An effective accounting system is one that helps the business grow. If you are looking for accounting software uk or desktop accounting software uk then you should invest in one that is reliable, secure and will help you meet your accounting objectives. Choosing between desktop accounting software UK can be very tricky.
Choosing the ‘best’ accounting software package is subjective and what one person considers to be an advantage may not be what another individual looks for when searching for a desk- top accounting software uk. But finding the desktop accounting software uk that is right for your business can make an enormous difference in how you handle your bookkeeping.
Xero
Founded in 2006, New Zealand based Xero is a cloud-based online accounting software for small business. As of February 2018, Xero has over 1.8 million subscribers globally, making it as an ideal choice as best accounting software in UK and one of the best online accounting software for small business.
Why Xero is one of the best accounting software in UK
As a cloud-based online accounting software in UK, Xero can easily be accessed from all types of devices with an active internet connection. It is built on a double entry accounting framework and its robust accounting features enables small businesses to view their cash flow, transactions and account details from any location. Bank transactions are all automatically imported and coded by this online accounting software for small business.
Online bill payments help keep track of spending and stay on top of bills due, improving relationships with the suppliers that provide critical business services. It also allows businesses to manage personal expenses with a mobile review and approval process of each receipt. Xero offers unlimited user support and integration with over 600 systems through its add-on marketplace, including Curve, Receipt Bank, and Vend. It also updates its software on a regular basis.
Also, submitting CIS returns from Xero is free until 31 March 2020.
Cons
In some areas, Xero’s accounting features are limited, for example it has only two tracking categories.
For this software, business users pay a subscription amount for the most basic version. In order to access functions such as expanded time tracking and inventory tracking, businesses need to purchase add-ons on top of the subscription. Importing data is free but using payment services like Paypal or Stripe carries a cost.
Also, Payroll, Projects and Expenses are optional extras and not part of any of the pricing plans.
Pricing
The solution comes with a 30-day free trial period for product testing and feature evaluation. It provides three introductory pricing levels that kick in after a 30-day free trial. Xero Starter (£4/month as an introductory pricing, £10/month after the first three months) has monthly limits of five invoices and quotes, five bills, and reconciliation for 20 bank transactions, submitting VAT to HMRC and automatic CIS calculations and reports. The second pricing level, Xero Standard (£8.80/month till 1 August 2019, £9.60/month after 1 August and £24/month after the first three months) adds unlimited billing and invoice functionality, quotes, transaction reconciliations and submitting VAT to HMRC and automatic CIS calculations and reports. Xero Premium (£11/month till 1 August 2019, £12/month after 1 August and £30/month after the first three months) is the only version to offer multiple currency support, and on top of that offers the same capabilities as Xero Standard.
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is targeted at freelancers and small businesses, so it focuses on daily admin tasks like invoicing, time tracking, and expense management. It’s a cloud accounting software package.
You can set invoice reminders and upload pictures of your receipts. Pricing starts at £19 a month (for sole traders) with 50 per cent off for the first six months. Plus, if you’re a Simply Business customer, you can get a 15 per cent lifetime discount. Find out more.
FreeAgent say it’s ready for Making Tax Digital, and has been submitting digital VAT returns to HMRC for customers since 2010.
Freshbooks
FreshBooks is a popular cloud-based accounting service designed specifically for small business owners.
The package has plenty of features – invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, a host of business reports, even an option to take credit card payments – and a straightforward interface aimed at non-accountants ensures you’ll be up-and-running right away.
Despite the simplicity, there’s real depth here. You can bill in any currency, save time by setting up recurring invoices, allow customers to pay via credit card by checking a box, and even automatically bill their credit card to keep life simple for everyone.
If you need more power, the system integrates with many other services, including PayPal, MailChimp, Basecamp, WordPress, Gusto, Zendesk and more.
Management hassles are kept to a minimum. You’re able to access and use the system from your desktop or its free iOS and Android apps, and because it’s a cloud-based system there’s no need to worry about backups.
If this sounds appealing, you can try FreshBooks for 30 days without using a credit card.
Intuit QuickBooks
QuickBooks is another veteran of the online accounting software business. Like other accounting tools, Quickbooks comes with an attractive dashboard that puts key data such as income (split into open, overdue and paid in the last 30 days), expenses and profit and loss in front of you as soon as you log in.
It offers true double-entry accounting with ample reports and strong accounts charts, as well as customisable invoices, inventory capabilities, payroll support, multiple currencies, and over 400 integrations.
Why Intuit QuickBooks is one of the best accounting software in UK
One of the best aspects about QuickBooks is that this online accounting software continues to be updated on a regular basis. One of the most recent updates the software received was the project management feature. The online accounting software also provides users with many features that other traditional locally installed software does not provide. These features include automatic sales receipts, split transactions, scheduled invoices, and location and class categories.
Cons
Quickbooks, which is generally a feature-rich, high-quality software, does have disadvantages as the software’s several customers have flagged that the software still does not compare to its desktop counterpart and can sometimes be complicated and hard to navigate over a period.
Pricing
Quickbooks currently has three versions of accounting software for small business owners and the newly added Self-Employed plan for freelancers and independent contractors, all of which offer a 30-day free trial. The three versions are applicable for medium business owners. The first plan, Simple Start (£5 per month for six months), allows businesses to track income and expenses, track and e-File VAT to HMRC for MTD, send unlimited invoices, chase late payments, snap & store receipts, connect multiple bank accounts, run reports, manage CIS transactions, run payroll (+£1 per employee /month), free UK phone support and one user profile. Essentials (£7 per month for six months) provides all the features of the Simple Start plan and additionally provides two more user profiles, managing bills and payments, multi-currency support and tracking employee time. Plus (£11 per month for six months) enables users to create budgets and purchase orders, manage stock and Track project profitability.
The newly introduced Self-Employed (£3 per month for six months) is the most basic plan which only includes track income and expenses, track deductable mileage, send unlimited invoices, snap & store receipts, and connect multiple bank accounts. Additionally, this plan exclusively has the option of having separate business and personal transactions, estimating income tax payments and completing HMRC self-assessment.
What’s new
The separate Self-Employed plan for freelancers and independent contractors, which although is basic, but has a few exclusive offerings.
Conclusion:
Desktop accounting software UK is a great way for small business owners to do their accounts themselves. It gives you the flexibility to manage your business on the move, allowing you to produce quick and customized reports that will help you make informed decisions.