How to Choose the Right Bookkeeping Software for Your Business
With dozens of bookkeeping platforms available today, choosing the right software for your business can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a startup, solopreneur, or small business with multiple employees, finding the right bookkeeping software is key to maintaining financial health.
Download Our Free Brochure →This guide breaks down the most important considerations, compares popular tools, and offers insight into how to align the right software with your long-term goals.
1. Understand Your Business Size and Needs Different platforms are built for different stages of business.
- Freelancers may need invoicing and expense tracking.
- Growing businesses may need payroll, inventory, and reporting.
Tip: Start with your pain points. Are you behind on books? Struggling to invoice clients? Juggling bank accounts?
2. Cloud-Based vs. Desktop Software Modern cloud-based tools offer remote access, backups, and integrations.
- Cloud-based (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero): Accessible from anywhere, real-time updates, subscription-based.
- Desktop-based (e.g., QuickBooks Pro): One-time purchase, localized data.
3. Key Features to Look For
- Bank reconciliation
- Invoicing and payment tracking
- Multi-user access and permissions
- Third-party integrations (e.g., Stripe, Shopify)
- Tax prep tools or reports
Pro Insight: Not all features are included at all pricing tiers. Make sure the essentials are in your plan.
4. Scalability and Upgrade Path Will the software support your business as it grows?
- Can you add users?
- Will it handle multi-entity businesses or multiple currencies?
Why it matters: You want a system that won’t force a migration every time you level up.
Download Our Free Brochure →5. Support and Community Customer service matters-especially if you’re managing books yourself.
- Is support chat, phone, or ticket-based?
- Do they offer live help or onboarding?
- Is there an active help forum?
Use Case
One e-commerce business started with spreadsheets and upgraded to QuickBooks Online. Remote Books Online handled the setup, integrated Stripe and PayPal, and provided monthly reconciliation. Within 90 days, they had real-time financials and automated invoicing-all without hiring an in-house bookkeeper.
FAQs
What is the best bookkeeping software for small businesses?
QuickBooks Online is the most widely used, but other tools like Xero or FreshBooks may suit niche needs.
Can I use bookkeeping software without a bookkeeper?
Yes, but professional oversight helps prevent errors and keeps you tax-ready.
Do you set up bookkeeping software for clients?
Yes. Remote Books Online sets up and maintains your books using the software that works best for you.
Can I switch software later?
Absolutely. We help with data migration if you outgrow your current system.
Need Help Choosing or Setting Up Your Software?
Let Remote Books Online guide you through setup, automation, and ongoing support.
Schedule your free consultation or call 1-800-583-0148
Tax professionals and CPAs rely on our QuickBooks bookkeeping services to streamline financials and scale their practices efficiently.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
