I need a simple accounts package.

[megaphone]

I've been using an account program called Wave, it's been ideal for my small business, easy and straight forward to use (and free). Unfortunately it is dropping support for the UK, doesn't do MTD etc.

I need to choose a new service, I was recommended Kashflow by a friend, but after a couple of attempts, and quite a few hours, I have realised it is way too complicated for my simple needs. Just creating a suitable invoice template has taken ages and I'm still not happy. Way to many account codes etc,

So looking for options. Very simple sole trader (may go ltd at some point), VAT, MTD, 30 invoices a month, need to upload receipts etc. I supply services and goods mainly to commercial customers. I needs to be simple, I'm not a bookkeeper, nice clean clear look. Simple tick boxes for customisation

Any recommendations? Quickbooks keeps getting mentioned but is it any less complicated than Kashflow?

[ecs]

I use FreeAgent and would recommend it to others because of its simplicity.

Won't bother listing out all the stuff it does since all the details are on their website. Check it out here: https://www.freeagent.com

[Sy1441]

Can't see past Xero myself. Started a business just over a year ago and it connects to my bank, reconciles all my purchases and invoices in a couple of clicks and my accountant can access it and fix anything and pull reports etc.

[Doofus]

Sy1441 said:

Can't see past Xero myself. Started a business just over a year ago and it connects to my bank, reconciles all my purchases and invoices in a couple of clicks and my accountant can access it and fix anything and pull reports etc.

this

[BigRuts]

Another vote for xero, a lot of our customers use it and have no complaints.

[megaphone]

Is Xero really simple? I was told by my friend that Kashflow was simple, but it isn't (for me).

As I said I'm not a bookkeeper, I'm out and about all day and just need a simple program to invoice my customers and upload my receipts. Don't want lots of account categories and numbers.

Also I do have to invoice some customers with CIS reverse VAT

Edited by megaphone on Thursday 15th April 11:10

[Animal]

Another vote for FreeAgent here. Works really well for a micro business.

[aparna]

Xero is good, if you have an accountant that knows there way around it. The ‘client’ experienced is polished. However it’s intended to be finished by accountants ultimately. It’s tricky to run solo as you run into journals and codes and all that stuff.

If you are doing it mostly yourself I’d go for something more focused on sole traders like free agent etc.

[Doofus]

aparna said:

Xero is good, if you have an accountant that knows there way around it. The ‘client’ experienced is polished. However it’s intended to be finished by accountants ultimately. It’s tricky to run solo as you run into journals and codes and all that stuff.

You don't need to 'run into' journals amd codes if you're just doing simple bookkeeping. Yes, you need to establish some codes to start with, but after that it's as simple as you want it to be.

[megaphone]

Doofus said:

aparna said:

Xero is good, if you have an accountant that knows there way around it. The ‘client’ experienced is polished. However it’s intended to be finished by accountants ultimately. It’s tricky to run solo as you run into journals and codes and all that stuff.

You don't need to 'run into' journals amd codes if you're just doing simple bookkeeping. Yes, you need to establish some codes to start with, but after that it's as simple as you want it to be.

So you do need to set up codes etc, this is what I want to avoid this is why Kashflow is already too complicated.

My invoicing is simple

Labour/installation/service

Parts used.

[RizzoTheRat]

Worth checking if your accountant has any preferences. Mine recommended using Freeagent and he could log do what he needed to so no need to send it copies of anything. Very convenient.

[Doofus]

megaphone said:

So you do need to set up codes etc, this is what I want to avoid this is why Kashflow is already too complicated.

My invoicing is simple

Labour/installation/service

Parts used.

It has a bunch of pre-defined codes, and you can change the names of most of them.

If you actually don't want to make any effort at all, then get someone else to do your bookkeeping.

[Eric Mc]

Exactly - some effort is required - especially with upcoming Making Tax Digital requirements.

If you don't want to make that effort, you will need to pay someone to do it for you.

[dirty boy]

A fan of Xero here, most of my clients now on it.

Hate Quickbooks with a passion

Kashflow is okay

Freeagent is actually reasonable for simplicity if i'm being competely honest.

But comfortably Xero as the best of the bunch, not had a bad word from any clients so far (touch wood) all seem to love it.

[megaphone]

Eric Mc said:

Exactly - some effort is required - especially with upcoming Making Tax Digital requirements.

If you don't want to make that effort, you will need to pay someone to do it for you.

Thanks what would you recommend for a simple program?

[Tyre Smoke]

And yet I find Quickbooks brilliant.

Horses for courses I suppose.

[MaxFromage]

Us accountants all feel differently about them.

Quickbooks- nasty.
Xero- hard work at times.
Kashflow- nice, easy and simple.

[Lifeisalemon]

I use QB. Seems simple enough and as others said it is supported by my accountant which helps.

[deadslow]

ecs said:

I use FreeAgent and would recommend it to others because of its simplicity.

Won't bother listing out all the stuff it does since all the details are on their website. Check it out here: https://www.freeagent.com

YES - switched from QB to FreeAgent a year ago. A revelation in simplicity and user-friendliness. Recommend.

[Tyre Smoke]

And I (and my accountant) hated it. I find QB so easy.

OP, talk to your accountant and use whatever he suggests. I run my payroll and do everything via Quickbooks and it costs me £37.20 a month. I don't think that's extortionate.