✔
Search Tools - Capable and efficient search functionality is a hidden time-saver. Find out what fields are searchable when talking to vendors. Give yourself extra credit as a savvy buyer, by asking their existing customers about search speed in a live environment.
✔
Import/export - Data migration is about as much fun as a root canal. Forgetting to check on the ease of migrating data with import/export tools is a good way to lose days or even weeks to cumbersome manual data input.
Accounts Receivable and Billing
✔
Web-Based - You can use your web browser for just about anything these days. And, guess what, there are plenty of accounting applications that make use of it too.
✔
SaaS - Two propositions for you: 1) Let somebody else handle the software hosting and techy stuff. 2) Lease rather than buy. If that sounds good, check out software as a service (SaaS) options for your next accounting system.
✔
Unlimited Records - Surprise! Some accounting software options have records or data file size limits. Whether it’s a hard limit or just one that moves you to another price level, it’s something to be aware of.
✔
Custom Reporting - Your accounting software is a rich source of information about your business. Custom reporting tools let you fish out the info you need. Front end reporting GUIs spare you the pain of authoring your own database query statements.
✔
Report Templating - Doing the exact same work you’ve already done before. That’s public enemy #1 when it comes to efficient software. Report templates provide the info you need without repetitive effort.
✔
Multi-Currency - Doing business overseas? The ability to store multiple currencies and move between them is a functionality you’ll definitely want access to.
✔
Integration - So many opportunities for integration needs! APIs can connect CRM, POS, HR, manufacturing, project management, and many other types of software to your core accounting system.
✔
Mobile Apps - If you do business when you’re away from your main business workstation, you may want to ask yourself: Does your accounting software?
✔
Approvals Management - Configurable workflows and approvals let you manage and authorize processes across a range of financial activities.
✔
Keyboard Shortcuts - Every time you reach for your mouse unnecessarily a kitten dies. Ok, maybe not. But you do get less efficient. For repetitive tasks, shortcuts cut time and labor costs.
✔
Multi-User - Expect to set up individual accounts for multiple users? Expect to pay for multiple user licenses.
✔
Multi-Entity - One is supposed to be the loneliest number. But accounting software solutions that only support one company entity have plenty of company
✔
Graphical Management Dashboards - 1000/1. Last I heard, it’s still the going rate when exchanging words for pictures. Quickly share KPI data with top decision-makers via graphical management dashboards.
✔
Configurable Alerts - If a tree falls and nobody hears it, it still definitely makes a sound. Make sure you’re tuned in and listening for critical business events with conditional alerting.
