Accounting Software, 0, 2025, England

What is the best accounting system for you?

A business without accounting software, even if it’s in Excel or on paper – is hard to find. In fact, it is now illegal to keep accounts handwritten on paper or in Excel.

All of us who sell goods or services need a way to keep track of invoicing, quotes, work orders, and VAT returns. This is necessary not only for us to understand how we are doing, but also so that the tax authorities can have written proof of all the events that affect the business's transactions.

Depending on how large, small, complex – or simple your business's finances are, you need to choose an accounting system or software that suits you. Perhaps you need simple accounting for limited companies, accounting software for sole traders , free accounting, or you are looking to purchase accounting software where you can add modules as your business grows. An accounting program can offer everything from connecting to an online bank and managing customer records to receiving uploaded receipts, bulk invoicing, or providing you with reports and analyses. How much should the accounting software be able to do to facilitate your administration? Or are you primarily looking for a billing program? Here at Businesswith, you can compare accounting software and filter out the best options for you while reading reviews and ratings of different alternatives.

Comparing and Choosing Different Accounting Systems

Quick Guide

Comparing and Choosing Different Accounting Systems

There are many different accounting software and systems to choose from in the UK market. Be sure to choose a UK program, which means a program that can handle the characters used in the UK. It may sound trivial, but it can lead to a lot of headaches to have a program that cannot handle the company names, supplier names, and other information that should be in English in your system. Additionally, the system should also manage dates and times in the way you are used to. When comparing and choosing between different systems, you need to review how the accounting process looks in the program. Do you understand it? Is it logical and easy to navigate? Be sure to read reviews to find out if the accounting system you are interested in is truly reliable and user-friendly for those who will use the program daily.

Make a list of the features you want to be included. Are you growing and expanding? If so, it may be wise to ensure that the system can add modules and that it is flexible and adaptable. Price is, of course, also a factor. What features do you need? Which are less important? Does the program need to be accessible wherever you are? Many offer demo versions, which is a great way to test if the program meets your expectations and requirements. The goal is, of course, for you to find the best accounting software for your needs, and BusinessWith's system guide will help you along the way.

Simple Accounting Software for Your Limited Company or Sole Trader

Smaller limited companies or sole traders often need to find a simple way to manage their accounts. Many of us are also price-sensitive. We need an accounting program that can easily assist us with our finances, while not taking too much time from us, as we may often be completely alone in the business.

A good tip is to find accounting software with direct integration to your online bank. What happens is that all transactions on your business account are linked directly to your accounting, which means you can save a lot of time. You just approve a suggestion from the program, and it automatically enters the accounting. Automating parts of the accounting is recommended for those with smaller limited companies or sole traders. Do you have many receipts to keep track of? Uploading receipts digitally to the system is also a way to save time.

Many of the providers of accounting systems charge you a fixed monthly fee. What is included can be, for example, automated accounting, financial overview, VAT returns, and support.

How much income do you have in your sole trader business or limited company? If the amounts are quite small, it is not worth spending a lot of money on accounting software. Instead, you should look for a simpler option. An online system with a few basic modules may be more than sufficient for you and your business.

Description of accounting functions

Annual Report

Offers a service to help prepare an annual report. There are providers who have annual accounts built into their systems and some who partner with online annual accounts.

Auto-accounting

Auto-accounting makes it easier to post supporting documents to the correct account in the accounting software. The accounting software reads your receipt and places it in the correct account.

Bank connection

Connects the company account with the accounting system. Facilitates and automates the recording of expenses if a bank link can be made.

E-invoicing

Enables you to create an e-invoice directly in the accounting software and then invoice your customers. In many accounting systems you can also send the e-invoice directly from the accounting software.

Financial statements & declaration

A basic functionality of an accounting program is the ability to create a financial statement and declaration. The process of preparing a financial statement varies if you are a limited company or a sole trader.

Mobile receipt handling

You can take mobile phone photos of your receipts and supplier invoices and upload them directly into the accounting software.

Ready-made templates

Appreciated feature but not obvious in an accounting program. Having ready-made templates is often appreciated by those who are not normally so familiar with bookkeeping.

Self-help

Offers a self-service solution where you can systematically get quick information and guidance on how to perform simple bookkeeping.

Time reporting

Appreciated feature but not obvious in an accounting program. Having ready-made templates is often appreciated by those who are not normally so familiar with bookkeeping.

VAT declaration

Just as it sounds, there is a function in the accounting software where you can create a VAT declaration directly in the tool and then send it to the Tax Agency.