Can anyone help with accounting software?

[LowcostPR]

As I am upgrading all my IT to Vista, I will also need a new accounting package. Previously I was using Sage, but now I need an updated version I thought I'd see what was available.

Anyone use anything different to Sage?

Anyone recommend any particular product?

Anyone think that there is nothing that could come close to Sage?

All input is welcome.

Thanks

Max

 

[Tom McClelland]

Anyone think that there is nothing that could come close to Sage?

BUWHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Seriously, Sage is OK.

A lot of UKBF members use KashFlow, and Duane from KashFlow is a major contributor to this forum.

 

[visagephoto]

When I switched to Vista I was advised by Intuit that I had to update my 10 year old version of Quickbooks as it wasn't compatible with the new version of Windows.

Rather than fork out £300 for updated software I didn't want, I thought I would install the version I have a and give it a try, And it works just fine.

It might be worth trying you version of Sage with Vista before forking out for the latest version.

 

[garyk]

Yep I'd agree with visage you dont necessarily need to upgrade for it work. I work with people that are still on version 7 or 8 of line 50 and that works fine under XP. The key is *sage* want you to upgrade.

 

[derren]

Sage will work on vista - they might tell you otherwise.

 

[MarkHallett]

Obviously the first thing to do is check that your version of Sage will transfer over and I am sure there are many on this forum who will help you with this.

However, if you are looking to change software, we at Xero are seeing many Sage users switch to our online offering.

If you would like any further information about Xero, give me a shout.

 

[CertaxBexley]

Sage whatever version may be fine on Vista, the thing to do would be to check with Sage or their forums as to whether file corruption is a risk.
Quickbooks, at least the version I looked at, had reports that there was a danger of file corruption if used on Vista.
Now if, having seen such reports, you want to take a risk of such who am I to state otherwise.
Personally I use VT Transaction Plus and Kashflow.
I couldn't recommend MS Small Business Accounting, either free or Pro versions unless your completely conversant with accounting

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Firstly I freely admit as an accountant I really dislike Sage - but it really depends on what you want from your software.

Its very easy for us all to give you suggestions from our favourites but without knowing what you want from the software its not really any help.

As an example I saw a new client this week who had been sold Sage by his former accountants - he'd spent alot on the software,training etc and was really struggling with it. All he wanted to do was record income and expenditure and do his VAT return. I can not tell you how relieved he was when I spent 10 minutes showing him VT! Sage was just not necessary. But that was for his needs yours may be very different.

 

[stewartsetter]

Give KashFlow a try, 60 Days FREE TRIAL, very popular, economically priced and we use it for our customers as well as our own accounts.

 

[MikeH]

If you like sage and know sage load your existing version of Sage. If your PC blows ups blame whoever suggested it first.

Mike.

p.s. I retract my suggestion of loading sage

 

[Nathan Travers]

Any more Sage bashers or shameless plugs?

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Any more Sage bashers or shameless plugs?

Well I dont do shameless plugs, but Sage basher...OK yes, just a bit. I did apologise first though.:redface:

Sage isnt a bad product it is just that as an accountant I see so many people who are sold Sage when -

A. Its too damn complex for their needs and they will spend unnecessary time and money trying to use it when their are much easier packages that will do what they want/need.

B. Sage support - in my experience, is awful!

OK rant finished.

 

[stewartsetter]

I must agree with Nicola,

Sage as a product is good when you are an established Sage or trained user.
I trained on Sage in my early years but I don't touch it these days as my client audiance simply do not need the all that Sage does or the price tag it comes with.

 

[MarkHallett]

Nathan - Apologies for the shameful plug!

As for Sage bashing, although I did not indulge in my earlier post!, Sage has achieved it's position purely on longevity in the market and an excellent marketing machine...
My question to those people who are considering any Sage product is: Do you feel comfortable in a software company that spends less than 5% of turnover on product development across its product set?

Apologies for the plug (again) and now my bash at Sage!

 

[Christine Hough]

Have you had a look at liquid accounts. It seems a very good online accounts package where you pay a monthly subscription and it has won awards. I am thinking if going over to them from my present spread sheet system!

 

[jholden]

One way to avoid software conflict problems when upgrading has to be to use a hosted solution, then no matter what microsoft comes up with next as long as you can get an internet connection you are away.

As for Sage, they are so long established and so widely used I am sure they will survive 'Sage bashing'.

Jason

 

[garyk]

Well I dont do shameless plugs, but Sage basher...OK yes, just a bit. I did apologise first though.:redface:

Sage isnt a bad product it is just that as an accountant I see so many people who are sold Sage when -

A. Its too damn complex for their needs and they will spend unnecessary time and money trying to use it when their are much easier packages that will do what they want/need.

B. Sage support - in my experience, is awful!

OK rant finished.

Actually Nicola, Sage's massive growth over the last 10 years came about purely *because of* accountants and their 'accountants in practice' scheme which meant any new business startup would first get themselves an accountant and then that accountant would recommend Sage and get 25% commission.

As per previous comments regarding development, yes it is/has been quite slow and they really need (and probably will have) an online offering as they are seeing their marketshare in the entry level sector slightly eroded by the likes of kashflow, xero and e-conomic.

I sit on the fence, My primary source of income is doing consultancy on high end Sage products (Line 500 and Sage 1000) but as I don't actually sell Sage I have no interest in bigging it up or pushing it.

Gary

 

[trevormuk]

I decided on MS Accounting Pro 2008 (paid £100 from Amazon)
I find it very easy to use, and from what I can tell does everything the Sage packages do, but without all the technical faffing around!
I "tested" loads of packages (programs and online) - MS Accounting was by far the easiest (and it deals with stock extremely well) and multi currencies.
Cheers

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Actually Nicola, Sage's massive growth over the last 10 years came about purely *because of* accountants and their 'accountants in practice' scheme which meant any new business startup would first get themselves an accountant and then that accountant would recommend Sage and get 25% commission.



Gary

I know Gary - thats the dreadful thing - thats how I am getting so many new clients lately. I dont belong to the Sage Accountants Club

 

[DuaneJackson]

I know Gary - thats the dreadful thing - thats how I am getting so many new clients lately. I dont belong to the Sage Accountants Club

I'm not surprised. More and more I'm hearing about people leaving their accountant because the accountant insists they use Sage.

 

[LowcostPR]

Thanks for all your comments folks!

Just to update you all, my PC has thrown its toys out of the pram, and is currently sulking under my desk, refusing to do any work.

Therefore, the laptop has been fished out (the one without any accounting software) and actually; a spreadsheet seems to be absolutely fine. Ok, granted it is a bit basic, and a lot of the applications that were on Sage are not on Excel, but it is OK until I can get my PC replaced, or at least to see a therapist.

Anyone else just using a "mere" spreadsheet for your accounts?

How far did you get before it all became very complicated and a waste of everyone's afternoon?

 

[DuaneJackson]

Sorry, can't help pointing out that if you used a web-based product like KashFlow then you're accounting software and data would be accessible from your palptop as well as your PC : )

 

[xspro]

I personally used Sage, didnt like it too much, then went over to quickbooks and now have come back to Sage.
In all fairness i dont like whats under the hood with Sage, but when you need help , there are more people out there that know about Sage, then there are that know about quickbooks etc.

Sage training is pretty expensive, and its not easy to use on its own. And granted it can cause some major technical headaches. But the accountants love it because it follows accounting principles.

Besides, you can use something like the Sage Video Training site with a cheap training subscription to bring you up to speed. They even have free sample videos to give you a taster.

Not sure about the technical problems with your laptop mind you! (sorry)

Have a look see: http://www.sagevideotraining.co.uk/default.aspx?trk=ukbf