Sunday 17, 2011

337e9374dd2b31814893578b58467815 Medlin Accounting Software Accounting Software Selection Advice

The accounting software you choose today will have a significant impact on your financial controls in the future. Choosing a financial application is a critical decision that too many small business owners make too quickly. Only later do they realize that they need a far different functionality from the one they have.

The first temptation you need to resists is looking to see "what's out there" before you have completely assessed your business requirements. Any accounting software package should meet all legal requirements and accounting standards. The accountant should also be comfortable in using the software. To help you choose the best financial control application for your company, we have created an accounting software guide that details the critical aspects you need to look into.

What is your business structure?

A sole proprietorship has completely different needs from a corporation. In addition, if you intend to hire employees, the accounting software must have payroll functionality.

How many people will use the application?

If you currently doing the bookkeeping yourself, think ahead and determine if you will still manage your accounts in the future. If you intend to hire a single person, it is recommended to get a low-cost system. On the other hand, if you need to hire several people to manage your finances, a more expensive package may be required.

What type of computer do you use?

Though most accounting applications are designed to run on web browsers, you should also look into your operating system. Certain processes run better on Windows than on Mac or Linux and vice-versa.

What features do you need?

All accounting software will do the basic bookkeeping job. But by looking at accounting software guides though, you will discover that some applications can work harder than that. Notable features you should consider include:

• Invoicing - the invoicing function will save you a lot of time because it removes the need of re-entering information for invoice. Certain applications allow users to directly send the invoice from the software to the customer's email. This type of invoicing is becoming popular as more businesses discover the benefits of green invoicing.

• Credit Control - at the click of the mouse, some packages lets you know who owes you money, how much is owned, when payment is due.

• Payroll - small business accounting software can have a sophisticated payroll function that automatically works out the taxes due as well as the insurance contributions for the employees.

• VAT - certain business applications can track the amount of VAT collected and make the VAT quarterly return much easier for business owners.

• Management Reports - can the accounting software give a snapshot of the business operation including profit and loss statement or the cash flow?

How much activity does your business generate each month?

If your business has five large clients, then buying less powerful accounting software will suffice because you can enter the transaction manually. However, if you are operating a business with 100 or more clients who pay different amounts, then getting a more sophisticated package that automates the entire transactions is recommended.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/accounting-software-selection-advice-849187.html

About the Author

David Kraft is a freelance author with many areas of specialization. He offers advice for selecting new accounting software for businesses of all sizes at his accounting software review site.


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11 Responses

  • sixprospect says:

    best accounting software?
    I am buying a small exsistind business (sandwich / catering shop). What is the best software for accounting? I’m finding conflicting reviews on MYOB, MICROSOFT, QUICKBOOKS and PEACHTREE.

    • ttti says:

      I am a bookkeeper for a small contracting business, and before that I worked as an assistant to a CPA. When we started out our business I was able to learn Peachtree and Quickbooks very proficiently (through an accredited school) and in my own personal experimenting I checked out Microsoft. And from all of my personal experience (about 6 years now) I work most often with Quickbooks because it is so user friendly and simple to understand. And with each year and upgrade it gets a little easier and easier. Also working under the accountant I found that most of her clients (about 95%) were using Quickbooks in their businesses as well. I like it a lot and will continue to use Quickbooks throughout the life of our company. I hope this helps.

  • Max Ronstein says:

    Which online business idea should I pick?
    Hello. I would like to start an online business/company over the summer. My goal is to eventually make six or more figures a year. I have two ideas which I think could be really profitable. The problem is, I was quoted 40-50 thousand to make each site (except for the other business ideas). I just dont have that kind of money to even build one site. I will list the ideas below, and could you please tell me which idea you think is more profitable. How should I go about building the site? Should I hire someone on craigslist, rent a coder, etc.? Or should I try to build it my self? What should I use? I dont know programming or coding or web design.

    1. My first idea is a website where users can submit original songs and other users can listen, rate, comment, share, and chat with other users. Users could also create a page where they could post info, and find new band members. I like this idea since the only competition is http://www.purevolume.com. PureVolume is making $300 a day! If I make a better site, why can’t i make that or more? I would sell ad space on the site. Accounts would be free, but if the site became big enough, I would create a pro membership that costs money in addition to the free account. If you think this idea could be profitable, how should I go about creating the site? I got quoted 40-50k to build by a web design firm. Should I use Kickapps which lets you create a social network site where user submit content (videos, MUSIC, videos etc.) for a small fee? Should I hire a developer on rent a coder?

    2. My second idea is a website where users could post, list, sell, buy, auction, and trade websites. An ebay or amazon marketplace for websites. Users would post the site link with info and a snapshot and price, and other users would buy the site if they wanted to. I would take a small 4% commision from the sale. I would also sell ad space on the website. This website has some competition such as websitebroker.com, flippa.com, and sitepoint.com, but the potential is huge, and there is room for another player. If you think this site is profitable, how should I build it? Should I hire someone or build it myself. If build it myself, how should I build it?

    3. My third idea is to sign up for resellerdynamics. You pay $1000 to them and they give you liscense to re sell there website building software on your own website and charge fees per month. they were reviewed in small business opportunity mag as a good opportunity and bbb says they are legit.

    4. My last idea is to make a website with lots of articles, reviews, comparisons, etc. on cell phones. I would also sign up to be an affiliate with verizon, att, sprint, etc., and sell phones on my site. I know there are a lot of competition out there such as phonearena, phonedog, cnet, and mobiledia, but each site doest the same thing as the other site, and they all are making great money. By the way, is a website like this or a website in general considered a company? Could you be a CEO of the company that runs the website. Like if I call the site http://www.sprocketfish.com, could I make a company called Sprocketfish Inc. that runs the website and could I be CEO of Sprocketfish Inc.?

    I really want to make one of these websites with as low startup as possible. I know I would have to market like crazy and do site matinence, but please help me. My parents think i should do a business like normal teens where you mow the lawn, babysit, etc, but I really want to do online business and hopefully make a good living. I think my sites ideas have potential. Which idea should I do? Which idea is more profitable? Even if you think they are not profitable, which would you choose if you had to? How should I build it?

    Thanks!

    PS, I am becoming a dealer at Kaeser and Blair and selling promotinal products to get me some startup cash for my online companies (websites).

    Thanks!!

  • sixprospect says:

    best accounting software?
    I am buying a small exsistind business (sandwich / catering shop). What is the best software for accounting? I’m finding conflicting reviews on MYOB, MICROSOFT, QUICKBOOKS and PEACHTREE.

    • jason b says:

      It will vary depending on who you talk to.

      Turbo Cash is free and works great.
      http://www.turbocash.co.za/
      (select your country there before you download as there are different customizations and sample for each country).

      Most people i know swear Softline Pastel is the best.
      Theres Acpak, and IQ as well. Overall though i find Quickbooks the easiest one to use. it might not be the best but it’s good to start with. I have just started learning it though.

      If i am correct Quickbooks has different packages for different kinds of businesses. maybe you should ask your Financial Auditor/Firm which he/she/they believe will suit your business best.

  • Max Ronstein says:

    Which online business idea should I pick?
    Hello. I would like to start an online business/company over the summer. My goal is to eventually make six or more figures a year. I have two ideas which I think could be really profitable. The problem is, I was quoted 40-50 thousand to make each site (except for the other business ideas). I just dont have that kind of money to even build one site. I will list the ideas below, and could you please tell me which idea you think is more profitable. How should I go about building the site? Should I hire someone on craigslist, rent a coder, etc.? Or should I try to build it my self? What should I use? I dont know programming or coding or web design.

    1. My first idea is a website where users can submit original songs and other users can listen, rate, comment, share, and chat with other users. Users could also create a page where they could post info, and find new band members. I like this idea since the only competition is http://www.purevolume.com. PureVolume is making $300 a day! If I make a better site, why can’t i make that or more? I would sell ad space on the site. Accounts would be free, but if the site became big enough, I would create a pro membership that costs money in addition to the free account. If you think this idea could be profitable, how should I go about creating the site? I got quoted 40-50k to build by a web design firm. Should I use Kickapps which lets you create a social network site where user submit content (videos, MUSIC, videos etc.) for a small fee? Should I hire a developer on rent a coder?

    2. My second idea is a website where users could post, list, sell, buy, auction, and trade websites. An ebay or amazon marketplace for websites. Users would post the site link with info and a snapshot and price, and other users would buy the site if they wanted to. I would take a small 4% commision from the sale. I would also sell ad space on the website. This website has some competition such as websitebroker.com, flippa.com, and sitepoint.com, but the potential is huge, and there is room for another player. If you think this site is profitable, how should I build it? Should I hire someone or build it myself. If build it myself, how should I build it?

    3. My third idea is to sign up for resellerdynamics. You pay $1000 to them and they give you liscense to re sell there website building software on your own website and charge fees per month. they were reviewed in small business opportunity mag as a good opportunity and bbb says they are legit.

    4. My last idea is to make a website with lots of articles, reviews, comparisons, etc. on cell phones. I would also sign up to be an affiliate with verizon, att, sprint, etc., and sell phones on my site. I know there are a lot of competition out there such as phonearena, phonedog, cnet, and mobiledia, but each site doest the same thing as the other site, and they all are making great money. By the way, is a website like this or a website in general considered a company? Could you be a CEO of the company that runs the website. Like if I call the site http://www.sprocketfish.com, could I make a company called Sprocketfish Inc. that runs the website and could I be CEO of Sprocketfish Inc.?

    I really want to make one of these websites with as low startup as possible. I know I would have to market like crazy and do site matinence, but please help me. My parents think i should do a business like normal teens where you mow the lawn, babysit, etc, but I really want to do online business and hopefully make a good living. I think my sites ideas have potential. Which idea should I do? Which idea is more profitable? Even if you think they are not profitable, which would you choose if you had to? How should I build it?

    Thanks!

    PS, I am becoming a dealer at Kaeser and Blair and selling promotinal products to get me some startup cash for my online companies (websites).

    Thanks!!

  • FlashTheDeveloper says:

    What Small Business Accounting Software?
    What a mine field! I wrongly assumed there would be an entry level, quality piece of software covering all the basics. Quickbooks gets horrible reviews. Sage Instant Accounts doesn’t have stock control and Microsoft stopped producing their version.

    So, we just need a piece of software that will raise invoices, complete general reports so we can see our best/worst sellers and profits etc and has basic stock control.

    Any ideas?

    • Doug M says:

      When you say “stock control” are you referring to inventory? You must be a non US business.

      I have to disagree with anyone giving QuickBooks horrible reviews. Intuit has done a fantastic job continually improving and adding new features to QuickBooks. I work with small businesses day-in and day-out and the majority use QuickBooks and love it.

      Peachtree has a family of products and if you are looking for more robust inventory or stock controls you should take a look at Peachtree Complete Accounting. Like QuickBooks I have clients who us Peachtree and are very happy with its performance.

      Now for non US businesses I’m not sure all the same functionality that exists for the US versions are in the non US versions but you need to spend some time and do your research. If you’re looking for free accounting software applications you can check out the top 9 applications at the following link:

      http://www.ilovefreesoftware.com/24/featured/best-open-source-accounting-software.html

  • Jamie F says:

    What employment position do I qualify for with this resume and experience? Must make at least 34K annually.?
    OBJECTIVE
    My career objective is to obtain a position as Inventory Administrator that will further my career. The ideal position will provide significant opportunity for growth and increasing responsibility.

    QUALIFICATIONS
    •Have 10 years experience and accomplishments in small business management, sales and customer service.
    •Have supervised others, handled difficult customers and introduced special promotion and incentive programs.
    •Strong communication skills and high motivation with the ability to manage and train others.
    •Library experience, including experience with document delivery and some general reference experience.
    •Experience with industry standard bibliographic databases; books in print and other data basis.
    •Experience using online card catalog.
    •Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people including senior management.
    •Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
    •Competent working on a geographically disperse team.
    •Customer Service Experience.

    COMPUTER SKILLS
    •Proficient computer skills in the Microsoft suite and Adobe applications.
    •Understanding of CeledyDraw2 and Art Explosion Publisher Pro.
    •Understanding and experience using the Internet/World Wide Web.
    •Typing at 70 WPM, 10-Key at 6,677 key strokes.
    •Intermediate-Advanced performance in a variety of computer applications.

    WORK HISTORY
    2005-2007Desktop Publisher/ Graphic Designer, ENVOY Consulting
    •Designed business proposals and provided contracted graphic design services.
    •Formatted text documents using QuarkXpress, and inserted graphics.
    •Typesetting for articles, advertisements and flyers, fixed type font ligatures.

    1991-2001 CEO/Manager/Administrator, Freedom Housekeeping Services
    •Fashioned innovative and effective advertising media using various publishing software.
    •Increased sales annually through effectively and efficiently marketing services.
    •Achieved goals that provided a service which catered to the customers needs.
    •Preformed Management and business administration in advertising, marketing, estimation,
    scheduling, bookkeeping, customer service, hiring and training employees.

    2004-2004Exceptions Clerk I/CCS, East Coast Bank
    •Experience in a fast-paced, competitive banking environment, providing daily support to two managers on various levels.
    •Daily review and tracking of possible fraudulent account activity, comparison of customer signatures using check logs. Bank recording, distribution of deposit corrections and check receipts, and review of various banking documents for accuracy were done on a regular basis.
    •Administrative responsibilities consisted of data entry, formatting spread sheets, correlating documents, filing, mail service, facsimile and telephone services.

    EDUCATION
    Western Washington University, Mountainville, Washington
    Credits completed towards Bachelors degree in Humanities, 2006-2007

    Climate Community College, City Center, California
    Pre-nursing certification program, 2007-Present

    • Francesca Thomas says:

      First –
      Any HR person reading your Objective will not read past it. The phrase “further my career” means it gets filed in the trash!!!
      All this objective says is what can you do for me.
      Companies do NOT want to know what they can do for you. They want to know what you can do for them.

      Second -
      I think you could do well in an advertising agency – you have advertising, management, computer & graphic design skills – all necessary in the advertising world.

      Third – making the resume better
      Be specific about what computer applications you know – do not just say “variety of computer applications”.

      Separate out the different types of skills -
      database & computer skills,
      library skills,
      customer service skills,
      advertising skills.
      Makes it easier to see.

      And its not necessary to put ALL your skills into every resume. You have enough here to pick & choose what you put in. You must PERSONALISE each resume for each application.

      There is no such thing as a general resume – and this is a very general resume. That means you are not trying hard enough, and tells the company that if you cannot be bothered to do a good job with the resume, then you probably wont do a good job if they hired you.

      Let me see if I can rework this resume for you.
      Here you go.

      EDITED RESUME
      I changed this from chronological format – which is what you have – to a functional formet which I prefer. You’ll need to redo your objective.
      Dont include the university education if you didnt actually graduate. It just tells the employer that you cant finish what you started.
      I removed the library skills because they are not really relevant unless you are looking for a library or a legal research job. (And for those you need either an MLS or a paralegal certificate).

      QUALIFICATIONS
      •10 years management experience running a small business, including sales, customer service, and marketing

      CUSTOMER SERVICE & ADMINISTRATION SKILLS
      •Handled difficult customers
      ~Introduced special promotion and incentive programs.
      •Strong communication skills used in training employees.
      •Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people including senior management.
      •Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
      •Competent working with a geographically diverse team.
      •Administrative responsibilities included data entry, formatting spread sheets, correlating documents, filing, mail service, facsimile and telephone services.

      COMPUTER SKILLS
      •Proficient computer skills in the Microsoft suite and Adobe applications
      •Knowledge CeledyDraw2 and Art Explosion Publisher Pro
      •Experience using the Internet/World Wide Web
      •Typing 70 WPM, 10-Key at 6,677 ks/h
      •Intermediate-Advanced performance in a variety of computer applications (be specific)

      MARKETING SKILLS
      •Designed business proposals and provided contracted graphic design services.
      •Formatted text documents using QuarkXpress, and inserted graphics.
      •Typesetting for articles, advertisements and flyers, fixed type font ligatures.
      •Fashioned innovative and effective advertising media using various publishing software.
      •Increased sales annually through effectively and efficiently marketing services.

      MANAGEMENT SKILLS
      •Performed Management and business administration in advertising, marketing, estimation, scheduling, bookkeeping, customer service, hiring and training employees.
      •Experience in a fast-paced, competitive banking environment, providing daily support to two managers
      •Daily review and tracking of possible fraudulent account activity, comparison of customer signatures using check logs. Bank recording, distribution of deposit corrections and check receipts, and regular review of various banking documents for accuracy

      WORK HISTORY
      2005-2007 Desktop Publisher/ Graphic Designer, ENVOY Consulting
      2004 Exceptions Clerk I/CCS, East Coast Bank
      1991-2001 CEO/Manager/Administrator, Freedom Housekeeping Services

      EDUCATION
      2006-07 Western Washington University, Mountainville, Washington Credits completed towards Bachelors degree in Humanities,
      2007 Climate Community College, City Center, California
      Pre-nursing certification program



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