Best Accounting Software?

[Sarah-Ink Promotions]

What is the best accounts software, thats easy to use? currently Im using Mamut because I can run 3 companies accounts through it (which I need to be able to do) but its not that clear and easy

Thanks

[RayB]

We use Sage (simply because we have been using it for years) - but I've never heard a bad word about Kashflow - so I'd recommend that

[JohnG]

I'm afraid this is a rather negative response, but, whatever you do, don't touch Quickbooks at the moment. A few weeks ago I would have recommended it but their 2008 version is full of bugs and a real nightmare.

Other than that I think it depends on whether or not you want to use your software for payroll; also on whether you're prepared to go for an on-line solution like Kashflow or one of the cheaper stand alone variants.

Hopefully someone here will have direct experience of some of these.

[UKSBF]

Hi Sarah

We've been using KashFlow for around six months and its top notch. Sage is great for bigger companies but for small 1-5 people businesses KashFlow is excellent (im sure its suitable as well for larger companies).

Its online based so access to it is quick and easy and it means I can easily work on accounts at home or in the office.

Steve

[Cherrypip]

Thanks. I was going to ask this myself. I have Quickbooks but I have found it buggy. Will take a look at Kashflow.

[Jenni]

I'd echo what John said about QB.
I love QB but I run an older version. From what I've heard I will not be purchasing any of the newer releases.

I think online accounting solutions are the way forward, good luck with getting the right product

[JohnG]

I'd echo what John said about QB.
I love QB but I run an older version. From what I've heard I will not be purchasing any of the newer releases.

They still haven't got the VAT working properly in QB2008 and yet are happily forcing people on QB2005 to upgrade by discontinuing payroll from April.

[Jenni]

That's rotten. :/

What clinched it for me was the discontinuation of the standard package (c.£125) in favour of the very limited SimpleStart, with the next level up coming in at over £300.

I lost interest in any new QB products after I heard that.

[boxby]

For hubby's business we use MYOB. All we need is a very simple basic package and this does it really well.

For Boxby things are a little trickier, as we needed a package which did supplier self billing, and this put most of the usual favourites out, and I didn't want to spend £1500.

The answer is a South African package (owned by Sage) called Pastel. It has that same Sage methodology, which i'm not a huge fan of, but I need to work with it, as it's doing for £300 functions that my only other option is to pay over £1500 for.

Now i've got to go and re-enter all the old boxby data on to pastel, so hopefully by the end of that I will be familiar with it. Mind you, their helpline and service had been absolutely great so far.

Kind regards
Sandra

[BellaMiller]

I'm a Kashflow gal - a doddle to use and it's constantly evolving to the meet the users needs