Financial Software Reviews 2016: How to Choose the Best One for Your Business Needs

When it comes to managing finances, having the right software can make all the difference. As technology continues to advance, there are more options available than ever before. But with so many choices, how do you know which financial software is the right fit for your business?

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive review of the top financial software options available in 2016. We’ll cover everything from basic accounting software to more advanced solutions that offer features like payroll processing and inventory management. We’ll also provide an in-depth analysis of each option, including pros and cons and real user reviews.

Why Choosing the Right Financial Software is Critical for Your Business

When it comes to managing your finances, having the right software is critical. Not only does it help you stay organized and save time, it can also help you make better decisions for your business. Here are just a few reasons why choosing the right financial software is so important:

1. Saves Time and Increases Efficiency

With the right financial software, you can automate many of your day-to-day tasks, such as invoicing, billing, and account reconciliations. This not only saves you time, it also reduces the risk of errors and ensures that your financial data is always up-to-date and accurate.

2. Improves Cash Flow and Profitability

When you have better visibility into your finances, you’re better able to make informed decisions that can improve your cash flow and profitability. For example, if you can quickly see that a certain product or service isn’t profitable, you can make changes to improve the situation before it becomes a bigger problem.

3. Provides Better Data Security

With financial software, you can rest assured that your financial data is secure. Most software solutions offer robust security measures, such as encryption and password protection, to keep your data safe from theft or hacking.

4. Helps You Stay Compliant

With tax laws and accounting regulations constantly changing, it can be tough to stay compliant with all the rules and regulations. Financial software can help you stay on top of these changes and ensure that you’re always following the latest guidelines.

5. Better Collaboration and Communication

With cloud-based financial software, you can collaborate with team members and communicate more effectively. This can help improve productivity and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your finances.

6. Helps You Plan for the Future

With better visibility into your finances, you can create more accurate financial forecasts and projections. This can help you create a roadmap for the future and make strategic decisions that will help you reach your business goals.

7. Simplifies Tax Season

When tax season rolls around, having the right financial software can make a big difference. With features like automatic tax calculations and easy-to-use reporting tools, you can simplify the process and reduce stress and anxiety.

The Top Financial Software Options for Your Business

Now that we’ve covered why choosing the right financial software is so important, let’s take a closer look at some of the top options available in 2016.

Name
Type
Pros
Cons
User Reviews
QuickBooks Online
Accounting
– Easy-to-use interface
– Affordable pricing
– Wide range of features
– Limited customization
– Customer support can be slow
4/5 stars on G2 Crowd
Xero
Accounting
– Comprehensive features
– Affordable pricing
– Strong mobile app
– Limited payroll options
– Customer support can be slow
4.5/5 stars on G2 Crowd
Wave
Accounting
– Completely free
– Easy-to-use interface
– Robust feature set
– Limited customer support
– No payroll processing
4/5 stars on G2 Crowd
NetSuite
ERP
– Comprehensive features
– Strong customizability
– Robust mobile app
– Expensive pricing
– Steep learning curve
4.5/5 stars on G2 Crowd
SAP Business One
ERP
– Comprehensive features
– Strong customer support
– Robust mobile app
– Expensive pricing
– Steep learning curve
4/5 stars on G2 Crowd
Intuit Payroll
Payroll Processing
– Easy-to-use interface
– Comprehensive features
– Affordable pricing
– Limited integration with other software
– Not ideal for larger businesses
4/5 stars on G2 Crowd
Gusto
Payroll Processing
– Comprehensive features
– Easy-to-use interface
– Strong customer support
– Limited customization options
– Pricing can be expensive for larger businesses
4.5/5 stars on G2 Crowd

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is financial software?

Financial software, also known as accounting software, is a type of computer program that helps businesses manage their finances. It can include features like invoicing, billing, payroll processing, inventory management, and more.

2. What are the benefits of using financial software?

Using financial software can help you save time, improve cash flow and profitability, provide better data security, help you stay compliant with regulations, improve communication and collaboration, help you plan for the future, and simplify tax season.

3. How do I choose the right financial software for my business?

When choosing financial software, it’s important to consider your business’s needs, budget, and future growth plans. Look for software that offers the features you need, has a user-friendly interface, and is affordable and scalable.

4. What are some of the top financial software options available in 2016?

Some of the top financial software options available in 2016 include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Wave, NetSuite, SAP Business One, Intuit Payroll, and Gusto.

5. Is it better to use cloud-based financial software or desktop-based software?

Cloud-based financial software is becoming increasingly popular because it offers more flexibility, better collaboration features, and improved security. However, desktop-based software may be preferable for businesses that require a high degree of customization or that have slow or unreliable internet connections.

6. How much does financial software typically cost?

The cost of financial software can vary widely depending on the features and functionality you need. Basic accounting software may be available for free, while more advanced solutions can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

7. Can financial software help me stay compliant with tax laws?

Yes, many financial software solutions offer automatic tax calculations and reporting features that help you stay compliant with tax laws and regulations.

8. What if I need help with my financial software?

Most financial software solutions offer customer support via phone, email, or live chat. Some solutions also offer online training resources and user communities to help you get the most out of your software.

9. What types of businesses can benefit from financial software?

Financial software can be beneficial for businesses of all sizes and types, from small startups to large corporations. Any business that needs to manage its finances and stay on top of accounting tasks can benefit from using financial software.

10. Can financial software help me save money?

Yes, financial software can help you save money by automating tasks, reducing the risk of errors, improving cash flow and profitability, and helping you make informed decisions about your business finances.

11. Can I use financial software to manage more than one business?

Yes, many financial software solutions offer multi-business support, allowing you to manage multiple businesses from a single account.

12. What if I need to integrate my financial software with other software or tools?

Many financial software solutions offer integration with other software and tools, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software or inventory management systems. Be sure to check for compatibility before choosing a financial software solution.

13. What if I need to migrate my data to a new financial software solution?

Migrating your data to a new financial software solution can be a complex process, but many vendors offer migration services to help make the process easier. Be sure to check with your vendor before making the switch.

Conclusion

Choosing the right financial software is critical for the success of your business. With so many options available, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision. Whether you’re looking for basic accounting software or a more advanced solution that offers payroll processing and inventory management, there’s a solution out there that’s right for you.

If you’re ready to take the next step and choose the right financial software for your business, we encourage you to explore the options we’ve reviewed in this article. Each one offers its own unique set of features and benefits, so be sure to read our reviews carefully and choose the solution that’s best for your business needs.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.