Hans Kasper, MS-CPA, PS

Bookkeeping Computer Programs
 

I recommend two different bookkeeping computer programs: Quicken and QuickBooks or QuickBooks Pro.

The differences between the programs are that QuickBooks:

• tracks customer billings,

• tracks vendors invoices, and

• calculates and prepares payroll checks and payroll tax deposits.

In addition, QuickBooks Pro will allow you to perform job costing.

Furthermore, there are other versions of QuickBooks that will allow you to track sales staff commissions, inventory and point-of-sale items.

Quicken is fine for small businesses that do not have substantial customer billing or payroll.

If you are going to prepare payroll using QuickBooks, then they are going to charge you an additional annual fee for the payroll download service.

The reason that I recommend these programs is that they look and feel like a regular checkbook register.  However, to make them easy to use if you must learn how to use the program by reading the manual, buying several books that explain how to use the program, and taking classes that show you how to make the program work.

If you are having problems figuring out how to use the program go to the HELP menu for an answer.  If you are still unable to resolve your question, Laura and I are always glad to try and help you.  However, there are still times when you will need the QuickBooks technical support team at Intuit to help you.  They charge an annual support fee that is well worth the money.  I use their help regularly.

One additional piece of advice: update the program and the payroll program via the internet monthly.  This can be performed from the main menu of the program.

I use QuickBooks Pro for my business and am very pleased with the service it has provided me.

 

Top of Page This page was last updated on 05/13/2010