Entry-level accounts payable software

Many desktop A/P software and bill management solutions are ideal for small- and home-based businesses because they integrate so well with Microsoft Office.

I recommend: Small businesses that are converting from a manual to a computer-based financial system may want to check out Peachtree First Accounting 2008, which was designed for just that purpose. Intuit’s QuickBooks Bill Pay Service is a subscriber-based invoicing service for users of QuickBooks. Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2008 is an entry-level accounts payable software solution targeted to home-based businesses that integrate Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Growing into more sophisticated accounts payable solutions

Many accounts payable software vendors have a progressive series of packages that allow you to graduate to more sophisticated versions as your business grows.

I recommend: Users of Microsoft Express may choose to upgrade to Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2008, which adds cash-flow forecasting, fixed asset manager and runs on SQL Server 2005. Peachtree has a progressive line of six accounting products that top out with Peachtree Quantum for companies with up to 200 employees. Check out Peachtree’s Tools to Help You Decide to find the right product for your business. 2020software.com allows you to compare features and prices of different accounts payable solutions as does Find Accounting Software.

Hosted accounts payable solutions

Hosted, web-based A/P software solutions spare businesses the trouble of running accounts payable software off their own servers while providing an off-site backup system.

I recommend: ExpenseWatch integrates T&E expense reporting with purchasing, budgeting and accounts payable invoice management. Nexus Systems’ PayablesNexus is a web-based purchase order and invoice management application that integrates with general ledger accounting systems. Khameleon’s project accounting software is a hosted project-based A/P software application.

Use an ERP system that includes accounts payable software

Larger companies need accounts payable solutions included in ERP systems that integrate the front and back offices, bringing together accounting, sales, marketing and other functions.

I recommend: Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 is a modular, integrated ERP solution that operates on Microsoft’s Web-based .Net platform. Sage Accpac ERP software is an accounting package that integrates with its modular line of end-to-end solutions, including business intelligence and reporting, customer relationship management (CRM), e-commerce, human resource management and more.

Accounts payable solutions for Mac

While PCs tend to rule in accounting departments, small, creative, design-intensive businesses may want accounts payable and bill management solutions for their Macs.

I recommend: MYOB’s FirstEdge for Mac and AccountEdge for Mac are progressive accounting packages that optimize small business accounting functions for Mac environments.