General Ledger Packages

[Edsel]

A large client is looking for a General Ledger software.  Should not be super-extensive, but should have a decent multi-state payroll module and a job cost module.  Preference would be for a package instead of cloud-based as for the near term we don't want to give up control to the cloud.

Are there recommendations?  No QuickBooks, please.

[Lion EA]

Do you prepare the business returns?  If so, does your tax software have a bookkeeping module?  Otherwise, look at the professional bookkeeping programs.  Sage?

[Edsel]

I won't be doing any of the bookkeeping except for advanced entries.  Bookkeeper will do accts payable, payroll, etc.  The package will have to resident on the client's computers and not mine.

[BHoffman]

Why not Quickbooks?  Just curious...

[Lion EA]

I thought maybe you were preparing the tax returns.  Then you'd want to look at bookkeeping modules that import well with your tax prep software.  Did you check if your tax software has a bookkeeping module?

[bbstacker]

Might try CCH Small Firm Services Client Accounting Suite.  The live payroll module can be integrated with the general ledger module.  I use the GL for my write up clients, but have not used the payroll module.

[Randall]

A large client?  with accounting staff?  Not sure here, but with multi-states, maybe they should just outsource the payroll.  Then use QB for the rest.

 

[BulldogTom]

Job Cost Module sounds like it might be construction accounting?   Any chance that has to do with Certified Payroll as well?

If so, check out Computer Ease.   Pretty simple to use once it is set up.   Not the cheapest.   Not the most expensive.   I have used in the past and I like it, but I was using it on a 25MM construction company.   If revenue is above 5MM and construction company, this would be a good choice.

Tom
Modesto, CA

[Jack from Ohio]

If not QB, then Sage.  If the person using it is truly accounting experienced.  There are no "plug & play" accounting softwares.

[Lee B]

If your client is not in construction, but you want  robust well developed  software with job costing and many other add on modules depending on your needs take a good look a CYMA.  I have reviewed the program several times in the past and was impressed, but it was way more than I need.

It's targeted at mid sized companies with over 50 employees.

 

[Randall]

4 hours ago, Jack from Ohio said:

If not QB, then Sage.  If the person using it is truly accounting experienced.  There are no "plug & play" accounting softwares.

Yes Jack, even with QB, they need a real accountant in-house.

 

[Edsel]

Thanks to all for suggestions.  Resident bookkeeper is proficient only with coding invoices and doing basic banking.

I'll answer questions about my resistance to QB - too user-friendly to non-accounting types.  Like giving a 5-year old kid a loaded gun.  The owner doesn't like them either, after having them mess up her multi-state payroll for 2 years.  Was not the owner's fault either.

One of the problems QB gives no resistance - keypuncher can doing anything they want.  We all have problems with commingling personal and business expenses (and this can happen with any software, and the problem is universal for all of us who have clients).  But when they bought an entertainment set for $1900 out of business funds and entitled the account "TV" its time to back off.

[Randall]

I agree with you, Edsel, about QB.  But it seems there is only one resident 'bookkeeper' who is not that knowledgeable about accounting.  All the more reason to keep it simple.  Outsource the payroll, let the bookkeeper do only basic entry.  And you come in to make the necessary adjustments, backing out personal, etc.

 

[ILLMAS]

How about One-Write Plus or Cougar Mountain?

[ILLMAS]

8 hours ago, Edsel said:

Thanks to all for suggestions.  Resident bookkeeper is proficient only with coding invoices and doing basic banking.

I'll answer questions about my resistance to QB - too user-friendly to non-accounting types.  Like giving a 5-year old kid a loaded gun.  The owner doesn't like them either, after having them mess up her multi-state payroll for 2 years.  Was not the owner's fault either.

One of the problems QB gives no resistance - keypuncher can doing anything they want.  We all have problems with commingling personal and business expenses (and this can happen with any software, and the problem is universal for all of us who have clients).  But when they bought an entertainment set for $1900 out of business funds and entitled the account "TV" its time to back off.

I sometimes get QB users say, “oh accounting is so easy.....”.  So I feel your pain.

[ILLMAS]

19 minutes ago, ILLMAS said:

How about One-Write Plus or Cougar Mountain?

I forgot to mention Atx client write up.

 

20 minutes ago, ILLMAS said:

How about One-Write Plus or Cougar Mountain?

 

[BulldogTom]

21 hours ago, ILLMAS said:

How about Cougar Mountain?

Isn't that the name of Rita's back 40?   Just saying @RitaB  

Tom
Modesto, CA

[RitaB]

5 minutes ago, BulldogTom said:

Isn't that the name of Rita's back 40?   Just saying @RitaB  

Tom
Modesto, CA

Crying.  ISTG.

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

There is no software to handle accounting for someone with no experience or training in accounting.  In other words, it is impossible to create accounting software which can be blindly used.  Same for tax prep, despite many attempts...

[RitaB]

Here's an interesting article from 2011 about an EA who apparently didn't know the nuances of his software and went to jail over it. 

(That's complete BS, you know something else was going on there, but it was on the interwebs and all):

http://www.cpa-connecticut.com/blog/?p=2057

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

I have been subpoenaed by prosecutors to see if I had any access, knowledge, or any other information about what our customers did or did not do.  Usually just a statement made via recorded phone call gets me out of the loop.  No defense counsel has asked for my "help", so far...

[RitaB]

18 minutes ago, Medlin Software said:

I have been subpoenaed by prosecutors to see if I had any access, knowledge, or any other information about what our customers did or did not do.  Usually just a statement made via recorded phone call gets me out of the loop.  No defense counsel has asked for my "help", so far...

It was his own return he was screwing up.  It was either intentional or he's never mind.

[BulldogTom]

Have any of you been exposed to Deltek Vision?   I think Deltek is most known for its Government Contracting Accounting product, Crosspoint, but they also have Vision, which is supposed to be tailored to Engineers and Architects.

I have been approached by an Engineering firm to look at possible replacement software and I ran across Deltek Vision doing google searches.  

If any of you have any input on that product, I would be appreciative.   I am not having any luck finding out how much it costs, so that would be a very good thing to know as well.

Maybe @Edsel would find it interesting as well.   Not sure what industry his client is in, but Vision is supposed to be a robust job costing platform.

Thanks

Tom
Modesto, CA