Bookkeeping software advice please

[kidsarise]

Hi, this is my first post.
I've recently finished various Bookkeeping qualifications
(IAB Manual Bookkeeping, Level 2 and 3, IAB Computerised Bookkeeping Sage V11 and Level 4 Diploma Accounting to International Standards).

And I'm hoping to do some small scale Bookkeeping, and have my first client - a self-employed trademen, just going into self-employment for the first time.

Everything seems quite basic, and he will still be using an accountant for SA at the end of the year.

I'll also be doing his invoicing, and most normal accounts functions for him.

Excel seems to basic to keep track of his accounts, but some software like Sage is extremely expensive.

Can anyone offer advice on a reasonably priced software to cover my current needs?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Wilma]

Hi

I have used sage for years, but as you say extremely expensive. I have now been using VT Transaction + for over a year now and is not that expensive. You can also download VT Transaction cash book for free. It is more user friendly than sage. I thought nothing would convert me from sage - but this package is great! Hope this helps

Wilma

 

[Jenni384]

Have a look at Solar Accounts - should be really suited to your needs.

 

[johndon68]

IAB Computerised Bookkeeping Sage V11

Are colleges still using Sage v11, it's over 5 years old and has been 'end of lifed' by Sage.

John

 

[kidsarise]

Are colleges still using Sage v11, it's over 5 years old and has been 'end of lifed' by Sage.

John

To be fair, that was at the beginning of my studies, over 3 years ago. I have no idea what they teach now, but will be finding out hopefully next year, when I do the level 3 computerised accounts.

 

[Alanpowell]

I've Used kashflow.co.uk for the last two years. It's a really good web based system. 30-day free trial and it's 150 a year.

I've just started a book keeper who is a registered CA and used to Sage- she's totally bowled over by the functionality of kashflow and it's simplicity. I think it's designed by non-accountants but has all the good stuff under the surface so it's real easy to use.

You can also delete stuff!

Rgds,
Alan

 

[Williams lester]

Have a look at Accounts Portal, http://www.accountsportal.com/, if you want an online system. Excellent value for money.

 

[kjmcculloch]

I use VT Transaction+ and find it fantastic value for money when compared to other, similar packages on the market.

One of the good things about it is that you can use it for multiple businesses straight out the box, with no need to buy additional licenses.

Kris

 

[James Jackson]

I use FreeAgent, its very easy to use, and I can get you 10% discount, inbox me if you want???

 

[weebly_one]

snip

Excel seems to basic to keep track of his accounts, but some software like Sage is extremely expensive.

snip.

Sage Instant Accounts suits most small company needs, which I can supply for £115 inc VAT - I don't consider this to be extremenly expensive.

Sage 50 is more if you want all the bells and whistles, but is overkill unless you need full stock control and Sales and Purchase Orders systems.

 

[kidsarise]

Thanks for the advice. Sage Instant is one I have looked at before, and it comes with the added bonus that I have at least some working knowledge.

At a business fair last week, I also found another stall offering "Prime Entry". It's about £100 per year on a licence basis, has anyone any experience of this?

 

[kidsarise]

Have a look at Accounts Portal, , if you want an online system. Excellent value for money.

This looks quite interesting.

(sorry I'm an IT half-wit here), but am I right in saying that my work is held on their server?

 

[Williams lester]

This looks quite interesting.

(sorry I'm an IT half-wit here), but am I right in saying that my work is held on their server?

That is correct, AP hold your data on a secure server.

 

[Brightpearl]

hey there kidsarise - if you want a system that can handle smart PDF invoices, multiple clients (ie you have a "console" that you can use to access your client accounts" - then have a look at what we do. If you sign up for a free trial I can add a demo client.
Chris

 

[Williams lester]

hey there kidsarise - if you want a system that can handle smart PDF invoices, multiple clients (ie you have a "console" that you can use to access your client accounts" - then have a look at what we do. If you sign up for a free trial I can add a demo client.
Chris

Just to add that most online systems will give you a free trial, so you can compare a few of them if this is what you are looking for.

 

[kidsarise]

That is correct, AP hold your data on a secure server.

Thanks, how does that work if I decide to change software in the future? Do I own my own work?

 

[Williams lester]

Thanks, how does that work if I decide to change software in the future? Do I own my own work?

Data can be downloaded at any time in CSV or Excel format.

 

[FusionAccounts]

Have a look at Fusion's online accounting software. It has been accredited by the ICB and bookkeepers receive automatic discounts for their clients.

 

[Arithmo]

Why not also take a look at Arithmo's online accounting software, also accredited by the ICB with appropriate discounts for their members.

Thanks