounting practice management software that is easy to upgrade is one that you should be looking for. You shouldn’t have to sign a new contract every time you want to upgrade. Look for an option that has a few preset upgrades but doesn’t tie you into one provider.

Upgrades are essential as they help you keep your accounting practice management software current with the latest financial trends.

5. Security and Backup

In this day and age, security is very important. You can never be too careful when it comes to security. Your accounting practice management software should have a backup system in place to protect you against data loss and cyber-attacks. Look for a program that offers at least three backups to ensure the security and integrity of your data.

This will ensure your data is safe and sound, and you’ll always have a backup of your work, which is essential in any business, including an accounting practice.

6. 24/7 Support

For an accounting practice management software to be considered the best, it should offer 24/7 support. There should be a password recovery system, which will help you get back into your system if you forget your password.

You should be able to use the support system whenever you want, day or night. You don’t want to be stuck with software that’s difficult to navigate and doesn’t offer enough support, do you?

Conclusion

Practice management software is fundamental to keeping your accounting practice running smoothly. It should be intuitive, easy to upgrade, and robust to handle all the tasks you throw at it. Be sure to look for all of the above when choosing the software for your accounting practice. You won’t regret it.

It's never too late to upgrade to a better accounting practice management software for your firm. If you're planning to upgrade, Firm360 is the best choice for accounting professionals. Our intuitive platform will help you streamline your processes and help you get more work done in less time. Book a demo today to experience our software's capabilities.