Poss OT: Book keeping software

[Nick]

Good evening all,

sorry if this is off topic but couldn't find a more relevant NG.

We are looking for a reasonably simple book keeping software package that can handle at least three VAT registered companies. All companies are related but separate entities.

At present, book keeping is off site and done manually. The plot is to keep it off site but change to computer based recording.

We don't want a full blown accounting package, just something that invoices can be entered into and will hopefully produce the figures required for quarterly VAT returns. We also don't want to employ the services of a book keeping agency.

The main criteria are simplicity and ease of use.

Thanks, Nick.

[Tim Watts]

Nick ( [e-mail]) wibbled on Sunday 16 January 2011 19:19:

For VAT which I have done, a spreadheet is usually easy enough.

If you are using Windows and want a more "forms n database" you could knock up something in Access without too much trouble.

Other than that, I don't know.

[Peter Scott]

I used Sage some years back and found it excellent. You can get pre-printed stationery for it from such as Viking Direct. There are several levels of the software, so you can upgrade it to a more powerful version if and when you need it. Starts at under £100.

Peter Scott

[The Night Tripper]

Hi there

There are a few Excel- (and OpenOffice Calc-) based accountancy spreadsheets sold via eBay. They are worth a look - in the worst case you'll only have spent a few quid. I bought a payroll package from one of these firms and although it turned out to be not entirely suitable for my needs I don't begrudge the tenner or so I spent on it.

HTH Jon N

[Paul Herber]

VT Transaction+

[Dave Liquorice]

Sounds like a simple spread sheet will do what you want, unless you have an unstated requirment for a proper audit trail. A spreadsheet is what I use, it does all the VAT tracking automagically both "proper" tracking of each purchase/sale and the Fixed Rate Scheme calculation (so I know I'm still making a profit from being in the FRS).

A self produced spreadsheet will do *exactly* what you want and if it doesn't you tweak it so it does. B-)

[Tony Bryer]

I've used QuickBooks for 15 years. It is a full blooded package but if you are invoicing people and getting paid later it does a good job of keeping track of who owes you money and you can print out nice professional looking statements. VAT returns are painless too (assuming correct data input of course).

Also if you use an accountant who has it, you can just let them have your accounts file and let them do what they want with it. Might save you £££

[Nightjar]

On 16/01/2011 20:26, Peter Scott wrote: ...

I found it a PITA. I spent three months trying to get it to do what I wanted, only to discover that would require a much more expensive version. I do everything with spreadsheets instead.

Cheaper to spend a little time designing a nice layout in a spreadsheet and print it on plain paper.

Colin Bignell

[stuart noble]

Once you have the basic figures in a spreadsheet you can do anything you like with them later on. Some accountants will give you their own spreadsheet for data entry, or there are plenty of free templates out there.

If you issue invoices, I think it's worth investing in a basic package, like QB. I did my own in Access, but it took a long time. I spent more time tweaking it than I did running the business :-)

[tony sayer]

Second that .. used here and works fine .. provided the data in is correct;)..

[Nick]

Many thanks to each and all for very informative replies. I think spreadsheets may be beyond our capabilities, but have contacted Intuit for suggestions.

Thanks again, Nick.