As a small business owner, you might also perform the role of an accountant for your company. Navigating the accounting system can be pretty tricky, and sometimes things can be hard to decipher. If you are not very confident with your accounting skills, consider getting online accounting software.

Most accounting software is cloud-based which means you can access it from any location. It is simple to operate. Knowing what to expect from the software can be of great help to you, so here are our tips to help you make the most of your accounting software.

1. Evaluate your accounting needs with software

Depending on their size, some businesses may decide to hire an accountant and use accounting software. If that is the case with you, make sure there is no duplication of tasks. Relying on software for any recurring processes avoids manual errors. Accounting software also helps to verify and recheck any dubious transactions. Your accountant will be free to attend to complex matters and help you with tax filing.

2. Share accessibility

The best thing about online accounting software is to access it wherever you please. If you download the mobile app, then you can even do your accounting on the go. Some employees may need access to the accounting system to update transactions. Sharing accessibility lets other employees make immediate changes without informing you.

3. Prepare budgets and projections

Planning your finances is crucial. The strict practice of budgeting is essential for any organization. Most software comes with budgeting options. However, you may need an add-on for projections. It will allow you to experiment and analyze different scenarios. It will also give you an extremely clear picture of what you can expect from your actions.

4. Consider available add-ons 

Integration is key to smooth operation. Finance software is designed to optimize business processes. You can opt for add-ons like linking your eCommerce platform to the finance software. All your transactions will automatically reflect on the accounting tool when anything is sold on the eCommerce platform. It helps avoid all sorts of manual errors and saves you time.

5. Resolve risks more quickly

You can never be over-prepared for dealing with adversity. Knowing what is going on will keep you in a permanent state of readiness to take prompt action. For example, if your cash flow is on a downward trend, you can take swift action. Resolving issues before they become serious is one of the crucial tools that accounting software provides you with. Use the software to identify customer behaviour. If an old customer is suddenly no longer a frequent visitor, you will know that there is a problem to solve.

6. Enjoy automation

If you need to travel for business and spend a lot on such trips, carefully accounting for them might be a tedious task. But help is at hand because many software packages let you instantly upload receipts. You can also enjoy recurring expenses being automated on your account. It will let your business run with ease. Automation also helps avoid manual errors and keeps the record crisp and neat for easy understanding.

7. Rely on analytics

Sales data reflects so much information. You may never even have noticed certain patterns before actually seeing them on your accounting software dashboard. The sales data reveals several pieces of information. You will get a clear idea of:

• Which products/services are the bestsellers   
• The period/month when sales are fluctuating
• The products that are bought together
• The discount terms that lead to conversion

The information that you will gather through data will help you to strategize. You will be better equipped to make smart decisions.

8. Reconciliation

One of the most beneficial aspects of accounting software is reconciliation. With the press of a button, you can check if your accounts are all in order. Once satisfied, click reconcile. Now you are tax ready!

As a business owner, you might feel uncomfortable dealing with accounts yourself. Delegate the work to an expert who knows your accounting software. Keeping your books clean will let you do business better. Accounting software in Malaysia comes in a whole range of prices. Contact us to find the best match for your needs.