I know nothing about bookkeeping

Yes, I admit it, I still do my books by hand. It's a good thing too since I only have a couple of clients. But, I've picked up a new client recently and I think I need to move into the software based bookkeeping. But, how? Which one is best for a newbie bookkeeper? Do any of you professional bookkeepers have any words of wisdom to offer me? Please.

Thank you!

QuickBooks Pro! I have used many other programs and this is the only one I recommend. It's very important that you set everything up properly in the beginning to avoid having to re-do things later. QuickBooks has great free tutorials that will walk you through set-up step by step, but it is very user friendly and easy to learn regardless.

It always makes me cringe when I hear people say they do their bookkeeping by hand. It's so much easier doing it with a software like QuickBooks. You'll love it and never go back!

Hi Shari - I'm in the same boat as you! Even though I've just started I know I should probably start the habit of using proper bookeeping software etc now, rather than panic and have too much data entry at tax time. I would suggest contacting your accountant (if you have one) and asking them what they prefer you to use. If it's going to be a case that they spend more time on your return because they have to input all of your figures into their system, it will cost you more in the long run. If you can just put it on a disc and hand it to them, their work is half done. I agree with Rebecka that Quickbooks is a good one and over here MYOB seems to be popular too (judging by the number of courses I see for it!) Does anyone know of any free bookeeping software that may be handy to start out with?? I've got a copy of Idiot's Guide to Accounting but no software!

Cheers,
Marie

Hi Marie and Rebecka,

Thanks for your suggestion about contacting my accountant. I don't know why I didn't think of it before.

Thanks for recommending QB Pro Rebecka. I'll check that one out.

I also use QB pro; I have used quite a few other programs but consider QB to be the easiest, most user friendly program out there for small businesses. I have a $50 off QB Pro2008 IN-STORE at OfficeMax that I will gladly mail you if you want it. Just pm me w/your mailing address.

I have head many great things of QB Pro and will be buying that for myself also.

thanks for helping me make my decision guys.

Hey canadians!! If you are looking to buy Quickbooks Pro 2008 - go on www.Staples.ca
They have a good sale, total $60 off, the regular price! This brings it down to $140 from $200! There are two rebates: one is instant $10 off and one is $50 off via easy rebate, which can be redeemed via online or mail.

QB is really a great start.

Congrats on your clients...
Sandra

Hi
I started off with pastel but I would agree that QB is the best route to take you will need to give yourself an extra hour or two to get the idea and then practice and before you know it you are clicking away .Just don't panic it will be easy with time.
Hope you do well.
hazel

I used to use QuickBooks Premier 2009, however, my clients wanted me to upgrade to QB Premier 2011, so I negotiated, and they ended up buying the software from Costco for me! The 2011 version has a few new features than 2009-2010 but I feel any version is good with QB. The cost on the website is way too high for any of the versions. Costco or Sam's Club had the best price that I found in the USA.