Small Business Accounting Software

Simply Accounting Pro

Simply Accounting Pro is a fully featured package offering accounting and payroll functions and features, including modules for Internet and e-commerce business, in a five-user edition costing $750.

Features

• Forms designer creates invoices
• Accounting tools include a drop-down list providing easy tracking of sales per staffer and printing of the staffer’s name on invoices, orders, and quotes.
• Reports
• Data entry screens easily viewed designed to mirror paper counterparts
• Time and billing module
• Toolbar linked to Microsoft Outlook provides one button automatic syncs with accounting and e-mail contacts.

Service and support

• E-mail support lacking, but phone support good. Provides 30 days of free installation assistance, charging $150 per 100 minutes
• Provides a 880-page illustrated user guide in a PDF format

MineYourOwnBusiness

MineYourOwn Business is a double-entry, user-friendly small business accounting software system with a clean interface easy to configure. A six user multi-user package costs $299 is good for previous MineYourOwn Business users, but may be found lacking for small business owners needing a more fully featured program.

Features

• Officelink allows direct one click access to MS Word and Excel.
• Imports Quicken data
• Flow-chart interface useful for payroll processing and creating invoices
• Process Payroll Assistant provides automated check-cutting
• Company Data Auditor provides overview of receivables, payables and inventory.
• Account reconciliation
• Batch e-mail allows choice of sending statements and invoices to customers via e-mail or snail mail
• Logo Creator prints logos onto invoices, business cards, and letterheads

Service and support

• Technical support somewhat lacking

Peachtree Complete Accounting 2006

Peachtree Complete Accounting 2006 is a fully featured multi-user $699 small business accounting software program provides range of services. Three-user value packs available.

Features

• 125 reports and features including in-depth inventory, time, billing, job costing and account reconciliation from a drop-down list
• Inventory management tools automatically create purchase orders when supplies are low
• Download Web site statements directly into program
• Bill Pay saves time by avoiding use of checks and stamps.
• Professional appearance forms can set column margins.
• Internal Accounting Review runs 15 reports to locate suspect transactions, including duplicate checks and off-balance receivables. Prevents cooking the books
• Bill Pay service saves time with checks and stamps by allowing transmission of up to 20 electronic payments directly from the program for $15.95 per month
• Premium payroll services available for additional $900 fee for five-user office

Service and Support

• Very good but expensive
• Provides 30 days of free setup support for new users
• Basic support plan provides 60 minutes of phone and e-mail support for $199.
• Per-incident phone support costs $5 per minute with $50 minimum
• Phone support available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET; e-mail queries have a 4-hour turnaround

Quicken Premier 2006

Quicken's home and Business edition for $89.95 provides tools for managing investments, tax deductions, and the creation and tracking of invoices.

Features

• One-click minireports alerts overspending categories
• Drop-down list shows all recent transactions for payee or category.
• Ability to change mini-report's time frame to from 30-days default
• Ability to save reports as Adobe Acrobat PDF files
• Financial statements can be sent to accountant via e-mail.
• Attach electronic images and statements, including canceled checks, invoices, and business receipts to transactions and accounts.

Service And Support

• Online chat hours run from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT on weekends.
• Data recovery is free
• Phone support costs $24.95 per call, available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT weekdays.

Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting Software

Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006 offers an easy to use small business accounting package costs $895 for five-users. Program is designed for budget-conscious entrepreneurs and small businesses with up to 25 employees who manage their finances using spreadsheet applications. Integrates tightly with Microsoft Office but is not compatible with non-Microsoft word processors and spreadsheets.

Service And Support

• Initial two free e-mail or phone queries, additional support questions cost $35 each. .
• One year contracted support for $249 per year
• Five support incident package available for $149
• Tech support hours 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT on weekends.