Forum

topBanner
First Previous - Page 1 of 1 - Next Last

Sage - clarification

Brian @ Ideal Schools
  • Companion
  • Accredited Training Provider IS
  • 435 posts
  • # 75722

Over 800,000 businesses, including large and small firms, use Sage Accounting Software. For this reason many colleges and other learning providers use Sage to teach their students to use its software to maintain financial records, and prepare and produce final accounting reports.

For small businesses Instant Accounts is most popular, enabling them to complete all the main accounting tasks, including year end accounts and monthly/annual reporting. This software can only accommodate a single company license, where one company’s accounts can be kept.

The more advanced package is the Sage 50 Accounts range, where additional licenses can be purchased to enable multiple companies’ records to be kept on the system at any time. This is suitable for companies with separate divisions, or for those actively running a bookkeeping/accounts service.

However, it is important to note that if you learn to use Instant Accounts, any knowledge gained is transferrable to the Sage 50 Accounts range, as the basic functionality remains the same. (Almost like learning to drive a Fiesta, but later upgrading to a Mercedes. You’ll be able to drive it, and it offers more “toys”).

To help keep our courses affordable for the students we use the Instant Accounts package, which many students have continued to use after the completion of their study. Even those operating as bookkeepers can still use the software for their own accounts, freeing up a valuable license (currently £250 each) if they have upgraded to the more advanced package.

Kind regards
Brian
Infinite
  • 82 posts
  • # 75791

Brian @ Ideal Schoolssaid:

“...However, it is important to note that if you learn to use Instant Accounts, any knowledge gained is transferrable to the Sage 50 Accounts range, as the basic functionality remains the same. (Almost like learning to drive a Fiesta, but later upgrading to a Mercedes. You’ll be able to drive it, and it offers more “toys”).”...
Hi Brian

It is important to distinguish between Instants and Sage 50 Accounts.  Sage 50 Accounts is a far more powerful tool with much greater functionality (rather than ‘toys’).  I think it is very important not to take for granted that simply upgrading is as easy as suggested here (especially where live data is concerned).  In my opinion it is far easier to go from Sage 50 Accounts to Instants.  If it comes down to choice, you are better off learning the industry standard (Sage 50 Accounts) and then scaling down to Instants if required rather than working the other way around.

As an aside, do you offer Sage 50 Accounts as an option?
Martin
  • 40 posts
  • # 75857

As the Regional Training Manager for Sage. If you are going to use Instant and Sage 50 then it is easier to go with Sage 50 Professional then lower options of Sage 50 and Instant will be easier to understand.  Beware Instant plus has more features than Sage 50 Accountant version.
It really depends on the functionality a client requires as to which level of software you use.  Some SME who you would say should be using Sage 50 will find Instant will fit their needs.

Martin
 
Liz D
  • 273 posts
  • # 75877

As far as I am aware, you are unable to apply for multi company licences with sage instant.

Although I'd be happy to be corrected on this Smile

Cheers


Liz
Angie Capeling
  • 22 posts
  • # 75878

Hi Liz,

For the purpose of completing ICB Computerised exams using Sage software the Instant Accounts package is sufficient. Trial or Demo versions are not, as they are likely to have important report functionality stripped out.

The Sage Training software although limited to 180 days of use is based on Sage 50 Professional and is virtually a fully working version. This is not Free software and can only be obtained if purchased along with a training package.

 

Learning how to use Instant Accounts will be sufficient as long as you are only required to carry out general Bookkeeping tasks for a single client, or If your clients had their own version of the software and you were willing to do the Bookkeeping on their computers. The software is limited in functionality and versatility in so much that you would very rarely find it in use at a Bookkeeping or Accountancy practice, or indeed the majority of businesses who employ Sage users.

 

Learning how to use Sage 50 Professional not only covers everything required to complete the ICB Computerised exams it also covers functions such as stock control, special products, dealing in foreign currencies, multiple departments and customisable reporting. These functions alone add to the portfolio of a professional Bookkeeper and can be useful to attract potential clients. Anything less than this would also reduce the likelihood of being employed by a company requiring Sage users.

 

At the end of the day Sage Instant Accounts is a very good software package and is capable of managing most SME's accounts as long as it is just straight forward accounts, but in terms of opening more doors to more clients and also being more attractive in the job market then it has to be Sage 50 Professional. In terms of cost there is nothing in it unless you are just intending to learn Instant Accounts and the software will be sufficient for your needs, but as there is a lot more to learn in Sage 50 professional there are more lessons and workbooks involved and more work for a tutor. Upgrading the software will cost the same regardless of having a licenced version of Instant Accounts or a training version of Sage 50 Professional.
First Previous - Page 1 of 1 - Next Last
bottomBanner
loading