Twenty years ago, integrated accounting within a dealer management system (DMS) seemed like a no-brainer. It eliminated double-entry bookkeeping and kept everything under one roof. Back then, it made sense—it was impossible to tie two desktop applications together. You couldn’t run software on a local server and have data shared with another locally installed application. But this isn’t 1990—times have changed.
For as often as I work with dealers, I’m often surprised when I encounter dealerships with the mindset that “we must have integrated accounting.” Trying to have an open conversation about why they’re so convinced of this (and they’re usually adamant) often falls on deaf ears. Digging deeper, I usually uncover one of two reasons:
a) The “old-school” mindset: They’ve been told—or convinced by some larger dealer group—that it’s the only way. Running their dealership on anything without integrated accounting, they believe, won’t work.
b) The “we’re too big for QuickBooks” mindset: They assume QuickBooks is only suitable for small businesses, like the owner’s cousin’s side hustle t-shirt company. “QuickBooks couldn’t possibly handle the volume or complexity of our dealership’s operations,” they think.
And this is usually where the conversation stops. Trying to explain to these dealerships that there’s a better way almost always hits a wall.
So, I’m here to tell you: this is 2025. Clinging to outdated accounting modules from legacy dealer management systems isn’t just unnecessary—it’s bad for business. Today’s software tools, like QuickBooks, combined with seamless integrations, make those legacy systems obsolete. Let’s clear up this lingering misconception once and for all.
1. You’ve Been Brainwashed: Integrated Accounting Is Not Essential
The belief that every dealership needs integrated accounting is outdated and, frankly, wrong. Yet many large dealerships cling to it like gospel, convinced their financial operations will fall apart without it. This mindset has been drilled into business owners by legacy software companies that refuse to innovate. Instead, they lean on fear to keep you locked into their ecosystem.
Want to switch to a better system after serving your five-year sentence with them? What better way to keep you hooked than to convince you that you must have their accounting tools.
The reality? Integrated accounting is no longer a necessity. Modern software like QuickBooks, paired with robust integrations, delivers the same seamless experience—without the limitations, headaches, and inefficiencies of outdated accounting modules. Integrations with marine DMS platforms like DealerRock can instantly send accounting details directly into your QuickBooks file with no effort. It’s time to unlearn what you’ve been told and embrace tools that actually work better for your business.
2. Easier to Hire and Train Accounting Staff
Here’s the truth: finding people who know how to use these outdated accounting modules is next to impossible. When someone on your accounting staff retires or leaves, your business could be stuck scrambling to find someone who understands the clunky, niche tools built into these legacy DMS platforms. Once you find someone, it can take up to a year before they feel even somewhat comfortable with the nuances of those modules. This is assuming they don’t get frustrated and move on.
On the flip side, QuickBooks is everywhere. It’s the most widely used accounting software for small- and mid-sized businesses. Certified experts are abundant, training is straightforward, and most accountants already know how to use it. Hiring someone with QuickBooks experience is a breeze, meaning your business won’t skip a beat when staffing changes happen.
3. Legacy Accounting Modules Are Outdated and Limited
The accounting modules built into older DMS platforms are relics of a bygone era. They were designed when technology was limited, and it shows. These systems are:
- Hard to use, with clunky interfaces that waste time and frustrate employees.
- Lacking in features, offering minimal reporting, no automation, and no modern tools like mobile access or banking integration.
- Rigid and inflexible, unable to adapt to the evolving needs of modern dealerships.
QuickBooks, on the other hand, offers everything these outdated systems can’t: advanced reporting, automation, scalability, and continuous updates to meet today’s business demands. Holding onto legacy accounting modules isn’t just inefficient—it’s a liability.
4. Integrations Make Accounting Feel Fully Integrated
Here’s the thing about QuickBooks integrations: they’re so seamless, it’s like having integrated accounting without the drawbacks. DealerRock, for example, syncs directly with QuickBooks to:
- Automatically transfer transactions in real-time.
- Keep your financial data accurate and up-to-date without double entry.
- Allow you to manage operations in DealerRock and financials in QuickBooks without missing a beat.
The only difference is that you log into QuickBooks to handle your accounting. That’s it. You get the best of both worlds: a cutting-edge DMS for dealership operations and the power of the world’s leading accounting software.
5. Stop Letting Legacy Systems Hold You Back
Let’s face it: sticking with outdated accounting modules keeps your business stuck in the past. These systems are hard to use, difficult to staff, and severely limited in what they can do. Worse yet, they cost you time, money, and flexibility.
With DealerRock and QuickBooks working together, you’ll get:
- A future-proof solution that’s scalable and constantly improving.
- Simplified staffing thanks to the widespread familiarity of QuickBooks.
- Modern tools and automation that save time and increase efficiency.
It’s time to break free from the constraints of outdated technology and embrace a smarter way to run your dealership.
Ready to Break Free?
DealerRock’s integration with QuickBooks gives you everything you need to manage your dealership and finances seamlessly. Don’t settle for outdated tools or fall for the myth that integrated accounting is essential—choose a modern solution that keeps your business moving forward.
Contact us today to learn how DealerRock and QuickBooks can transform your operations.
Managing Director, Sales
