How to Choose the Right Accounting Software for Your Business
Choosing the right accounting software can make a world of difference for your business. The right tool helps you stay organised, save time, and reduce the risk of errors, but with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Start With Your Business Needs
Before diving into features, think about what your business actually needs. Are you a sole trader needing to track invoices and expenses? Or are you managing payroll and GST for a team? Knowing your day-to-day requirements will help narrow down your options quickly.
Key Features to Look For Some helpful features to keep in mind when choosing accounting software include:
- Invoicing: Can you easily create and send invoices?
- Expense Tracking: Does it allow you to snap photos of receipts and categorise spending?
- GST Support: For New Zealand businesses, having GST reporting built in is a must.
- Payroll Integration: If you have employees, seamless payroll is a bonus.
- Cloud Access: Cloud-based software lets you check your finances from anywhere, anytime.
Popular Options in New Zealand Here are a few tried-and-true favourites:
- Xero – A Kiwi classic. User-friendly, cloud-based, and tailored for small businesses. It includes GST reporting, invoicing, and payroll.
- MYOB – Also NZ-friendly, with strong inventory features and good support.
- QuickBooks Online – Great for those looking for a mobile-friendly and affordable option.
Consider Support and Scalability Think about how much support you might need and whether the software can grow with your business. Will it still work if you double your income or team size next year? Also, check if your accountant is familiar with the platform, it’ll make collaboration much easier.
Final Tip: Try Before You Buy Most providers offer a free trial. Take advantage of this to test how intuitive the software feels and whether it suits your workflow. Choosing the right tool can simplify your accounting and free up time for what you do best—running your business.
