It seems with every release of new accounting software, developers attempt to one-up each other with more and more features. While more features can certainly be good in some aspects of financial software (summaries and reports, for instance), there is a law of diminishing returns. There is a tipping point at which point more features does not mean a better program, but a more cumbersome.

Why is 'less is more' valid when it comes to some aspects of accounting software? There should be as little interruption, when working with accounting software, as possible. The more bells and whistles there are, the more interruptions.

The most successful and usable financial software is that which strikes the perfect balance between many useful features and a sleek, easy-to-use interface.

PAYROLL AS AN EXAMPLE

It can be tempting to look to payroll as an aspect of accounting software in which more is better. "If we have as many features as possible in the payroll section of the accounting program," the argument goes, "then we will be able to be more efficient!"

This is far from the case. Generally, there are a few features that are necessary when it comes to payroll. Accounting software which deals with payroll should be able to print checks, automatically pay employees, do direct deposit, and take care of income tax withholding.

Software with more than those features tends to be past the point at which more features become useful. Beyond that point, though, the payroll section simply becomes confusing, difficult to navigate, and cumbersome.

If there are too many features in your accounting program, then it means that the developer likely spent more time focusing on nifty add-ons than on the actual structure and fundamentals of the accounting software. It is far better to have software that does a few things, but does them very well, than it is to have a jack-of-all-trades program that does many things in a mediocre manner.

Financial programs should not create more problems than they solve. Programs that are too complex tend to invent problems that were not even problems to begin with. When problems are created simply with the goal of solving them, then efficiency goes down the drain.

When shopping for accounting programs, keep in mind what you actually need in the program. Look for software that does an excellent job at what you need, and don't be impressed by features you didn't even know you needed in the first place. The bells-and-whistles approach of selling software is an excellent sales tactic, but it often does not benefit the consumer.

When you know what aspects and features on which to focus your energies when shopping for financial programs, you will pick a program that benefits you and your business. Treat the shopping process like you would treat the hiring process. If you want an employee with some predefined traits, it does not matter if he is classically trained in opera (unless, of course, you are looking for an opera singer).