Accounts - Paper, Excel or Package

[Olz]

Im after a bit of advice on what methods you think is best for keeping your accounts.

Sole Trader, Non VAT registered,

I wouldnt be put off by keeping accounts on paper in a ledger, sitting down and working out the figures wouldn't bother me but tbh i'm not sure of the how to set it out properly.

I could knock up an excel version of a paper ledger no problem, but again, im unsure of what colums etc are needed.

Final option is to buy an accounts package, like quickbooks for example.

Any experiences or advice on any of the above methods would be much appreciated.


Oli

 

[grumpygrouter]

Package. Saves so much time once you are used to it and your accountant will have better access to your info. Check out MYOB accounting. Will do everything you need it to do £175.00 one off cost, fully tax deductable!

 

[Olz]

Cheers Mate,

One concern with using a package is that i put alot of effort into creating a template for estimate and invoice, i know that alot of packages has estimates and invoices built into them are you able to add your own design you've created into the package?

 

[grumpygrouter]

Absolutely. Pictures, logos, anything you want really. With this package you can create your estimate and without further entry you can change to a final invoice. I even use it to print a "Completion Certificate" and is available when you create the final invoice.

You can download a trail version that is usable for 30 days - fully functional and without obligation. Just stops working if you don't buy and register it.

 

[grumpygrouter]

Here is a sample copy of an estimate from my system. The only thing not shown correctly for presentation purposes is my "logo" as the PDF converter doesn't hae the correct font. The printed version from my software prints my logo as in my forum signature below

 

[Olz]

Sounds good mate,

A plaster i know uses quickbooks basic, any experience of this, im guessing it's not as good becuase its only £45.

 

[grumpygrouter]

I have used quickbooks but it was a few years a go. I brought a hotels accounts up to date with it. I find MYOB more flexible and just as, if not more, user friendly. It is more of a "proper" accounting system imo.

Quickbooks will do the job if you want to go that way, don't know about Estimates, Orders and Invoicing though. I don't think there is a better value for money package than MYOB available, personally.

 

[Olz]

I'm going to take your advice and download the MYOB package,

I told someone earlier that you get what you pay for and not neccessarily go for the cheaper option, so i'm going to practice what i preach.

Cheers for the advice.

 

[grumpygrouter]

Good man, any questions just ask. I am a Certified Consultant for them.

 

[Olz]

Good man, any questions just ask.

Ok, I will, - can you get me a discount? :lol::lol::lol: