Free accounting software or Excel templates

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businessquest

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a decent accounting software or maybe just a Excel template where I can enter and keep track of my accounts.

Any suggestions? - I don't need anything too advanced.

Thanks!
 

MyAccountantOnline

Business Member
Sep 24, 2008
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myaccountantonline.co.uk
Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a decent accounting software or maybe just a Excel template where I can enter and keep track of my accounts.

Any suggestions? - I don't need anything too advanced.

Thanks!

Here's a suggestion for a free one - http://www.vtsoftware.co.uk/cashbook/index.htm
VT cashbook is a package I highly recommend and have many clients using it - its quick and easy to use, and much better than spreadsheets.

For a small monthly payment Accounts Portal is great - https://www.accountsportal.com/ Its the software I use personally and highly recommend it for many small businesses.
 
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David Richards

I'm looking for a decent accounting software or maybe just a Excel template where I can enter and keep track of my accounts.
There are a number of basic bookeeping applications out there that are free.

A spreadsheet is fine for listing money in and money out, but go beyond that and things can start to get a bit complicated.

Even a simple bookkeeping program helps you keep on top of your cashflow, makes reconciling your bank account easier and over time can give you a really good insight into your business. For example, just being able to easily classify your costs can soon reveal useful things you didn't know.

Investing in a more sophisticated program gives you even more tools to help you with the money side of your business - and can reveal bits of information that can help you grow your business. Of course, working for a software company, you'd expect me to say that. So don't take my word for it, give one of the freebies a go... you might be pleasantly surprised!

Obviously, I'd hope that you choose my product, but please... choose anything rather than using Excel!
 
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MyAccountantOnline

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David Berry

Have you thought about not doing the accounts yourself? This would save you having to learn everything and buying (or finding a free) an accounting package. It would also mean that you spend more time on adding value to your company and not staring at a screen trying to work out your sales ledger from purchase ledger.

Consider the idea of the "virtual" accountant (see my blog) who can not only do the books but work with you to develop your business. It will not only save you money but will make money.
 
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MyAccountantOnline

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For the OP - did you try any of the packages suggested? It would be super to here how you got on:)
 
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Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a decent accounting software or maybe just a Excel template where I can enter and keep track of my accounts.

Any suggestions? - I don't need anything too advanced.

Thanks!

Hi

I am afraid I can't offer you our system for free, apart from a 14 day trial but Arithmo is online accounting software that only costs £45 per year. If you want more details please send me a DM or look at our website.

Thanks
 
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apacarada

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Aug 27, 2010
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I said it earlier that we give KashFlow for free to our clients. Or if you prefer just a simple spreadsheet that does the job good then email me. I also want to tell everyone that there are plenty of free options there.

Here is one free TurboCash and another Adminsoft Accounts and another GnuCash and if you want on online free accounting software then Brightbooks. I would stay away from big names although most offer a free version. From my experience those are very limited and used as baits for their not for free products.

And finally if you want an accountant that will save you money and does have fixed monthly fees without hidden charges then click here.
 
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businessquest

Wow so much responses! Thanks.

I think I'm going to try VT Cashbook as first recommended by Nicola J and see how I get on with that.

Most of the work I do is online anyway (web design) so I won't mind inputting things myself!

Probably then upgrade to one of the paid options you guys have listed or better still (hopefully when the money is more steady!) hire an accountant.

Thank you all for your help!
 
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MyAccountantOnline

Business Member
Sep 24, 2008
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myaccountantonline.co.uk
Wow so much responses! Thanks.

I think I'm going to try VT Cashbook as first recommended by Nicola J and see how I get on with that.

Most of the work I do is online anyway (web design) so I won't mind inputting things myself!

Probably then upgrade to one of the paid options you guys have listed or better still (hopefully when the money is more steady!) hire an accountant.

Thank you all for your help!

Its great to hear back from people after they've posted.

Good luck with VT - it really is a great little free package.:)
 
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David Richards

I would stay away from big names although most offer a free version. From my experience those are very limited and used as baits for their not for free products.
Interesting point you make there.

I'm not sure if TAS counts as one of the 'big names', but we offer a free product and over 25,000 people in the UK have downloaded it.

It is a basic program, but even then it's got a good set of features: with cashbook, nominal, customer and supplier ledgers; a set of reports including aged debt & credit reports and VAT returns (including flat rate scheme) - and no limits on the number of customers, suppliers or transactions.

Some of those 25,000 of those have gone on to purchase something from us - and some of then haven't. Obviously I'd hope that one day everyone who downloads our free software will decide that they want to buy something from us.

Now, not many companies are going to be that altruistic in offering a free product just for the sake of it. It's either going to be ad-funded, or acting as a shop window for more advanced products or premium services. That's business.

But the same goes for Brightbook. Like us, they're up front about it too. Their basic service is free; they'll make their money by selling premium services and add-ons.

So choosing a free product is really no different from choosing a paid-for product - does it do what you need it to do? That's all that matters.
 
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