Is there a difference between business accounting and church accounting software?
You can find software designed specifically for use by churches along with a variety of software packages designed primarily for business use. When looking for software for your church you must remember that your accounting requirements differ substantially from those of a commercial business.
Churches and other nonprofits differ significantly from businesses in that they use a special style of accounting called fund accounting. It is quite important for churches to utilize this specific type of accounting for their books. The difference with this form of nonprofit accounting is that is looks at assets and liabilities based on their intended ultimate purpose.
Cost accounting differentiates between funds that are restricted such as contributions for missions, and those that have general or unrestricted flexibility. Differences in what data is collected and how it is organized are significant between a church and a business although they both must keep accurate and audit verifiable records.
Is free church accounting software a viable option for your church?
You might find that a simple business accounting program can work for your church. But if the program is too basic it could be possible for someone to make dishonest changes to your records with no easy way to find who made them or how to audit the changes once made.
An additional issue when using accounting software intended for businesses is that there will not be any ability to track attendance or giving without using an additional free standing program intended for these purposes. Free church accounting software may not be suitable for churches that are larger due to more complicated management and accounting needs. If the free options do not seem suitable at least some of the versions for sale are reasonably priced.
Small and startup churches would really find it a blessing if more free or very low cost accounting software was available for their use. A number or church accounting software producers will make special exceptions for small churches so if you find one that you really think would work for you, contact them.
You can find software designed specifically for use by churches along with a variety of software packages designed primarily for business use. When looking for software for your church you must remember that your accounting requirements differ substantially from those of a commercial business.
Churches and other nonprofits differ significantly from businesses in that they use a special style of accounting called fund accounting. It is quite important for churches to utilize this specific type of accounting for their books. The difference with this form of nonprofit accounting is that is looks at assets and liabilities based on their intended ultimate purpose.
Cost accounting differentiates between funds that are restricted such as contributions for missions, and those that have general or unrestricted flexibility. Differences in what data is collected and how it is organized are significant between a church and a business although they both must keep accurate and audit verifiable records.
Is free church accounting software a viable option for your church?
You might find that a simple business accounting program can work for your church. But if the program is too basic it could be possible for someone to make dishonest changes to your records with no easy way to find who made them or how to audit the changes once made.
An additional issue when using accounting software intended for businesses is that there will not be any ability to track attendance or giving without using an additional free standing program intended for these purposes. Free church accounting software may not be suitable for churches that are larger due to more complicated management and accounting needs. If the free options do not seem suitable at least some of the versions for sale are reasonably priced.
Small and startup churches would really find it a blessing if more free or very low cost accounting software was available for their use. A number or church accounting software producers will make special exceptions for small churches so if you find one that you really think would work for you, contact them.
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