[Question] Accounting Package

[AmithS]

Hi Everyone,

What is a good cheap accounting package to get for a small business.

I have looked at Pastel Startup Express so far, it goes for R999 and R1000 a year in support fees.

It does most things, including VAT returns. If you want payroll, etc... it is then an addon package with additional costs.

Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

[Dave A]

I like Quickbooks - no annual support fees. You'll have to pay (buy a new copy) to upgrade if you ever need to, but I'm still running on Quickbooks 2003 without any complaints.

There are a number of versions. You'll have to check the features to figure out which one you want.

The payroll module is a similar deal to Pastel.

[IanF]

Hi I use econoaccounting and love it. What I love is auto allocations and downloading bank statements direct ibto the package.

[Chatmaster]

If you are looking for a free accounting package you can also give Turbocash a go. It is working for many of our Bookkeeping business's clients.

[shaun.b]

Try Postbooks- http://sourceforge.net/projects/postbooks/
Very popular here in the US.

Companies nowadays are trying as much as possible to cut costs on software, try and use as many open source products as possible. Specially on accounting, ERP and HR systems.

Whats best is that open source has all this free now.

[Dave A]

I think it is worth mentioning that VAT and GST require different accounting packages. Some of the software mentioned above has a VAT version and a GST version available.

(The difference in price between the VAT and GST versions of Quickbooks has always irked me a little bit, but economies of scale and all that, I guess. Just have to live with it).

Anyway, the thrust of my message is check to see you are getting the appropriate package for the tax regime you are operating in.

[AmithS]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your valuable input, i will check out the different packages.

Thanks again

[SilverNodashi]

I'll also vote for Quickbooks, especially if you're new to accounting. It's really easy to use and well worth it.

[Chatmaster]

Just a side note about Turbocash. It is completely South African supported and even have the functionality to connect to SARS and I recall them saying some of our banks as well. But it has a major problem with VISTA. It worked fine for a week or so on my computer then it stopped working. It has never failed on XP or older though.

[AmithS]

Thanks ChatMaster,

Can you do VAT quite easily on TurboCash ?

and does anyone know where i can get a decent tutorial for TurboCash

Thanks in Advance

[AmithS]

Hi Dave A,

Which version on Quick Books do you use, Startup or Pro ?

Thanks

[Dave A]

I'm using Quickbooks Pro 2003. I think there are some changes in terms of features for Pro nowadays, so the main trick is to find the package level that suits your immediate and medium term needs.

[sgafc]

Quickbooks

If you have a fair grasp of accounting, Pastel is good. But for people whom lack accounting skills, Quickbooks is the best! Many times our clients who use Quickbooks, financial records would be incomplete, but we can put together some of the info, and still produce a decent set of books. My 2006 Pro(Accountants) version is user friendly(Time for an upgrade Dave), and very interactive, with its Q& A section, navigators and "interviews. The financial statement, however is not IFRS compliant, so rather speak to your accountant about a proper set of financial statements. But Quickbooks can produce all the necessary reports that your accountant can use.

[Dave A]

(Time for an upgrade Dave)

The day is coming, to be sure. But as I have to get a minimum of 5 licences to match my current setup, there's going to need to be a compelling reason

[sterne.law@gmail.com]

I like Quickbooks - no annual support fees. You'll have to pay (buy a new copy) to upgrade if you ever need to, but I'm still running on Quickbooks 2003 without any complaints.

There are a number of versions. You'll have to check the features to figure out which one you want.

The payroll module is a similar deal to Pastel.

QUICKBOOKS all the way. No yearly fee. You will probably never need support - it's that easy! Excellent reporting, smashing user friendly features.