I came accross diyaccounting.co.uk last night and they do all sorts of spreadsheets for self-employment, sole traders, company accounts etc based on excel spreadsheets, and at a very reasonable cost, I have just downloaded one and i must say that i am very impressed, has any one else tried these, as for doing bookkeeping for a small business or self-assessment where expensive accounting software is not really worth it or affordable these seem to fit the bill, I havn't had chance to play around yet but will do shortly.
Yes, very similar and certainly worth a look, have you used these yourself in practice yet or are you using Bookcert's version, I seem to remember that like me you used them to start your business.
I've not used the Mrspreadsheet programs but I think I would've tried them if I'd found them earlier. I never used the Bookcert program, I already had a program which I still use, VA 2000-32, and purchased Businessware last year which is excellent VFM.
People setting up their businesses start looking at Sage etc with multi-company option straight away..it's madness when you are just starting out because there's no guarantee you'll get the work to justify the expense. There are lots of programs around with multi-company option; Diamond Discovery Prelude (up to 100 separate companies) for example is around 50 quid off Amazon!
Regarding these spreadsheet programs Just a qiuck question to those of you already using them.
Do you have to purchase a separate copy of these for each of your clients or do you simply keep a blank template and make copies. Also do you have to buy a new copy for each accounting period
Although a shameless plug, this is something a few here may be seriously interested in.
Our business and membership has development (ie spreadsheets) at its core, with an ongoing service in this area included for business members - via an open Development Desk to make such requests.
All of our Excel templates are for open use and distribution by members, and are also branded for your business. Currently our development team is busy on a practice management system too, quite a large project but should prove rather useful.
I know exactly what Robbie means with just starting out yet spending heavily on software. This is why our partner offers include a free subscription to e-conomic online accounting, along with other possible benefits and discounts.
Well - I did say it was shameless! Hopefully others will feel it is relevant, and possibly useful.
As for Terry's spreadsheets (DIY Accounting), I have heard a few that have used it as Terry is quite active in some other forums and does offer good advice. People do seem quite happy, and I agree the price is quite reasonable though I am unsure on the licensing.
I've not heard from accountants or bookkeepers that have used it but I'm not surprised if they could be a good option to consider.
I know someone who uses it and he swears by it, he won't use Sage due to cost and doesn't like it. I had a brief look and looked quite good. Try Quickbooks there new version 2010 has had good reviews. I have Pro 2008 and you can have upto 99 customers/companies on it and its a fraction of the price of SAGE.
