There are several different online bookkeeping and accounting software and services available that you may use for your business purpose. Though all may promise you the best results and flawless bookkeeping, you may find these promises far from the truth once you start using an online accounting service. This is because all these online services or software are not the same when it comes to functionality, features, usefulness, and efficacy.

Therefore, to make the best use of these and make your investment as productive as your business itself, there are a few facts and features that you should know and consider while making your choice.

Frequently asked questions

If you look at the most frequently asked questions by the users about the latest accounting and bookkeeping software available online, you will be much better off and make the right choice in the end.

When you consider the benefits of online accounting software there are several that you can enjoy.

• Mobility: Online accounting software will give you flexibility and mobility in managing your finances no matter whatever is the type of device. You will be able to automate your accounting processes and gain more clarity over the financial position of your business. You will, in the end, get paid more and faster.
• Latest version: Most of the modern accounting and bookkeeping software are updated automatically in the cloud. That means you will always get to use the latest version of these accounting tools not requiring to manually download the compliance updates and features.
• Cost effective: Since most of the software and tools work on a SaaS or software as a service pricing model, you will pay a very low monthly fee in the end. There will be no large upfront expense for your software license. You will pay on a month to month basis meaning that you will not be locked into a contract. You can have it canceled anytime.
• Security: Since all your data will be stored in the cloud it will be safe from any misuse and theft or any accidental failure of the physical hardware. All the data servers will provide 24/7 security as well as several different layers of encrypted protection.

As for the pricing, they are not only cheap to use but are more cost effective. For a very low payment made each month, you will get useful add-ons that will help in your accounting work. These add-ons will include:

• Unlimited invoicing
• Unlimited payroll and
• Automatic bank reconciliation.

Few other factors

According to Darcy Services Reckon Bookkeeping, apart from the pricing model and the usability, there are a few other things that you should know before making the final choice:

• You may wonder that these accounting tools are bookkeeping services are not meant for small businesses. On the contrary, you can use these for any type of business accounting to know the peak lull periods in your business throughout the year. Since these tools and software are very flexible, you can customize the features according to your business so that it suits your needs and budget.
• Assuming that you operate on a different type of accounting software that may be old, there is no reason to think it as a hindrance in using these latest accounting tools. You can easily convert from other accounting software to these latest ones even for free. You simply have to follow the instructions for making such conversions from the conversion page of the website of the specific software you want to use.
• Next, you may worry about the complexities in these accounting tools and software considering the advancement in technology and software development. Well, there is nothing to worry about this because with the latest development and features included in these accounting tools there will be a lot of support, training, and webinars.

Few companies may even link you with one of their network of partners for added support and expert training on their specific online accounting software.

If you worry about your type of business and think that it will not be feasible to use these tools for your accounting needs, then you are wrong once again. Ideally, online accounting software can be used by any type of businesses as long as there are customers to purchase products or services and payments are made to the business. The list of common industries that use online accounting services and software includes:

Trades as the tradesmen can track each job, manage the estimates and even stay on top of TPAR reporting. Typical trades that use online accounting are:

• Plumbers
• Carpenters
• Mechanics

The self-employed use it to manage expenses, track payments, and invoice clients. Typical self-employed businesses using online accounting software are:

• Photographers
• Designers
• Writers

Services sector that provide anything other than goods use online accounting software to keep a track of their expenses, financial performance, and manage payroll. This list includes:

• Hairdressers
• Nail salons
• Sporting clubs
• Non-profit organizations
• Housekeeping
• Event management services

The most significant reason to use accounting software is that it will help you to be compliant with the ATO because it is automatically updated with the latest compliance changes. You will, therefore, remain compliant all through the year and with the help of these you can easily lodge the BAS and Single Touch Payroll reports. You can send it directly to the ATO and therefore save a lot of time and effort.

These online accounting tools and software can easily integrate with more than a thousand business apps making your job far easier, quicker and flawless. These apps include:

• Inventory
• e-Commerce
• CRM
• Project management and much more

This feature will reduce repetitive administration and management requirements allowing you to streamline your effort and entire workflow. The most significant thing is that for enjoying all these accounting benefits you will not require any coding.