--- title: Things to Consider with Project Cost Accounting Software description: Flashy accounting software may be visually appealing, but for government contractors it's far more important that your software be comprehensive and compliant. Learn more about what to look for when shopping accounting software to ensure your GovCon business is set up for long term success. image: https://sql.sympaq.com/hubfs/analyzing%20software.jpg --- [Contact: 800-437-8151](tel:18004378151) [Help Desk](https://aldebaron.assist.com/portal) [![DCAA Compliant Accounting System | SYMPAQ](https://sql.sympaq.com/hubfs/crop-trans-logo.png "Government Contract Cost Accounting")Project Cost Accounting Software for Government Contractors](https://www.sympaq.com/) - [PRODUCTS](https://www.sympaq.com/) - [SYMPAQ Accounting](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-sql/) - [SYMPAQ Time & Expense](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-etx/) - [SYMPAQ DEMOS](https://www.sympaq.com/demos/) - [PRICING](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-pricing/) - [SERVICES](https://www.sympaq.com/services/) - [AUDITS](https://www.sympaq.com/dcaa-audits/) - [DCAA Audits](https://www.sympaq.com/dcaa-audits/) - [Single Audits](https://www.sympaq.com/a-133-audits/) - [RESOURCES](https://www.sympaq.com/#) - [Events / Webinars](https://www.sympaq.com/events-schedule/) - [SYMPAQ Demos](https://www.sympaq.com/demos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.sympaq.com/useful-links/) - [BLOG](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog) [![REQUEST DEMO](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2695973/fa292e59-f01d-4acf-b907-53fc989efa07.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2695973/fa292e59-f01d-4acf-b907-53fc989efa07) [![DCAA Compliant Accounting System | SYMPAQ](https://sql.sympaq.com/hubfs/crop-trans-logo.png "Government Contract Cost Accounting")Project Cost Accounting Software for Government Contractors](https://www.sympaq.com/) - [PRODUCTS](https://www.sympaq.com/) - [SYMPAQ Accounting](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-sql/) - [SYMPAQ Time & Expense](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-etx/) - [SYMPAQ DEMOS](https://www.sympaq.com/demos/) - [PRICING](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-pricing/) - [SERVICES](https://www.sympaq.com/services/) - [AUDITS](https://www.sympaq.com/dcaa-audits/) - [DCAA Audits](https://www.sympaq.com/dcaa-audits/) - [Single Audits](https://www.sympaq.com/a-133-audits/) - [RESOURCES](https://www.sympaq.com/#) - [Events / Webinars](https://www.sympaq.com/events-schedule/) - [SYMPAQ Demos](https://www.sympaq.com/demos/) - [Useful Links](https://www.sympaq.com/useful-links/) - [BLOG](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog) [![REQUEST DEMO](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2695973/fa292e59-f01d-4acf-b907-53fc989efa07.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2695973/fa292e59-f01d-4acf-b907-53fc989efa07) [![DCAA Compliant Accounting System | SYMPAQ](https://sql.sympaq.com/hubfs/crop-trans-logo.png "Government Contract Cost Accounting")Project Cost Accounting Software for Government Contractors](https://www.sympaq.com/) menu close close - PRODUCTS - [SYMPAQ Accounting](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-sql/) - [SYMPAQ Time & Expense](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-etx/) - [SYMPAQ DEMOS](https://www.sympaq.com/demos/) - [PRICING](https://www.sympaq.com/sympaq-pricing/) - [SERVICES](https://www.sympaq.com/services/) - RESOURCES - [Events / Webinars](https://www.sympaq.com/events-schedule/) - [Useful Links](https://www.sympaq.com/useful-links/) - [BLOG](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog) ## Blog ### Subscribe to our Blog # Things to Consider with Project Cost Accounting Software [DCAA Audits](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/dcaa-audits), [Accounting Software](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/accounting-software), [Business Tips](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/business-tips) 10/17/2019 [G. Chris Brown](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/author/cbrown) ![analyzing software](https://sql.sympaq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/analyzing%20software.jpg?width=300&name=analyzing%20software.jpg)Flashy accounting software may be visually appealing, but for government contractors it's far more important that your software be comprehensive and compliant. When it comes to managing your company's finances correctly and efficiently, your accounting software can make or break you. It can mean the difference between a painful DCAA audit, or one in which you have what you will need to stay within the regulations *and* win the contracts your company deserves. It can also be instrumental in staying on top of the status of your contracts rather than merely guessing. However, many popular accounting software products offer more flash than functionality. For example, QuickBooks® is undeniably attractive and user friendly, but is it the best fit for your government contracting business? Don't let flash hide the real product underneath; you need to thoroughly assess the available feature set before deciding which one to trust with your company's future. For government contractors, this point could not be more critical. Industry-specific software should not be judged by whether it has a spectacular user interface. The underlying data foundation is crucial, as this is what will generate the output you require to achieve your reporting objectives. In the high-stakes regulatory environment in which government contractors operate, you can't just aim for pretty and "good enough." Here is a checklist government contractors can use as they[shop for appropriate accounting software](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/avoid-mistakes-shopping-govcon-accounting-system). Structurally, the system must support: - Multi-layered [indirect cost structures](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/indirect-rate-structures-do-yours-need-to-change)by business area - Separate identifiers for HR and billing labor categories - Reporting by business area, financial account, contracts, and the contracts work breakdown structure (WBS) - Tracking purchase commitments by project, WBS, and project account - Tracking of multi-year cumulative costs and revenue ## **How to Choose the Best Accounting Software** Before you start your search, it's important to do your homework so you'll have everything you need to make an informed decision. Here are some things to consider: ### **1.** **Understand it is an investment.** Many low-end software programs are very affordable. However, industry-specific accounting software, or vertical software, represents more of an investment. Before you jump on the cheap program, consider how much that "affordable" software could actually end up costing you. If it doesn't have the required capabilities listed above, your company could be at risk for costly accounting and reporting oversights. Work within the budget you have, but consider more than the price tag when calculating the true cost of accounting software ownership for your business. And remember, accounting related costs are [generally considered allowable](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/dcaa-unallowable-and-allowable-costs)under FAR 31.205. ### **2.** **Scope out the competition.** Find out what your competitors are using while at networking events like business association meetings. Find out what people like and dislike about their current system. You can also ask your accountant since they probably have other clients in your industry. Then, contact vendors to determine how you can leverage their software in order to get a competitive edge, such as offering lower life-cycle costs that lead to lower general and administrative expenses. ### **3.** **Create your accounting software wish list.** Your wish list should include the capabilities mentioned above, but it should also include any personal requirements your company might have. What do you expect the software to do for you? Determine which capabilities are crucial and check out the top contenders' websites for [demos](https://www.sympaq.com/cost-accounting-demos/) and pricing. A quality software provider will be glad to discuss your company's needs and then allow you make the decision that's right for you. When you are shopping for something as serious as accounting software, don't make the mistake of letting flash blind your better judgment. For government contractors, it is absolutely critical to be comprehensive and reliable. And if you locate a glitzy system that can meet everything on your wish list, then you will have the best of both worlds. *For more information on SYMPAQ's DCAA-compliant cost account software, [Contact Us](https://www.sympaq.com/contact/)or [Request a Demo](https://sql.sympaq.com/request-a-personalized-demo-with-sympaq)* ### Recent Blogs February, 07 2025 ## [Strong Headwinds Ahead for Federal Government Contractors in 2025](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/5-challenges-federal-government-contracting-0) [Government Contractor](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/government-contractor) [Accounting Software](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/accounting-software) [SYMPAQ Benefits](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/sympaq-benefits) [Business Tips](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/business-tips) [Headwinds](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/headwinds) Poised to bid on contracts with the Federal Government? you will likely encounter challenges with procurement regulations and bureaucracy.[ Read the Blog](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/5-challenges-federal-government-contracting-0) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/5-challenges-federal-government-contracting-0#comments-listing) January, 10 2025 ## [End of Year Tax Form Filing Has Never Been Easier!](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/end-of-year-tax-form-filing-has-never-been-easier) [tax](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/tax) [2024](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/2024) As we learned last year when the paper filing threshold dropped from 250 for each tax form to 10 tax forms in aggregate (i.e., 1099-NEC plus 1099-Misc plus W2), one should no longer be contemplating t\[...\][ Read the Blog](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/end-of-year-tax-form-filing-has-never-been-easier) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/end-of-year-tax-form-filing-has-never-been-easier#comments-listing) December, 04 2024 ## [Another Year, Another End-of-Year Update](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/2024-year-end-of-year-update) [2024](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/topic/2024) One thing we've learned over the years as a software publisher is that unless you are planning on sunsetting a legacy application, you are never "done" with development.[ Read the Blog](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/2024-year-end-of-year-update) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/2024-year-end-of-year-update#comments-listing) ![](https://sql.sympaq.com/hs-fs/hubfs/crop-trans-logo.png?width=200&name=crop-trans-logo.png) We are focused on delivering reliable cost accounting, timekeeping and expense reporting solutions to labor-intensive federal government contractors and not-for-profit organizations in search of fully compliant, standards-based, project accounting software. ### Get In Touch [contact@sympaq.com](mailto:contact@sympaq.com) Local phone:[(301) 670-0858](tel:3016700858) Fax: (301) 840-1591 15839 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855. [Privacy Policy](https://www.sympaq.com/privacy-policy/) [Cookie Policy](https://www.sympaq.com/cookie-policy/) [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sympaq.com/terms-and-conditions/) ### Subscribe to Our Blog Get the latest business resources on the market delivered to your inbox. Copyright © 2023 Aldebaron, Inc. All rights reserved. Website by [IMGdigitalAgency.com](https://www.imgdigitalagency.com/) [![](https://sql.sympaq.com/hubfs/blue-seal-bbb.png)](https://www.bbb.org/us/md/rockville/profile/computer-software-developers/sympaq-0241-236013238#sealclick) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=1997524&fmt=gif) × ### Speak to a Specialist Find out how SYMPAQ makes DCAA compliance a breeze. Fill out the form below to speak with a SYMPAQ team member. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "G. Chris Brown", "url" : "https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/author/cbrown" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-22T00:01:47.381Z", "datePublished" : "2019-10-17T16:37:46.000Z", "headline" : "Things to Consider with Project Cost Accounting Software", "image" : [ "https://sql.sympaq.com/hubfs/analyzing%20software.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://sql.sympaq.com/blog/shopping-project-cost-accounting-software", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://sql.sympaq.com/hubfs/logo-2.png" }, "name" : "Aldebaron, Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "G. Chris Brown" }, "dateModified" : "October 22, 2024, 12:01:47 AM", "datePublished" : "2019-10-17 16:37:46", "description" : "Flashy accounting software may be visually appealing, but for government contractors it's far more important that your software be comprehensive and compliant. 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