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Accounting software for financial control
THE days of financial thumb sucking are over - a computerised approach is all that is needed for a small business to maintain tight financial control. Businessland/Office Mart managing director Karen Steinberg says an increasing number of business owners are taking the plunge into financial computing, as computers become more affordable and software becomes more user friendly. "Accounting software simplifies complex procedures and at the touch of a button provides the entrepreneur with a bird's eye view of all financial aspects of their business, thus eliminating the hassle of going through piles of paperwork." A variety of comprehensive, easy-to-use Windows-based accounting packages enable the small business to keep a close tab on profits, stock control, debtors, creditors, cash flow and VAT. Pastel Software has two locally developed accounting programmes for the small business. "Both packages are easy to use and there is no need for a prior knowledge of accounting," says managing director Ivan Ferrer. Pastel Software holds 70% of the local accounting software market within the small and medium business sectors. All its products are year-2 000 compliant, and users with older versions can download a software upgrade free of charge from the firm's web site, he says. It offers free support for the first 30 days. Thereafter the user can enter into an optional annual support contract. Softline Distribution offers an international entry level accounting product called Quick Books, that managing director Alan Osrin says has been customised for the SA market. "Our Windows-based products are year-2 000 compliant and we offer the compliance upgrade free, subject to the purchase of a new licence agreement." Purchasers of Softline Distribution's locally developed Brilliant Accounting package have to take out a compulsory telephonic support contract.
Although Osrin says introduction of the concept of mandatory support is taking off internationally, it is interesting that local market leaders and the international publisher of Quick Books, which has 2-million users, have not gone this route. Compulsory support has caused a stir among competitors, retailers and customers. Ferrer states categorically that his firm will never institute this concept. "I don't believe that as software developers we have the right to hold a gun to our users' heads." Simon Brumsfield, software manager at one of Incredible Connection's retail outlets, says that the new concept has not taken off in the stores, and is prohibitive for the small business. "Many Brilliant Accounting customers are complaining about having to outlay the extra costs upfront for support, especially existing users who don't need it." Judging by sales, the more reasonable entry level accounting packages appeal to small business owners, who either use the programme to do their own books or to structure their financials in an understandable format before handing over to their accountant, he says.
Debby Reader
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