Accounting software

[Navahmed]

Hi folks
I’m on the lookout for a simple easy to use accounting software ...
I have a small fast food outlet so cash is a large part of my Buisness a long with card payments

any info would be appreciated

 

[Scalloway]

VT Cash Book is free.

https://www.vtsoftware.co.uk/cashbook/

 

[Noob Business Girl]

I've been using wave online

 

[Solly]

I use Xero and over all like it, though I think they have messed up the new VAT reporting

 

[AndyMuir9]

Quickbooks is really straightforward.

 

[namesweb]

I've just started using Bokio - it's really quite a nice and intuitive set up and is forever free, as long as you're doing your own record keeping - however they have a pro feature you can pay for...

I really like it - having previously tried to get along with quickbooks this fits the bill perfectly, especially as it's pretty full featured but still free of charge!

 

[LanceUk]

I use Zoho and it is pretty good...

 

[Ashley_Price]

Speak to your accountant about which package they would prefer you use, that way they can work on your accounts seamlessly, without the need for them learning a new package (which could result in additional costs to you).

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Speak to your accountant about which package they would prefer you use, that way they can work on your accounts seamlessly, without the need for them learning a new package (which could result in additional costs to you).

Most accountants will work with records from all software - ultimately they all produce the same reports.

One advantage to using a package used by your accountant is that very often they will be able to pass on a discount to you.

My firm uses both Accounts Portal and FreeAgent (both of which would suit the OPs requirements) and can get a discount on both.

 

[LanceUk]

I give my accountant a user id to log onto Zoho, although they market something else. They are fine with it.

 

[jimmymalik]

if you are running any fitness or wellness related business, I would love to suggest the best one which is WELLYX with huge list of latest features.

 

[Socio South West]

Every package has its plusses and minuses... have a think about what you need to get out of the package - is it just a book keeping /VAT package? Do you need more in depth analysis and reporting? How many transactions? How many customers and suppliers?

I endorse those that suggest discussing it with your accountant, and then get it down to a shortlist and do a few trials: Some may seem to offer the right thing, but the logic is totally against your train of thought. Others are like riding a bicycle - in tune with the way your mind works.

I find Sage difficult to work with... Xero less so... but Quickbooks is so easy for the way my brain is wired.

Cost should not be the primary criterion - and whilst free packages can be good, they can also be limiting if you are also looking for a business management tool with any integrations into other packages.

 

[Ashley_Price]

Most accountants will work with records from all software - ultimately they all produce the same reports.

One advantage to using a package used by your accountant is that very often they will be able to pass on a discount to you.

When I had the call answering service, I used Quickbooks (this was before it was online), and my accountant said it was horrible software and the accountancy he worked for didn't use it, and recommended clients change. But I stopped the service in 2012, so of course, the packages probably will have changed since then. But the point about the discount is what I was also getting at.

 

[LanceUk]

Free is not always free. All 5 or so free accounting systems I have tried have been dumped because they are so clunky and hard to use for anything other than the basics, that I gave up. The last system was almost a fully-fldged ERP system - feature rich and quite stable. However, it's user interface was modelled, I guess, on large multinational corporations finance/accounting departments and it was just too complex to do anything (think Oracle Financial of 10 years ago). In the end, I had to give up as I was spending too much time at it literally at the cost of business.. which is more expensive than c. £20 - C£40/month depending on which one and what features.. All of the main suppliers have a free trial period - so take them all for a test ride and see which one works best.

 

[Serenity Craig]

ClearBooks is a great system for small businesses.

 

[gpietersz]

If only one person is doing the book keeping, then Gnucash is free and very easy to use.

 

[Onthebrightside]

When I ran a shop I asked my accountant what package he would use and he simply emailed me a spreadsheet - job done.