Chapter 6

Computer Options for Bookkeeping

In This Chapter

arrow Finding the right accounting software for your business

arrow Getting your computerized books up and running

Some small business owners who have been around a while still do things the old-fashioned way — they keep their books in paper journals and ledgers. However, in this age of technology and instant information, the majority of today’s businesses computerize their books.

Not only is computerized bookkeeping easier, it minimizes the chance of errors because most of the work done to a computerized system’s ledgers and journals (see Book I Chapters 3 and 4, respectively) involves inputting data on forms that can be understood even by someone without training in accounting or bookkeeping. The person entering the information doesn’t need to know whether something is a debit or credit (see Book I Chapter 1 for an explanation of the difference) because the computerized system takes care of everything.

Mobile accounting is also becoming popular, with major accounting software packages now available as online tools that can be accessed from any mobile device. Companies with multiple locations, if they purchase an online accounting software package for multiple users, can allow employees to log on from anywhere and access a central ...

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