Best Accounting Platforms for Small Business Owners

Here are some helpful accounting software tips to keep you on track year-round.
Best Accounting Platforms for Small Business Owners
Business owners should explore every accounting platform available today.

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Today, even most business owners who hire professional accountants to keep track of their company’s finances still use some sort of computer or Web-based accounting platform for year-round monitoring. These programs save you time and they can also help you more effectively track your customers’ account information, understand revenue streams, and prevent inventory loss. 

Here are a few computer-based accounting software programs that provide the best solutions: 

  • QuickBooks Pro: This program is ideal for helping business owners keep up with inventory, manage employee hours, and send bills to clients. QuickBooks also allows users to send email through their Gmail or Yahoo accounts rather than through Microsoft Outlook, which is a plus for many individuals. Many users also find the platform’s snapshot function especially useful, as it allows entrepreneurs to view a highlighted summary of all their recent activities.
  • Peachtree: The Sage Peachtree Complete Accounting program consistently earns praise from business owners in many different industries. This software keeps track of payroll, cash flow, vendors and online banking. One other benefit of this particular program is that it does not use technical accounting terminology, which can often prove overwhelming for many inexperienced users.
  • Bookkeeper: With this computer program, users can manage inventory, solve banking issues, create checks, and write estimates with only a few points and clicks. Also, information keyed into this platform can be easily imported into Microsoft Excel or other similar programs. In addition, Bookkeeper is equipped with one of the best tutorial functions around. 

Accounting apps for smartphones and tablets

Computer-based accounting software is always helpful. However, for many business owners who remain on the go, smartphone budgeting apps can prove invaluable. Here are a few of the most highly rated accounting applications: 

  • Accounting by WAGmob: This app helps small business owners manage their finances and it provides instruction on some of the basic principles of accounting. Because it offers users an array of interactive learning functions, like quizzes, tutorials, and flashcards, Accounting is excellent for first-time entrepreneurs.
  • Easy Books: This bookkeeping app for smartphones and tablets is exceedingly popular among small business owners. Easy Books allows users to create invoices, track time, and keep up with account information with ease.
  • Business and Finance Abbreviations: This app provides iPhone users with numerous useful tools. With fast references and email-sharing capabilities, Business and Finance Abbreviations can keep jet-setting business owners in charge of their entire financial portfolio from any location. 

Cloud-based platforms

Although accounting programs and apps are excellent ways for business owners to stay on top of their finances, many entrepreneurs are discovering the benefits of utilizing cloud-based accounting programs. These platforms offer access to financial information from any location with an Internet connection. In addition, cloud-based accounting programs will automatically backup fiscal records and customer contact information, which can prove a godsend in the event of a technological failure. 

Business owners should explore every accounting platform available today. Making the most of technology can often mean the difference between effectively managing your finances and having to suffer through an accounting nightmare.   

About the Author

Amanda E. Clark is the president and editor-in-chief of Grammar Chic Inc., a full-service professional writing company. She is a published ghostwriter and editor, and currently under contract with literary agencies in Malibu, Calif., and Dublin, Ireland.

Since founding Grammar Chic in 2008, Clark, along with her team of skilled professional writers, has offered expertise to clients in the creative, business and academic fields. The company accepts a wide range of projects and often engages in content and social media marketing, drafts resumes, press releases, Web content, marketing materials and ghostwritten creative pieces. Contact Clark at www.grammarchic.net.

How do you keep track of your year-round business finances? Post a comment below.



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