Do I have to use quickbooks to keep track of my small business accounting?

Question

Do I have to use quickbooks for my accounting? Will an accountant be mad if I use something like: freshbooks.com or blinksale.com to do my small business accounting? I have one person and less than 25 clients. I don't see the need in using an over complicated piece of account software.

Answer 1

Your accountant won't be mad if you keep your records on your old rock-n-roll t-shirts if your records are reliable, complete and correct. Just find out if the accountant is familiar with the program and is able to transfer the data with no problem. All he wants is complete, reliable data.

There are lots of small business accounting programs, some on line. Find the one that works for you. If the accountant doesn't like it, get a new accountant!

Answer 2

I use a pencil and paper .  I started doing my own taxes after 15 years of paying accountants.  I am doing ok.  I've been audited federally 3 times and state once.  Having an accountant didn't help at all.  I like accountants but i like it better now.

So yes , you can use the sites you mention.  /

Answer 3

Before any programs existed, all accounting was done by hand on paper -- A business's financial information is expressed the same way between any program, since they all follow the same accounting principles. As long as the two you mentioned aren't way off the beaten path, an accountant will be able to work with it.

Obviously they prefer QuickBooks or Simply Accounting, but they aren't mandatory. We use QB at my place (a couple of casual part-timers and a few dozen clients), and now that I know how to use it I couldn't fathom using anything else, but it isn't complicated, so don't disqualify it from consideration in the future.

Actually, on that point, QB offers some sort of online package for about $10 per month that might give both you and your accountant the most mutually convenient solution. Might be worth checking out.  

Answer 4

Yeah, it is a good system. IT can improve your work quickly.

Answer 5

I dont think that you have to use Quick books as it is bit complicated considering that you are running a small business. Better you can use MYOB/cashman/quicken. I have been working in australian accounting and book keeping for about last 4 year. The most popular book keeping softwrae in australia is MYOB accounting. I you have any furhter doubts you can contact me in my mail id [e-mail], or you can chat with me