Forum

• # 53956
• Fri 21 Jan 2011 02:23 PM

I've been using Sage accounts software for years, in fact I've never used any other bookkeeping software.

Recently, I've noticed that more and more potential clients/employers are asking for Quickbooks experience. I'm reluctant to put myself forward for these positions, as I cannot claim to offer the experience they require. However could I argue that being an experienced Sage user, I could expect to easily and quickly get to grips with Quickbooks?

Has anyone used both Sage and Quickbooks and which do you prefer?

• 
  Quote
  

• # 53957
• Fri 21 Jan 2011 03:19 PM

Hi Michele, I have been using QB for the last 18 month's or so and have to say, it was quite strange to me initially.
I had never seen it before and of course, done my tuition and then exams with SAGE, so it was a little alien to me.

However, it all woks the same way really and there are always very usefull tips and guidance within QB itself.

I feel quite fluent with QB now and find that I have to look things up on occasion, when working within Sage for my own business, so swings and roundabouts I think.

QB seems to be more for the business's doing things for themselves, without the sometimes "mind boggling" ways of doing things in Sage. (for the untrained)

QB do have a very usefull "Forum" so that can be very helpful too.

I would say to any potential client, (like I actually did) "I have not worked with QB before, but give me a few days to find my way around it, and then we'll take it from there"

Like with Sage, there are now quite a few versions of QB. I have to say that the latest versions "appearance wise" are not dissimilar to Sage. QB reporting is very good, the use of "Classes" in QB can make things so much easier for costing of projects/jobs.

In general I would probably say I now prefer QB 60/40 to Sage. Though there are always things to still learn when working with it, like anything else.

I don't know if you can still do it, but i'm sure you could download a trial version of it from the "Intuit" website. Maybe this would give you an idea of what it is like to work with. :)

Good Luck :)

• 
  Quote
  

• # 53959
• Fri 21 Jan 2011 03:36 PM

Hi Michele, think of it like driving a different car, the indicators maybe on the opposite side, the fuel cap is not in the right place and reverse is where 5th should be but you can drive so it's just a matter of becoming familiar with the controls!

• Neil
• 
  Quote
  

• # 53965
• Fri 21 Jan 2011 05:04 PM

Deleted as duplicated

• Forum Moderator, South East & Greater London Regional Chairman
• 
  Quote
  

• # 53966
• Fri 21 Jan 2011 05:06 PM

I have used Sage and Quickbooks for many many years now (I remember Sage Sterling and Sovereign <---- oh dear)

They both have the plus points and their irritations but they do work in slighty different ways and have their own nuances for e.g. there is no batch entry system in quickbooks each invoice has to be entered a page at a time and saved as you go.

The Daybook reporting in sage is much better as these reports are pre defined however it is easier to modify quickbooks reports.

I like both systems and use them happliy both were very intuative so were not difficult to find your way around.

If you can use sage quickbooks will be a doodle to pick up as it is designed for non financial people to do financial things.

And if you get stuck ask the forum and we will endevour to help HEHEHEHE

As you are only in Berkshire I can arrange to spend a Sunday and demo Quickbooks for you if that is anyhelp.

you can e-mail at stuart.wildman@wellersaccountants.co.uk

• Forum Moderator, South East & Greater London Regional Chairman
• 
  Quote
  

• # 54007
• Mon 24 Jan 2011 05:25 PM

Thanks everyone, especially Stuart,  for your thoughts

I've been doing some digging around and am encouraged that it appears Quickbooks is a lot cheaper than Sage - a vital consideration if and when my first outsource client comes along!

I will shout if I need more help.

• 
  Quote
  

• # 54155
• Mon 31 Jan 2011 08:26 PM

I use both and I don't mind either.

Both have special "talents" (I much prefer QB for bank recs, but Sage's reporting functions are superior in my view). As you're a seasoned pro at Sage I think you'd find Quickbooks a doddle.....eventually!

• 
  Quote
  

• # 54771
• Sun 27 Feb 2011 08:29 PM

Hi Everyone,

I am not sure if this is the correct place to be posting this question, but hopefully someone can help me.  My question is about the difference between QB and Sage.

I have just passed Level 1 Manual and have just completed the Mock Level 2 Computerised test.  Everything is perfect except for the fact that the closing trial balance differs between the ICB (Sage) answer and my QB version.

I have located the difference and it relates to the fact that Quickbooks automatically nets the sales and purchase VAT control account to present a single credit value in the trial balance, as opposed to Sage which lists the debit value in the trial balance, thereby increasing the trial balance total by the said sum.  In this case the sum involved is 43.62.  So my final Trial Balance differs from the mock answer by 43.62.

Phew! [wipes sweat from brow!]  My question is, Will I be penalised by the markers for this, or should I make a separate journal entry to account for this so that my QB answer matches the Institute's Sage answer.

Thanks for any help you can give.
Kind regards
Simon 

• Simon
• 
  Quote
  

• # 78675
• Mon 23 Jan 2012 05:48 PM

SimonSsaid:

“Hi Everyone,

I am not sure if this is the correct place to be posting this question, but hopefully someone can help me.  My question is about the difference between QB and Sage.

I have just passed Level 1 Manual and have just completed the Mock Level 2 Computerised test.  Everything is perfect except for the fact that the closing trial balance differs between the ICB (Sage) answer and my QB version.

I have located the difference and it relates to the fact that Quickbooks automatically nets the sales and purchase VAT control account to present a single credit value in the trial balance, as opposed to Sage which lists the debit value in the trial balance, thereby increasing the trial balance total by the said sum.  In this case the sum involved is 43.62.  So my final Trial Balance differs from the mock answer by 43.62.

Phew! [wipes sweat from brow!]  My question is, Will I be penalised by the markers for this, or should I make a separate journal entry to account for this so that my QB answer matches the Institute's Sage answer.

Thanks for any help you can give.
Kind regards
Simon ”

• 
  Quote