I'm looking to starting my own bookkeeping practice and I was origanly thinking of getting Sage 50 Accounts, which I'm familir with, but I'm not sure that I can afford it after seeing the price that Sage charge. I'm now looking into othere software (i.e. QuickBooks) and online software (i.e. SageOne), but there is so much choice that it is hare to make a decision.
So I was wondering what software people use to keep there clients accounts, what costs are involved, and what do you think are the pros and cons of your choice.
Any info will be greatfully received and I'm hoping it will allow me to decide on a more afordable solution or to dig deep and get Sage. Also it might allow other bookkeepers to find new or alternative products.
Thanks.
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You've got a lot of choices in your life. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice.
I would recommend using online packages and get the client to pay for the licence, after all it is their data. That way if they leave you can just give them the licence code.
I offer preferential rates to bookkeepers for KashFlow software. Have a look at the trial and get in touch if you want to chat further.
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Phil Hendy, The Accountancy Mentor
Are you thinking of setting up your own practice or have you set up and need some help?
If so a mentor may be the way forward - feel free to get in touch and see how I can assist you.
Online software does have many conveniences, including lower costs for those starting up.
We have a few partner offers which may be worth a look, since you can save on the costs if after a free trial you find the solution that works for you.
All of these are quite good in different ways, boiling down to personal preferences and specific requirements.
We also have our new Online Cash Book System which is becoming quite popular. Still early days but quite a number of companies using it now. You're welcome to take up a free 2 month trial for it also.
I am currently using Sage 50 Client Manager and Payroll through the now defunct Sage Bookkeepers Club. As this club has been merged into the ridiculously expensive (for small bookkeeping businesses) Accountants Club I am now looking at other options when my membership expires in April.
I am currently using ... Payroll through the now defunct Sage Bookkeepers Club.... this club has been merged into the ridiculously expensive (for small bookkeeping businesses) Accountants Club
I wonder if that explains why we've been getting quite a few extra queries from bookkeepers recently.
I have started trialing 12Pay (running parallel with Sage for a couple of clients) with a view to obtaining licence within the next few weeks.
Regards
Mark
You'll notice differences in the NI, up to +-6p/week or +-23p/month. This is because Sage duplicates the manual paper tables, and everyone else (even HMRC in their own calculators) uses the exact %age method. The PAYE and other stuff like student loans should always be the same, to the penny. Differences in algorithms can mean rare 1p differences in SSP/SMP.
I will also be looking at other packages at the end of this year (look out Tom!!) for the same reason as Mark - Sage is extortionate. Always used it and I like it but can't afford it any more
I would recommend using online packages and get the client to pay for the licence, after all it is their data. That way if they leave you can just give them the licence code.
Phil, this sounds fantastic. Any issues with getting them to pay, or does it get consumed within your monthly fees?
I would recommend using online packages and get the client to pay for the licence, after all it is their data. That way if they leave you can just give them the licence code.
Phil, this sounds fantastic. Any issues with getting them to pay, or does it get consumed within your monthly fees?
No issues generally and I just collect a standing order for the software.
One of the good things about an online package is that you can give a client access. A lot of my clients use the sales side of it so raise invoices and mark them as paid. My team then posts the rest and does the reconciliations etc.
The client can also view reports and we can both look at the same information live online.
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Phil Hendy, The Accountancy Mentor
Are you thinking of setting up your own practice or have you set up and need some help?
If so a mentor may be the way forward - feel free to get in touch and see how I can assist you.
Sage One is worth looking at, but it is pretty basic. Does not compare to Sage 50. It is however an online solution and it is a good idea to charge the client the monthly fee as stated in some of the earlier posts.
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Author of Sage 50 Accounts For Dummies, Sage One for Dummies and Bookkeeping for Dummies
I've used Moneysoft Payroll manager 100 for years. Cost is £110+VAT pa does everything (CIS, P11d's etc) including the forms and a few extras and is really simple to use. I have unlimited employers - with up to 100 employees.
Everytime I open the software it checks for updates which are then downloaded if there are any, and I get a report on anything new.
2009/10 I was able to complete all the end of year returns before the HMRC shut the online system down for a week before year end! I can also submit mid year returns - if required - and with 2 employers who a couple of month ago, stopped having any employees as they have sold their businesses, I was able to submit the end of year returns etc straight away. No waiting for year end. I can import or export CSV files too.
I know lots of Accountants, bookkeepers and payroll bureaus who have switched to it, and have yet to come across anyone who has used it and then changed their mind. They allow free trials too - the licence is to get updates.
-- Edited by YLB-HO on Wednesday 2nd of March 2011 04:19:02 PM
(want to print my logo on the payslips
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