Every business needs to partake in some form of accounting. Medium to larger sized businesses may have an in-house accountant. Smaller to medium sized businesses may outsource for accounting services. Smaller businesses usually rely on accounting software to handle their accounting affairs. Software available includes Quickbooks, Netsuite, Accpac, Microsoft Solomon, and a variety of others. You need to find the software that will be right for your business. Technology is only as good as its application. Without efficient planning, software can do more harm than good. Accounting systems can be involved and complicated, but there is no need to worry as long as you take the time to think about your accounting software before you purchase it.
Does it fit?

The first thing to do is assess the accounting needs of your particular business. Selling product will warrant the need to track inventory. If you are a service provider, then keeping track of clientele is something that will be required. You don't want the software to be too complicated in relation to acclimating it to your specific business. You will need the software to handle tax reporting, invoicing, payroll, and ongoing sales and expenses.
Will it grow?
If you are a smaller business, most likely you will want your business to grow. Your accounting software should grow in proportion to the size of your business. Having a good idea of where your business is going, and at what rate, will be beneficial knowledge to have before buying accounting software.
Will it work with what you have?
You need to get software that will be compatible with the software and hardware that is currently ingrained into your system. You need software that will be compatible with your computer's operating system. If you had an old accounting system, you will need to know if that information can be imported into the parameters of the new software.
How much?
Obviously, you will get more for the money that you are willing to put out. Depending on the size of your business and the number of functions that is required, the software can be less than $100 or can reach into the thousands. The price should not be of concern, because if the accounting software is operated correctly and efficiently, it will make your business run more smoothly. If your business is running well, the dollars paid on the accounting software will more than pay for itself.