Longtime Advocate for AccountEdge
July 08, 2014
Longtime Advocate for AccountEdge
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Pro
Overall Satisfaction with AccountEdge
I used AccountEdge when I ran my own marketing company several years ago. I used many of the software features including SurePayroll which was their web based payroll solution. At the time we were running all Macintosh machines and operating systems. We had developed customized databases using FileMaker Pro and I was able to integrate my reports into that program by using MSExcel. The whole process took a little bit of time to set up, but once it was running, we had no problems with it for five years until our company closed. Now I have helped clients set up their Chart of Accounts and maintain their books in this program. I have been advocating AccountEdge over other accounting software, like QuickBooks, because it operates better on most systems and doesn't cause the kind of software conflicts that other brands do, especially when run on Macintosh systems. Unlike other accounting software you are able to get customer support from this company, not just their affiliates.
- I really appreciate the integration of AccountEdge and SurePayroll. You can save a lot of payroll processing time by not entering payroll into two separate systems and also feel secure in knowing that your reports and tax liabilities are being properly and timely submitted.
- I appreciate the fact that you can pick and choose your add-ons to this system. Some other account systems bulk up their software by attempting to make it do everything. It makes the system incredibly complicated and large. They are constantly coming out with new updates to deal with software and operating system compatibility problems. This really makes other software less productive.
- As a bookkeeper who started out on ledgers and journals, I appreciate the fact that you can close out a year and not have access to it again. I see so many clients who use other software go back and change items in periods that they have reconciled and closed. This creates problems that they are unable to understand, let alone fix with journal entries and adjustments. This software was created by people who at least have a basic understanding of accounting principles.
- AccountEdge reporting features are just as good if not better than any other accounting software. You are able to do all of the same functions as any of their competitors.
- Navigating through the system could be a little easier. For the most part, it is intuitive, but it looks so different from what people are used to seeing that if I had to make one improvement, it would be that.
- I haven't had to use their subscription support, but I heard it's a little expensive.
- I do wish that it was a little easier to transfer data from one accounting system to another. I realize why software companies like QuickBooks make this more difficult, because their clients would jump ship immediately to more proficient programs like AccountEdge. But, there should be a easier way to migrate from one system to the next other than reentering all your transactions.
- As far as payroll goes, it is very difficult to prepare manually anymore. The IRS has mandated electronic payments of tax liabilities for payrolls over a certain amount, most of the state agencies are requiring internet based report filing, so we are moving to a digital interface now whether people are ready or not. Clients that keep manual records are scrutinized and audited. A secure web based payroll service is going to become a necessity if you are going to be compliant. In the long run it will save you time and money anyway.
- Many of my clients are not accounting masters. They prefer to see their financial reports in a broad way, so being able to customize and export their financial information to suit their needs is very important to me. I can put together charts and graphs that have a compilation of several years all together on one page without too much difficulty or effort using AccountEdge and MSExcel.
I have a client who is in the firearms manufacturing industry that makes components. They had been using QuickBooks credit card processing feature and their service was recently canceled by QuickBooks for political reasons. QuickBooks is a privately held company so they can do whatever they want, but my client components are not against the law and firearms in general are not against the law. Regardless of your political affiliation you should find their actions disturbing. I am encouraging my other clients to consider canceling their subscriptions with QuickBooks because of their actions and moving to a less controversial and politically motivated company.