Choosing Business Accounting Software

[PCC_Support]

My apologies if this is posted in the wrong forum section. I see this topic as relevant to starting a business.

As it stands i have tried 3 different accounting solutions, coming from an I.T background and ultimately owning and operating an I.T business, most of the solutions were relatively stable when configured and run from a server.

The three solutions i have tried are:

1. Quickbooks
2. MYOB Premier
3. Microsoft Accounting 2009

Quickbooks, generally was a simple and easy to use interface, but it really didnt suit my needs, as it took too much time in configuring simple items etc. After testing some more i figured that it was pretty much on par technologically with MYOB, with similar functions etc...please correct me if im wrong.

MYOB Premier, looked great from first instance and i found it easy to use, but where i was limited was the shocking templates that were offered. Being an I.T business, it is in our best interest to make all aspects of the documentation to look as neat and as well put together as possible.

Microsoft Accounting 2009 is an Office 2007 add-on module, i found that its graphic user interface was excellent and allowed me to navigate through the application with ease and configuring item codes and transaction limits were a breeze.

I guess the reason behind this post is to ensure that i am being realistic within my justification of the peices of software and i am wanting to hear what other small business owners have to say about the 3 types of software i have breifly touched on.

I have downloaded the trial versions of each software, bar the MS Accounting 2009 package as i already had a licensed version of Office 2007. Just as to limit the questionable legality that may arise.

Hoping to hear your opinions and justifications for each of the software packages.

Thanks for your time

[beanydc]

Have a look at Money Matters for similar threads.

It's really important that your accounting software decision is made in consultation with your accountant - there are a range of packages out there, and what we look for in an application is often quite different to what you are looking for.

[PCC_Support]

Originally Posted by Denise Maffey

Have a look at Money Matters for similar threads.

It's really important that your accounting software decision is made in consultation with your accountant - there are a range of packages out there, and what we look for in an application is often quite different to what you are looking for.

Hi there Denise,

Thanks for your time in replying. As my accountant is also a family friend he suggested that i use these three types of software within their trial periods and see as to whether or not i like their useability.

At the moment i am leaning towards MS Accounting 2009 or MYOB.

Regards.

[beanydc]

Originally Posted by PCC_Support

Hi there Denise,

Thanks for your time in replying. As my accountant is also a family friend he suggested that i use these three types of software within their trial periods and see as to whether or not i like their useability.

At the moment i am leaning towards MS Accounting 2009 or MYOB.

Regards.

I haven't looked at MS Acctg recently. The biggest issue I have with MYOB is that you can go back into prior periods. So long as your end of month disciplines are in place, it's an okay product, and can integrate with most accountant packages. I guess the other advantage with MYOB is that there are plenty of professional MYOB users, so they may be able to help you with the templates.

Denise

[Dardee]

Denise.

You can lock the periods in MYOB. In the preferences you can manually enter the date to which you want everything to be locked.

[PCC_Support]

Originally Posted by Grim

actually selection of business accounting software is depend on your business type because there are lot of business accounting software available in the market so it on you that which software will be more easy and competent for your business.

Hi Grim.

Great point, at the moment im looking at quickbooks and it allows you to choose a set of rules, id guess that you'd call them, that corresponds to the consulting side of I.T/telecommunications, in fact im pretty sure both MYOB and MS Accounting 2009 also have these features.

I think i'll stick with the MS Accounting for now and when i grow bigger i can justify the expenses of the other 2 peices of software.

[Numberz]

Another important consideration is what you want to get out of your accounts. If it is mainly for tax compliance and BAS preparation there lots of solutions (some free) without going to something more sophisticated like MYOB Accounting. On the other hand if reporting on, and analysis of, your business is important then go for something other than a basic package. This is particularly so if there will be other users of the accounts (eg stakeholders such as the bank).

Regards
Bruce

[mark.byers@myworkspace]

Hi, if your looking for a web-based solution that is fully integrated with CRM etc - you might want to consider myworkspace.com

[Ideas Book]

The majority of people I know and deal with use MYOB but I was just listening to a webinar this morning talking about xero which apparantly is a cloud computing application started by the guy behind MYOB. Also saasu. Haven't had a look at them myself yet but apparantly they are pretty popular. Might be worth having a look at.