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Multi company software?

  • 12 posts
  • # 54029

Hi all,
I am just about to launch myself as a self-employed bookkeeper, and have so many questions, but here is the first (few)-

What normally happens with the software being used? Do you normally get the client to buy their own software which you use at their premises? Do you offer to take everything away, and if so, what software do you use at your home/office? Is there software that can be licensed to be used for more than one company? I'm certified in Sage, but would assume that it will be extortionate to buy any package from them that allows multi company use - which is a shame, as I am so familiar with their set up. What do you all use?

Any idea, tips or info would be much appreciated.

Thanks ever so much.

  • 698 posts
  • # 54030

Hi Helen

when I started out in the dim and distant past we had to scribe everything onto stone tablets so multicompany software was not an issue Smile

On a more serious note when I first set up Quickbooks was by far and away the cheapest option for multicompanies options.

If clients wanted me to work on their site on their PC then I got them to buy there own software and guided their choice. If you can get clients who allow you to scoop and work from your own premises that is the best as it is then far easier to expand and take on staff to do the processing for you.

If you go to client sites it becomes much harder to put in staff as often clients settledown with you and always want you.

The other problem I have encountered is I employed a guy who was primarily based on my client sites because he became the regular face of my company when after 6 months he decided to go it alone he simply took the clients with him.

I did sue him and he had to pay me fees for the clients he took and I also charged the clients a finders fee (Which I had included in my T&C's to cover this) but it was a hassel.

Hope this helps

As for Sage hopefully Sarah will see this thread as she is much more in the know re the options sage have on their practice mamangement version of line 50 I believe.

Stuart

  • Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 10 posts
  • # 54034

Hi Helen

I try mainly to work from home for sole traders who have no software. Businesses are relatively small with 1000-3000 transactions per annum. Over the past year I have used Solar accounts which is relatively cheap and allows unlimited number of companies to be set up under one licence. It handles the Flat Rate Scheme for VAT particularly well. Very flexible to use and easy to amend transactions if required compared to Sage.

In another recent post a couple of members mentioned VT Transaction+. I have had a look at their web site and user guide and it looks good. I like the look of the end of year account templates in this package and will likely give it a trial. It is also multi company. Perhaps others could comment on how good or otherwise they have found this package.

Hope this helps a little.

  • Member
  • Practice Licence
  • 26 posts
  • # 54157

Hi Helen,

I subscribe to Sage Bookkeeper's Club which gives me 10 licences. However, the Bookkeepers Club is to be merged with the Accountants Club this year which will increase the price.

I work both ways with my clients - use their software or work from home. One thing I do do is back it up as they tend to call asking for answers to questions you can't possibly answer without their books in front of you!

I received an email from Sage promoting a product called Sage One. I think it entails your client inputting the purchase & customer invoices. You then log in and prepare the accounts and do the bank rec etc. Might be worth a look.

Good luck!

  • 67 posts
  • # 54204

Hi there
I also work on site and at home and always, if at all possible, use VT transaction. I trained on SAGE and hate it with a passion! Partly because of all the sales calls you get!

VT is cheap (£175 for a year all in, unlimited companies) and really straightforward. If you are like me and make mistakes then you can easily amend, move entries etc without any trouble, but also lock periods to prevent you doing it accidentally. Year end procedures/ setting up etc also v easy. Don't be put off by the no frills website! the support isn't brilliant but youwill hardly need it if you understand basic bookkeeping principles. It does have an add on which your client can input their own cashbook entries to and you merge it in to your file for them but I haven't used it. It sounds like a good idea in principle!

I've moved 1 of my clients on to VT and they love it too. i also use MYOB which is clunky and hateful but is the only thing that seems to work reliably on a MAC which 2 of my clients own.

I'd love to find a good cloud accouting package so if anyone can recommend one that'd be great!

Good luck with it all.

Alex
x

  • 328 posts
  • # 54228

Helen White said:

Hi all,
I am just about to launch myself as a self-employed bookkeeper, and have so many questions, but here is the first (few)-

What normally happens with the software being used? Do you normally get the client to buy their own software which you use at their premises? Do you offer to take everything away, and if so, what software do you use at your home/office? Is there software that can be licensed to be used for more than one company? I'm certified in Sage, but would assume that it will be extortionate to buy any package from them that allows multi company use - which is a shame, as I am so familiar with their set up. What do you all use?

Any idea, tips or info would be much appreciated.

Thanks ever so much.


Hi Helen,

I am determined to work as self employed bookeeper too...will be taking Level 2 very soon and I am collecting as much info i can to establish cost setting up a practice.

My current worry right now is the software cost. I have just found out XERO is doing a webinar onlint Tuesday the 08th of February. One of the forum user is using it and stated it is quite good and Cheap. It is an online Accounting/Bookeeping software. It is worth inquiring about. Should you be intersted, log onto XERO web and on the right end side there is a window/link to the webinar. you will need to register and after completing the register you will be get an e-mail with a access id.

Iinquired about VT transaction which is another software,easy to use with Excel format. cost is £ 240 including VAT for a year.

Hope all this help

Good luck

Nathaliexxx

  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 195 posts
  • # 54230

LizF said:

“Congratulations Helen. I hope to be in your position by the end of the year or sooner. I will be finding the answer to this question interesting. Given that I plan to only be part-time, costs will be very relevant. Best of luck with everything.

On another note,

Stuart Wildman
said:
“when I started out in the dim and distant past we had to scribe everything onto stone tablets so multicompany software was not an issue Smile
I found this hilarous Stuart. My ex-boss used to delight in making me feel like a baby because she used to work on big manual ledger books - which I'd never even seen. All these new-fangled computer thingies... Us young-uns don't know we're born. Wink

I still have one accountant who does everything on analysis paper - couldn't believe it when he sent me opening TB's like that! It seems that he doesn't even own a computer.
Laughing

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