As a small business owner, you’re interested in running your business, making sales, and ensuring your clients are satisfied. We all know accounting software is far more efficient than a hand kept set of books. While you probably aren’t interested in the technical details, having an easy to use accounting system will make you day-to-day accounting duties, like invoicing customers or processing payroll easier.

Even annual required filings such as quarterly payroll tax filings and year-end 1099 reporting will be prepared more efficiently with the right accounting software. I’ve rated the most popular small business accounting software to help you with your decision on what accounting software might be best for you.

This list is a review and ranking of the most popular small business accounting software; it is definitely not exhaustive.

1. Peachtree Complete Accounting 2012

Ease of Use
You’ll find Peachtree Complete Accounting easy to learn because it is presented in a logical workflow path for streamlined learning and processing of routine transactions. Peachtree is an example where software imitates life. Just as you’d have to give a customer a quote, create a job order, and then prepare an invoice, Peachtree software follows the same logical steps, making it a good choice for the non-accountant.

Reporting
Peachtree provides more than 118 standard reports, with the most comprehensive suite of inventory reports.

Peachtree is a bit light on its pre-built suite of graphical reports. All reports can be customized in every aspect, such as column width, font type, and more.

Support
Sage, the makers of Peachtree, requires a monthly or annual support subscription for telephone, email, and chat support and access to its online support library. Sage Advisor helps users get the most out of Peachtree through personalized dashboards, step-by-step videos, and on-screen help. Due to Peachtree’s popularity, there are many blogs, and articles that offer useful advice and help on using the software.

Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP

Price: $199.99

2. QuickBooks Pro 2012

Ease of Use
QuickBooks Pro is perhaps the easiest accounting program to use, with installation and set-up made easier with the business creation wizard. QuickBooks Pro is so easy to use that a new company can be up and running within five minutes after the software is installed.

Reporting
QuickBooks Pro offers more than 116 standard reports, with a drill-down feature that makes more details available for further insight. While QuickBooks Pro doesn’t have the most reports available, it certainly has more than enough for most users. QuickBooks Pro also offers industry-specific versions for construction contractors, retailers, non-profits, and many other industries.

Support
QuickBooks Pro comes equipped with help files and Intuit offers support online. Intuit provides basic, free email support that includes help with registration, passwords or download issues. For telephone support, it offers two service plans – a month-by-month and an annual support plan. Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisors can provide local support through certified consultants who are available for remote and onsite support. QuickBooks Pro is the most popular small business accounting software so there are many free resources available on the web for using the software.

Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac

Price: $183.95

3. AccountEdge Pro 2012

Ease of Use
AccountEdge comes with 100 custom business templates; each template is defined by an industry and comes with suggested configurations for each industry. This is a good place to start and it is fully customizable.

Reporting
AccountEdge has more than 190 standard reports, which is by far the most comprehensive suite of pre-built reports available. AccountEdge comes with nearly 50 accounts receivable reports, almost 30 financial statement reports, and approximately 20 payroll, inventory, and billing reports.

Support
AccountEdge offers free online instructions. However, a subscription is required for email or telephone support, which can be pricey. Email support is $129 per year and telephone support is $199 per year. Local support is available through certified consultants who are available for remote and onsite support. However, AccountEdge isn’t as popular as Peachtree and QuickBooks Pro, so onsite support may not be available in all locations.

Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac

Price: $299.00