Hi. I'm preparing to start up on my own as a book-keeper, and wondered if anybody could give me some Pro's and Con's to the different accounting software packages available. I first learned using Sage Line 50, but know they have a newer package called Sage Accounting and Payroll - has this got any major advantages. Also, I have seen something called TAS Books before; is this better or worse than Sage? Any help and advice would be appreciated.
I think the major plus of using Sage is that most accountants prefer it over other packages. So if you use Sage to process your clients accounts and pass it on to your clients accountant at the year end you should win some brownie points! (obviously depeding on the quality of your work). This may result in some referrals in the future, which I just don't think would happen if you didn't use Sage.
I've tried QuickBooks in the past and not found it very easy to use. I've also downloaded the VT software and that seems quite good too.
Thanks for the advice Wendy. Would you recommend the Line 50 package over any other Sage versions, or are they all pretty much alike and/or HMRC compatible?
On a more general note... I noticed Microsoft has an Accounts package available. Has anyone tried using it, heard any feedback about it, and is it as good as Sage?
I would recommend Line 50 over Instant versions for book-keepers. Instant is ok for clients keeping their own books, but for book-keeping bureaus I believe you need the extra functions Line 50 offers, especially any clients requiring project costing etc. Sage Line 50 is also HMRC compatible so you can file VAT returns online which saves a great deal of time and stress!
I've not tried Microsoft Office Accounting yet but I do plan to download it to have a muse.
Hi Everyone, have recently starting looking around for accounting software and comparing prices, features and benefits. Well, I have done my home work and just want to say that Microsoft Professional Accounting software is not bad for what you get for your money currently £149.99. It is a multi-company software, but if you wanted multi-user you would pay about £349(3users). So as far as I can see, Sage line 50 has some stiff competition. Microsoft Professional Accounting is available free for 60 days and can be downloaded from their website. They also offer the Express version which is free (nothing to pay at all). I would be interested to know if anyone else has tried it. The SAGE Bookkeepers Club are selling Sage Client Manager for £39.50 per month for 10 months(5 company licence) Now, its great that they offer this but it's more money. Am really looking for the right software to do clients books and not have to worry if am paying to much money and know that am using the best possible software. Any comments would be appreciated.
Definitely worth checking out Microsoft Accounting as suggested. I must point out the Professional version is free for 'accountants' too.
I'd also recommend e-conomic as an online solution, although our members get it for free... it is free to use for client accountants access to all bookkeepers and accountants... so none of these hefty club or partnership charges. It is easy to use and powerful too so at least worth a look.
Hi, I use quickbooks Pro 2008, it is very user friendly and easy to pick up. you can have upto 99 customers books on it (thats with single user license).
I am Sage Line 50 trained but Quickbooks is far easier to use and you can do loads of reports on it the same as SAGE. Quickbooks is also alot cheaper to buy, mine was £250.
I have also been recommended Quickbooks as an excellent accounting package. I was at one of the ICB study workshops recently and the trainer recommended it. She is also a practising book-keeper- so she obviously knows her stuff!
Hello Am all new and sparkly out of the box on this forum and to the world of book keeping having just qualified with ICB... Picking up on this thread - does anyone have any experience of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor scheme? They include the software + other stuff for £399/year. Otherwise - which Quickbooks package is the right one for multiple clients??? Thanks for all help! Alex
