How to pick the right accounts production software as an accountant

When it comes to selecting the right accounts production software, accountants are spoilt for choice. There are lots of solutions on the market, all promising to make managing and preparing statutory accounts more efficient and effective – so how are you supposed to know which tech to choose?

Firstly, before getting deep into the options available, it’s worth understanding why accountants use accounts production software in the first place and what the benefits of it can be. Then, we’d advise having a look at what features you should expect good accounts production software to provide in order to help deliver those benefits to your firm. 

Once you’ve done that, come back to this blog – where we’ll focus on the key considerations to help you choose the right cloud-based solution for you and your team.

Find the right accounts production software

There are several essential features that intentionally designed accounts production software should have built in (and if you’ve read our previous blog ‘Features of accounts production software’, you’ll be aware of what they are). In summary, your accounts production software should make it easier for you to prepare and manage statutory accounts. It does this by:

• Prioritising compliance – with GDPR, MTD, and financial reporting standards

• Integrating directly – both with your other accounting software and Companies House and HMRC

• Being accessible from anywhere – without compromising on the features you’d expect from traditional desktop software. 

Beyond a core list of features and benefits, though, it’s important to focus on finding a solution that fits your firm’s specific needs and any challenges you consistently face. To help work out what you should prioritise when hunting for the right accounts production software, here are some key questions to ask. 

Do I have a specific problem to solve?

Every software investment should solve a specific problem for your firm, so you need to figure out what that looks like for you when it comes to accounts production. 

Are you trying to streamline production of statutory accounts themselves, or do you need to improve your compliance processes? Perhaps you need to improve analysis, or tailor reports for clients more specifically? Whatever your biggest challenge is, identifying it will help focus your decision-making around software that’s designed to address things directly.

Will this software integrate seamlessly with my tools?

Integration is a critical consideration when selecting accounts production software. If your new solution doesn’t work well with your existing tools – like bookkeeping, tax software, or client management systems – it could create more issues than it resolves. Look for software, like Capium, that prioritises integration to ensure data flows smoothly across all platforms – including directly with Companies House – and eliminates unnecessary manual input.

Is this software suitable for what I need right now?

Not all accounts production software is built the same, and the most feature-rich option isn’t always the best fit. Think about what your firm needs today and distinguish between essential features and optional extras. Then, compare each solution to see which one best aligns with your immediate priorities.

Can this software scale with my firm as we grow?

Your top priority is probably meeting your firm’s immediate needs, but it’s equally important to consider how your chosen accounts production software will handle future growth. Will it accommodate a larger client base or support more complex accounts as your practice expands? Look for flexible solutions, like Capium’s, that offer scalable features and pricing models.

What support and training is there on offer?

Even the best software can fall short without strong customer support. Look for providers that offer thorough training, onboarding resources, and accessible support services (our customer service team are second to none!) The smoother the implementation process, the quicker your team can start benefiting from the software. Don’t forget to check user reviews to gauge the provider’s reputation for customer service.

Ready to choose the perfect accounts production software for your firm?

Asking these questions will help make sure you choose accounts production software that aligns with your needs now and in the future, integrates effortlessly with your existing tools, and provides excellent support. 

Want to see Capium’s accounts production software in action? Sign up for a free trial and start experiencing the benefits firsthand.