I have been using Quickbooks SimpleStart for a while and getting along with it OK, though it is very basic it does what I need it to do at this time. I need however to pass my ICB level 2 comp by September and having looked at one of the test papers I don't think SimpleStart covers everything I will need.
Does anyone know if the next one up, Quickbooks Pro, would be acceptable by ICB for level 2 comp? I am going to be looking to upgrade quite soon anyway, but would like to do it as cheaply as possible as I am on a tight budget.
Any thoughts gratefuly received as I have spent the last two hours researching various software packages and feel like I am none the wiser for it!!!
Quickbooks Pro will be perfectly acceptable to do the Level 2 computerised, especially if you are used to Simple Start. It does a good range of reports. Have you had any experience of Sage, as looking at the various software packages, it looks like Sage Instant Accounts is cheaper than Quickbooks Pro, but it depends on what you want to use it for. You say you are lookig to upgrade soon, are you already using the package in a business? If so, and you need to use it for more than one client then it obviously gets more expensive.
If you are just using it for your own use then Quickbooks Pro will be fine, although Sage Instant Accounts is cheaper.
Also, I only have experience of Quickbooks and Sage various, but there is other software out there that would probably be ok, perhaps someone with experience of other software can help you there
That's great, thanks for the info. I have been using QB Simplestart just for my husband's business, but having qualified with ICB I am looking to take on more clients and set up as a bookkeeper working from home. I think Sage is too pricey for me at the moment, also, I am used to Quickbooks so feel like I will stick with what I know for the time being.
I have taken on my second client this morning and am feeling cautiously optimistic that I can make money from this so think I will go with the Quickbooks Pro.
I have QB Pro and love it, I can also use SAGE but for me it was about price when I started out and I just couldn't afford Sage. QB in my opinion is just as good and the reporting is brilliant, but thats just my opinion there will be others on here that will love SAge instead.
Just a tip son't use QB for Payroll, there is nothing wrong with it but its pricey. I enquired about it and I would have to pay a monthly subscription and then when a newer version of QB comes out they make you upgrade so the make more money out of you for the payroll. The payroll package is good and I have used it but for me I am going to go with 12Pay as the reviews are good and people on here use it and say its good, and of course the price is good and the support apparantly is good as well.
I assume QB Pro will let you use multi-companies on it ? Only used QB in a three-user environment before, not multi-company. I do know that Sage multi-company is definitely expensive though.
Thanks Amanda, yes I also like Quickbooks, I find the SimpleStart very easy to use. Funnily enough, I have been looking at 12pay this afternoon, reviews seem to mostly be very positive so I think I will go that way too.
Pauline, I can run multi companies on the Quickbooks SimpleStart so am assuming that Pro will be the same, but I will talk to someone in support and check that is the case before parting with any money!
Just to update, I got QB Pro on Friday and had a peaceful afternoon today messing about with it as rest of the household were out at the rugby! First impressions are very good, def feel like it will do everything I need from it.
