Have You Grown Out of Quickbooks?

Quickbooks is great for small businesses just starting out, but what happens when your accounting needs begin to grow? If you think your business might be growing out of Quickbooks, there are a few signs to watch out for. If you notice any of these signs around your business or organization, it might be time to upgrade to a different accounting software. 

Signs Your Organization Has Outgrown Quickbooks

Quickbooks can be easy and convenient to use when you just need an approachable accounting software for handling bookkeeping. As businesses grow, though, their accounting needs become more complex. Here are the most common signs that your organization has outgrown Quickbooks. 

1. You Reached Your User Limit

One of the first signs that your business is growing out of Quickbooks is when you reach your user limit. Quickbooks limits the number of users who can access your accounting data, usually to one or two people depending on your plan or subscription. This is fine for many small businesses. 

However, larger businesses need whole teams to handle accounting and bookkeeping. If it is starting to feel like the accounting team is fighting over the remote to get into the business Quickbooks account, it is probably time for a new accounting program. 

2. Your Data is Spreading Out

A common sign that Quickbooks is no longer a fit for your business is overflowing data. When businesses outgrow Quickbooks, it often starts with data spreading out to other programs, such as Excel. Employees are finding that Quickbooks can’t do something they need or maybe the program doesn’t have space for their data. It may even be because other users are always on the Quickbooks account. 

Whatever the case, spreading data is a red flag that it’s time for a different accounting program. If you notice that your business’s accounting data is getting harder to keep track of and spread out between several programs, Quickbooks is no longer cutting it for you. 

3. You’re Worried About Data Security

Cybersecurity should be a top concern for every business or organization today. If you’re getting particularly concerned about security and fraud protection for your accounting data, it may be a sign that Quickbooks doesn’t have the security your business needs. 

Quickbooks gets the job done for small businesses. However, the more data and revenue your business is handling, the more likely it is to be targeted by hackers. Quickbooks has minimal security features, which are not adequate for the protection that medium and large businesses need. So, the more your business expands, the more data security you will need. If you’re worried Quickbooks doesn’t offer enough protection, it is a sign you need new accounting software. 

4. Longing for More Customization

One of the benefits of Quickbooks for small businesses is its simplicity. Many people who are using Quickbooks are new to business accounting. So, the lack of customization is not a problem but rather a perk. This is not the case for larger businesses, though. 

As your business grows, you will get a better idea of what accounting metrics you want to track and what data and features you need in your accounting software. Businesses that are outgrowing Quickbooks often notice that Quickbooks is missing the level of control and customization that they would like. 

5. Your Inventory is Growing

A growing inventory is a great thing for business. It’s a sign your business is thriving and attracting plenty of customers. However, a growing inventory can also be a sign that your business’s accounting needs are growing. Even if Quickbooks is still getting the job done, you may soon find that your business has too much inventory and sales data for Quickbooks to be effective. 

6. Your Business Is No Longer “Small”

Finally, consider whether or not your business is still truly a “small” business. If you’re beginning to see your business as a mid-sized company, it is a sign that you are outgrowing the small business category. In fact, you may even be officially graduating from small business criteria according to federal classifications. Feeling like you are no longer truly a small business is a sign of success, but it is also a sign that Quickbooks probably can’t handle your business’s accounting anymore. 

Evolving From Quickbooks

Many businesses start out on Quickbooks. It’s approachable and easy to use. However, as businesses expand, their accounting and bookkeeping needs grow and change. Quickbooks wasn’t designed to be a one-size-fits-all accounting software. So, if you’re noticing any of these signs or habits around your business, there’s a good chance your business has grown so much that it is graduating from Quickbooks.