Comments on: Why use Accounting Software http://www.happyaccountant.com/2007/09/why-use-accounting-software/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-use-accounting-software Accountancy, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Tax, VAT, PAYE, NICs, Finance, Budgeting, Cashflow, Business, Sole Trader, Limited Company, Working for Yourself, Saving Money, Saving Time Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Happy Accountant http://www.happyaccountant.com/2007/09/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-128 Happy Accountant Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:52:21 +0000 http://happyaccountant.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-128 Hi, because this is a "wordpress.com" blog and also because it depends on your own circumstances, priorities & skills, it's not possible for me to recommend specific accounting system here -sorry :( Since you are accounting trained, you would be able to cope with more advanced packages that require a deeper/better understanding of double-entry. However, also bear in mind the cost-functionality trade off. Like everything in life, there's no point in paying over the odds for "top of the range" model with capabilities you'll never use. Look at your individual needs and try to find a package to meet them, rather than the other way around. BUT also consider upgradeability/compatibility to accommodate business growth. Switching/converting can be time consuming and expensive. Hi, because this is a “wordpress.com” blog and also because it depends on your own circumstances, priorities & skills, it’s not possible for me to recommend specific accounting system here -sorry :(

Since you are accounting trained, you would be able to cope with more advanced packages that require a deeper/better understanding of double-entry.

However, also bear in mind the cost-functionality trade off. Like everything in life, there’s no point in paying over the odds for “top of the range” model with capabilities you’ll never use. Look at your individual needs and try to find a package to meet them, rather than the other way around.

BUT also consider upgradeability/compatibility to accommodate business growth. Switching/converting can be time consuming and expensive.

]]> By: M Trader http://www.happyaccountant.com/2007/09/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-129 M Trader Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:38:16 +0000 http://happyaccountant.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-129 Hi Happy Accountant, I stumble into your blog while trying to look for simple accounting software for my small business. Ya I agree that using Excel to do double-entry bookkeeping is a bit labourious. I'm accounting trained and would like to do double-entry bookkeeping. I'm using Quicken recently but I want something simpler. Any recommendation? Hi Happy Accountant,

I stumble into your blog while trying to look for simple accounting software for my small business. Ya I agree that using Excel to do double-entry bookkeeping is a bit labourious. I’m accounting trained and would like to do double-entry bookkeeping. I’m using Quicken recently but I want something simpler. Any recommendation?

]]> By: Happy Accountant http://www.happyaccountant.com/2007/09/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-127 Happy Accountant Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:00:00 +0000 http://happyaccountant.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-127 This is not an exhaustive list, by any means, but some points to get you started: some advantages: -can semi automate the process of bookkeeping -can build in some simple "error traps" to avoid things like arthmetic errors. -your accountant may be able to provide you with some guidance and/or a simple spreadsheet template, and as a result you may be able to save on accounting fees. some disadvantages: -you obviously have to be comfortable with Excel -double-entry bookkeeping in Excel can be a bit labourious, therefore it's better used for single entry bookkeeping. (Having said that, it's probably still easier to do double entry bookkeeping in Excel rather than manually) - it's easy to delete entries and corrupt a spreadsheet (possibly without realising until much later), so it's important to take backups and build in as much "protection" and error checking as possible. This is not an exhaustive list, by any means, but some points to get you started:
some advantages:
-can semi automate the process of bookkeeping
-can build in some simple “error traps” to avoid things like arthmetic errors.
-your accountant may be able to provide you with some guidance and/or a simple spreadsheet template, and as a result you may be able to save on accounting fees.

some disadvantages:
-you obviously have to be comfortable with Excel
-double-entry bookkeeping in Excel can be a bit labourious, therefore it’s better used for single entry bookkeeping. (Having said that, it’s probably still easier to do double entry bookkeeping in Excel rather than manually)
- it’s easy to delete entries and corrupt a spreadsheet (possibly without realising until much later), so it’s important to take backups and build in as much “protection” and error checking as possible.

]]> By: D Morris http://www.happyaccountant.com/2007/09/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-126 D Morris Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:04:17 +0000 http://happyaccountant.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/why-use-accounting-software/#comment-126 Would someone tell me the advantages and disadvantages of using Excel to do your accounting rather than using a manual accountancy system. Would someone tell me the advantages and disadvantages of using Excel to do your accounting rather than using a manual accountancy system.

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