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Disaster from Day One or Successful Accounting Software Implementation

Guest post by: Shirley Coop

Article Overview: We all get excited when we finally see our business turn a profit. This finally vindicates all of those long hours and sacrifices of our families. But is it really a profit? Implementing new accounting software can be daunting and a bit intimidating. Advertising and Marketing campaigns imply accounting software is soo…easy, that anyone can do it. I agree, most anyone can learn to operate accounting software

Disaster from Day One or Successful Accounting Software Implementation

Before selecting or updating your company accounting software; below are a few questions you may want to ask yourself:

How much time, as your business grows; can you commit to doing your own "in house training?"

How much patience do you have to keep your staff up-to-date on the new features of your accounting software?

Is this the BEST use of your time?

As a business owner you need to know your financial position. You need to understand what the Balance Sheet and Income Statement (Profit & Loss) mean for your business. You do not need to set-up, learn your accounting software, and teach it to your staff; all by yourself. Get HELP!

The key to a successful accounting software implementation is: planning, buy-in and asking for help!Here are some tips to help you get started:

Get it in writing - What are your requirements? Each business needs the basics from accounting software. Such as: being able to create invoices and pay bills. Beyond that, each business has unique requirements and priorities that will determine the software they choose and the special features of that software. In the "Pre-software Selection Phase", as situations arise in your business, make notes of the tasks and functions you need from the accounting software.

Get your staff involved - You want the people in your organization that will need to rely on the software to be involved in its selection and implementation. If you just throw it at them and expect them to make it work, you're doomed to fail. Get your staff involved in thinking and writing down what they need the program to do. What they wish it would do, and any problems they are having within the current accounting procedures. It may seem time consuming, but it will payoff. You can not think of every single thing yourself. You must listen to your skilled employees and consider their suggestions.

Get a plan - Develop an "Implementation Plan", and put it in writing. Plan on the plan changing. When anyone thinks of anything at all related, put it in writing. Have weekly meetings with your staff to discuss these suggestions or any changes. Work with them, and they will want to work with you.

Get a test company - Once you have chosen the software, set up a test company to develop the chart of accounts, naming conventions and procedures. Experiment with transactions and procedures in the test company before you even think about doing something "live".

Get help - Experienced Accountants or JCS Certified Consultants can help make your time work for you. By using the appropriate accounting rules: We listen and translate your requirements, questions and concerns into a projected plan. Then we can help you develop good accounting procedures, test and implement these procedures within your organization. We can train your staff in basic, intermediate, and advanced, "selected" accounting software programs. Feel free to contact our support group at 800 475-1047.

Shirley Coop

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Article Tags: accounting software, accounting software disaster, marketing campaigns, Peachtree software implementation



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