Suggestion for accounting software

Submitted by 3dogmama on Sat, 2008-02-16 12:15.

Member's Forum

Now that I'm halfway through my second month of freelance billing, I need to address accounting software. I've been winging it thus far, logging the numbers into a book manually and printing out the invoices with InDesign.

Could anyone recommend accounting software for Macs? I've been told Simply Accounting is good, but believe that it is only windows-based, and was told to stay away from anything with the word Quicken in it.

What I use

Submitted by thornysarus on Sun, 2008-02-17 15:47.

I use iBiz and its companion software iBank.

A feature-by-feature comparison of iBiz and similar apps can be found here.

Pros:
• Does what I need it to do. Time-Tracking, Lite Project Management, Invoicing
• Fully-Customizable invoices
• Robust Reporting
• Fully integrated with Apple's Address Book, iCal
• Updated fairly regularly.
• Good support in general.

Cons:
• Was sort of buggy when V3 was released. Much more stable now.
• System for filtering active clients/projects still glitchy from time to time.
• Simi-Steep learning curve. Wish they had an online, and in-depth tutorial.

I used to use MYOB, but found it just way too much app for what I do.

I also agree to stay away from any software that Intuit offers (Quicken, Quickbooks, etc.). The Mac Platform is clearly not a priority for Intuit (except for maybe Turbo Tax).

I also would be interested in hearing the pros and cons of what everyone else uses.

Terry Thornhill

e-zign Design Group

Freshbooks

Submitted by shoaf on Tue, 2008-02-19 15:29.

A friend of mine (self-employed Mac IT tech) recently suggested the system he uses: Freshbooks. I'm looking into it for myself, as I've only been winging it so far, too (InDesign and the Calculator widget LOL). It's a web app designed for billable time and some expenses.

http://www.freshbooks.com/