U
'Best' is always very difficult to answer as it depends on the user but for many of the small businesses I look after VT cashbook is very good.
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No such thing as best. Much will depend on personal preference and the user interface. Cloud or desktop? Do you need VAT? What other features do you need?Cashbook only or full ledger system? What about the resources of the company supplying it - are they likely to still be around in a few years?
You have to put in the effort and try out a few to see which one suits you best. Nobody else can do that
You have to put in the effort and try out a few to see which one suits you best. Nobody else can do that
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Be careful of free. Some free software can be very expensive.
Have a look at this thread, some of the replies may be useful to you.
Have a look at this thread, some of the replies may be useful to you.
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Not sure your (you're) an idiot 
, I can recommend Quickfile as a reasonable option, free at a basic level, you can pay a modest amount for more reporting features. It's cloud based, for better or worse, but they email you with backup files. You can export files to another programme at a later date if needed.
I'm sure you can download an evaluation version to look round. My accountant likes it, in fact he recommended it.
I found other "famous name" accounts packages loathsome, this is least worst of the others I looked at.
, I can recommend Quickfile as a reasonable option, free at a basic level, you can pay a modest amount for more reporting features. It's cloud based, for better or worse, but they email you with backup files. You can export files to another programme at a later date if needed.I'm sure you can download an evaluation version to look round. My accountant likes it, in fact he recommended it.
I found other "famous name" accounts packages loathsome, this is least worst of the others I looked at.
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J
JamesComer
- Original Poster
- #7
Hi
I can only echo what has been said above - beware of free software. Think of the software as more of a long term investment for managing your business. It may also be good to think about what type of software would be best for you. A basic bookkeeping piece of kit, like VT+ or would you like to be able to update your bookkeeping on the go so would benefit from cloud accounting software like Xero or Kashflow.
From my experience as an accountant, I am a big fan of the online software as you can access it anywhere. It is relatively cheap and is paid via a monthly subscription to spread the cost.
Most of the packages mentioned will offer a free trial so it may be best to download a few and see how you get on. Likewise, if you have appointed an accountant they may be able to offer advice (based on your business to date) and be able to obtain a discount from certain software suppliers.
Thanks
James
I can only echo what has been said above - beware of free software. Think of the software as more of a long term investment for managing your business. It may also be good to think about what type of software would be best for you. A basic bookkeeping piece of kit, like VT+ or would you like to be able to update your bookkeeping on the go so would benefit from cloud accounting software like Xero or Kashflow.
From my experience as an accountant, I am a big fan of the online software as you can access it anywhere. It is relatively cheap and is paid via a monthly subscription to spread the cost.
Most of the packages mentioned will offer a free trial so it may be best to download a few and see how you get on. Likewise, if you have appointed an accountant they may be able to offer advice (based on your business to date) and be able to obtain a discount from certain software suppliers.
Thanks
James
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Capium cloud based bookkeeping software is becoming very popular and is free for business users. It may not be suitable for some users who use add-ons like receipt bank or who are using automated bank feeds.
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What line of business are you in, location, number of transactions? Depending on the transaction volumes and trade, could just use a simple spreadsheet cash book. If higher volume then something a little more sophisticated like VT or Freeagent but again depends on your line of trade as to what's appropriate.
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If by free, you are really aiming for as low cost as possible, you can get some really good low cost SaaS accountancy. Xero obviously is a well supported tool!
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Waveapps has been used by a number of colleagues and friends. Their are paid elements, but you can do most book keeping without paying a cent.
And it keeps getting improved - regular releases and updates with new features. I'd recommend taking a look.
And it keeps getting improved - regular releases and updates with new features. I'd recommend taking a look.
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