Coding your own book-keeping/accounting software

[Cabin Fever]

In recent years the move has been towards SAS cloud-based solutions but a sub-section of business owners are understandably resistant to go down that route.

Personally I found myself developing a custom book-keeping solution which gradually evolved over the years into something I really enjoy using and gets the job done.

There must be others here who have perhaps gone beyond the spreadsheet and developed a nice custom system that no-one else knows about but are secretly proud of their creation?

 

[Scalloway]

Years ago before affordable desktop accounting software was available I created my own set of spreadsheets. I carried on using them until I retired because I knew exactly what they did and how to fix errors. They took a cashbook right through to a set of accounts for the tax man.

The best thing about using your own spreadsheets is that they are infinitely adjustable. The worst thing about using your own spreadsheets is that they are infinitely adjustable and can create errors that take ages to correct..

 

[Bob Morgan]

Years ago before affordable desktop accounting software was available I created my own set of spreadsheets. I carried on using them until I retired because I knew exactly what they did and how to fix errors. They took a cashbook right through to a set of accounts for the tax man.

The best thing about using your own spreadsheets is that they are infinitely adjustable. The worst thing about using your own spreadsheets is that they are infinitely adjustable and can create errors that take ages to correct..

I have done the same too - Developed with my Bookkeeper. I don't have to solicit for Referral Commissions either!

 

[Cabin Fever]

Years ago before affordable desktop accounting software was available I created my own set of spreadsheets. I carried on using them until I retired because I knew exactly what they did and how to fix errors. They took a cashbook right through to a set of accounts for the tax man.

The best thing about using your own spreadsheets is that they are infinitely adjustable. The worst thing about using your own spreadsheets is that they are infinitely adjustable and can create errors that take ages to correct..

Being in control of your own system is a big plus point. And fixing your own errors is very different from having to wait for others to fix theirs!

I spent about a month in the mid 2000's writing my database system and it turned out to be a good use of my time. A few improvements and additions over the years, but really it is the same essential system - just a little prettier.

The only new feature that I've added in recent years is an auto-generated online "Annual Accounts" view for remote access by my accountant.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

In recent years the move has been towards SAS cloud-based solutions but a sub-section of business owners are understandably resistant to go down that route.

Personally I found myself developing a custom book-keeping solution which gradually evolved over the years into something I really enjoy using and gets the job done.

There must be others here who have perhaps gone beyond the spreadsheet and developed a nice custom system that no-one else knows about but are secretly proud of their creation?

It's something I did long ago but it's no longer a viable option with Making Tax Digital.

 

[Cabin Fever]

It's something I did long ago but it's no longer a viable option with Making Tax Digital.

Yes, MTD became something of a question for me too. I briefly considered coding a full solution but I have a strong instinct against anything that would lock me into an ongoing software support commitment.

Thankfully I took the easy route and wrote some extra code for my system which generates CSV data that my bridging software can then read.

 

[Bob Morgan]

It's something I did long ago but it's no longer a viable option with Making Tax Digital.

Much depends upon where in the world you operate and the Accounting Requirements of the company - The Tail must NOT Wag the Dog! I have no need for MTD and that is unlikely to change.

I also 'Cross the Bridge' into Management Accounts, which is where my needs are most concentrated. My Transaction Volume is also Low, and there are some quite unconventional requirements for Invoices.

Consequently, there is almost 'Xero' (Pun Intended) Proprietary Software available that does what is required - That which does exist is Hellishly Expensive and still has some quite severe limitations.

Purely a Personal Preference, is that I do NOT want Software to be Cloud Based!