Easy to use basic accounting system wanted [Archive]

Chris Kaday

7th June 2009, 06:32

I have decided to abandon Excell and go for a proper accounting system which Mrs K can use. My business is very simple - one man consultancy so want the most basic system which is very very easy to use and set up. Recommendations from all you accountants please - which one is a breeze?
Chris Kaday
Business Coach

CassioAcc

7th June 2009, 07:35

See VT Cashbook - simple and free. If you find this too basic, then look at solar accounts.

Williams lester

7th June 2009, 07:45

Also worth having a look at MS Office Accounting Express and TAS Books Basic, both of which are free.

Chris Kaday

7th June 2009, 07:49

Goodness can a free accounting system be any good - fantastic
Chris Kaday
Business coach

CassioAcc

7th June 2009, 07:54

VT Cashbook is more of a bookkeeping package without a lot of the other functionality, MS Express has more.

Best to trial them and see what fits your business or ask your Accountant (if you have one) as they will undersrand the types of transactions you have and be able to make an informed recommendation.

Chris Kaday

7th June 2009, 08:02

Yes good idea - will ask them
Chris Kaday
Business Coach

Williams lester

7th June 2009, 08:20

Goodness can a free accounting system be any good - fantastic
Chris Kaday
Business coach

Hi Chris,

Just because it is free, it doesn't mean it wont be any good! Surely your signature should indicate that....don't you advertise free business coaching?

Most of the free packages are just cut down versions of much more complex systems, so have a solid foundation without the functionality which would probably be unnecessary for your type of business.

Chris Kaday

7th June 2009, 08:24

OK good point Dave

I just was just surprised that something as functional as an accounting package was free - thats all

Am investigating

Chris Kaday
Business Coach

Hi Chris,

Just because it is free, it doesn't mean it wont be any good! Surely your signature should indicate that....don't you advertise free business coaching?

Most of the free packages are just cut down versions of much more complex systems, so have a solid foundation without the functionality which would probably be unnecessary for your type of business.

business123

7th June 2009, 09:08

Chris, I'd thoroughly recommend Solar Accounts http://www.solaraccounts.co.uk. You can download a free trial, the software costs about £100. I've used many packages before, but this is the easiest and most straighforward to use.

BusinessIdeas

7th June 2009, 09:21

You could get one designed specifically applicable to your business in ms access?

MyAccountantOnline

7th June 2009, 09:34

Its another recommendation for VT cashbook from me.

I have so many clients using it now and they have, without exception, been so pleased I recommended it to them.

http://www.vtsoftware.co.uk/cashbook/index.htm

Dawg

7th June 2009, 10:27

VT Cashbook is just that, a Cashbook. If you want an easy to use, very affordable accounting system I really would suggest having a look at Solar (http://www.solaraccounts.co.uk/).

It is in the happy middle ground of having all the features a small business needs, without the software bloat of other systems, (you know; the ones where the API does the VAT with multiple servers on the QT...and a spiral loop during the fandango..or something.)

Chris Kaday

7th June 2009, 18:24

Gosh only raise a few invoices a month and have some travel and admin expenses so would I think be overkill - hope a standard package will do it.

Chris Kaday
Business Coach

You could get one designed specifically applicable to your business in ms access?

denwood

7th June 2009, 18:49

I have only ever used Sage accounting software. Would this be classed as too complicated?

askm

8th June 2009, 06:54

As an accountant I would advise keeping away from Sage unless your wife is comfortable with double-entry bookkeeping. It's not the most user-friendly of packages - I've seen this when I've been involved in teaching clients to use it.

I don't use VT Cashbook myself, but have heard nothing but good of it.

Or, if the idea of trying an online package appeals to you, try www.kashflow.co.uk or www.freeagentcentral.com. Both of these are great for small businesses and very user-friendly.

Do talk to your accountant first though, to see what he/she recommends, as he/she might be able to offer you advice and training on a package and make your year-end accounting routine easier and simpler for both you and them.

Hope that helps!

M

tangle

8th June 2009, 07:15

Lot of auto software are avail in the market you can easily find the best one through internet and use it for making your work more flexible and easy.

Blackberry

8th June 2009, 08:42

Solar accounts is a great package for the smaller business and will do everything you need. Get it for a discount here!

garyk

8th June 2009, 08:55

I use Blinksale Chris (www.blinksale.com (http://www.blinksale.com)) its ideal for one person consultancy type businesses, is free for (I think) upto 3 invoices a month, its probably the quickest and easiest way to raise invoices.

julian_shaw

10th June 2009, 13:55

some software is great, like sage, but too complicated.

these days, online systems are getting more popular. there's a few others mentioned on these forums, e-conomic, kashflow, liquid accounts etc.

you should have a look our system, it could be ideal for you.

(i know it's not the done thing to sell your wares on here and usually I wouldn't do, but this actually does answer the question.)

DuaneJackson

10th June 2009, 14:11

Chris! I'm dissapointed you had to ask for recommendations for a simple easy to use accounting system. I'm not doing my job well enough.

Chris Kaday

12th June 2009, 15:06

My accountant recomended Xero - anyone heard of this or use it?

Chris Kaday
Business Coach

askm

12th June 2009, 15:09

I've heard of Xero, and from what I know of it (which isn't very much), I think it's aimed more at larger businesses, though it is still user-friendly.

Get your accountant to give you a guided tour of it, then you can see if you like it.

M

Chris Kaday

12th June 2009, 15:15

ah well I just need to post no more than 10 invoices a month and my expenses and bank account - not complicated
Chris Kaday
Business Coach

askm

12th June 2009, 15:17

In that case I would suggest you go for FreeAgent www.freeagentcentral.com - that's what it's designed for.

At the risk of an ear chew from Duane, KashFlow is a good product but it's aimed more at any or all small businesses. FreeAgent is aimed squarely at businesses like yours with one or two individuals recording a few sales and their own expenses.

M

Chris Kaday

12th June 2009, 15:22

Gosh how many accounting packages are there for goodness sake?

Chris Kaday
Business Coach

askm

12th June 2009, 15:23

Thousands!

M

elainec100@cheapaccounting

12th June 2009, 18:05

Gosh how many accounting packages are there for goodness sake?

Chris Kaday
Business Coach

nearly as many as there are accountants!! :D:D