Book keeping?

[networkmom]

[Lynn Terry]

I use Quickbooks Pro. Much easier for me than Excel - but I'm not that great with spreadsheets . PayPal integrates with Quickbooks too...

[Ellen C. Braun]

I have Quicken, is Quickbooks much different?

[Lynn Terry]

[Alan Petersen]

[networkmom]

webzu, How do you use excel for bookkeeping? I am trying to figure out the best way to set this up.

Denise

[Alan Petersen]

[networkmom]

[Warren Contreras]

I have a pretty simple business doing web development and use a free program I downloaded to do all my invoicing. I don't use the other parts so I can't say how good they are, but the Invoicing is superb.

http://www.development-x.com/

[Kirk]

[networkmom]

[ElevatingYourBusiness]

Automating as much as possible is a good idea. Many of my clients who aren't automated, end up having to do so later. And it's easy to use a program that allows you to compare years, etc.

If you don't want to use Quickbooks products, see if MYOB is for you. I have accounting program resources listed at http://www.theresourcequeen.com/favorit ... nting.html

If you have an inventory, send out invoices, etc. then I use Quicbooks Pro. My accountant likes the interface of MYOB better.

You can take a class at your local college... usually they have Continue Ed classes on a variety of accounting programs. And check with your SBA or Small Business Development Corp about classes.

Besides being able to download my Paypal account directly to Quickbooks Pro, I can upload my bank records, since they're availalbe in IIF files, too. then I go in (well my book keeper does) and just catalogs the entries, completes customer information, etc.


I don't know how much you like doing the book keeping, but even though I ran an accounting department, I don't like doing paperwork So at one time I thought about doing it more than it took to do it! Now my book keeper automatically shows up once a month, the work gets done and that's it.

One other thing to consider -- use of your time. If you find a really good bookkeeper, one who has a little tax knowledge, you'll be paying between $20 and $45 per hour. If your hourly rate is more than that, then consider working that hour, hire the book keeper and get that work done, too.

[networkmom]

Hello, Thanks for the information.
I do not carry inventory except for one item but I do send out estimates and invoices. Mainly I need to keep track of money coming in and money going out. So you thin quick books is the way to go? I will hve to look into classes at our local college then to get some knowledge of how to use it effectively.

Thank you
Denise

[Lynn Terry]

[Kirk]