4 things to consider before changing your charity accounting software

There’s a lot involved – and a great deal at stake – when it comes to changing your charity accounting software. It isn’t a project to take lightly. After all, your charity accounting software is at the heart of your organisation, ensuring funds are properly attributed and the organisation runs smoothly. So, before you make any decisions, here are four points to bear in mind:

 1. Listen to your stakeholders

What tools do they need to get their jobs done efficiently? How can you help budget holders with event and project costing? How can you make it easier for volunteers and staff to submit expenses, log their time or book holidays? What support does your fundraising team need in terms of financial data and reporting? Are there specific reports required for external funders? Find out what is really required to improve the way the whole organisation operates before looking at software.

2. Ignore culture at your peril

This can be one of the biggest reasons why charity accounting software fails or doesn’t get fully-utilised. Make sure everyone who’ll be using the software is onside; you need their buy-in from the start of the project. Talk to them about how it’ll benefit them both in the short- and long-term. Encourage stakeholders to be involved in the project where this is possible – particularly in their area of expertise. People don’t like change so acceptance can sometimes feel like a slow process. Persevere because once they see how it’ll improve their work, they’ll be coming to you with ideas.