Forum

• # 70030
• Tue 05 Apr 2011 11:35 AM

Hi,

Does any of bookkeepers here use AccountsPortal ? Price seems very reasonable (£5 a month + VAT, I think) and I like the overall look of it. I've just downloaded a free trial. 
I am also considering  using VT+, Xero or ClearBooks...
I like KashFlow, unfortunately it's too expensive for me :(

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• # 70036
• Tue 05 Apr 2011 12:50 PM

Hi Aleksandra,

I have never heard of Accountsportal.

Most of the student are taking exam by using online software offering free trial.
Unless you are "working" already, you do not need to spend any money on any software!

Thanks for sharing and please keep us posted on how you are getting on with Accountsportal.

Nathaliexxx

• Provide bookkeeping and virtual accountancy assistance service in English and French @nckaccountancy.
  West Essex Twitter:http://nckaccountancy.co.uk
  E-mail: info@nckaccountancy.co.uk
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• # 70043
• Tue 05 Apr 2011 01:55 PM

Hi Nathalie, 

Thanks for your reply.
I am not looking for a software for the exam as I will get one from Ideal Schools.
I am not working also. All I do is looking around (not only at softwares, but in general) and try to estimate costs of running own bookkeeping practise. I am just about to start writing my business plan. 

Aleksandra


 

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• # 70069
• Wed 06 Apr 2011 10:09 AM

Hi Aleksandra,

I understand you are trying to estimate costs of setting up yourself.

You need to browse through the forum as members have posted a list of cost you will face setting up  as self-employed bookkeeper. You will have to pay for:

• Insurance for professional indemnity £ 100 to £150
• Practise licence £ 75
• membership £ 90
• Advertisement, i would not help you this but again browse the forum as members do post infos
• Equipment
• Software £ 400 to £ 800 if you  purchase traditional software to install on your Pc.  I personally would go for online option as it is much easy access. It does offer flexibility and you can print off report anywhere. Just need to convince your client! software are from as little as £ 8 per month to £ 30
• You need to add courses cost too...this is depend on what service you want to provide and what qualification you need to gain accordingly! They do add up!

• Provide bookkeeping and virtual accountancy assistance service in English and French @nckaccountancy.
  West Essex Twitter:http://nckaccountancy.co.uk
  E-mail: info@nckaccountancy.co.uk
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• # 70070
• Wed 06 Apr 2011 10:34 AM

Hi Nathalie, 

Yes, I am trying to estimate costs of setting up and running, thank you for your list.

At the beginning I am not going to buy any 'traditional software' that's why I am looking at online ones.
I really like AccountsPortal, but I've noticed not many bookkeepers seem to use it and I just wonder why...

I like an idea of remote bookkeeping, I am only not sure how do you comply with MLR if you do not meet up with your clients. 

Aleksandra
 

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• # 70148
• Mon 11 Apr 2011 01:09 PM

Hi Aleksandra,

Regarding Accountsportal, i am not too keen on this as i tested their support and i have been satisfied!

I thought you may want to try quickbook which is offering two month trial and cost £ 9 plus VAT. This is a more common software used by accountants and bookkeepers. They offer traditional software and online package.


xxx

• Provide bookkeeping and virtual accountancy assistance service in English and French @nckaccountancy.
  West Essex Twitter:http://nckaccountancy.co.uk
  E-mail: info@nckaccountancy.co.uk
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• # 70150
• Mon 11 Apr 2011 05:25 PM

Hi Aleksandra,

It really is a personal choice.  Sage Instant accounts is quite reasonable, good for accounting functionality but doesn't have all the tools of Sage Line 50 (but is  a lot cheaper).  I use VT regularly, it is quite a good system.  It has its good points and bad points like all of them.  Sorry, but I have no idea of the cost of it.

Initially, to keep costs down you could always use excel.  An analysed cashbook, sale and purchase day books.  You can easily add spreadsheets to accomodate petty cash etc.

Regards

Lynne

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• # 70162
• Tue 12 Apr 2011 09:16 AM

Hi Nathalie and Lynne,

Thank you both for your replies.

What didn't you like about AccountsPortal Nathalie?
I've found their support very friendly (and fast in responding).

I think, I am going to get Sage Instant from Ideal Schools along with computerized II materials
(V16 apparently), we will see... 

All the best.
Aleksandra

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