How to Choose the Right Accounting Software (Singapore SMEs, 2025)

Keep it simple. Answer three questions and you’ll land on the right fit—fast.

1) Do you need inventory?

No inventory (services/consulting/project work):
- Must‑have: clean invoicing, GST reports (IRAS‑ready), audit trail, period lock, user permissions.
- Good fit: ABSS/MYOB (on‑prem, strong control and audit hygiene). SQL Account is also a more flexible choice.
Yes, inventory (trading/wholesale/e‑commerce):
- Must‑have: items & variants, multi‑warehouse, pricing tiers/discounts, approvals, stock valuation reports.
- Good fit: SQL Account (robust stock controls, sales approvals, item analytics). ABSS suits lighter stock needs.

Cloud (browser‑based SaaS):
- Pros: log in anywhere, auto‑updates, lots of plug‑ins.
- Watch‑outs: ongoing subscription, internet dependency, vendor holds the live database (export policies vary).
On‑prem + Remote Desktop solutions (ABSS/MYOB, SQL Account): — SQL Account also supports optional cloud hosting (separate from Remote Desktop/RDP; hosting fees apply)
- Pros: you own the licence and database, LAN speed for heavy posting, works in‑office even during ISP outage, predictable long‑term cost.
- Watch‑outs: basic server hygiene needed (backups, Windows updates, user access rules).

What it is
- Remote Desktop solutions (RDP): You access your on‑prem Windows server app over an encrypted session; the database stays on your server.
- SQL Cloud Hosting: Your accounting app + database run on a data centre; monthly hosting fees apply (separate from licences).
Ownership
- RDP: You own the licence and database; you control backups and retention; office users can work on LAN even if internet is down.
- SQL Cloud Hosting: You still own your licences and database file; the provider hosts the server and typically handles uptime/backups per plan.
Performance
- RDP: LAN‑speed in office; remote users stream only screen/keyboard/mouse (low bandwidth).
- SQL Cloud Hosting: All users connect over the internet; speed depends on data‑centre bandwidth and your ISP.
Cost
- RDP: One‑off software ( Upgrade version will have additional charges)
- SQL Cloud Hosting: Monthly hosting fees
Best for
- RDP: Mixed office/remote teams who want offline resilience and local speed.
- SQL Cloud Hosting: Multi‑location teams without a server room who want quick scale‑up.

Note: SQL Account supports partner‑managed cloud hosting. This is separate from Remote Desktop/RDP.

On‑prem (ABSS/MYOB, SQL Account): you own the licence and control the database file. You decide backup, retention, and where it’s stored (local/NAS/cloud).
SQL Cloud Hosting = you still own the licence + database; if you stop the hosting service, you can take back the database and install on your own PC/server.

Service, no inventory, want ownership & controls: ABSS/MYOB on‑prem (+ Remote Desktop solutions for WFH).
Trading with serious stock: SQL Account on‑prem (+ Remote Desktop solutions if multi‑location).
Don't want to do your own hosting : cloud option.