Software Reviews

Sage have launched a new mobile application called Sage 50 Accounts Mobile. The application gives book-keepers live access to Sage 50 Accounts 2012 data via an iPhone or iPod.

The secure service is easy to use and enables access to important information remotely when and where you need it.

It's simple to set up using the integrated wizard included with Sage 50 Accounts 2012 desktop and can be aligned to multiple datasets.

A variety of users – from field based teams to business owners - can set up read and write access levels according to their needs without requiring in depth accounts knowledge.

Note: You must have a copy of Sage 50 Accounts 2012 installed in your office in order for this application to work in a live environment.

Features include:

- Demo data built in to experience functionality of app without live connection
- Dashboard, P&L and Headline reports provide overview of Company Financial Position
- View details and transactions for customers, suppliers, bank accounts 
- View and Create Invoices, Sales Orders, Quotations and Customer Records
- View transactions on customers, suppliers and bank accounts
- View Price lists and Product details and manage stock take
- View Projects and related activities*
- Quick access to information through 'Favourites'
- Usage by up to 10 concurrent users
- Log in using existing Sage Passport account credentials

* Project functionality requires Sage 50 Accounts 2012 Plus or Professional

You can download the app from the Apple App Store.

Review of Business Accountz

Accountz, an accounting software specialist, have just released their new product Business Accountz® Enterprise for Book-keepers. A unique product targeted at the practicing book-keepers. It’s a rarity for any software provider to target a product specifically at book-keepers, so we were interested to see what the software offered over rival (more accountant) focussed packages.

But first a bit of background information on the supplier. Accountz has been publishing software for over 25 years and last year underwent a complete brand transformation. You can now buy both Home Accountz® and Business Accountz® in the large multiple stores of PC World, Staples, Apple Stores and Amazon to name a few.

So why have they developed a book-keepers package? We spoke to Mark Coplpwe at Accountz who told us. “Firstly, there is a huge demand for book-keepers and with the economy changing more and more people are looking for ways to earn new or additional income. As in any trade you need tools to work your craft. To fill this need Accountz decided to speak to book-keepers to determine what they require from an accounting Package”.

Having tried the software we can report a number of unique benefits:

• Business Accountz Enterprise for Book-keepers is multi platform and runs on Mac (very rare for an accounting package), Windows (XP and Vista ) and Linux. If you already have your bought hardware then the chances are it will work. If you have not then Accountz® are giving you the choice.

• Business Accountz Enterprise for Bookkeepers works on desktop PC’s and net books, offering book-keepers complete flexibility as well as the ability to work on the move.

• We liked the very flexible and simple to use Nominal Ledger, and there is a choice to remove the need to use accounts code which is a nice touch.

• There is an option to create multiple nominal ledger groups making it easier to interpret the figures

• Book-keepers looking to migrate from an Excel based package will be pleased to see a familiar spreadsheet style interface which allows users to correct errors relatively easily.

• The VAT return module is really where Accountz excels, with the ability to run off a return with one press of a button. The VAT reports are also easily understood, and therefore the ability to spot errors is increased.

Price

Pricing for a 5 company licence starts at £499.99 and a 10 company licence from £799.99.

Conclusion

Accountz has all the fully functional tools that any Book-keeper would need. Because of its Mac compatibility its a useful alternative for Mac users.

Review of Quick Books Pro 2010

Quick Books is by far the most popular book-keeping package in the US. This is not the case here in the UK where Sage is still the dominant player.

Intuits latest release, Quick Books Pro 2010, looks to address a number of drawbacks with previous versions, mainly its lack of multi-currency options which has now been introduced. This will be a welcome addition for many book-keepers who have bemoaned QB for lacking this feature.

Book-keepers upgrading from 2008 should notice an increase in the overall speed and performance of the software, with its predecessor being a tad sluggish at times.

It’s very similar to previous versions in terms of aesthetics, which is not necessary a bad thing for a platform that is renowned for its clear layout.

For new book-keepers, Quick Books is not the easiest software to set up. However a bit of time spent reading the manual will put you in good stead later on, and it won’t be long before you can get on with some actual book-keeping.

A major upgrade is the online filing functionality, which makes filing your clients VAT return a piece of cake. Anything that avoids having to use HMRCs own system is bonus a for us.

Prices

RRP prices for the Pro version start from £290. However if you spend a bit of time searching on the internet you’ll be unlucky to be pay more than £130.

Conclusion

Overall Quick Books 2010 is a welcome upgrade, and although the improvements probably won’t temp die hard Sage users away, newbie book-keepers and Excel upgraders would be well advised to take a look.

Review of Sage 50 2011

Sage continues to remain the dominant player in the UK SME accounting sector. However, with a multitude of new competitors bringing out new offerings every month, both online and off-line versions, Sage is facing more competition than ever before.

So when a copy of the latest version of Sage 50 Accounts 2011 landed on our desk, we were keen to see how it differed from previous versions.

The first and most obvious addition, is that it now offers the ability to account for VAT based on the flat rate scheme. This is a welcome addition, especially for book-keepers with clients on the scheme who have been using a work around for the past few years.

Book-keepers with charity clients will also be pleased to hear that the software now has an improved charity funds reporting ability.

It must be said that the 2011 version looks very similar to previous editions, not necessarily a bad thing in our opinion. Existing Sage book-keepers will therefore not have any problems finding their way round the software.

Some members have reported teething issues when upgrading from previous versions, however we can report no such issues ourselves. In our experience those with Sage support will find any problems are quickly resolved over the telephone.

Conclusion

Overall the software remains a solid piece of kit, and although the new features may not be enough to tempt existing Sage users to upgrade, new users should be very happy with their purchase.

Review of Moneysoft Payroll Manager

Having used several leading suppliers of payroll bureau software in the past, we were excited to see what the Moneysoft team had to offer in comparison. Firstly, the software is available in three editions, for Payroll Manager:

1. 20 *    Single User License for up to 20 Employees/Contractors per Company
2. 100 *  Multi User License for up to 100 Employees/Contractors per Company
3. 250 *  Multi User License for up to 250 Employees/Contractors per Company

* Software prices are 1. £ 55, 2. £ 110, & 3. £165; for a 12 Month License. All prices are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.

The main Features of the software are:

• Accredited by HM Revenue & Customs for Online Filing services – Including P45, P35 etc.       [Payroll Standard] www.hmrc.gov.uk/ebu/acclist.htm

• Employer Payroll Bureau: The ability to run your payroll on a variety of frequencies and numerous options thereon to adjust for Statutory Sick Pay, Holiday Pay, Pensions etc.

• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) compatible, including Deduction Statement(s), Sub-Contactor Verification Facility, CIS300 Monthly Returns, etc.

• Reports and Analysis: The reporting functionality will allow even the most curious user to drill down and report on anything they see fit.

• Easy to convert payslips and other reports into PDF format and therefore easily emailed to clients.

• Easily records all P11d benefits and expenses and send to HMRC each year.

• The online and telephone support is a free benefit of purchasing the software license and having used the service we have experienced a timely, friendly and accurate response.

• The software license can be purchased and downloaded online.

The software itself is easy to navigate with the menu system being well laid out and intuitive to use. In our opinion, someone with little knowledge of payroll and an inexperienced software user will quickly learn to run either a basic or complex payroll function. 

Conclusion

Payroll Manager by Moneysoft Ltd offers a simple to use and cost effective solution to your PAYE and CIS requirements. The fact that you can convert all payslips & associated reports into a PDF document means you are one step closer to a paperless office & it’s also great for the environment too.

Also, the 12 month license is a refreshing change as other providers charge per Tax Year.