Summary
Accountants have strong feelings about their tools.Excelstill rules, but frustration with slow, clunky, or outdated accounting systems is real. As a business owner, understanding these software pros and cons helps you make smarter purchasing and hiring decisions.
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Accounting Software
Reddit’s r/Accountingrecently explored a simple question:What do you love or hate the most about your accounting software?Here's a breakdown of what software gets praise, what drives people nuts, and what small business owners should take from it.
Software Accountants Love
1.Excel(Yes, Still)
"I actually love Excel. It gives me control and flexibility."
Despite new tools, many accountants still swear by spreadsheets for their speed, customization, and familiarity.
2.QuickBooks(Mostly Desktop)
"QuickBooks Desktop still runs circles around Online. It’s fast and efficient."
QuickBooks Desktop remains a favorite for speed and reliability, while QuickBooks Online gets mixed reviews depending on feature usage and internet reliability.
3. Tools That Integrate Seamlessly
"Any software that talks to other tools is gold. APIs save me hours."
Accountants appreciate platforms that play well with others—reducing data re-entry and sync errors.
Software Gripes & Pain Points
1. Laggy or Overcomplicated UIs
"I can’t stand when a basic task takes 5 clicks."
Poor user interface and slow systems are top complaints, especially for cloud-first tools with outdated design.
2. Lack of Customization
"No way to build the reports I actually need."
Rigid reporting frameworks frustrate accountants who want deeper insights or specific formats.
3. Inconsistent Updates or Support
"They change the layout every few months and don’t fix core bugs."
Some tools roll out cosmetic changes while ignoring real functional issues—a source of daily friction.
What This Means for Small Business Owners
Choosing the right software matters—not just for you, but for the team you hire or outsource to. Accountants are more productive and satisfied when:
Software matches workflow
Speed and access are optimized
Integrations eliminate redundancy
If your accounting tool is slowing down your team, it might be time to rethink.
Top Takeaways: Smarter Software = Happier Accountants
| What They Value | Your Action |
|---|---|
| Speed + UI simplicity | Test for ease of use before committing |
| Excel compatibility | Don’t force tools that eliminate Excel entirely |
| Report flexibility | Choose platforms with custom reporting |
| Integration with other apps | Look for strong API support or native sync |
| Responsive vendor support | Prioritize software companies with good service |
FAQs
Q: Should I switch from QuickBooks Online to Desktop?
A: Depends. Desktop is faster for heavy use, but Online has broader access and integrations. Ask your accountant.
Q: What’s the best way to vet software?
A: Let your finance team or bookkeeper test the tool before you implement it business-wide.
Q: Can software really impact retention?
A: Absolutely. Slow, clunky systems drive frustration and burnout.
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Author: Kimi, Co‑founder of Sam’s List
Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam’s List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
