I am looking to find an online accounting software that allows access to multiple clients. Preferably a one off price or something cost effective. I currently operate on Kashflow. I have looked at Xero and FreeAgent but I am not sure how well this supports multiple clients?
I like the look of Quickbooks however I would rather not go for a desktop software approach.
The problem with online software, is it has to be kept upto date due to changes in operating systems etc. Thats why a one off cost would not work. It also depends what you need. I use "Clever Accounts" (you have to approach them specifically for the version I have, as they no longer market it) for my smaller clients. Its basic but adequate for less complicated businesses, and not as expensive as other online software. I pay a monthly amount for 50 licences. (They do them in blocks of 10, but get cheaper the more you have) I also have Orbit (Accountants Kashflow), for more complicated businesses who need the additional facilities which are online, and currently use VT for offline accounts.
We at Arithmo have three price options. Reseller system with no fee or set up cost to accountant (client pays us direct and we pay accountant percentage) or 10 clients plus, £299 plus vat per annum or 25 clients plus systems £499 plus vat per annum.
Send us an email if you would like a trial accountant system or reseller system.
You can access your clients in one system.
We also brand your system for free.
One note on choosing an online systems; do your research on where the software vendor hosts your system.
I work at a company called Fortnox. We have developed an application, called the Client Manager, which does exactly what you describe. It allows you to login to each clients account via one single interface, making it a simple affair to manage client details in a secure, online environment.
You can find more information about the Client Manager application and the Partner Programme we run for accountants and book-keepers on our website: http://www.fortnox.co.uk/become-accountant-partner/
If you would like any more information, or would like us to set up a demonstration for you, please get in touch.
I went with QuickBooks for my practice, and i cant fault it, (minor niggles sure but nothing worth talking about) but they do a Premier package in which you pay £35 a month +VAT and you get an accountants copy of the software, (able to produce final accounts etc), support,free software to sell to cxlients and yearly updates free of charge (as long as you pay the subs every year/month)
and if you store the client files on something like 'dropbox' which is a cloud based storage system, then you can get access to them whever you have a computer connected to the internet. Quickbooks can also be installed on more than one system up to about 10 computers before they start to ask questions. and best of all it has no client limit! :)
I've been using Sages new online software Sage One. You'd get the Accountants Edition (its suitable for us as well) for free and it costs the clients between £5-£10 per month with no tie in. You can manage unlimited clients on there I'm told, I've got 18.
Some of my clients pay for themselves and I pick up the tab for others.
If you prefer the "cloud" rather than desktop route, I would suggest that your three options are Xero, Freeagent and KashFlow, which seem to be the Mercedes, BMW and Audi of the cloud accounting world here in the UK: i.e. all slightly different but all good and very popular. Of course there are other providers but I consider these three to be the most likely long-term winners.
All allow you to easily work with multiple client companies.
My experience is with Xero. Xero has a great partner programme and has a "Partner Edition". This gives you access to all of your clients from a single Practice sign-on plus discounted subscriptions for multiple clients. There is also a really useful version called "Cashbook Edition" (only available to partners) which allows you to handle clients who don't want Sales and Purchase ledger functionality - just a cashbook.
So, if, as it seems, you opted for Xero, I think you are in a good place.
Regards Adrian
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Adrian Pearson Blog: www.adrianpearson.com | Mobile: 07944 970997 | Email: adrianpearson@outlook.com Xero data conversion specialist. Founder of Movemybooks and Ledgerscope.
