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10-step Guide for Migrating to New Accounting System

Accounting data migration involves moving all of your accounting data from one database schema (the source) to another database.

10-step Guide for Migrating to New Accounting System
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10-Step Guide for Migrating to New Accounting System

Your present system no longer satisfies all of your demands, so you have planned to switch to better accounting software. Before upgrading accounting software, it's crucial to have a plan in place because it may be a very delicate process and impact how your firm operates.

What is migration in accounting?

Accounting data migration involves moving all of your accounting data from one database schema (the source) to another database schema (the destination).

When should you change accounting software?

The ending of the fiscal year is typically the ideal time to change accounting software. To ensure a seamless procedure, be sure to plan for the appropriate transition phase. Sometimes it takes a long time. You can have a difficult time if you don't adhere to the exact checklist.

10 Simple Steps to Transition to New Accounting Software

You have decided to move and have scheduled a date for your departure. Now, adhere to the instructions below to switch to a new accounting Programme.

1. Finalize a cut off date

The cutoff date is the day on which you begin utilizing the new system and stop using the old accounting system. It is a good habit to perform bank reconciliation at the end of one month and to begin using new software on the first day of the following month, however you are free to choose any date.

2. Inform your accountant

Inform your accountant about your choice. Their knowledge could even assist you in selecting the ideal bundle for your company. They must feel comfortable using the Programme or at the very least be able to export the required data.

3. Research and shortlist the right fit

Before you begin searching for software, be aware of your needs. Utilize free trials to gauge your comfort level with various goods. Watch out for any additional beneficial features that you might employ when your firm expands, such as cloud computing.

4. Audit your IT infrastructure

Software alone cannot solve the problem. The compatibility of the new software with your current hardware must be verified. You might have to choose the next best alternative or upgrade your gear if your current infrastructure cannot run the software you want. Do not assume that software is the finest simply because it is pricey. Better systems exist that function flawlessly across all browsers and don't have any hardware requirements.

5. Back up your data

Before you make a system shift, ensure that your data is backed up and readily available. If something goes wrong while migrating, you won’t lose important information.

6. Do a trial run

Run a trial balance or make a balance sheet and save it before moving all of your data to the new system database. By doing this, you may be sure that your chosen software has computed the data accurately.

7. Define quantifiable goals

Goals that are measurable are those that routinely monitor corporate performance. Having these objectives defined will assist management during the software transition's planning, implementation, and control phases. This is a crucial stage since it enables you to choose the appropriate data format for achieving your goals and organizing subsequent actions.

8. Format and map your current data

When recording information, different accounting systems offer various data types. Your data must be error-free and saved in the suggested format prior to transfer. Many companies decide to use Excel to create a backup, however the information on these spreadsheets is susceptible to hacking and transcription errors.

9. Test imported data

To ensure that the software performs flawlessly with few errors, tests on the imported data must be performed. To look for inconsistencies, you may also compare there ports from your old system with those from the new one.

10. Train your users

Before implementing the new accounting system, give yourself adequate time to train and test your users. Assuring user compliance, provide standard system procedures for learning the new Programme. This will assist you in avoiding significant complications brought on by little problems like incorrect data entry.

FAQ on Migrating to New Accounting System

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on migrating to a new accounting system:

Q: Why should I migrate to a new accounting system?

There are several reasons why you may want to migrate to a new accounting system. Some common reasons include:

  • Your current system is outdated and does not meet your business needs
  • Your business has outgrown your current system
  • Your current system is not user-friendly or efficient
  • Your current system is not integrated with other business applications

Q: How do I choose the right accounting system for my business?

To choose the right accounting system for your business, you should consider your business needs and budget, as well as the features and functionality of the different systems available. You may also want to consider the integrations and support offered by the vendor.

Q: How do I migrate to a new accounting system?

To migrate to a new accounting system, you will need to:

  • Export your data from your current system
  • Check the compatibility of your data with the new system
  • Plan your migration in advance
  • Test the migration process
  • Consider seeking professional help if needed

Q: How long does it take to migrate to a new accounting system?

The time it takes to migrate to a new accounting system depends on the amount of data you need to migrate and the complexity of the process. On average, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to migrate to a new system.

Q: Are there any risks involved in migrating to a new accounting system?

There are some risks involved in migrating to a new accounting system, such as data loss or corruption, disruption of business operations, and the cost of migration. To minimize these risks, you should ensure that you have a well-planned migration process and consider seeking professional help if needed.

Q: Can I migrate to a new accounting system without disrupting my business operations?

Yes, you can migrate to a new accounting system without disrupting your business operations. To do this, you should ensure that you have a well-planned migration process and communicate with your employees about the changes. You may also want to consider implementing the new system in stages to minimize disruption.

Conclusion

You should endeavor to follow the checklist without skipping any steps now that you have one for switching accounting systems. Find out more information about the accounting software you have chosen. Choose the best software package after considering a variety of options. The time-saving, secure, and real-time financial record viewing Zoho Books cloud accounting system. As long as you are connected to the internet, its flexibility enables you and your accountants to make knowledgeable judgments from any location. Try out our accounting software for free to see how it may benefit your company.

The actions listed above can be used as a roadmap to help you transition to a new system. Incase if you have any trouble Jordensky is here to help you because that is what we do.

About Jordensky

At Jordensky, we specialize in accounting, taxes, MIS, and CFO services for Startups and growing business and are focused on delivering an experience of unparalleled quality.

When you work with Jordensky, you get a team of finance experts who take the finance work off your plate– ”so you can focus on your business.”

Akash Bagrecha

Co-Founder of Jordensky