Accounting Software Recommendations?

[stevekay]

Hello Everyone,

I have used Sage for a previous business as well as at my full time employment. I have recently started a photo booth hire company and have had a nightmare trying to install an use sage accounts on my laptop (from what I can work out because of the lack of RAM)
Do any of you use any smaller software or preferably any cloud accounting software? If so what are you using and would you recommend it?
I have had a quick look at kashflow, sage one and xero but I'm looking for people with some experience of using these to share their thoughts before I make the decision.

Thanks

Steve

 

[kevin.doran]

Hi Steve

I'm a bit advocate of Clear Books. If i'm being honest they're all pretty much 80% the same, the other 20% is made up of more intricate issues that some handle better than others and personal preference.

What do you need the software to do for you?

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Hello Everyone,

I have used Sage for a previous business as well as at my full time employment. I have recently started a photo booth hire company and have had a nightmare trying to install an use sage accounts on my laptop (from what I can work out because of the lack of RAM)
Do any of you use any smaller software or preferably any cloud accounting software? If so what are you using and would you recommend it?
I have had a quick look at kashflow, sage one and xero but I'm looking for people with some experience of using these to share their thoughts before I make the decision.

Thanks

Steve

Steve it does very much depend on what you really need from your accounting software, a lot of people will jump in and recommend what they like and use.

I work with small and new businesses and for those that want a simple, easy to use, reliable online package that enables them to issue invoices, keep track of monies owed and owing and deal with VAT Accounts Portal works well, its a package I use personally so I know it well too. It is also one of the most competitively priced online packages.

In the case of clients who dont want an online system and simply need something to record in's and out's no invoicing etc VT cashbook is very popular. Its nothing like Sage it's a tiny file and it's free.

 

[Rory Downey]

Online 50 offer a hosted Sage, so all the processing is done on their servers. This could be option for staying with Sage, and your laptop.

 

[DebbS]

I have just started using QuickBooks Online, mainly because my accountant can access it and help me out and it reduces my accountant fees.

I don't know if it offers what you are looking for but I use it for a hire company and another partnership, seems to be working well.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I have just started using QuickBooks Online, mainly because my accountant can access it and help me out and it reduces my accountant fees.

......

That's a good point Debbs.

It's always worth asking your accountant what they recommend, and why, and also if they can offer any discount on the subscription, they often can.

It's also worth bearing in mind some accountants wont work with certain packages personally I'm happy to work from any records but not all do.

 

[Harry Robbins]

I recommend Xero, it's a small cloud-based accounting software that has really taken off in the past two years. Problems I've faced...

• The data in the system isn’t up to date and neither is the software.
• It only works on one computer and data bounces from place to place. For example, on a USB drive. This is not secure or reliable.
• Only one person has user access. Key people can't access financial and customer details.
• It's costly and complicated to keep backups (if done at all).
• It's expensive, difficult and time consuming to upgrade the software.
• Customer support is expensive and slow

You can use this cloud-based software from any device with an internet connection. Online accounting means small business owners stay connected to their data and their accountants. The software can integrate with a whole ecosystem of add-ons. It’s scalable, cost effective and easy to use.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I recommend Xero, it's a small cloud-based accounting software that has really taken off in the past two years. Problems I've faced...

• The data in the system isn’t up to date and neither is the software.
• It only works on one computer and data bounces from place to place. For example, on a USB drive. This is not secure or reliable.
• Only one person has user access. Key people can't access financial and customer details.
• It's costly and complicated to keep backups (if done at all).
• It's expensive, difficult and time consuming to upgrade the software.
• Customer support is expensive and slow

You can use this cloud-based software from any device with an internet connection. Online accounting means small business owners stay connected to their data and their accountants. The software can integrate with a whole ecosystem of add-ons. It’s scalable, cost effective and easy to use.

You confused me then Harry (easily done ) I take it they are problems you had before changing to Xero.

 

[Harry Robbins]

Sorry (Terrible structuring on my part ) and yes those are problems I faced on Sage and other traditional accounting software's.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Sorry (Terrible structuring on my part ) and yes those are problems I faced on Sage and other traditional accounting software's.

Thanks Harry

 

[Harry Robbins]

No problem!

 

[stevekay]

I'm not sure what I'm looking for to be honest (which I know isn't very helpful). I'm looking for something which is simple and user friendly, mainly for invoicing and to prepare my end of year accounts. I am not yet VAT registered but I will be soon.
I know these are very basic requirements which any of the software platforms are capable of so I guess I'm looking for something which is relatively cheap and user friendly.

 

[Breaking Good]

I'm not sure what I'm looking for to be honest (which I know isn't very helpful). I'm looking for something which is simple and user friendly, mainly for invoicing and to prepare my end of year accounts. I am not yet VAT registered but I will be soon.
I know these are very basic requirements which any of the software platforms are capable of so I guess I'm looking for something which is relatively cheap and user friendly.

I would recommend QuickFile. It's a free cloud based software, we use it and are very happy with it

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I'm not sure what I'm looking for to be honest (which I know isn't very helpful). I'm looking for something which is simple and user friendly, mainly for invoicing and to prepare my end of year accounts. I am not yet VAT registered but I will be soon.
I know these are very basic requirements which any of the software platforms are capable of so I guess I'm looking for something which is relatively cheap and user friendly.

Accounts Portal will certainly do what you need but in fairness as will most others.

I'd try a free (most offer free trials) and see which you prefer.

 

[Ben5678]

I mostly use Xero which is very good and most of my clients say it is easy to use after some initial training. The ability to upload bank statements automatically is very good although I imagine most online software have this facility now.

 

[Potent]

I'm a bit late to the party here, but I'm a big fan of Freeagent. It's similar to Xero, but in my opinion a more powerful offering. They're UK based and have good integration with HMRC and consideration of UK law. They have a free trial if you're interested and 10% off with this link (you'll have to copy and paste and remove the space...): fre.ag/ 43xs9tdf

 

[antp__]

I would recommend QuickFile. It's a free cloud based software, we use it and are very happy with it

Quickfile has another vote from me. I needed something quick and easy to get going so signed up. It's free and extremely easy to use. There are basic invoice templates, however with a bit of CSS knowledge can be styled. Same with delivery notes if they are needed.

Nice and easy to setup codes too. So once you type the code in the description is automatically pulled in with price and quantity.

 

[Potent]

I'd not heard of Quickfile before - it looks like a powerful, albeit basic, system. I wish I'd found that when I was starting out! Now I really value the automatic bank feed imports on freeagent, and the way you can complete self assessment returns inside the tool and submit straight to HMRC. QuickFile looks brilliant for someone wanting to handle invoicing though - amazing that it's free too!

 

[antp__]

I'd not heard of Quickfile before - it looks like a powerful, albeit basic, system. I wish I'd found that when I was starting out! Now I really value the automatic bank feed imports on freeagent, and the way you can complete self assessment returns inside the tool and submit straight to HMRC. QuickFile looks brilliant for someone wanting to handle invoicing though - amazing that it's free too!

It's brilliant i must admit. For something I was only going to use to get me by. I will use a little longer. Allows me to journal all opening and closing stock. Profit / Loss & Balance sheet reports. It's great so far haha!