Choosing an Accounting Software
Switzerland offers a wealth of options when it comes to softwares for accounting. It can be difficult to know which is the right choice.
Questions to Ask Yourself
First of all, we'll need to ask you a few questions, to determine your financial needs and those of your company, so you can choose the accounting software best suited to them.
It is crucial to be able to answer the following questions:
- Target Audience
Is the software right for your company? Evaluate the size of your company, the sector in which it operates and its legal form.
- Synchronization and collaboration
Does the software enable you to work efficiently with a trustee? Does it integrate easily with other systems/applications? Does it have an interface API REST open ?
- Data export
Can data be easily exported and shared in different standard formats (PDF, Excel, etc.)?
- Banking
Does the software in question offer a banking connection? Evaluate the number of transactions you do on a daily basis. Do you need to manage a lot of foreign currency ? If so, will the software be able to manage them efficiently?
- Chart of accounts
Do you need it to be flexible or would you prefer it to be imposed by default?
- Payroll and supplier management
Will you be able to manage salaries and supplier accounting?
- Budget
Do you need the software to offer tools for managing budgets ?
- VAT
Do you need the software to support the declaration of VAT ?
- Cloud
Is the accounting software based on Cloud ? Almost unavoidable these days, it makes for easier handling and maintenance.
- Customer service
What kind of customer support do you need? Is customer service easy to reach? And by what means (chat, telephone, etc.)?
What Are the Best Accounting Software Packages in 2024?
Once you have defined the crucial aspects that your accounting software must meet, it's time to review the various options available on the market by Switzerland.
Sage: An all-in-one solution
Source: Sage
If you've already done some research to find Swiss accounting software, you've probably already heard of Sage. In fact, it's one of the best-known accounting software packages.
Benefits
Sage is particularly well suited to SMEs, but can also be used by larger companies. It offers several advantages, such as :
- A comprehensive range of software
- Cloud storage, so you can access your data wherever you are, and benefit from regular updates
- Good customer service
- The possibility of integrating other programs
- An affordable price range (subscriptions start at 17.-)
Disadvantages
But it also has its drawbacks, according to several users, who report having to spend a lot of time familiarizing to the platform due to the sheer number of functions.
SAP : A comprehensive but costly solution
Source: SAP
Benefits
As Europe's leading accounting software provider, SAP offers in-depth all financial aspects of your business (general accounting, accounts receivable and payable, asset management, etc.)
Our tools stand out for their performance optimal performance as well as full integration of all the tools you need to manage your business.
Disadvantages
Like Sage, SAP also requires a long lead time adaptationThe number of tools on the platform, and its rigidity (although many aspects can be customized), make this a very useful tool.
What's more, it's a software that proves to be very easy to use. expensive both to purchase and to implement, which can be discouraging for small businesses.
Winbiz: Software for SMEs
Source: Winbiz.ch
Benefits
Easier to use than Sage, Winbiz lets you easily various aspects of your business, such as payroll and HR management, invoicing, and VAT declaration.
Winbiz is good cheaper (subscription from 69.-/month) than its competitors, and much easier to learn. So this accounting software is particularly suited to :
- An SME
- An independent
- A startup
Disadvantages
If you're not an SME, you could quickly find yourself on the wrong track. limited by this software, and a solution such as SAP or Sage will be more suitable.
Winbiz is ill-suited to managing multiple subsidiaries and complex logistics processes. In terms of reporting, too, it remains rather basic.
Xero: Simplicity and flexibility
SourceFairwinds Management
Benefits
Like Sage, Xero is also cloud-based. Here too, it is suitable for SME financial management. It also supports QR-invoices, which is a major plus in the financial sector in 2024.
In addition to payment management, it is possible to connect the Xero platform to various banks Swiss to automate the import of transactions, which can be particularly useful if you carry out many transactions on a daily basis.
It also offers a wide range of integrations with other applications (CRM, inventory management, project management, etc.).
Disadvantages
Like Winbiz, Xero is easy to use, but has a number of advanced features. limited and will not be suitable for large companies.
Customer support is also rather limited. What's more, the software was designed primarily for English-speaking markets, which sometimes results in a certain ignorance of the specificities of the French market. Switzerland.
Crésus: Simple but limited
Source: Crésus
Benefits
Better suited to SMEs and the self-employed, this software includes the following functions basic accounting software (budget management, chart of accounts, etc.), making it easy to learn.
Cresus is also entirely customizable chart of accounts.with the option of adding several modules. What's more, this software is specifically tailored to the needs of Swiss companies.
Its cost affordable is another strong point. The accounting software can be purchased for around $600, or rented for $20 per month.
Disadvantages
Here again, the functionalities will remain very basicwith less robust cloud-based functionalities and limited capabilities for the reporting advanced.
Unlike Xero, there are far fewer third-party integrations possible with Crésus and far fewer possibilities for personalization.
Microsoft Dynamics AX: Focus on customization
Source: Naviona
Benefits
Known today as Dynamics 365, this software is a solution for powerful and multipurposewith integrated solutions (ERP, CRM) for seamless collaboration between different departments.
Highly flexible, this software is fully customizable to a company's specific needs, and integrates seamlessly with other products. Microsoft.
Native integration of Power BI enables in-depth data analysis, with interactive dashboards and customized reports.
Disadvantages
It is often necessary to use a training to get to grips with Dynamics 365, given its many features.
The customization we have mentioned is interesting, but it also has a drawback. costthe more you customize the software, the more it will cost.
Dynamics 365 is therefore poorly suited to SMEs.
Free accounting software
Although most of the software described above is available for a fee, there is also a range of free in Switzerland.
Banana: Suitable for SMEs
Source: Banana
Benefits
Accounting software Banana distinguishes itself from other software by its ease of use and the possibility of using a different version. free of charge to use features such as :
- Double-entry bookkeeping
- Cash accounting
- Swiss VAT management
- Financial reports (balance sheet, income statement, etc.)
This offer is particularly well-suited to small and medium-sized businesses self-employed people, associations and private customers.
Disadvantages
Free of charge, the non-paid version is a must limitedyou will only be able to carry out a certain number of transactions.
Wave: The free cloud-based solution
Source : Wave
Benefits
Wave's main functions are similar to those of Banana, although Wave also offers bank reconciliation. automatic.
Disadvantages
Adapting to Swiss standards (such as VAT management) may require manual adjustments, as this accounting software has not been developed specifically for Switzerland.
Your accounting with Fidulex
From your customer dashboard, you can check your finances 24/7. What's more, you can easily generate QR invoices for your customers, saving you both time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best Swiss accounting software?
The best software for you will depend on your personal situation and the needs of your business.
How do I choose the right accounting software?
Evaluate the different aspects of your business, such as size, legal form, market and personal preferences, to find the most suitable software.
Is there any free Swiss accounting software?
Yes, there are free accounting software packages like Banana. They're ideal for small businesses and individuals.
