OK, you've decided that you need accounting software, now what? Unfortunately, accounting applications cannot simply be picked off-the-shelf because even these software can be bought as a stripped down version or purchased with accompanying modules and add-ons.
Shopping for accounting software requires a delicate balance of judgment the basis of which is one thing - your business. And so we come to our first step, documenting or analyzing your accounting business processes. Start with what documentation you may have regarding your accounting activities and meet with your accounting department to discuss areas that need to be improved to:

(1) cut overhead expenses,
(2) streamline accounting processes and
(3) improve data or report generation efficiency.
If you have a big organization, it may be necessary to assign this task to somebody or even to more than one person. Do not be overwhelmed by this effort. Remember that if your accounting processes are NOT documented then there is also no means by which you can control or check the accuracy of information going out
of your accounting department.
Once you have documented or come up with a rough process flow of your accounting procedures, evaluate if this existing setup really does meet your business
requirements. Should you retain that process flow exactly as it is? Or do you see items that need improvement? Can you automate or buy accounting software for just a part of your accounting procedures? If so, are the costs worth it? Or is it better to completely overhaul the system and replace it completely with an automated one? Again, do the costs justify it?
Once you have identified your business accounting needs based on the best possible process flow (as opposed to simply following existing procedures), then you can start your online shopping for accounting software.
You can do two things. One, you can search for accounting software with features that come close to your needs and send them a formal request for quotes. You can also ask them to visit you so they can conduct an onsite demo. Two, you can sign up for an accounting software comparison search where you fill out a questionnaire identifying your needs and then the site will get back to you with a list of software providers offering products that match your needs. Of course, you can also ask providers on this list to come over and do a product demo.
Always remember that when purchasing accounting software, you should not just buy one based on the 'now' but also on scenarios that can happen in the future. As such, ask about after-sales support, online support, training and product updates.