Accounting software for idiots

[evocart]

What is the easiest online accounting software available? I just need something that is idiot proof easy to use.

I'm currently trying SageOne accounts, looks like it should be easy but so far having a terrible time.

Any help and advice welcome.

PS I have aproxamatly 3 weeks to learn the software, enter all my payments and invoices as well as submit my tax return for the 1st year, though in actual fact I will have nearly two years worth of data to enter, so I really am the idiot for leaving it so late.

 

[sarahjohs]

Hi there,

You can give Handdy Jotbook a shot if you are in the UK. The software is designed for non accountants. It is remarkably simple to use. Just Google it and you will find it.

Regards
Sarah

 

[Optegris]

Take a look at www.xero.com I use it extensively and it's very user friendly...

 

[CLR2012]

Quickbooks

 

[David Griffiths]

Another vote for Xero - it advertises itself as "the world's easiest accounting software" - but of course it's not as easy as doing nothing for two years!

If you have a pile of past transactions to enter, the bank import will make this a doddle - if your bank allows you to go back far enough.

I use it for clients and for myself, and wouldn't dream of using Sage or Quickbooks.

 

[marksivyer]

I recommend Kashflow. We recommend it to our clients and it has proven to be very popular with them, even those with basic bookkeeping skills.

It is "cloud" based which is great for us (as accountants) as we can help on any problems too.

We have been a Kashflow partner for over 2 years. Their support is 24/7.

 

[cheaper accountant]

Can you access your bank statements electronically? A feed into whichever accounting system you choose will save you so much time.

Do you have your entries in a spreadsheet, or you simply dealing with paperwork? If you have an adequate spreadsheet an accountant could use this data to prepare your accounts and then you can start the new financial year afresh and simply enter the opening balances into the accounting system. Just a thought!

 

[ILilja]

Easy of use is always very subjective, so although you're in a hurry, you might want to spend some time on trialling at least a couple of online accounting systems to get a grip of the functionality, interface and all.

An automatic transfer of data would definitely save you some time, so if your data are in Excel or in a similar format, you should look for a system that allows you to import these. Are those invoices paper invoices? If so, you can scan and transfer them to the accounting software to save some time. But I'm afraid you will have to accept some tedious manual entering of data to get you started - regardless of the system you end up deciding on.

I work at the online accounting firm E-conomic, and if you decide to trial E-conomic as well, I would be happy to hear your thoughts - especially with regards to idiot proof ease of use

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

What is the easiest online accounting software available? I just need something that is idiot proof easy to use.

I'm currently trying SageOne accounts, looks like it should be easy but so far having a terrible time.

Any help and advice welcome.

PS I have aproxamatly 3 weeks to learn the software, enter all my payments and invoices as well as submit my tax return for the 1st year, though in actual fact I will have nearly two years worth of data to enter, so I really am the idiot for leaving it so late.

I've worked with clients who have tried many options and I've had some of the best feedback from Accounts Portal.

My firm acts predominately for small limited companies and I havent yet had a bad report from a client about the package.

I do also use the package myself

 

[evocart]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I'm currently spending the day testing all the software suggested.

Also thanks Nicola I was hoping you would reply as remembered your company from last year but couldmt remember the name so will be using you next year

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I'm currently spending the day testing all the software suggested.

Also thanks Nicola I was hoping you would reply as remembered your company from last year but couldmt remember the name so will be using you next year

Thank you very much.

Very happy to help when you are ready

 

[ADRA]

Hi

Not sure if you're looking for accounting software for your small business or just for yourself, but if it's for your business check out Adra Match.

It's automated so it's a huge timesaver - you can import your files and not have to deal with miles of tedious spreadsheets. It's available on the cloud so you don't have to download the software. It also works with any ERP software you might be using (like Sage or Oracle), which is a big help.

Hope that helps! Goodluck.

 

[Lentinus]

Don't forget to check out Quick File - as a complete non accountant with 18 months of transactions to enter I tried most of the above listed and preferred Quick File.
It is also free but that was not really a consideration when I was trialing.

 

[TomKraft]

@Lentinus can this site be trusted with financial information? Im always a bit careful with letting others store my data...

Quick edit:

I created a 'dummy' account and I have to admit it looks simple to use and quite friendly.

 

[evocart]

Well after a day of triling a lot of accounting softwares, I have decided that the best one for me is Accounts Portal. The only problem is that I cant seem to get it to upload a CSV file for love nor money, no matter what I try and its beggining to drive me around the twist. Have submitted a support ticket, just hope they dont take too long to reply.

 

[NevBookkeeping]

If you want to upload bank statement, tham I would recomend Kashflow.
Otherwise VT Cashbook, fast and easy for soletraders. 1 records expense, 3-income, pull out P&L and stick it in your Tax return. JOB DONE

 

[evocart]

If anyone uses Accounts Portal and has a spare few minutes, could I get some advice on the CSV file imports please as support has completely lost me and the documentation isnt heping me much either. just need to know what to put where and where to find the required information.

Thanks.

 

[Lentinus]

@Lentinus can this site be trusted with financial information? Im always a bit careful with letting others store my data...

Quick edit:

I created a 'dummy' account and I have to admit it looks simple to use and quite friendly.

As much as anyone can!
They are basically an accountant and a developer team, the software drives clients to the accountant side. They are also very responsive to any issues/difficulties that come up as well as having an active development process.
No link to me BTW just a happy user!

 

[TomKraft]

Two quick questions about quickfile ( ) account site:

How do I create shares capital (say I paid in 100 pounds in shares into the company bank account).

At first I will pay some money into the bank account as my personal investment, how do I create this director loan in the accounts?

 

[Scalloway]

I am not familiar with this particular accounts package but I have had a quick look at this page

http://help.quickfile.co.uk/main/1/accounting_for_non-invoiced_items.htm

These items will be bank receipts. The other side of the entry will be the nominal codes you mention.

 

[oph]

Check out Solar accounts. Thats not too bad

 

[Lentinus]

Tom, did respond to your pm but for the benefit of others when you "tag" the bank transaction in QF, select "Something not on this list" then at the next bit select Directors Loan.

Then go to the Directors Loan "bank account" and make a transfer tagging it as "Ordinary Share Capital."

You can also do it through the journals as shown on the QF help forum here . - But bank accounts I understand, journals give me a headache !

Hope that helps!

 

[Sycren]

I recommend Kashflow. We recommend it to our clients and it has proven to be very popular with them, even those with basic bookkeeping skills.

It is "cloud" based which is great for us (as accountants) as we can help on any problems too.

We have been a Kashflow partner for over 2 years. Their support is 24/7.

Thank you for recommending KashFlow marksivyer. Evocart, I work as the Data Analyst for KashFlow. Please feel free to ask me any questions if you need further information about our online accounting software

 

[TomKraft]

Thanks Lentinus! Indeed it may be helpful for others, at first glance the package looks easy but the devil is in hidden in the details (unfortunately).

 

[johnlaster]

Hi evocart,

If you want an accounting software then you can try "Invoicera".

Invoicera basically an online invoicing software having accounting and time tracking features within. You can use Invoicera not only to fulfill your accounting needs but also for invoicing requirements.

I have used Invoicera for invoicing and time tracking requirements but later I started using it for accounting. Even I had got 30 days trial for using it. So I think you must give it a try.

 

[Bjorn]

Hello,

I work for a company called Fortnox, which provides accounting software as well as other software applications including CRM, Invoicing and Time Tracking.

Fortnox allows you to create your own custom set of software applications for your business. All applications are integrated and I feel the software is easy to use. You can try our software for free by going to the "Test drive" area of our site. Costs are from £8.90.

Regards,

 

[pentel]

Hi

As I am aware I need to keep my accounts for at least 6 years after the year end in case of queries by HMRC ( I keep them for 10, just in case).

How does this work with online accounting software? Should I close my business will I need to continue paying for the software to be able to access my accounts for those 6 or 10 years?

Even at £8 / month this comes to almost £1000.

 

[Mary S.]

Hello all!
I don't know if it will help, but I use Invoiceor. To my mind it is quite simple. There are just basic features. They give some free period to try program, so you can find out if it is sutable for you or not.

 

[David Griffiths]

Hi

As I am aware I need to keep my accounts for at least 6 years after the year end in case of queries by HMRC ( I keep them for 10, just in case).

How does this work with online accounting software? Should I close my business will I need to continue paying for the software to be able to access my accounts for those 6 or 10 years?

Even at £8 / month this comes to almost £1000.

You should be able to download detailed reports while you still have access to the software. If you had a nominal ledger activity report, trial balance and schedules of accounts payable and receivable at the year end, that should be plenty.

With Xero, you can download all of your data into a (rather large!) csv file.

 

[Bjorn]

Hi David,

With Fortnox you can export all reports and data up to transaction level. That way you could get copies of everything you need.

Regards,

 

[Scalloway]

Does Fortnox do UK VAT? That could be a deal breaker for a lt of people.

 

[Bjorn]

Fortnox UK is specifically for the UK market and fully supports UK VAT and online VAT reporting to HMRC. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards,

 

[cheaper accountant]

I'll have to check out Fortnox to see what you get for your money. Sounds interesting.

 

[Bjorn]

When you do have a look, please also have a look at our Accountant Partner page. We have a tool called the Client Manager, which enables work with multiple clients using one single log in. This makes it very easy to switch between clients.

With Fortnox you can also choose different set-ups for each and every client depending on their requirements. Client A for instance can choose to use Invoicing and Order, and Client B can use Time and Invoicing and also use the Archive to share documents with you. If you have any questions, let me know.

Have a nice evening!