There is a need for software that’s specifically designed to handle accounting for nonprofits. When searching for this software, it’s important to consider different preferences and features that will suit the unique needs of an organization. To solve these issues, a number of programs have been created to suit specific areas, such as payroll or grants management. In this article, we will look at the best five options available in terms of overall value and features.
Our Top 5 Accounting Software For Charities
Best Accounting Software For Charities Reviews
1. Best Overall: Sage Intacct
One of the best options for a nonprofit organization is Sage Intacct. This system has an excellent set of features and tools that allow you to manage the finances for your entire organization, from one central location. Its simple interface allows everyone involved in the financial management process to easily do their job, with just a few clicks of the mouse.
The software can be used to manage all areas of accounting including donations, grants, payroll and even taxes! The service also provides full reconciliation capabilities as well as integration with over 85 other applications so it’s easy to connect them together and share information in real time.
2. Best for Affordability and Plan Options: QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit
Another option that’s sometimes overlooked is QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit. While this may not be the best for complicated accounting operations, it does provide excellent value and affordable plans for small organizations or those that simply need the basic functionality of the program.
It’s somewhat limited compared to other options, but it will work well if you don’t need the more robust features of other programs.
3. Best for Small Organizations: ACCOUNTS from Software4Nonprofits
One program that is often overlooked because of its older technology is ACCOUNTS from Software4Nonprofits. Unlike services that are designed for organizations with more complex accounting needs, ACCOUNTS can be used by small nonprofits that only need a relatively simple program to manage the finances of their employees and volunteers.
The system is designed to provide a cost-effective solution for small organizations and can also be used in conjunction with other free applications.
4. Best for Online Training: Araize FastFund Accounting
Another great option is Araize FastFund Accounting, which is an online training system for small nonprofits. It’s specifically developed to provide training in a fast and efficient manner by giving you the ability to customize your own course material based on what you want to learn.
Whether you want to learn how to create a payroll, enter donations or manage your financial statements, this easy-to-use software will have you well on your way to running your own nonprofit organization.
5. Best User-Friendly: Zoho Books
One program that is designed for the user experience is Zoho Books. This system offers tools that make it easy to analyze all aspects of the organization’s performance as well as track and manage incoming and outgoing cash flows.
The software can be used by anyone since it has a simple interface coupled with the ability to work on any device. Since it’s web-based, you will always be able to access the information regardless of where you are located.
Buyer’s Guide for Charities
The next chapter is all about choosing the right bookkeeping software for your nonprofit organization. In this section, we will look at some of the key factors to consider when deciding which software is right for you and why you should choose one of our 5 best accounting software for charities.
While there are many factors to consider before purchasing software for your nonprofit organization, here are some of them that we recommend you take into account:
Cost
Since most nonprofits have limited resources, it’s important to be mindful of how much money you can throw at a program without having to worry about running out of funds down the road. Some of our favorite programs like QuickBooks and Sage are very affordable, but there are also a lot of low-cost options that can be used by smaller organizations.
User Experience
If you have never used a particular bookkeeping program before, it can be very difficult to get up to speed if the user interface is overly complicated. Make sure that your organization has someone who is computer savvy who can help you learn how to use the software after you purchase it. It’s also important to make sure that the software you choose will be compatible with your device so that you don’t have to worry about buying an additional computer just for your accounting needs.
Your Organization’s Needs
There are a lot of different software programs that can be used for nonprofit organizations, and it’s very important to thoroughly weigh what your organization needs in order to make the most informed decision. If you’re looking for one program that can do everything for you, we recommend that you look into cloud-based accounting systems like QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, ACCOUNTS from Software4Nonprofits, Araize FastFund Accounting, Zoho Books, because they allow nonprofits to track transactions from anywhere in the world.
Credibility
It’s important that your organization chooses a software program with a highly credible brand behind it. As the saying goes, “people buy from people they trust, brands they love and companies they know.” Ask yourself if you trust the company that’s creating your software program, if their brand is one that you love and if they have a history of success when it comes to charitable donations. If you can’t find an answer to any of those questions, then we recommend that you look into another option before purchasing an expensive software package with a lesser known brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Use the Accounting Software for Charities?
Many of the programs listed here are designed specifically for nonprofit organizations; however, it’s important that you read guides with your new software, particularly if you purchased a new system. If you are completely new to nonprofit accounting, we recommend that you take a class or training on using the software; there are often free or low-cost options for charities.
What Are the Features of Accounting Software for Charities?
There are a lot of different features that you can expect to find when searching for accounting software for charities, including:
1. A mobile app that allows you to track transactions from anywhere in the world.
2. The ability to generate accurate financial statements on a quarterly basis.
3. Integration with third-party applications like PayPal so you can receive donations on the go.
4. The capability to generate reports in real-time to keep your organization aware of where you stand.
5. The ability to create multiple users so that all employees, volunteers and board members are able to see the financial data at the same time.
Conclusion
Accounting software for charities is a great way to stay on top of donor contributions, keep track of grant money and improve your organization’s overall financial health. So, you are ready to start working with the best accounting software for charity. If you have any additional questions about accounting software for charities or would like to hear about our top picks for the best program, then please get in touch with us.
