Contpaqi Accounting is, without a doubt, one of the most popular accounting software programs in Mexico. Its specialization in automating tax processes has made it a favorite of thousands of accountants across the country. However, there's one reality we can't ignore: while accountants love it, business owners often avoid it.

A robust system, but anchored in the past

Contpaqi Accounting offers significant advantages for complying with tax obligations in Mexico. These include:

• Automatic accounting recording from XML files.
• Report generation for electronic accounting, DIOT, trial balance, policies, among others.
• Integration with other systems in the Contpaqi ecosystem.

However, its graphical interface, which appears to have not been updated since the 1990s, represents a significant barrier for many non-accounting users. The system is still desktop-based, requires local or server installation, and lacks a functional mobile app that allows business owners to conveniently access accounting or financial information.

Why don't business owners consult him?

From my experience as an accountant, one of the main obstacles for business owners to take advantage of Contpaqi is the lack of connectivity and accessibility. The need to connect to a server to view any data disrupts the immediacy required by today's business environment.

Besides:

• The interface is not designed to be intuitive for non-accountant users.
• Many key decision-making reports (such as balance aging, inventory, cash flow, margins, and others) are not generated in a simple or integrated manner.
• This leads many business owners to end up creating their own Excel files, duplicating efforts and having information that is outdated with the accounting system.

Thus, Contpaqi becomes a tool used almost exclusively for tax and regulatory compliance, but little or not at all as a source of useful information for decision-making.

The Mexican market needs a hybrid solution

I believe the Mexican market is hungry for an accounting platform that meets two simultaneous objectives:

1. This allows accountants to automate their work and comply with the SAT's tax requirements (which are increasingly digitalized and involve more electronic cross-checks).
2. Provides entrepreneurs with access to useful financial information, in real time, from any device, in a clear and accessible way.

What happened to QuickBooks in Mexico?

QuickBooks QuickBooks attempted to be that solution, and was well received by many business owners. However, it never managed to adequately tropicalize its system for Mexican taxes and regulations. It failed to win over the accounting profession, which weakened its position. Ultimately, QuickBooks decided to exit the Mexican market, without achieving the expected impact.

Exploring new solutions: Odoo

Recently, while researching other options and talking with clients and colleagues, I heard about Odoo, a modular ERP that can be used for free by implementing just one module, but which also has specific applications for tax compliance in Mexico.

I started implementing it in companies with simple accounting systems, and in upcoming blog posts, I'll be sharing my practical experience: what works, what doesn't, and whether it can truly be a solution that revolutionizes the way we integrate accounting with business management.

Accounting is not just for the SAT

It's important to remember that accounting isn't just for tax compliance. Its true function is to generate reliable information that allows for:

• Make strategic decisions.
• Evaluate the profitability of products, services or business lines.
• Detect risks or deviations in time.
• Improve the company's cash flow and financial health.

As accountants, we must demand more from our tools, and as business owners, we must seek platforms that bring us closer to information, not isolate us from it.

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