I have the joy of keeping the books for my company, we're pretty small (2 full time 1 part time employee) and currently we run Peachtree 2012. I will admit that I'm a far cry from what you would call an accountant. Well, let me just say I'm an instrument man that can do Cad. I've managed to get by using PT this year but for 2013 I would like something that is easier and idiot-proof. I was wondering if any of you guys have used Quickbooks with or without payroll and if anyone has had dual experience working with Peachtree also.
Any suggestions would be appreciated as I'm starting to get grey hairs and I'm only 26 :excruciating:
I also have a “small” business and have tried several different accounting programs. We have found the “Medlin” accounting programs more than sufficient for our needs. The programs are inexpensive and simple to use. You don’t have to be an accountant to use this software. It’s almost idiot proof which, of course, is why I bought it. We have been using it for twenty years without ANY problems. You can download and try it for free at their website.
Hope this helps! B-)
I'm a SB that uses Quickbooks and it's very user friendly. The co I work for before used peachtree and our secretary hated it. So when I opened my office I made it a point to go quickbooks.
I would warn that QB has limitations, especially when it comes to Project Management. We are a smaller firm as well, but more than 3 EE. The main problem is getting QB to run accurate project status reports, i.e. how much WIP has been posted to a project, how much has been billed, how much is left to completion, etc (all in 1 report). We have yet to find an affordable suitable small business accounting software replacement, so we continue with QB (for now). However, if anyone has any suggestions for software that is better suited to a small but growing Professional Services firm, then I am all ears...
Sorry, can't advise comparisons with Peachtree, although I have seen DelTek in action.
When I purchased my business from the prior owner, they were using Peachtree at the time. They had worked out a series of convoluted workflows in order to use Peachtree. I was familiar with Quickbooks previously, and was surprised by the inefficiency of the Peachtree software, at least the way it was being used. I decided to migrate the data from Peachtree to Quickbooks, and I haven't really looked back since.
However, before making that decision to go to QB, I discussed the choice with our accountant, and he generally supported the decision. I don't remember the details, but I am left with an impression that Peachtree is good for mid-sized companies, over 10 employees, perhaps. Provides a little more in the way of security for these larger firms.
However, if you are in charge of the books, and your company is small, I think QB would be the way to go. Good luck.
Thanks for all the input. We found a nice bundle deal for QB with "enhanced" payroll. I know my pay could use an enhancement! I run a project list through excel which keeps track of our project charges, billings, and payments so where QB lacks in that area the excel file should pick up (that's a whole 'nuther story all together). Our tax prep. runs QB as well and said he could help me get my feet wet as far as dumping the info into the new program (he feels the same about PT as me). I feel like the proverbial monkey doing the math problem. o.O
I've been using Peachtree for 20 years. When I set up shop in 1993 it was the only small business accounting software that provided a true audit trail, and my previous employer had used it, so that's the way I went. Aside from some quirks, I'm not aware of any problems with it, though I only use it for general accounting and payroll, not project management. I'm still using the 2010 version, but it works fine in Windows 7 64-bit.
Peachtree allows you to create and maintain your own tax files. As I recall, with QB you have to buy the annual updates in order to stay current. Peachtree tried to do away with user-maintained files some years back, but apparently relented in response to user complaints. I spend about half and hour every year doing the updates.
Check with the company tax guy & the accountants, I am sure they can be of great help
Ajera...not a big fan.
I have a solo operation and my first accounting program, DacEasy bit the dust from the millennium bug.
After searching for another, I found out that an update was needed each year to keep up with the new IRS laws.
I chose the shoebox method and put everything on a day planner booklet I get from the credit union each August.
My bank statements keep me in touch of income and spending trends.
At the end of the year I upgrade TurboTax and enter it for IRS.
I really do not like having all that info on my computer network.
