What accounting software would work best?

[Girlonatubetrain2]

Hello
Looking for some advice / recommendations on a basic accounting software that will work for a small business (no payroll needed) and allows input of supplier invoices and customer receipts, expenses etc and provides an acceptable output for MTD returns to HMRC. Want to avoid an overly-complicated system with extra features that we do not need.
Thank you

[littlemisslozza]

I use Xero and would recommend it.

[StylishMummy]

Xero is excellent and very easy to reconcile

[Usernumbers1234]

Yep, Xero absolutely perfect for this.

[BigSexyCrimeUnit]

Xero is good but I like Quickbooks myself and it's cheaper than Xero.

[FiercyMacFierceFace]

I use FreeAgent - really like it - free with an RBS/ Nat West business banking account.

[BigSexyCrimeUnit]

I'm an accountant, by the way, so use both.

[TokyoSushi]

We use Xero in a small company for exactly the things that you describe - works perfectly.

[BritInUS1]

I'm an accountant, I would recommend Xero

[Kazzyhoward]

I'm an accountant, yes Xero is excellent but can be "over the top" for the smallest businesses. The cheapest option is £10 per month. And there's so much functionality, it can be hard for non-bookkeepers to get it right without proper training etc.

For smaller/simpler businesses, I usually recommend the bottom range "start" products from Sage and Quickbooks, both just £6 per month (maybe cheaper if you go through your accountant, eg we only pay £2 per month for Sage Accounting Start which we recharge to clients at cost so can be a lot cheaper).

I wouldn't suggest Sage or QB for anything complicated, like payroll or cost centres etc., but for a simple "money in, money out" business with relatively few invoices to enter, they both do what they say on the tin. Both also have good iphone apps to make things even easier. You can be up and running very quickly with both without having to spend too long looking at online training videos etc.

[Girlonatubetrain2]

@Kazzyhoward i looked at both QB and sage but the lower packages dont seem to allow adding invoices from suppliers?
I basically buy from wholesale businesses and sell to customers so do i need a level above?

[SleepOhHowIMissYou]

Google Brightbooks. Basic accounting is free and accessible from anywhere, you log into their site. There may be a charge for the monthly returns though. It's worth a google at any rate to find out.

[Girlonatubetrain2]

Thanks all, looking into them all. Felling pretty overwhelmed.
I have a shop - no staff, people come in and browse, after customers place an order - i order with the relevant supplier, mist of whom i have a months credit with
I buy very little stock that they can take away on the spot and deal with about 10 suppliers and get approx 15 invoices a month from them in total.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

DP uses EasyBooks, www.easybooksapp.com/

There is an ongoing cost, but I guess he thinks it's worth it. He had previously tried other systems and settled on this as he hates doing the books.