The cloud software packages allow you as a client to own the data, and your bookkeeper and accountant can have the ability to log in and work with or view the figures as needed. This means if you change your advisor, the data remains firmly with you and in your control.

The 3 that spring to mind for small business owners are Quickbooks, Sage One and Xero Accounting. They are user friendly and do not require you to take back ups as they hold the data on the cloud. Xero and Quickbooks are forward thinking companies and are constantly developing their software and bolt-on apps so that you can be sure you are working with the latest technology.

If you are running a small business, with fairly straightforward transactions each month, Quickbooks is easy to use and can be accessed from your phone or laptop. We tend to set up the business on QB for our clients and then they can access it as often as they want to (some of them never do but the option is there).

If your business is a little bigger or more complex, the reporting options in Xero are clever and can be set up to tell you exactly what you need.

If you have complicated stock handling requirements, or you need a piece of software that can deal with POS in a busy shop, you are more likely to need a package that specialises in your your business needs.

If you would like to have a chat before signing up for one software or another, give us a ring.