Hi folks, need assistance - I have just started up in bookkeeping and one client has not come back - i found out why - he says i took too long ( and cost too much) to do his accounts. I need to find a faster solution to doing them. I input the accounts into excel then into a/c programme ( I was doing a years accounts for a busy joiner) and this took me 2 weeks - his accountant told me it should have been 4/5 days - How can I do it quicker???
I was wondering why you put the clients data into Excel first then into an accounts package? If you entered it directly into a program it would certainly be quicker!
Thanks Rob I think its a good idea, I'll give it a go. Do I need to amend the nominal codes to suit each client or is it best to leave alone and add new ones when needed?
Most packages have default codes which I leave untouched, if I cant find those that I want I add them as needed as you suggest.
Which software are you using? Data can be entered relatively quickly into some programs where as a lot you need to have a manual in your hand! I think I've tried every accounts program available so I might be able to point you towards a more friendly one if you like?
I was going to suggest MS Accounting because you can get a full free version of MS Accounting Pro 2008 and a full free copy of MS Office 2007 Business version if you join the MS Accountants network..if you are a working accountant or bookkeeper that is! Cant get better than free!
I was going to suggest another one, Prelude from Diamond Discovery...very easy to use but I think the one's you have got are used by most accountants so they'll be happy with the data you give them from that software. Also, if you get stuck, there are plenty of people on the forum who use those programs who can help you out!
You can use MS Accounting Express or Pro for your different clients. Unlike Sage or QB you dont have to pay extra for the multi-company facility, you can do as many clients books as you want..just setup a new file for each one.
I've tried what you've adviced with the free ms accounting and it works for multiple companies. The only problem it is very slow. too slow actually. Have you got any advice on that?
I found it to be too slow as well initially. I'm running it on an iMac as well as Vista but for some unknown reason it seems to be better now.
It definately doesn't run as quickly as the other stuff I've got on my machines..think you need something with a fast processor and lots of RAM.
I'm going to use it alongside my other software and see how it goes. I like the way it integrates with Office 2007 so I shall persevere with it...for now!
