Like all business functions, it’s possible to handle an organization’s accounting functions manually. However, most businesses understand that accounting software packages make the job far more efficient.

Implementing a new accounting system can be stressful. There are a variety of missteps that organizations can make which are capable of derailing the entire project. Fortunately, PC Magazine recently compiled a list of 10 steps for setting up accounting software that can serve as a valuable guide.

The list focuses on a few key accounting systems: Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2008, MYOB Premier Accounting 2008, Peachtree by Sage Complete Accounting 2009, and Intuit’s Quickbooks Accounting Pro Edition 2009.

Some of the steps outlined in the article include securing your audit trail, customizing accounting forms, setting up online connections to your bank, and importing data directly from Excel. The article provides tips for each of the discussed software systems and should help make many organizations’ software implementations move much more smoothly.

Read the full PC Magazine article.