I'm having to hop over from ancient MYOB to something new. Account Edge appears to be the new MYOB but ultimate guru me (insert laugh here) can't even figure out the demo. (what's a port...) I think the new way is online and it's way beyond me.
Anyway, I need to transport my PC MYOB file into something new, preferably on the mac side of things if at all possible.
Any suggestions on what I ought to be picking up that will speak with MYOB? Worst case scenario, I guess I just allow the year to finish on the old and start new, but it sure would be nice to have it all in one bundle for search purposes.
Thanks so much!
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
[ November 22, 2011, 08:55 AM: Message edited by: old paint ]
Posted by Bill Modzel (Member # 22) on :
Donna, We have been a Mac/Quickbooks shop for years, but haven't upgraded for years also. Having said that, we only use a small portion of the program. We don't even attempt to track inventory or anything like that. I almost switched to MYOB because QB was totally ignoring the Mac users but stayed with QB because my accountant was used to it and doing the cross platform thing wasn't an issue.
If you don't have intricate bookeeping issues like depreciation and things, I'd consider Quicken like Joe suggests.
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Donna, As Bill mentioned, use whatever your accountant is comfortable with. When I started the business, I went with QuickBooks Pro 2006 and have not upgraded since.And, again like Bill, I use only a small portion of the program. Call me crazy, but I would not trust anything online as my primary means of accounting. Sure, it can offer a lot. But, I'm the paranoid type and just don't trust it.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
I started with Quicken and then moved to Quickbooks when I started doing payroll. It generates reports that we have to file to the government on a regular basis. Not sure what you are required in Canada if QB would help. My accountant uses it so I just upload my files to their secure site. There are a lot of QB courses offered at the local colleges that are helpful. I am not crazy over Intuit's (Quickbooks corp. name) support services, but I haven't needed to use them too much.
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
I use a Mac program called Billings- it also does time tracking, which I have been horrible at- it does everything a non-accountant, like myself, needs.
Posted by Paul Luszcz (Member # 4042) on :
We've been using QuickBooks since 1993, maintaining a PC on everyone's desk just for the privilege. QB for Mac now has almost every feature available on QB for Windows, except for a few you would never need, like sub-assemblies at different price points.
QB Online also does most everything the desktop version does, with the advantage of working on your smart phone, any computer anywhere, etc. It does, however cost $29 and up per month.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
I'm trying desperately to get "she who must be obeyed" to switch to Quickbooks. We've been using the SafeGuard system (paper) since 1978 and she refuses to switch.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
The deep dark saga continues.
I won't have a dedicated PC computer soon, so everything will be run on a mac and parallels.
I have not found one site that has happily endorsed PC accounting software that runs well in a parallels environment. This leaves only one option and that's to find a mac based program.
And it isn't easy. MoneyWorks is based out of Australia and while many seem to love it, it's not as user friendly as some. (you can't change details later... sometimes Iike to reword something better later for my files)
MYOB's new image is called AccountEdge. MYOB is crazy easy to use and after downloading AE's trial, it works the same way. It's very nice!
BUT!!! No accountant on earth will be able to read these files because they're busy with Simply Accounting on PC's.
Unfortunately, the office programs that cater to both platforms (which would be perfect, right??) aren't supported in Canada, eh?
I'm choosing AE because I like using it which will keep me happy 365 days out of the year, and my bookeeper will simply have to print out my year end details for the accountant to copy from. Just like I have for the last 20 years.
Story of my life. And on I go reinventing some new wheel no one's heard of...
[ November 22, 2011, 06:42 PM: Message edited by: Donna in BC ]
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
I have one called MacFreelance that I used before I switched to Billings (which is also Mac) If you are interested, I will just send you the disc... if not you won't hurt my feelings
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Please take these questions in the spirit they are intended. Just questions. Not criticisms.
What is the reason that anyone in any business that they have learned and know about, would want to try to do their own bookeeping/accounting?
Isn't that like trying to wear an extra "hat"?
Are computer programs really as good as or better than a certified accountant? Do they know all the nuances of current tax laws and, more important, "loopholes"?
Do business owners really have, or need to, spend the time to do their own bookeeping?
I am curious.
Posted by Lori Wilcox (Member # 8042) on :
We used Simply Accounting for the Mac years ago, until they had the great notion to discontinue payroll support for the Mac. I had 8 employees at the time and with their Simply Care, it was just so easy to key in their hours and print cheques.
I phoned my accountant to ask what my best approach would be - she said she would 'give me' an old computer. I could imagine the dinosaur of a monitor that would entail. I bought a laptop instead . . . yes, I had to lower my (Accounting) standards to PC (please don't be offended you PC'ers, but you have loyal Mac user here since 1984). I have a dedicated PC laptop just for my accounting - works just great - I almost hate to admit it!
You will actually pay less for your year end if they can read a file as opposed to printing and looking through reports - I know, I did that myself for about 20 years also.
Good luck with whatever you choose. The jobs not finished until the paperwork is done!
Posted by Lori Wilcox (Member # 8042) on :
Dave, with regard to doing my own bookkeeping - I personally would never have someone do my books for me, and here are my reasons:
I have a business management background - including extensive accounting.
An invoice goes out the door when the job is complete - this spawns payment by Interac or credit card, or for those with accounts, the invoice is in their hands in a timely manner.
I provide all details in my invoice - size of sign, decal, etc., vinyl colors, installation or other information pertinent to that particular job. I would have to write this down and expect someone else to be keying in this information, then mailing the invoice (also incurring more expenses than handing the invoice with the job). And, who knows when that would be - when you use a bookkeeper, they have many clients. I would have to meet and go over details... I would just rather do it myself.
The key to doing your own accounting is to stay on top of it. It takes seconds to post an invoice when it comes in the mail for goods purchased for resale - it takes a few minutes to key in a detailed invoice. The paperwork is extremely easy but you have to be diligent in keeping everything posted up to date.
But, I am small potatoes - there are only 4 of us in my shop, I can certainly see larger companies hiring employees just to do the books and perhaps reception. Hiring a bookkeeper outside of the office, that I would never do - I like to be able to look up information and have that at my fingertips and not rely on phoning someone to get an answer at a later date.
That's my personal opinion - just sayin'
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
dave we see what happens to people who DONT HAVE A HAND ON THEIR OWN MONEY. examples: RED FOX WILLIE NELSON WESLEY SNIPES and many many more..... i was taught bookkeeping in my teens by my mother who ran a bar. this back when it was all hand entry in those big ledger books. i filed all my own taxes every year from my own books.
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
Quickbooks...period! Of course I do my own books because I also have an accounting background...but I do think it is the best bang for your buck.
Posted by Wayne Osborne (Member # 4569) on :
Donna, Have a look at Solar. I was a MYOB user on a mac- Since they switched off account verifications here its useless., and the Mamut alternative makes my brain hurt.
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
I use Freshbooks.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Quick Books is my software of choice. They are supposedly working on a Canadian version for Mac, but who knows how long that will take. You don't have an older PC around that you could run it on do you? I'm seriously thinking about splitting up my computer programs and running two networked computers, one with multiple hard drives for the graphics end and another for data storage and everything else. It seems as though I'm always running short of memory which chokes PS, Lightroom, CDR. Eventually I will want one in my studio as well as one in my shop anyhow. (Right now I am still working from my studio.)
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Dave, I use accounting software to create my invoices, accept customer payments and send statements. That's it.
ALL ELSE is done by my poor bookeeper. She comes once a year and enters everything from all year long in two days that I diligently save and organize to her satisfaction.
From there, she hands the end results to my accountant.
Kelly, I did think of that. If this new plan of action doesn't work to my satisfaction, I may do just that.
It's just that... I really prefer working on macs. (there, I said it! LOL)
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Don't you have to do GST? I love the GST/PST reports, I can file right from QB. "I really prefer working on Macs"...another one bites the dust! LOL
[ November 25, 2011, 01:06 AM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
" Dave, I use accounting software to create my invoices, accept customer payments and send statements. That's it." with that said..........QUICKEN HOME & SMALL BUSINESS....is all you need. and get the 2010 version for less then $50!!!! QUCIKBOOKS for you would be a waste of money, and learning curve to make it work for you.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Donna, been using Quickbooks through parallels for years without a problem. Quickbooks for Mac works well too if you don't do payroll.
Posted by Kevin Gaffney (Member # 4240) on :
Quickbooks through parallels here as well. Quickbooks only do a us version for the mac. Only solution for a European was to install parallels just to run quickbooks. No regrets though, it suits me fine. Very easy to learn and I have no accounting knowledge whatsoever
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Kelly, it's HST here which only means both taxes. But I only have to pay at year end for it. No more instalments. No idea why. This is why I'm not an accountant...
LOL on the dust biting comment! I dare ya... try it and I'll count the hours until you follow suit you photographer you... (you'd love it)
Joe, you're probably absolutely right. But my main problem with all the accounting software was finding one that was supported in Canada AND on a Mac. Honestly, that combo alone was worth an award to figure out.
Posted by Rodger MacMunn (Member # 4316) on :
Donna, you likely only have to file your HST annually because that's based on how much you collect. You can, however, request to have your filing changed to quarterly if you prefer ...... usually for cash flow reasons. Most smaller accounting firms like Quickbooks. My wife has Quickbooks here at home & also spends most of her workday at her real job in them. Her choice, by far.
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
I really like "Billings"- it is Mac based and does way more than I need it to- I can't recall but it had to be fairly inexpensive or I wouldn't have bought it, I would have tried to upgrade QB that I used for years.
I remember accounting in High School, and filling out ledger books and such- I really enjoyed that, maybe I ought to go back to doing that...
It is difficult for me to be in a creative mode and then go into "accountant" mode- I usually have to set aside a day for that
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Thanks so much for your continued opinions! Seems like Quickbooks is the way to go for most.
I'll most definitely update you on how Account Edge works out. I hope I chose well...
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[I Don t Know]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
(please don't be offended you PC'ers, but you have loyal Mac user here since 1984). I have a dedicated PC laptop just for my accounting - works just great - I almost hate to admit it!![[Smile]](smile.gif)
(there, I said it! LOL)