Best software for small businesses?

Best software for small businesses?

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Hi all,

I have been using MS Excel for a pretty long time. It was OK at first with very small businesses but getting too complicated when need to reconcile bank transactions, work with cash payments, VAT Returns, etc. I tried SAGE, but it is too complicated for small businesses and takes ages to input all information. I am after something good, easy to use. I only do bookkeeping, VAT returns. Final accounts are being submitted by an accountant, not by me. Any recommendations? By the way, I use Mac, so software needs to be Mac compatible.

Replies (11)

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By Xcast
25th Sep 2013 13:09

Solar Accounts

http://www.solaraccounts.co.uk/

 

Can highly recommend it.

Runs on Mac (see FAQ on website page)

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Teignmouth
By Paul Scholes
25th Sep 2013 13:15

Cloud

If you go for Cloud software your clients can do a bit (eg preparing & sending sales invoices) you can also get direct bank feeds or upload CSV bank statements from internet banking.

Because it's accessed via a website there's no trouble with Mac or PC, I use Mac all the time.

Easiest I use are Clear Books & FreeAgent you pay per client with CB being the cheaper.  The best way to get FreeAgent if you run several is via Iris OpenBooks as it comes with a dashboard so you can see all your clients and dip in & out.  Clear Books supplies the same.

Happy to chat via PM if you need more info.

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By DMGbus
25th Sep 2013 13:33

Xero compatible Mac + Windows

Xero is compatible with both Mac and Windows.

I have a client who only has Mac computers whilst I only have Windows computers.

Data in the client's Xero online system is easily accessible both by my client (Mac) and myself (Windows).

If the other online bank-feed systems are similarly OS compatible then I would compare their prices with Xero.

One criticism that I've seen about these online systems is the forever monthly fees - a service is being acquired / used rather than the software being bought - ie. not a one-off purchase like some software.  However I did recently see a comment that support for Sage 50 was several hundred pounds a year - on top of the purchase cost of the software: with an online system the support is (I assume) included in the monthly fee.   So, from an economic appraisal viewpoint the total costs should be looked at, which leads me onto to training costs to be so included.  Old fashioned overly complicated software will need training and such training can be very costly (one type of Sage software needs around £ 1,000 of training).  With an easy to use user-friendly and intuitive software (ie. Xero but NOT SAGE) there is little or no need for  expensive training.

 

 

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Teignmouth
By Paul Scholes
25th Sep 2013 13:52

Agree but...

whilst I like & use Xero it is too complex for uninitiated users and so it's only been my Sage clients who have switched over to it.

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By ccassociates
25th Sep 2013 14:21

Prelude online

We Use prelude Online which is new to the market and we highly reccommend it http://www.preludeaccounts.com/ 

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By LadyofLedger
25th Sep 2013 21:14

My vote is QuickBooks

Hi

I would recommend QuickBooks Online. Like Xero, it may take a little setting up, but once done (the help files are very good) it's such an easy package to use. Your Accountant can 'log in' and get your accounts details for end of year etc too.

Carol

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By jwojtanowska
27th Sep 2013 09:42

How about Anagram Systems?

It sounds like Anagram Systems' Encore software would be a great fit for you.

Encore is an ERP software for the smaller business, designed for Windows Encore has a quick and easy installation, reduces administration and increases procedure efficiency.

Through using Encore our clients have found that administration and manual error have been reduced and automation of many tasks has increased. Encore’s low cost and easy installation provides our clients with control of the product and a dedicated Software Support team to help run your Anagram software efficiently at all times.

 

If you would like anymore information you can get in touch with us by contacting the Sales team on [email protected] or call the office 01403 259 551.
 

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By rpgraham
01st Oct 2013 12:59

Sage One is an online cloud thing so is compatible with both Win and Mac.

It is not not Sage Accounts - it is a really simple cashbook type thing.  Something like £5 a month.

www.sageone.com

Richard

 

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By Spencerjdb
01st Oct 2013 14:32

From experience..

Please do not make the mistake of buying SAGE ! !

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Replying to SpreadsheetUser:
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By Xcast
01st Oct 2013 15:01

Agree wholeheartedly.

Spencerjdb wrote:

Please do not make the mistake of buying SAGE ! !

I've just received a Sage TB from a client's book-keeper which doesn't balance!

Why would any software allow this to happen?

 

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By Karen Bennett
13th Jun 2014 16:16

Alternative to Excel

If you are still using MS excel to complete bookkeeping jobs and VAT returns you should look at automated data extraction software called AutoRec. It can be used on a Mac computer if you have windows installed. Our Chief Technical Officer runs his AutoRec licence on a Mac also.

Here is a link that gives you more information on what versions of windows that AutoRec runs on. https://ocrex.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/202346608-What-version-of-Windows-is-supported-

AutoRec is a bank reconciliation software that extracts transactional data from bank statements whether they are bank, online, PDF or credit card statements. Our accountant / bookkeeper clients use it mainly for VAT analysis for incomplete records clients.

A lot of the functionality is very similar or the same as excel so it is easy to use. We also include training and support for free with all our packages. Have a look at a demo here – AutoRec Demo

Your question has come up a few times so here are a few other threads with other advice

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/anyanswers/question/what-software-do-practices-use

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/anyanswers/question/which-best-accounting-sofware-use#comment-691209 

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/anyanswers/question/what-software-do-i-need

Hope that helps. 

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