44% of buyers disappointed in their accounting software

A significant proportion of accounting software buyers regret their purchase and are more likely to feel that way for this category than for other types of solutions, according to a new survey. 

This survey, from business software consultancy Capterra, polled 3,385 purchasers across 11 countries and found that just over half, 56%, are satisfied with their accounting software purchase while 44% say they're disappointed. The reasons for this are varied. For 28% of respondents, they thought the purchase was either too basic or too complex; for another 28%, the software performed below their expectations.

This might have something to do with buyers not taking the time to adequately map features to their uses in tasks and workflows, and not doing sufficient testing to understand how software features can be applied, according to the report. Other data bears this out: 44% of the respondents said that, in retrospect, they should have made sure to perform a needs assessment ahead of their next software search. A similar proportion (44%) said they would ensure a security review was carried out before selecting software again.

The survey also found such regrets are a little more likely to happen when it comes to accounting software purchases, as buyers are slightly less methodical in their formal selection processes. For example, 53% of accounting software buyers define budget and must-have features versus 55% generally. Further, accounting software buyers appear less likely to consider risk assessments (47% vs. 53%), define desired outcomes (47% vs. 50%), or do market research and/or vendor shortlisting (45% vs. 47%). 

"Our data shows there is a wide gap between global trends and accounting buyers in risk assessment. This is a surprising oversight in a risk-averse industry like accounting, where essential compliance norms are common. These kinds of lapses in process contribute to some of the causes for accounting buyers often missing out on the best-fitting match. A lack of clear goal setting and careful assessment of product options can prove detrimental in this area," said the report. 

Previous data from Capterra shows that software regret has remained common for accounting and finance professionals. A survey from about a year ago found that 70% of the respondents regret at least one software purchase made in the past 18 months. Additionally, 42% of respondents experience purchase regret with accounting and finance tools in particular. Of those respondents who regretted at least one software purchase, 57% indicate these regrettable decisions have resulted in substantial (50%) or even monumental (7%) financial repercussions.

The 2026 Capterra survey found that 55% of accounting software buyers have been affected by higher costs due to inflation, 42% have been affected by higher interest rates, 42% have been affected by market volatility and 38% said they've been affected by new tariffs. 

"This is impactful for accounting, especially as costs and cash flow may shift in the new reality as debt becomes more expensive and vendors potentially increase their costs," said the report. "Extra attention is therefore necessary on core accounting practices to track expenses and create better ways to monitor and analyze data collected within the business. This can help company management reassess and strategize around areas where original forecasts may need to be adjusted."