Mary Girsch-Bock is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago. She began her career as accountant and later made the switch to writing full time, concentrating on business and technology, with a focus on small business. A former QuickBooks beta tester, Mary has been a featured regular contributor to CPA Practice Advisor since 2002, and she has also been published in The Motley Fool, The Blueprint, and Property Manager.com. She currently writes a monthly accounting and technology-related blog for PLANERGY, and ghostwrites several blogs for various software companies.
September 5, 2014
One of the hardest things about evaluating software products is determining what features are likely to be the most important for the intended users. Obviously, needs will vary depending on the type of business. Retail shops will need a strong inventory module that tracks product life, assigns value and produces solid reports. An e-commerce module...…
September 5, 2014
2011 Overall Rating 4.5 877-683-3280 www.intuit.com Best Fit: Targeted at accountants who support non-accountant business owners who maintain their own books. Strengths: Ease of use & large install base, which means more end users will have experience with the application Strong accountant program with good training & referrals to certified ProAdvisors Company Snapshot improvements...…
September 5, 2014
2011 Overall Rating 4.25 800-732-9464 www.redwingsoftware.com Best Fit: Small & mid-sized businesses who need an entry-level product with all the basics; scalable to more sophisticated TurningPoint accounting product designed for larger companies Strengths: Inventory module supports LIFO, FIFO & Average Cost valuation methods, as well as lot tracking Excellent forms & reports designer, but...…
September 5, 2014
2011 Overall Rating 4 800-648-6258 www.addsuminc.com Best Fit: A good fit for those with high transaction volume bookkeeping operations who require inventory support. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, particularly small retailers and contractors who require industry-specific features. Strengths: Strong POS capabilities Multi-user version supports unlimited users at a site for $799 Support for...…
September 5, 2014
2011 Overall Rating 4.75 800-388-4697 www.Peachtree.com Best Fit: Easy-to-use application for those who handle inventory, job costing or other complex areas; evolves with the needs of small businesses. Strengths: – Scalable application with numerous industry versions – Business Status Report, along with New Sage Peachtree Business Intelligence reporting, Business Analytics for Sage Peachtree...…
September 5, 2014
4 – 2011 Overall Rating 800-444-9922 www.checkmark.com 4 – Basic System Functions 4.5 – Core Accounting Capabilities 3.25 – Day-to-Day Operations 4.25 – Management Features 3.5 – Integration & Import/Export 4.25 – Help/Support Best Fit: With good basic functionality at a value price point, this may be a good fit for accounting...…
May 12, 2014
BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS – 5 Stars FUND E-Z is easily installed in just a few minutes, and potential users are able to download a 30-day demo from the website for a trial run. A recent redesign offers users an easily navigatable ribbon-style menu similar to the ribbons found in the Microsoft Office products. Fully customizable,...…
May 12, 2014
Basic System Functions – 5 Stars The Financial Edge is available as an on-premise product or as a hosted product. Though a robust system, The Financial Edge is easily navigated, with a drop-down menu at the top of the main screen offering access to system modules. A vertical navigation bar offers quick access to all...…
May 12, 2014
BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS: 4.5 Stars 100 percent cloud-based, Aplos requires no product installation, a plus for small nonprofits with limited staff. The main user interface contains several tabs listed vertically on the left side of the screen: Dashboard, Settings, Accounts, Transactions, Contacts, and Reports. Rather than continuing as an App-based system, Aplos made the transition...…
May 12, 2014
BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS – 5 Stars Fully scalable, with users able to add to the core system, AccuFund is available in three versions: a traditional desktop version, an online version of the desktop product and AccuFund Anywhere, a cloud-based system which currently offers the core system modules plus Accounts Receivable and Allocation Management(these were both...…
May 12, 2014
BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS – 5 Stars The web-based version, Serenic Navigator Express, removes the need for Serenic personnel to install and configure the system. System implementation is wizard-driven, with ongoing product support provided by Serenic support staff as needed, though some initial training could be beneficial. Assistance with implementation is available if requested. Using Serenic...…
May 12, 2014
BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS – 4.75 Stars Designed by CPAs, FastFund Nonprofit Accounting is available in both Basic and Premium editions, making it a good fit for smaller nonprofits looking for a product that also offers room to grow. FastFund Nonprofit Accounting can be used with Windows or Mac Operating systems, and all data is secured...…
