Will Accountants Resist If I Use Non-Standard Bookkeeping Software?

I recently came across a discussion about someone managing their Bookkeeping with Excel. The consensus was to avoid them as a client because they don’t use a mainstream tool like QuickBooks.

Our point of sale (POS) software is a niche product with built-in general ledger functionality, used by only a few hundred people in our specific industry. At the end of each day, sales, cost of goods sold (COGS), and inventory accounts are automatically updated. The software also features an integrated accounts receivable (AR) module. New inventory acquisitions automatically generate journal entries for inventory and accounts payable (AP), with vendor invoices appearing in the AP.

Although the software lacks built-in payroll support and requires manual journal entries for payroll, it is otherwise a comprehensive solution. Generating income statements and balance sheets is straightforward and efficient. The software significantly reduces data entry time since most transactions are posted to the ledger automatically. Switching to QuickBooks would mean more time spent on routine Bookkeeping tasks.

Considering this setup, I’m curious if accountants are likely to resist working with me because I don’t use conventional bookkeeping software. The Excel discussion made me wonder if choosing this approach might make me a less desirable client.

Using a non-standard Bookkeeping software can indeed lead to some pushback from accountants, and there are several reasons for this. However, whether this turns into a significant issue depends on several factors, including the complexity of your business operations, the functionality of your current system, and your accountants’ flexibility and experience.

Potential Challenges

Familiarity and Expertise:
- Standardization: Accountants are generally well-versed with standard software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage. These platforms are widely recognized for their reliability and comprehensive feature sets. Using a less-known software means that accountants may need additional time to learn its functionalities and quirks.
- Learning Curve: Even efficient systems can be intimidating if an accountant has never encountered them before. Familiarity breeds efficiency, so using non-standard tools can potentially slow down your accountant’s workflows.
Integration:
- System Compatibility: Standard Accounting Software often integrates seamlessly with a wide range of other applications, like CRM systems, tax preparation software, etc. If your chosen software doesn’t integrate well, it might increase workload for your accountant or necessitate additional manual adjustments.
- Data Import/Export: If at any stage, there is a need to migrate data, the ability to easily export from your system and import into another can be crucial. Limited export functionality can be a significant pain point for accountants.
Support and Updates:
- Support Availability: Mainstream software offers robust support systems and regular updates. If your software lacks effective customer support or regular updates, it might pose challenges if any issues arise.
- Reliability and Security: Non-standard solutions might not adhere to stringent security protocols, which can be a red flag for accountants concerned about data protection and regulatory compliance.

Considerations for Minimizing Pushback

Documentation and Training:
- Comprehensive Documentation: Provide your accountants with detailed user manuals or walkthroughs of your system. This can significantly shorten the learning curve.
- Training Sessions: Consider arranging a session with the software provider to train your Accounting team on its functionalities.
Assess Core Functionalities:
- Functional Analysis: Review and highlight how your software efficiently handles critical functions like A/R, A/P, inventory management, and reporting. This might help convey the system’s capabilities and ease reservations.
- Customized Reporting: If your system provides

One response

APAdmin

26 February 2025 at 2:48 PM
Using a non-standard Bookkeeping software can indeed lead to some pushback from accountants, and there are several reasons for this. However, whether this turns into a significant issue depends on several factors, including the complexity of your business operations, the functionality of your current system, and your accountants’ flexibility and experience.

Potential Challenges
1. Familiarity and Expertise:
  - Standardization: Accountants are generally well-versed with standard software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage. These platforms are widely recognized for their reliability and comprehensive feature sets. Using a less-known software means that accountants may need additional time to learn its functionalities and quirks.
  - Learning Curve: Even efficient systems can be intimidating if an accountant has never encountered them before. Familiarity breeds efficiency, so using non-standard tools can potentially slow down your accountant’s workflows.
2. Integration:
  - System Compatibility: Standard Accounting Software often integrates seamlessly with a wide range of other applications, like CRM systems, tax preparation software, etc. If your chosen software doesn’t integrate well, it might increase workload for your accountant or necessitate additional manual adjustments.
  - Data Import/Export: If at any stage, there is a need to migrate data, the ability to easily export from your system and import into another can be crucial. Limited export functionality can be a significant pain point for accountants.
3. Support and Updates:
  - Support Availability: Mainstream software offers robust support systems and regular updates. If your software lacks effective customer support or regular updates, it might pose challenges if any issues arise.
  - Reliability and Security: Non-standard solutions might not adhere to stringent security protocols, which can be a red flag for accountants concerned about data protection and regulatory compliance.
Considerations for Minimizing Pushback
1. Documentation and Training:
  - Comprehensive Documentation: Provide your accountants with detailed user manuals or walkthroughs of your system. This can significantly shorten the learning curve.
  - Training Sessions: Consider arranging a session with the software provider to train your Accounting team on its functionalities.
2. Assess Core Functionalities:
  - Functional Analysis: Review and highlight how your software efficiently handles critical functions like A/R, A/P, inventory management, and reporting. This might help convey the system’s capabilities and ease reservations.
  - Customized Reporting: If your system provides
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Using a non-standard bookkeeping software, will I get pushback from accountants?

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Will Accountants Resist If I Use Non-Standard Bookkeeping Software?

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Potential Challenges

Considerations for Minimizing Pushback

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