Accounting software requirements checklist

Start with the shape of the business

A solo consultant, a retail operation, and a multi-entity company can all call themselves a small business while needing very different books. List the transactions you actually process—sales channels, bills, payroll, inventory, projects, and currencies—before comparing brand names.

Price the plan you will use, not the logo price

Entry prices often exclude the feature that triggered the search. Check user limits, invoice or client caps, multi-currency, inventory, projects, advanced reports, and the cost of payroll or payments before deciding which plan is cheaper.

Accountant fit matters

The cleanest workflow is the one your bookkeeper and tax professional can review without exports and repair work. Ask which platforms they support, what access they need, and whether collaboration adds a seat charge.

Red flags

• A plan that cannot export your core reports
• Promotional pricing treated as the permanent cost
• No clear migration path for customers, invoices, and opening balances
• Buying inventory or project features before confirming the workflow fits