Quickbooks v Xero for self employed plumber?

[Deleted member 329094]

We're thinking of doing our own accounts. The other half is a plumber self employed with no staff, not VAT registered and the accountants prices are going up rapidly every year. I'm nervous to do it myself as I wonder if he gives value for money in claiming for things that we don't know etc. I've looked at QB and Xero. Has anyone any experience with either? A couple of friends who are accountants (all be it not small business accountants) said Xero is what their companies advise clients to use. I'm also thinking if he employed me to do the books it would be financially beneficially somehow? Sorry, total novice question.

 

[WaveJumper]

Xero gets a big thumbs up from me easy to use

 

[Scalloway]

I inherited Quickbooks from a previous incumbent of my post and find it a bit complicated. The plumber we use sends his bills from Xero.

 

[BustersDogs]

I was forced to use xero by a bookkeeper. It had its good points but I don't think I needed most of what it had to offer (or perhaps I did, and just did not know how to read it). I will say though, that no matter how I keep my books, or if I use an external bookkeeper or not, I will always have an accountant. Maybe find one that charges in a different, more transparent way which would suit better.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

We're thinking of doing our own accounts. The other half is a plumber self employed with no staff, not VAT registered and the accountants prices are going up rapidly every year. I'm nervous to do it myself as I wonder if he gives value for money in claiming for things that we don't know etc. I've looked at QB and Xero. Has anyone any experience with either? A couple of friends who are accountants (all be it not small business accountants) said Xero is what their companies advise clients to use. I'm also thinking if he employed me to do the books it would be financially beneficially somehow? Sorry, total novice question.

Doing your own bookkeeping is a great way to keep accountants fees down, but don't confuse bookkeeping with dealing with the accounts and tax returns, it's not the same thing.

Why not work with your accountants setting up Xero or whatever system you decide to use. Do also ask them how you can reduce their fees.

Xero is a great system but you really do have lots of choice. I personally like FreeAgent and Accounts Portal but it depends on what you need. Another option (which is free) and may be suitable for you is VT cashbook.

 

[Alyson Dyer]

Xero for me.

 

[Spur Support Services]

Xero, but then I would say that .

And get your accountant to set up the Quote and Invoicing area right to communicate all your trade terms effectively, so that it makes operational admin a breeze, raising and emailing quotes, converting those quotes to invoices, and then emailing those to clients with links to credit card payment services such as Stripe.

 

[GraemeL]

Doing your own bookkeeping is a great way to keep accountants fees down, but don't confuse bookkeeping with dealing with the accounts and tax returns, it's not the same thing.

This is one of the key points. Unless you have a pretty good knowledge of accounting, you will use whatever software you choose as a book keeping system. If your current accountant is doing your book keeping, then it will save them time and so should save you money. But you will still need an accountant.

But take care with this move, because if you make any mistakes, you will be asking your accountant to sort it out for you.

Also, if you ask your accountant to help you with set up or bug fixes, none of that is free.