Forum

topBanner
First Previous - Page 1 of 1 - Next Last

Which software to choose??

  • Fellow
  • Practice Licence
  • 72 posts
  • # 109998

Hello All

Now that I have set up my practice, I have the daunting task of choosing the software I would like to use for myself and my clients. (I have 2 limited companies and various self employed).

I have looked at Xero Partner programme and at Sage (expensive!!!) and now looking at Solar.

At the end of the day, they all do the same thing but the prices vary so much!!  Do you know if we can get discount with any of them by being a member of ICB?  I see that Solar are accredited by ICB so hoping there would be something there?

Any tips/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tammy
Lizzie59
  • Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 400 posts
  • # 109999

Hi Tammy

 

Firstly what software did you use for the computerised exams as you could carry on using that for now. As I have a mix of onsite and offsite clients I go by what the clients has / wants unless I am taking them on from scratch in which case excel will probably be enough to start with.  In the early days I bought QB desktop with the intention of learning how to use it and have hardly touched it.

 

Good luck

 

Liz

  • Time can never be replaced. Spend it wisely.


  • Quote
Trevor
  • 257 posts
  • # 110000

Hi Tammy

I am just about to apply for my practice licence and have extensively researched this subject (I used Sage for my training). I have also been doing some voluntary work and set a complete system up for a charity (I am the Treasurer of). To cut a very long story short, if your clients are dropping the paper work to you, then I would recommend VT Transaction +. Have a look at Accounting web and the bookkeepers network forums for very extensive coverage on this subject and the merits of being up in the cloud.

Regards

Trevor

Excuse the typing and bravity  as on a little android tablet.

  • Failure is only the opportunity to Begin again, only this time more Wisely. Henry Ford

    Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Robert Collier


  • Quote
  • 794 posts
  • # 110001

Hi Tammy,

I use Solar Desktop version and have done for many years. It was a one off cost with ongoing support and updates included. The updates have now ceased as they have moved over to cloud version.

For the cloud version I believe the costs are £9 plus Vat per month for a Non-Vat Reg business and £20 plus Vat for Vat Reg businesses. They do offer a discount depending how many clients you have on the cloud version.

I have not moved any clients over to the cloud version as I do all their accounts and they don't want to do any of it!

So, if your clients are of the same mind then you may be just as well getting desktop version as it is multi-company and so easy to use.

I only intend offering the cloud version if client wants to process their own accounts and just have me do their tax return. Then I would suggest client signs up for it so it is their software and I just have access to it.

I have tried and tested many accounts software over the years and Solar comes top of list for me but everyone has their preferences so it may not work for you. You can download a trial of either version.

Marilyn

  • A clever person solves a problem.

    A wise person avoids it.

    Albert Enstein


  • Quote
Trevor
  • 257 posts
  • # 110002

Good Afternoon Marilyn

Solar desktop is excellent and a fantastic choice - The only reason I discounted it is that they have moved to the cloud and the product may well be discontinued soon (same as Quick Books).

Regards

Trevor

  • Failure is only the opportunity to Begin again, only this time more Wisely. Henry Ford

    Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Robert Collier


  • Quote
  • Member
  • Practice Licence
  • 6 posts
  • # 110003

zimbogirl said:

“

Hello All

Now that I have set up my practice, I have the daunting task of choosing the software I would like to use for myself and my clients. (I have 2 limited companies and various self employed).

I have looked at Xero Partner programme and at Sage (expensive!!!) and now looking at Solar.

At the end of the day, they all do the same thing but the prices vary so much!!  Do you know if we can get discount with any of them by being a member of ICB?  I see that Solar are accredited by ICB so hoping there would be something there?

Any tips/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tammy

”

 Hi

Have you looked at Quick File its really easy and good for cloud based accounts I have about 8 clients on this and I would recommend this as its FREE to all you need is a email address and password .

Another good cloud based is Kashflow but you pay £12 per month for this.

Thanks hope this helps

Jason
  • 794 posts
  • # 110017

Hi Trevor,

I have been assured that Solar Desktop will not be discontinued any time soon - the free support may be and the updates definitely are.

This does not bother me as long as I can still keep using it. If I have to move to the cloud version I will as they have said it is just a case of transferring the files. They did recommend that I try it initially just for one client as apparently there are a lot of new features.

In the meantime I will just plod on as it means I don't have to increase clients fees which I would have to do with the cloud version.

Marilyn

  • A clever person solves a problem.

    A wise person avoids it.

    Albert Enstein


  • Quote
First Previous - Page 1 of 1 - Next Last
bottomBanner
loading