Accounting is such an important part of every business that it would hardly make sense to overlook the necessity of making sure accounting systems are up-to-date, dependable and accurate. Most business owners do their best to purchase the best accounting software they can afford, since their company's bottom line depends on it. Yet, if your company isn't using an Internet-based accounting solution, you may not be getting the best return on your investment.

Web-based accounting systems offer some advantages over system- or network-based accounting software. Some of these follow:

1. The ability to access data remotely, via telephone or mobile device, as well as online via your computer

2. The opportunity to focus on your business, rather than on software maintenance, updating and upgrading, or on network, server or other IT issues

3. Smaller, periodic subscription/user fees, instead of a large, one-time license fee

4. Faster return on investment and typically lower overall cost

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand what web-based accounting software has to offer your company

Information is available online which illustrates and explains the benefits your company can enjoy by incorporating a web-based accounting system into your company's overall financial strategy.

I recommend: Lingo Technologies provides an excellent overview of Internet-based accounting software, showing you why it would benefit your company's bottom line. InnoVergent also explains why Saas (Software as a Service), otherwise known as on demand accounting software, is important to your business.

Explore the features of specific accounting on demand services

Certain websites provide in-depth information that can help you delve more deeply into the details of a particular web-based accounting program.

I recommend: Lingo Technologies provides a thorough description of the NetSuite On Demand Finance & Accounting software, including numerous large-size, easy-to-read screen shots. InnoVergent offers various Intacct financial software solutions for companies ranging from small to mid-size to large corporations with numerous subsidiaries.

Don't overlook systems that integrate a web-based accounting program with other needed applications

Many companies offer on demand business management software that has an online accounting solution built in.

I recommend: BizAutomation.com offers an on demand option for its enterprise-wide business management software suite. In addition to its many other features, it incorporates a web-based accounting system into its on demand software. The PCS (ProfitCenter Software) on demand Profitability Software Suite also includes the ProfitCenter Accounting on demand component. CODA Group has also joined with Salesforce.com to produce an Internet-based accounting solution (part of its overall financial software package), integrated with the traditional Salesforce CRM application program.

Visit websites that offer information from numerous on demand accounting software vendors

For more options and greater versatility in comparing and choosing your company's best online accounting solution, try sites that offer one-stop information gathering.

I recommend: Capterra offers links to a wide variety of accounting software vendors, including accounting on demand software providers. The site provides links to demos and further information about each application. It also allows you to request information from multiple vendors at the same time.

Check websites that offer price quotes on various accounting on demand software

Some websites provide price quotes from multiple vendors to give you a better idea of which services would be most likely to fit your budget.

I recommend: Accounting Software 411 offers a free, professional software search, giving you multiple vendor price quotes based on the information you provide about your company's needs when you fill out their online form. They also conveniently group providers into low, medium and high-end accounting software categories. Here's their low-end group.

Consider companies that offer help with your existing web-based accounting system

If you've already purchased an accounting software solution and simply need guidance in the best way to optimize its use for your company's specific needs, some companies specialize in helping business owners do just that.

I recommend: FAOnDemand offers help integrating a number of different web-based accounting software services into your business, making life easier for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  So many providers of accounting on demand software compete for your attention today that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Instead of looking at this as a problem, think of how many more options this gives you for finding just the right online accounting solution for your company's unique needs, and be sure to take full advantage of it.