sage instant accounts

System

Hi everyone

I am studying via distance learning with FTC. Has anybody recently used sage for unit 31 diploma path. I will be taking this unit after my exam for unit 30 (Introductory accounting )in december. I was wondering if you found it user friendly as i have not done computer accounting before.

Many thanks

Chris

System

Re:sage instant accounts

I'm not sure what is in Unit 31 but I have found that Sage Instant is relatively user friendly. Another package to consider (depending upon whether you have to pay for these things) is one called Businessware. I've been using it as a parallel system for a new client and found that it's very good for basic bookkeeping and accounts.

www.business-ware.co.uk. You can download a trial verion (works for 10 times. The baby version (no accounts) is £39 and the one with accounts is£69.00

Good luck with your studies.

Sharon

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Thanks for that sharon. A reply at last. After all the viewing on this thread i thought no one wanted to speak to me !!!


Unit 31 on the diploma route calls for the use of a computerised accounts system so Id better start practising

Chris

System

Re:sage instant accounts

I nearly didn'tbut thought you might be lonely.... :oops:

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Actually, if I am honest, I didn't want to admit that I didn't know what Unit 31 related to! When I was studying for AAT, there was a paper on computing and one question (for 20 points) was something like "of what use would a mini computer be in a doctors' surgery". Yup, in those days we used program disks, could only batch post, windows were for looking out of and electric typewriters were considered the height of technologyl.

I'll keep quiet now as I am feeling rather aged.

Sharon

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Hi Chris & Sharon

Having seen your thread about Businessware, I downloaded it and my first impressions are good.
Looks very user friendly, and as Sharon mentioned it looks a good program for basic accounts package.
I didn't know what unit 31 related to either


Sharon

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Unit 31 is for those on the new diploma route. Unit 30 is Introductory accounting ( exam ) and unit 31 is Accounting work skills ( skills test ) which includes computer accounting with Sage. Both these units give you a certificate in accounting which is the equivalent of the foundation level 2 in accounting.


Chris

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Hi chris,
I am doing unit 30 as well, i have exams on the 5th of dec.I havent done any sage before, do you have do it for unit 31. Please help am all confused.

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Hema04 ( Don't know your first name)

I'm taking my exam in December also for unit 30 introductory accounting, I'm studying distance learning with FTC and the folder they sent me at the start outlined what unit 30 entailed and the same for unit 31. Part of unit 31 involves developing skills needed to use a computerised accounting system. I dont know what is involved other than entering basic ( I hope ) accounting transactions, but I do know that FTC include Sage software in unit 31. It would be nice to know if anyone else has already done unit 31 on the diploma route so as to give us an insight into the computerised element because like you i have never used SAGE or any computerised accounting software. Who are you studying with, is it college or distance learning, whoever it is they should tell you a bit more about unit 31.

Chris

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Hi everybody im studying unit 30 and 31 and taking the exam on the 5th of December at Leeds. Am i getting it right that you all are studying Unit 31 after the exam because im having to study them both at the same time :!: reading through the practice simulation you will notice that it asks you to use sage or exel for the transactions. i would advise that you use exel as i made the mistake of using my accounting package and when it came to doing the actual simulation it came back saying i wasnt competent as the period balance was out.

System

Re:sage instant accounts

also i have used sage for work purposes and i find it quite siple to use. for the simulation for unit 31 if you carefully read through chapter 11 it is really useful on how to use the package. When you start up the programme it walks you through using a wizard on setting up your business and customers and suppliers after that it is all straight forward so long as you have read through chapter 11 first.

Hope this has helped! :thumbup:

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Hi RaeRae

I am assuming that I will be using Sage as it comes as part of the cost of unit 31 with FTC distance learning. Are you saying that there was a problem with using sage on unit 31 with regards to the practical simulation or is it just a personal preference for excel. Trouble is don't know if I will have a choice.


Chris

System

Re:sage instant accounts

what it is, is that if you use sage for the practice simulations that you have to hand in it causes problems for the actual simulation as you have to clear all of the entries and start again. i didnt realise this and thought that it would be acceptable to hand the actual simulation in with the old entries as they encourage you to use the software as much as possible and thought they would have realised that in the time given i wouldnt have time to clear the old entries as well as do the simulation.
Rae

System

Re:sage instant accounts

There is a quick way of clearing the entries in Sage L50, which may also be in Instant accounts. Close all open windows then go into 'file' 'maintenance' and click on rebuild.

This will clear all exisiting data with options to retain PL & SL account details.

Too late for you I'm afraid RaeRae but may help others.

Sharon

System

Re:sage instant accounts

Thanks for that if my simulation comes back with a low grade i can always re do it trying that

Cheers

Rae xx :thumbup: