Small business bookkeeping software

[Richardk]

Please can anyone recommend a suitable, simple bookkeeping package. I am a sole trader and not VAT reg'd. I produce less than 60 invoices per year and get paid on completion of each job, almost always by cheque but occasionally in cash. My purchases and other expenses volumes vary from nil to perhaps a dozen items a week, mostly paid by debit card but occasional cash purchases and a few direct debits. Nothing is bought on credit and I dont give credit. I have a separate business bank account. Up to now, I have been entering all my ins and outs etc in Simplex D account books which are ok but a bit tedious, especially all the adding up and summarising.
There seems to be a bewildering choice available so am looking for recommendations.

 

[EnhanceAccountancy]

Hi Richard.

I suppose the next step up would be a basic spreadsheet template, there are plenty about.

My personal favourite book-keeping package is Sage Instant (but that is merely my own view). An all singing and dancing package may be a bit overkill for your needs at the moment though.

 

[David Richards]

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!

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Please can anyone recommend a suitable, simple bookkeeping package. I am a sole trader and not VAT reg'd. I produce less than 60 invoices per year and get paid on completion of each job, almost always by cheque but occasionally in cash. My purchases and other expenses volumes vary from nil to perhaps a dozen items a week, mostly paid by debit card but occasional cash purchases and a few direct debits. Nothing is bought on credit and I dont give credit. I have a separate business bank account. Up to now, I have been entering all my ins and outs etc in Simplex D account books which are ok but a bit tedious, especially all the adding up and summarising.
There seems to be a bewildering choice available so am looking for recommendations.

Hi Richard

If you use an accountant I'd certainly ask them this question - its good to work with a package they are familiar with and they may be able to get a discount on the standard price for you.

Two packages I'd suggest are worth a look are -

Accounts Portal

VT Cashbook

 

[Arithmo]

Please take a look at www.arithmo.co.uk our online bookkeeping system would be suitable for your business. I would recommend the standard package that has a no obligation 14 day trial and then charged at £35 per year.

I can also arrange free online training should you need it.

Thanks

 

[sanjiv]

I would try VT Software. I use their VT Transaction+ package which is really good.

 

[GreatSEO]

www.kashflow.co.uk highly recommended and the owner is a mod here.

Dave

 

[physiopod]

Hello

We have used TAS BOOKS for two small businesses for just over a year, and can't recommend it enough. We have single user licence on both, the telephone support is second to none, even the silliest questions (which I seem to have a habit of asking) are answered professionally and in a friendly manner, think they are up in Newcastle (the lovely accent always helps ). I use the cashflow forecast all the time and creating payments for suppliers is a doddle, emailing invoices and statements weekly keeps our credit control tight, loads better than before we had a package.. It's very user friendly with flow charts and assistant wizards to help you do everything from a VAT return to setting up a new customer. Recently I transported all our customer/suppliers details into csv then put on WORD to create labels for the Christmas cards - no problem!! Happy to help if you want more info, best of all, it's not expensive.

 

[kjmcculloch]

Both VT Cashbook and VT Transaction+ are good packages with the former free and the later reasonably priced. The only thing I will mention about them is that they dont seem to record an accurate audit trail so changes can easily be made without any record. This isn't so big an issue if you are the only person using it and have an idea of what's happening in the background.

Kris