Software you can count on: choosing the right accounting package for your business.

To computerize or not to computerize your company s accounting system? That's no longer the question. Instead, you need to know how to select the best accounting software for your firm's financial needs.

For starters, you need to consider the business you're in. A service-oriented enterprise requires strengths in an accounting package that are different from one used by, say, a manufacturer or retail business.

For instance, a manufacturer should look for a program that emphasizes features for handling inventory control, sales orders and accounts receivable. A service business, however, should eye programs that measure the financial flow of a particular job, including expenses, labor and income.

Even companies in the same industry require different tax or corporate structures as well as different reporting requirements. These needs will highlight the appropriate accounting package.

Accounting software packages fall into three categories: personal finance, integrated and modular. There are some personal finance packages that sell for under $100 that are fine for a one- or two-person shop. However, they don't always have invoicing, accounts payable and payroll features.

Some popular personal finance packages: Quicken (Macintosh and DOS versions are available) from Intuit (800-624-8742) and Managing Your Money (Macintosh, DOS and Windows) from Block Financial Software (formerly MECA) (800-820-7458).

One-Write Plus, by NEBS (800-882-5254), is a favorite of Linda Feinberg, owner of Word Power International a computer support service firm in Manchester, N. H. "They've just upgraded the program to 4.5, making it easier to use and train others on," she says. "At $50, it's also inexpensive and has payroll capability and a good audit trail [used for bookkeeping entries]." A company that needs to track inventory might want to look elsewhere. Mac users needn't look at this program either; it's DOS-based.

If you need a more comprehensive program, then check out an integrated package, which will run between $100 and $300. The additional features are well worth the increase in price: there's a general ledger, accounts receivable/ payable, inventory control, reporting and payroll. These programs are intended for small firms that use double-entry accounting methods.

Scott Gleaton, office manager at Kardoes Rubber in Lafayette, Ala., says his manufacturing plant is using DacEasy (DOS and Windows) by DacEasy Inc. (800-DACEASY). "We've been using the program for the last three years for general accounting, payroll and billing," says Gleaton. "We don't have purchase orders, so we don't use that feature, but it works fine," he adds.

Gleaton particularly likes DacEasy's centralized technical support line. "They are willing to answer any question without referring you to another number," he says.

Other popular off-the-shelf integrated software packages: Peachtree Accounting (DOS and Windows) by Peachtree Software (800-228-0068), Quickbooks (DOS, Macintosh and CD-ROM) by Intuit (800-624-6930, ext. 810-200) and CA-Simply Accounting (Macintosh, DOS and Windows) from Computer Associates International (800-225-5224).

For mid-size and larger companies, another option is a modular package where each component is purchased separately (general ledger,payroll, inventory, etc. . But doing that costs more, with prices starting around several hundred dollars per module. Moreover, these are usually purchased through computer consultants, accountants or value-added retailers.

What's ideal, however, about modular programs is they are customized to the specifics of your firm's computer system. These packages are designed with complex features, and may require a "better than average" knowledge of accounting.

Some top-level modular packages include: BusinessWorks by Manzanita Software Systems (800-447-5700), Great Plains Accounting by Great Plains Software (800-456-0025) and SBT VisionPoint by SBT Corp. (800-944-1000).

Keep in mind that each company, including yours, has its own needs. Purchasing software that requires lengthy training may create more problems than it solves. So, speak with either your accountant or a computer consultant before you rush out and purchase your software.

Also, bear in mind that accounting software packages cannot replace an accountant. Good software helps you keep accurate records; it doesn't solve your financial problems.