Hire a consultant or buy software?
Buy software when a product fits a defined process and your team can own configuration, review, and support. Hire a consultant when the process needs redesign, systems must be connected, or nobody on the team can lead implementation.
When software fits
A repeatable process, supported accounting system, and named internal owner make a product easier to evaluate. Test your actual exception types, approval rules, and reporting needs before committing. Confirm how you export your data and leave the product.
When a builder fits
Multiple systems, inconsistent workflows, or custom approval rules may need a builder. Ask who handles discovery, integration, testing, documentation, and support. Request comparable work in your system rather than a general AI presentation.
When you need both
A product can supply invoice capture or matching while a builder handles configuration and integration. Separate the software agreement from implementation scope so you can compare responsibilities and recurring costs.
Compare ownership, not a demo
List what the vendor, builder, and finance team each own. Include security review, exception queues, training, monitoring, and handoff. Compare proposals against the same acceptance criteria.
Related reading
Put the project into words.
Your systems, your process, your constraints. Bands only.