I am hoping to start up by myself in August and I am trying to gain as much extra knowledge/experience in the meantime. I have done the bookkeeping for a family members hairdressers and enjoyed the experience.
I used the Solar Accounts system which I found quite practical and I liked the layout. I didn't like the setup of the P&L but I used this as a double check after using the TB to create my own. I will be purchasing the BookCert package and after looking into it, it seems to offer a Cashbook as the basis for its bookkeeping. Has anyone who has used BookCert found their software to be sufficient, or would you use your own software? The main reason I ask is that I've self taught myself on Solar Accounts and can get around it quite well now, but I do not want to over elaborate the bookkeeping process and would prefer to stick with Solar, if future client don't have any preferences.
Thanks for your valued input.
Dean
-- Edited by DeanoFTM on Thursday 20th of January 2011 09:15:42 PM
I've not used the Bookcert software but I'm a big user (fan) of Sage. I know not all book keepers favour Sage but I've found it a pretty solid bit of kit. If you're at the stage where you're looking at different platforms I wouldn't dismiss Sage.
Solar Accounts is not one I've tried but I have read some good reviews.
All the best
Stuart
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Stuart
Birmingham City FC - Blues is my religion St Andrews is my church
Thanks for the response and info. I have used Sage before and set-up a system in Sage from manual bookkeeping and I like it too, although I will look into it again for an update. The only problem I have at the moment with Sage is the cost of multi-company, that's why I am edging towards Solar. BookCert provide a Sage training CD so I will take a look at costing more closely.
I also can use Sage although the only Sage I have is Sage instants for 1 client. Due to the cost of Sage when I started out and the fact I just couldn't afford it I was recommended by a good friend Quickbooks. At the time the Pro 2008 version cost me I think about £250 and has multi company and also you can add payroll if you want, although I do think the payroll is expensive as you then have to have a monthly support with the payroll package, so I haven't bothered with the payroll and won't be either. But the general QB is very good I must admit I no longer have a support package as I think they are useless!!! Just a call centre and not proper bookkeepers with the correct answers.
If you can use sage you will find QB really easy to pick up. Very similar but more user friendly and of course the cost is so much cheaper, and also they are not always bombarding you to upgrade!
I haven't used Solar so can't give an oppinion on it!
I've just downloaded the free version of Quickbooks so I'm going to give that a go. I have a computerised scenraio to run through so I may use this to see the +/- of each package.
forgive the shameless self-promotion, but if you are looking for a software for small business bookkeeping that supports multi-company with simple bookkeeping needs, you should give My Bookkeeping Online a go. If you are interested, just send me a PM with your contact info and i'll get in touch. We have video tutorials on every page so the transition should be straightforward for you.
/shameless self-promotion
also worth checking out the other online cloud products such as Kashflow, VT, Iris, Xero etc..
-- Edited by HendrikMBO on Monday 24th of January 2011 11:41:06 AM
Thanks for introducing your software. I'm downloading 'The Definitive Guide' now to take a look at so will probably be back later with questions. The only points I want to pick upon are:
(i)How secure are the banking details required to download the statements.
(ii)How many people have subscribed to this package (trying to gain a little on the market popularity).
Good website by the way, and I send you a PM once I've looked into it and read your literature.
Look forward to hearing from you once you have had a chance to look at our software in more detail.
Maybe the best idea would be to continue this conversation outside of the forum so we can run through your specific requirements and I can show you how the bank statements piece works.
Sage have introduced Sage One which is Sage online. They have different levels starting at £5 pm for the cashbook and £10 pm for accounts. Presumably if your clients sign up to it you just use their log in details to do their work. There is an Accountant's version but you have to pay a yearly fee but I imagine you can make a couple quid off of the clients by selling them the £5 & £10 per month and you can manage all your clients in your Accountants version. Sage was supposed to be sending more more details.
Has anyone else looked into this or using Sage One?
