Buyer’s Guide To Choosing The Best Document Management Software 

Guide: Document Management: A Buyers Guide | IRIS

This handy guide is written specifically to help Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and accounting leaders make an informed decision around researching and selecting accounting document management software, and find the best document management software for your firm or department. 

What the guide covers 

By downloading A Buyer’s Guide to Accounting Document Management Software, you will discover: 

1) 16 signs that you need a document management system 
Save time by quickly determining whether your firm truly needs a document management system. If you experience one or two of these, you should consider investing in a DMS soon. 

2) The benefits of document management 
Understand how top-tier accounting document management software can transform your workflows. 

3) Why IRIS Document Management system 
Find out what makes our software solution the go-to for CPAs and accounting firms of all sizes across the US. 

How do you choose the best document management software? 

Time is money, especially in the accounting industry. A poorly organized document management system slows your team down and can lead to critical errors. Upgrading to the best document management software ensures your firm operates at peak efficiency.  

Features like version control, secure access, and streamlined collaboration simplify how you manage, share, and store documents—all while keeping sensitive client data safe. With the right accounting document management software, you can focus less on admin tasks and more on client service. 

Before jumping into the guide and introducing yourself to IRIS Document Management, here are some tips for choosing a software solution that’s best suited to your unique needs. 

User friendly  

When evaluating the best document management software, many businesses initially zero in on back-end functionality and features. However, even the best DMS won’t deliver value if your team struggles to use it effectively. 

Document management systems must cater to the desired end-users – both individually and across departments – to seamlessly support technical tasks and day-to-day operations and maximize long-term value. 

Adopting a new system often requires changes in employee behavior to unlock the full potential of the software. Your teams should be able to quickly grasp how the accounting document management software makes their daily workload easier and more efficient, so a strong emphasis on usability and training ensures that your organization can meet its goals in record time. 

Business alignment 

It’s essential to make sure your chosen document management software aligns with business goals or desired outcomes.  

Firstly, look at the scope. Is this solution primarily for your accounting department, or is it expanding to multiple teams? What document types will it handle?  

Whether your challenges lie in workflow automation, data security or accuracy, also make sure your chosen software can deliver the solutions you need and measurable value.  

Finally, keep communication open with your document management system provider. The best document management software should come with dedicated customer support, both onboarding and ongoing, to ensure smooth deployment and alignment between business goals and software performance. 

Security and compliance 

Secure file sharing and compliance must be central considerations when managing documents for clients. For example, protecting sensitive data from cyberattacks, accidental loss, or misuse. 

Advanced systems come equipped with tools that not only shield client information but support with laws and regulations. 

Automated workflows in the best DMS can apply logic that ensures your accounting firm complies with financial regulations, while safeguarding client data. With data protection baked into your document management software, compliance doesn’t have to be a headache—it becomes an integral part of operations.  

Workflow automation 

Being able to run automated workflows within your document management system is a game-changer for accounting firms. Using an intuitive visual design, the workflow automation allows you to manage documents at scale and streamline repetitive processes, saving valuable time. 

From managing project timelines to gaining approvals for client files and tax forms, automated workflows support both sequential and parallel task flows to fit your accounting firm’s day-to-day needs. They ensure consistency and leave a clear audit trail to empower your team and further back compliance efforts. 

Cloud-based scalability  

A cloud document management system is ideal for firms planning to grow. It allows instant scaling of document storage and processing power without costly hardware upgrades. Its remote access capabilities ensure seamless collaboration between teams, enabling flexibility and efficiency. 

These systems are also highly adaptable, making it easy to integrate advanced tools like analytics or additional features without disrupting workflows. This flexibility ensures that as your firm’s needs evolve, your software evolves with you, keeping operations smooth and future ready. 

For accounting firms, scalability means handling increased workloads and client volumes without compromising on service quality, even during busy periods. This enhances client satisfaction and ensures your firm stays competitive for years to come. 

Make accounting document management easier 

If outdated filing systems and inefficient workflows are holding your team back, now’s the perfect time to explore a change. Download your copy of A Buyer’s Guide to Accounting Document Management Software today.