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• # 108961
• Tue 02 Jun 2015 09:34 PM

Hi Mike

It is possible to buy standalone accounting packages - they often come as downloads now but you can also get hold of CD's.  I've found that when going onto the individual websites for accounts packages, it is not easy to see the  standalone packages as they are now pushing the cloud based options.

Sage do Instant Accounts either as a download or purchasing the CD's.  I have just bought the 2015 version on CD and paid around £90 (Found it on eBay) and have used this for my exams. If you search on eBay, Amazon or just do a search in your search engine they should come up.

I think Quickbooks also do a download but it isn't easy to find - again type into your search engine Quickbooks download and you should get to the right place.

Good luck.

Jan

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• # 108964
• Wed 03 Jun 2015 07:24 AM

Hi Mike,

Before you go looking at Sage have a look at Solar Accounts.

Sage is only for you to use and if you want to be able to use it for clients then it will be very expensive for the desktop version.

Solar do desktop for unlimited clients, free upgrades & support for a one off price. They have just brought out a cloud version which is charged monthly and the price is dependent on how many clients you have.

You can also use Solar for your exams and a lot more user friendly than Sage.

Marilyn

• A clever person solves a problem.

  A wise person avoids it.

  Albert Enstein

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• # 108989
• Thu 04 Jun 2015 12:55 PM

Hi Mike,

Most cloud based software have a free trial period that will allow you to use all of the features before you sign up to a monthly subscription. I would personally recommend Xero as being very easy to use, their support centre (all email based) is great as well. I also use Kashflow and Sage One. Kashflow is similar to Xero in its functionality and I've found it easy to use.

Sage One, not so much. I find it is not adequate enough for a bookkeeper's needs, in particular, the fact that you cannot save a bank reconciliation in the middle without having to pay extra per month for "Sage One Accountant Extra" - this is one of many gripes I have with Sage One. However Sage One Payroll is excellent.

As for Desktop based software, there really isn't a lot out there anymore as far as I'm aware, I use both Sage and Quickbooks, though I believe these are still in high demand, I've found a lot of my clients moving to cloud based software. I think there are more desktop options but I don't use any others.

My point is don't write off cloud based software too quickly as it's becoming more and more popular.

Hope this helps!

Meena

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• # 108993
• Fri 05 Jun 2015 11:47 AM

Hi,

I am sorry to write this post here, I am really confused with the cash accounting scheme, trade debtors/creditors and VAT registration.

Can I use a trade creditors and trade debtors accounts with a cash accounting scheme? If so, how do I account for the VAT? For example, I received an invoice for £3000 VAT included dates 15/05/2015. Then I make a partial payment of £1500 on 05/06/2015 for that invoice. What is the VAT amount and date I need to record in Sage when using a cash accounting scheme?

Also, if I submit the VAT return, how do I track the VAT due when using a cash accouting scheme with a trade debtors/creditors account (if possible)?

I am not sure whether this question makes sense at all, I am just very confused and trying to get my head round it.

Thank you very much for your help.

Lolita

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• # 108994
• Fri 05 Jun 2015 12:25 PM

Hi Lolita

I remember being confused with Cash Accounting too in Sage.  You need to make sure that your VAT is set on Cash Accounting under Settings - Company Preferences - VAT.  You put your invoice into your debtors or creditors account as normal ie for the full amount.  If this isn't paid during the VAT quarter in question, the figures will not appear on your VAT return.  However, say a partial payment is made during the VAT quarter, Sage will pick up the amount of the payment only and put this into your VAT return.  Your debtors/creditors account will be operated as normal and the balance still owing will show as a debtor/creditor.  Once more payments are made, these will be shown on the relevant VAT Return until the invoice is paid in full.  You can therefore put the invoices through Sage so you can do credit control but not pay over or claim back the VAT until the correct time.

I know it is confusing but once you get into a routine with it, you should find all will come together.

Jan

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• # 108997
• Fri 05 Jun 2015 03:59 PM

Jan, your advice was really helpful, thank you so much!

Have a nice weekend! :)

Lolita

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• # 109000
• Fri 05 Jun 2015 09:58 PM

No problem Lolita. I remember puzzling over that too!!

Hopefully it'll start to fall into place once you get started.

Jan :)

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