What is the easiest accounting software to learn when just starting out?
I know a lot of people use Quickbooks. Is this the best accounting software for new businesses? Is there something else easier, more cost effective or should I go with what seems to be widely used?
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May 15, 2016
Brett: I like QuickBooks with Enhanced Payroll.
In Q4 (usually in December) you can buy this with an annual subscription included for less than $200 from places like Staples. Most accountants can import an accountant copy of QuickBooks' files and can help you quickly and easily (also inexpensively) tweak any issues you may have with the setup.
The QuickBooks enhanced Payroll option includes direct deposit, electronic filing of tax forms, FUTA, State Unemployment, etc. and keeps you current with all payroll tables. Also, if you have a question, QuickBooks provides support included with the subscription fee. For each additional employee you may add its like $2 per month for payroll processing. The first employee (you) is included in the base subscription fee.
Also, rather than renew each year at a higher price, you can purchase the new version of QuickBooks with Enhanced Payroll every 4th Qtr and then provide them with the new activation key over the phone on the expiration date (it has to be the day it expires or later) and you can maintain a solid solution at a very inexpensive price point (in my opinion).
If you do go with QuickBooks, I recommend having an accountant/CPA review your information at a minimum annually, but preferably quarterly to make sure you are handling everything correctly. Usually after 1 complete cycle (4 quarterlies and 1 annual reporting period), you will have it down. I have been doing this process for several years with success.
Good Luck!
May 15, 2016
Quickbooks is the gold standard in the US. That being said, if you are unfamiliar with accounting, its easy to screw up your books from the get-go. I wrote a book, "how to do your own small business bookkeping" which utilizes quickbooks for small service businesses. It is available through Amazon, or if you purchase a copy of the "QB Simple Start 2010" version through my website, I can include a CD with the program on it (the program was free in 2010 but no longer available). This won't make you an expert in QB, but it will help you set up and maintain your books properly from the beginning.
May 17, 2016
Hi,
Trust you are doing fine !
Below is the list of cloud accounting software .All have different features and capabilities.It is better to choose the software according to your business need.Don't go with the trend .And I suggest better taking advice from a consultant or expert on the same.If your base is right then you don't need to worry about anything in the future.
#Xero
#Quick Books
# Reckon One
#Wave
#Open ERP
#MYOB.
# Kashoo
# Zoho
#Freshbooks
I hope that helps.
Regards,
Pranjal Neog
May 17, 2016
I've been working with QuickBooks since it first came out. Probably the most user-friendly for all-around use until your business becomes big enough that specialty information is required and then you would probably move into an industry-software or at least a more customizable software.
That said, I agree with Lily Chambers, if you don't know what you are doing, QuickBooks could be just as big of a mess as any other software. You want to take the time (or hire the expert) to set it up right the first time. Good luck, let us know if we can help.
Jun 12, 2016
I've seen Xero to start being more popluar with startups, as many have mentions on this post
Also ThriveSolo.com could compliment your account with time tracking and invoicing
Jun 21, 2019
Zoho Books is a smart accounting solution designed to manage small businesses’ cash flow and finances. It is known for its ease-of-use, helping users make intelligent business decisions. Being a part of the Zoho product stable, the product does not only offer hassle-free accounting but excellent support, uptime, and security as well. It is capable of sending customers professional invoices and even accepting payments online.
May 17, 2016
I've been happy with FreshBooks as well. Depending on which plan you get, it may cost more than QuickBooks.
May 18, 2016
Most of my clients have moved on to QuickBooks Online (QBO) from QB Desktop. The key to success in accounting is the initial set up, creation of good chart of accounts and if needed use of Classes and Location. Utilizing a professional will prove of value in the long run. Here is one of the reviews: "Quickbooks Online Review: Best Small Business Accounting Software" at:
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7544-best-accounting-software-small-business.html
Good Luck! Feel free to contact us.
Jun 12, 2016
+1 for Xero. Especially for startups. It's innovative, startup focussed, and easy to use. It also integrates with other apps you may be using in your business.
May 15, 2016
First I recommend you hire a consultant to either set your system up or to verify you set up your system correctly. For startups I highly recommend Xero, it is cloud based, inexpensive and easy to use, 75% of my clients are now on Xero, many of them are startups. I have found that it is much easier to use than QuickBooks. Xero is $9/mo w/no payroll less than 20 transactions per bank account and 5 vendor bills and customer invoices, for unlimited transactions it is $30/mo and that also includes payroll for up to 5 unique employees per month (depending on the state that you are in - payroll is not yet offered in all states). Xero also does not charge by the user, that way anyone accessing the system can have their own unique code and permissions. I have used QuickBooks and QuickBooks online, I think hands down you would prefer the ease of use of Xero to either of those options.
May 19, 2016
Peachtree and Tally are equally good and easy to work
Jun 20, 2019
A lot of accounting software is available and it is best to compare them based on cost, user-friendliness, invoice options, and employee pay.
Listed below are eight key areas we used to evaluate the best small business accounting software:
Cost: The software should be affordable for small- to large-sized businesses.
Setup and ease of use: Anyone without bookkeeping knowledge should be able to use it.
Manage accounts receivable: The ability to create invoices and track payments.
Manage accounts payable: The ability to enter and pay bill payments.
Connect bank and credit card accounts: You can download transactions from your bank or financial institution.
Payroll processing: The software should include payroll processing or the ability to add it when you are ready to hire employees.
Accept online payments: The software allows customers to pay their invoices online.
Prepare key financial statements: You can generate profit and loss, balance sheet, and statement of cash flow reports.
We recommend Audit Firms in Dubai as the best accounting software for small businesses.
Jun 12, 2016
Thanks for all of the great answers. Sounds like there are a few great options I should look into. Thanks again.
Nov 28, 2018
Tally ERP 9 is a very easy-to-learn business accounting and inventory management software. For more details, you can visit: https://www.tallyworld.com
Jul 3, 2019
Yes, Yogendra its really perfect accounting software and it is regularly updated with the new Amendments and other changes... but it is a little bit hard to understand than other software.
Nov 29, 2018
There are many which you can use.
I have used ZOHO, which is excellent.
Quickbook and Xero are also very good.
Along with ease, you need to check if they handle all your requirements or not. Requirements change industry by industry.
Jun 20, 2019
Thank you so much for asking this question. I recommend Accountsbook as the easiest accounting software to learn and it is very user-friendly and the best option for accounting, billing and payroll software with small businesses.
Aug 7, 2019
Hi Brett Strickler,
I am from India and I don't have an idea about accounting software in New York. But in India, Tally ERP 9 is the main accounting software here. It captured around 80% market.
In Tally ERP 9, ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It is a very common software used by small and large business companies these days. The software is specially designed for accounting needs. Managing records of employees of your business group manually is a very tough task as there is a very high risk of errors. Using tally decreases this issue. For complete details, you can visit Tallyerp9renewal.com.
May 13, 2019
There are many online accounting software like Ezybooks, QuickBooks, Xero, etc. The easiest software that everyone can easily use, even small businessman with strong features is EzyBooks. I'm using this software since 2018, and the software performance is excellent with very efficient features. I received a 60% discount on this software due to Easter season. Try to use EzyBooks software for your business growth. A professional advantage is that Ezybooks recognized by #HMRC.
Thanks for the information, it is really helpful and informative.