In a previous post, we talked about money. Now, we’re going to talk about how to manage it on your computer. Here are five of the best and most popular resources for church money matters. If it’s media that you’re looking for, we’ve got that. (Please click here to sign up). But if it’s church money matters you need the tools for, here is your guide.
1. Quick Books (Non Profit)
QuickBooks has a nice little package designed for non-profit organizations such as churches. QuickBooks is a popular software for a simple reason–it’s easy to use. Since QuickBooks is one of the most widely-known accounting software packages, you shouldn’t have any problem finding someone in your church who is familiar enough with the software to set it up for you. QuickBook’s audit trail feature is great way to implement accountability into church money matters.
Cost: $250
2. ACS Technologies – Membership PLUS Deluxe and Membership PLUS Standard
ACS Technologies produces the leading software for church management. This software package will do more than just help you with accounting. It will keep track of church members, manage your small group program, organize visitation, schedule meetings, generate reports, and keep track of the church’s rooms and equipment. So, if you’re looking for slightly more than merely an accounting software, here’s a good option.Only the Deluxe Version comes packaged with the advanced accounting features (transactions and payees), although the standard version does include basic contributions and deposit tracking tools.
Cost: $449.95 (deluxe), $249.95 (standard)
3. Clarity Accounting
It’s all online–a great feature for most churches today. For a pastor without a church office or a church secretary or bookkeeper who works from home, this software can be accessed anywhere you have the web. It is also a low-cost solution, works on Mac or PC, and can have as many users as you want (which is nice for accountability). If you didn’t major in accounting in college, no prob. This is a very intuitive piece of accounting software.
Cost: $10/month
4. ConnectNow from ParishSOFT
ParishSOFT produces a comprehensive church management software tool. The ConnectNow Ledger and Payables program helps to manage the money side of things. It has the advantage of being online, giving you the same level of access and mobility that Clarity Accounting does. ConnectNow has the disadvantage of being slightly less easy. It’s incorporation into ParishSOFT can either be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on whether or not you use the whole ParishSOFT package.
5. ChurchPro Church Management Software
Also a church management package, ChurchPro provides just about anything you’ll want in a church management software. The program can be a bit too comprehensive, at least as far as intuitive use goes. The accounting software is just about as comprehensive as it gets. ChurchPro is backed by a strong history and a loyal following. If you’re a Mac user, though, there is no ChurchPro software designed specifically for you. You’ll have to run Parallels.
ChurchPro Basic (1 installation): $299, ChurchPro Complete ($399)
The decision regarding which accounting software package to buy is a tough one. The best way to decide is to recruit someone who is experienced in accounting to help you with your church’s bookkeeping. Depending on their familiarity with various software and their recommendation, it will become easier to make a decision.
Managing and leading a church is a complex task. Sharefaith wants to make it easier. We want to help you communicate more effectively. That’s what we’re trying to do every day–through our blog, through our Guide, and through our media. Find out more about how you can become a part.