Which software??

System · October 2003

I am in the process of setting up a new accountancy firm and was wondering if I could have some recommendations regarding software to use in a small practise. This would need to be comprehensive and integrated - as I will be doing all aspects of accounting for small businesses and self employed including accounts production, payroll and self assessment. I went on a Sage course a couple of weeks ago and was not terribly impressed - the end reporting seemed sparse and it's not an integrated package; or at least the version I saw wasn't. I have just checked out the Iris website and their package seems fairly complete - although no prices were shown, so I guess this is goingto be expensive... Any recommendations or links to relevant websites would be appreciated. Thanks very much Lesley

System · October 2003

Which software??

You're right Lesley, It's going to be hugely expensive. In fairness, the modern accounting packages take all the 'accounting' out of accounting, but they are pricey. My advice would be to do without a package at first, if you can, and buy one when you've a couple of clients on the go. Although, if you are preparing monthly management accounts you'll probably have to bite the bullet and buy one up front. When I worked in practice I used Finex (I think that's the correct spelling). I liked it, but I think it has changed its name since (i.e. post 2000). I'm the FC of a small company now and we use Sage Line 50 - FC, but the cost of the practice version of this is staggering. Do you know anyone in practice that might be upgrading and no longer using their old system? This is what I did when I had my brief foray into private practice. You might even put an add in the local paper for a second hand accounting package or if you're feeling really brave you could approach some practices and offer to buy and old package off them. You might want to mention you're setting up practice 50 miles away from them though!

System · October 2003

Which software??

Hi Ive known a few people who have either worked in a practice or have had close dealings with one as aprt of the work. One thing that helps sometimes, is having the same package as your clients. That way if you need to look at something in their accounts you can take a copy of their data and look at in your time on your computer, without the need for lengthy reports. Although you weren't impressed by sage, it is used and known a lot and the support to go with it is very good. We use Line 50 FC and with regards to reporting, their are standard reports but you can also create your own cobvering most variables. Although the accounts package, payroll and forcasting are seperate programs, they do all 'talk' to each other, so its like having a complete package. One thing I would say though is what ever software you get, don't by a new version as soon as it comes out and wait six months or so before you do as it takes time to sort out any niggles!!!!!!! Neil

System · October 2003

Which software??

I was wondering whether you intend to do most of your work in your own office, or at your client's premises. My clients are all small, owner managed companies but even so, due to the volume of paper, it is more practical for me to work in the client's offices. This means that I use their chosen software, and in most cases this is either Sage Instant of Line 50. This is not what I originally intended, but it actually works quite well - I have regular contact with the client, which helps when resolving queries, and I am more in touch with their changing needs. For example three months ago I had a regular weekly 2 hour slot with one client, but now I have 2 full days per week! Also, bear in mind that with Sage, you need to have the same update version as your client if you are going to move data about.

System · October 2003

Which software??

Valuable advice, Mary.

System · October 2003

Which software??

We use Sage instant for a small business and this was recommended by our Accountants purely because majority of his clients used it and if we chose something else it MIGHT cost us more for him to do our year end accounts. Point being for you that majority of your smaller clients may already be using Sage. Pity that your training wasnt too impressive. If you would like any more info our Sage Training came from a company in Bristol with some 18 years experience. Their initial consulations are free, if you are interested please email me at lisa.ewing@blueyonder.co.uk and I will pass on their details to you. It is without obligation but maybe you didnt get enough info from your intial training. The lady there is a fountain of knowledge !! Lisa

System · October 2003

Which software??

My son has just gone self employed as a computer consultant and purchased sage instant. He had no idea about accounting and has relied on the support helpline. In just 3 weeks he has grasped the principle of double entry and is getting on very well with it.

System · November 2003

Which software??

Thanks for all the replies and invaluable advise. I checked out the Iris software package and it looked nice - a complete tax reporting package, although no book-keeping. The TB has to be imported from other software, or manually entered. So, I'm back to square 1 - I would like to offer the beginning to end solution, from bookkeeping to year end tax reporting. Does anything do this, or am I being too optimistic? In addition, can I ask Sage users whether you are tied in to expensive training as part of the deal? The Iris salesman stated this was so, but I am not convinced that this wasn't sales tactics to put us off Sage... Are you expected to incur hundreds or pounds of training fees when you first buy Sage? Your further advise is much appreciated. Thanks Lesley

System · November 2003

Which software??

Hi We have Sage where i work now, and where I worked previously. There is no obligation to undertake training if you purchase Sage. Also, if you buy it through a re-seller (basically an agent for Sage) they will probably throw in basic training free of charge. Premier Training (<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.premiertraining.co.uk">www.premiertraining.co.uk</a>)run a distance learning course on Sage and include a copy of the software wih the course. If you want some general experience of accounting software try Omni Accounts (<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.omniaccounts.co.uk">www.omniaccounts.co.uk</a>). The software seems quite cheap (Starting at Ã‚Â£5.95!) and it doesn't seem to be as widely a used package as Sage but at least you could say you have experience of using compuetrised accounts. Hope this helps Neil

Which software??

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