I am wanting a simple checklist for both online and offline accounting software so I can easily advise my clients. My bigger clients already use accounting software so this is really for clients who use paper records or a template I provide.
I don't want to come up with a long list - just the main headings.
I have come up with the following list:
Price per month
Price per year
Price - one off
Users
Sales invoicing
Sales ledger
Purchase ledger
VAT returns
Stock control
Job costing
Departments
Is there anything else people can suggest?
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Replies (14)
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A bit vague but
List is a bit vague but how about:
ReportingEase of UseCloud vs en-premiseBackup requirementsRemote access requirementsPayroll requirements
It's a start...
Captain
Keep it simple Peter.
Have you put much thought into what software you would recommend .
I would try and steer them to 1 preferred product something like Xero which has different subscription levels which should suit most of your client base. Otherwise it's a nightmare supporting loads of different ones with loads of accountant club style subscriptions.
Cost of training
Some software might, at first sight, seem to be fair value for money, until the true horror of the complexity of the software and consequent need for expensive training is considered.
A recent real world horror story on this subject matter is a "£950 per day" training cost quote from one computer software supplier.
Choice
If I had to make a choice I would go for VT Cash Book (free), VT Transaction+ (£125) and Clear Books £9 per month).
Despite that I already have two clients using Iris Openbooks, one using FreeAgent and one using Sage One.
one S missing....
Stability, Security and SUPPORT.
SIMPLE
Make sure it easy to use for the client - else I always advise they stay on excel!
An old adage
I remember being told in my student days "Anyone can make a mistake but if you really want to [***] it up, get a computer." I've yet to meet the small client who can cope with software, so get some where you can correct the mistakes. And a tip for software sellers - don't rip punters off with your training courses (for heaven's sake, it's not like you need a lot of research to present them, is it?) and you'll sell more software.
For bookkeeping purposes...
I think that Solar Accounts, a simplistic, cheap and intuitive programme is excellent for basic bookkeeping. Even my less intelligent clients can understand it.
VT is another good shout - I subscribe to their full package every year but I still prefer solar for bookkeeping so mainly use VT to produce final accounts.
If sage didn't "update" their programme every year and charge a fortune for it I would recommend them - at the price they charge I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole, even if I personally do like their software.
I know a few local accountants who get all excited about cloud bookkeeping software like, for example, sage one. Bah, backup and restore is still fine for me and my clients.
Accounting or book-keeping?
It may seem pedantic but I think there s a huge difference between the two. I prefer that clients only do book-keeping and leave me to to do the accounting. Which means that any system should respond to their needs. And quite frankly, I think all the systems out there have inherent weaknesses. When I started out many moons ago the advice was the book-keeping system should reflect the business, not the other way round. Computerised systems are so standardised and so inflexible (at the lower cost end) that its a case of you pays your money and you takes your choice. When is a systems analyst gong to come up with a design that meets basic criteria whilst providing flexibility. Nowadays the majority of businesses provide services not products so why do so few record hours and grades that input into charges and why no subsidiary ledger availability without expensive upgrades?
Clear Books seems very flexible
Computerised systems are so standardised and so inflexible (at the lower cost end) that its a case of you pays your money and you takes your choice. When is a systems analyst gong to come up with a design that meets basic criteria whilst providing flexibility.
I understand Clear Books has a huge range of options, such as the ability to grant or deny users, on an individual basis, access to each function of the system, so your clients cannot access (and mess up) the stuff they shouldn't be touching.
Operating System
I would add Mac or Windows to your list - I am seeing increasing numbers of clients using Macs who want a Mac based accounts system.
Mac or windows
In the case of desktop software I would agree. I think mac accounts software is so far behind that mac users should go for online software.
Items to add to the list
Peter - How about
Ease of useEasy data import (including transactions)Ease of access to the system by both client and accountantEase of VAT reporting, and interrogation of transactions underlying VAT returns?
Many systems do the things on your list, but it is the ease with which you can do them that distinguishes the great from the awful.
It is good to have good support, but it is far better not to need support.