Accounts / invoicing software

Hi veryone

I a currently using an accounts software package for invoicing and statement generation called Express Invoice. It's pretty straight forward but as it is a free starter element to the full accounts package whic I don't really need as I have an accountant for that, it has it's issues and I am bored with dealing with them.

Can anyone recommend a free or low cost bit of software for invoicing that can also generate monthly statements and keep a tab on debtors etc.

Thanks

Adam

Are you talking about the NCH Express Accounts system?

If so, the "full" system that comes in at around £50 is surprisingly very good. There is Solar accounts which is easy to use and thereafter it is the "big boys".

Gary

Have you tried Zoho, it has an iphone app as well?

Hi Gary

It is the NCH Express Accounts, you reckon the sign up is worth whilethen?

Adam

I haven't but will take a look, thanks! 

Have a look at xero.com

Hi Adam,

I left a message on your voice mail earlier. The system I use for my businesses is www.clearbooks.co.uk its really straight forward , online, powerful and scaleable software . I think that there is even a free version depending on the number of trransactions you do.

Its really good and automates  the chasing of invoices as well.

Good luck with your hunt ! I hope it is useful

Matt

Hi Adam,

Yes, I do. It is an excellent system when you put everything together. Remember that there is a free inventory system that is integrated with the basic accounts system so you have all the product related stuff. On top of that there is the retail system, back up software, Customer Relationship Manager (Reflect), File Transfer software and a good bit more. I do not know how they squeeze in so much for the price. You can purchase it from Staples for £45.

The other software I mentioned starts at around £150.

Remember these are one off prices rather than the ongoing monthly costs that many other systems charge. Having said that, the other systems come with a level of support. Against that, you are familiar with the look and feel of NCH so the training needed will be minimal.

If you need any advice with the NCH software feel free to drop me a line.

Gary

Hi Adam,

I would thoroughly recommend an online accounting system such as Xero or Kashflow.  www.xero.com or www.kashflow.com

The softeware is online so you can access it anytime, any where so long as you have an internet connection.

It's really simple and easy to use, and allows you to raise your invoices online and email them straight out to your customers.

It's greatest advantage comes from the daily bank feed, which picks up your bank account transactions and allows you to match receipts/payments against your supplier and customer accounts. It literally reconciles as you go.

As it's online, you should also be able to give access to your Accountant which means you can work more closely with him/her. 

The online systems are constantly evolving so expect new features to appear regularly. So you get far greater value for money than you do from a PC based system and no annual upgrade or maintenance fees.

I recommend online accounting systems to all my clients - we spend less time looking at the history and more time focussing on the future! 

Good luck wuith your choice.

Lisa

Why don't you ask your accountant what they recommend? It may be that they already have ties to get you a good deal on one the better packages.

Alternatively you could look at reducing some of your accounting fees by spending a bit more on software. It won't ever replace the accountant but if you input some of the purchase side you could end up paying less. Or pay a bookkeeper to do it for you, less expensive than an accountant!

I do some great deals on KashFlow and there is a 60 day trial. Let me know if you want any help setting it up.

Thanks for all your ideas and comments everyone. I will check them out.

Hi Adam,

If you are just wanting invoicing then look at freshbooks, very straightforward and allows you to include payment links with the email and you can look at when people have opened your invoice so they can't fob you off and say they haven't received it.

If you are after full accounts then have a look at freeagent, again very simple to use.

Hi Adam,

I also recommend Xero, as Phil Hendy mentions investing in an accounting package will mean less work for your accountant and would be beneficial for you in terms of cost. The one that your accountant uses also makes sense as they will be able to gain efficiencies and maybe reduce their fees.

Some Xero accountants bundle the product as part of their fees (me included), make sure you are comparing like with like.

When using 'Cloud' accounting software, the relationship with your accountant should change. They will become more of a financial business partner who understands your business rather than someone who just does your year end and tax calcs.

I am a little concerned about the growing trend for accountants to self promote themselves as business advisors (at a cost). A para medic doesn't promote themselves as a doctor. A community warden doesn't promote themselves as a policeman.

I prefer accountants, who are experts in their own field, to remain expert rather than try to be something that they aren't. A business advisor is much more than a financial advisor. A business is about sales, about people, about machines, about markets, about distribution. Much more than numbers. It comes across as being simply another revenue stream to slip into without having the skills and the experience.

Gary