Quickbooks vs Microsoft Accounting 2009

Hello :) I have been using Microsoft Accounting 2009 for the past few months for my virtual assistance business and I'm not real happy with it. Perhaps I just don't fully understand how to use it? I'm wondering if Quickbooks would be better.

Has anyone used either or both that could offer some insight and/or opinions?

Are there any low-cost/free alternatives? I don't have a ton of AR/AP. I just need a way to record incoming and expenses by category. I'm almost wondering if just creating an excel sheet would be easier.

Thanks in advance and have a great day! Dawn

4 Bizniks have posted replies

Posted by Adam Bezark, Evanston, Illinois | Oct 23, 2009

I'm not familiar with MS Accounting, but QB has much more market share and professionals nearby to help. I like it because it's easy to send files back and forth with clients. There is a conversion tool to convert MS Office accounting to QB Pro (although I've never used it so can't vouch for it). If you consider QB, I would probably recommend QB Pro (for PC) which goes for around $200 although you can usually buy it for 160 + tax through a QB ProAdvisor like myself or sometimes Staples will have a great deal. QB online and Mac versions have been problematic and I do NOT recommend them. The key with QB or any other acctg software package is that it be set up and used right - garbage in, garbage out.

I can help you remotely if you'd like.

Adam Bezark, CPA
Posted by George Sleeman, Fountain, Colorado | Oct 24, 2009

To add to Adams reply, I would recommend the free download form QB. It is QB Easy. Very bare bones, but from what you describe, it may suite your needs well.

George Sleeman taxmantoyou.com
Posted by Mariette Knoblauch, Seattle, Washington | 4 weeks ago

One client of mine is using FreshBooks and Outright Accounting, which are free online web-based software. FreshBooks is for invoicing, and Outright is for very simple accounting. They are not anywhere near as full featured as QuickBooks, but if your needs are simple they might do. Might be worth looking at, anyway.

Hope this helps, Mariette
Posted by Dawn Lawson, Romeoville, Illinois | 4 weeks ago

Wow! Thank you. It's been a long time since I posted this. I've gotten a little used to Microsoft 2009, but there really is no support.

Freshbooks has recently been suggested to me by a colleague, so I am considering it, but there are SO many QB users that I think I'll be able to find help no matter what challenge I face. Most likely I will go that route.