Your team is divided on accounting software. How do you navigate conflicting preferences for selection?

Start by identifying the essential requirements based on business needs, such as ease of use, integration capabilities, and cost. Then, ask the team to propose their preferred options, highlighting the pros and cons of each. If possible, conduct a small-scale trial (Proof of Concept) to compare options in real-world scenarios. If disagreements persist, focus on the solution that delivers the most value to the majority with the least resistance to change, and support the decision with proper training to ensure a smooth transition. The goal isn’t to please everyone but to choose the tool that best serves the business.

To navigate conflicting preferences on accounting software, I gather input from the team to understand their needs. Then, I set clear criteria based on functionality, scalability, and budget. After testing multiple options, I facilitate discussions to weigh pros and cons objectively. A final decision is made based on consensus or key priorities, and I implement gradually to ease adoption. In one case, my team was split between two platforms, so we ran a trial phase, which helped us make an informed decision without resistance.

Start with active listening. Involve everyone who touches the system—bookkeepers, accountants, controllers, even clients if necessary. Understand their day-to-day frustrations and must-haves. A tool that works great for reporting might be terrible for reconciliations, so capturing a 360° view is key.

Turn all that feedback into objective selection criteria. What matters most—scalability, integrations, cost, ease of use, industry-specific features? Ranking these in priority ensures emotion doesn’t outweigh logic during selection.

I suggest running live demos with real tasks instead of relying on opinions. Let the team test the software hands-on; enter invoices, reconcile accounts, and generate reports. Often, a system that looks good on paper struggles in actual use, while another, initially dismissed, proves more efficient. This approach shifts the discussion from personal preferences to practical performance, ensuring the final choice is based on what truly works. Here are some of my top tips! ✅ Assign a team member to document challenges and successes during the demo. ✅ Test integrations with existing tools to catch compatibility issues early. ✅ Set a clear timeframe for testing so the process stays on track.

Never skip the test drive. Demos give you a real sense of workflow fit, user experience, and where the software excels or falls short. It’s also a great way to surface hidden needs you didn’t consider at the start.

Bring the team back together. What surprised them? What did they love/hate? This is your opportunity to address resistance, identify champions, and challenge assumptions with real-time observations.

Choose decisively—but transparently. Explain how the final selection aligns with the criteria and input shared earlier. People are more likely to support a decision when they understand the “why,” even if their first choice wasn’t picked.

Rolling out new accounting software all at once can overwhelm the team. A phased approach works best. Start with a small team or department, monitor performance, and address any initial issues before expanding. This method minimizes disruptions, reduces resistance, and allows room for adjustments. When people see improvements firsthand, they are more likely to embrace the change. Key Steps for a Smooth Transition: ✔ Pilot Testing – Begin with a select group to identify challenges early. ✔ Training & Support – Equip users with hands-on training and troubleshooting resources. ✔ Progressive Rollout – Expand usage gradually based on feedback and refinements. ✔ Team Engagement – Keep communication open to ensure alignment and confidence.

Don’t go all-in overnight. Start with a pilot group or a non-critical workflow to test stability, get feedback, and make tweaks. It reduces disruption and builds confidence across the org before full rollout.