Mac Accounting Software Recommendations

[Tee]

I'm hoping that I can get some software recommendations from those of you
who use Macs or have clients who do. Currently using Quickbooks Pro 6.0 but
its barely sufficient (too buggy compared to its Windows counterpart & not
enough inventory control). This is a small retail/wholesale business with
no employees. Everyone (myself the bookkeeper, one assembly/admin person, 2
sales reps) is paid as a subcontractor and the owner is still supporting the
business out of personal funds.

I need something that manages all basic accounting features without imposing
too many constraints on what a user can do (I want to be able to assign
accounts, make JEs, delete transactions, etc). I need something that can
handle advanced inventory features such as raw materials through to a
finished product. Something that I can create sales orders without having
to use a Pending Invoice function or Sales Receipt because the orders aren't
always processed immediately.

I've tried MYOB AccountEdge and didn't like it at all. I know this may seem
terribly picky but I don't want to have to switch back and forth between
mutliple windows by dragging or minimizing them. I like Quickbooks Pro's
Windows interface but their Mac version lacks that, as does MYOB. MYOB
acted more like Quicken to me, something I don't like. So, are there any
recommendations that'll meet all, or most, of my nitpicks? The Mac is
running OS X Jaguar so I need something that's native to that or Panther.

 

[Tony]

Tara asked about software for Macs in Message-id:

I'm hoping that I can get some software recommendations from those of you
who use Macs or have clients who do. Currently using Quickbooks Pro 6.0 but
its barely sufficient (too buggy compared to its Windows counterpart & not
enough inventory control). This is a small retail/wholesale business with
no employees. Everyone (myself the bookkeeper, one assembly/admin person, 2
sales reps) is paid as a subcontractor and the owner is still supporting the
business out of personal funds.

<SNIP Software Specs>

Tara, I cannot help you with the software; the last time I ran an accounting
package on a Mac was MYOB ver 1 on a IIsi machine - a couple of years ago

NOTE: The following only applies to USian companies/individuals. Other
countries may have simial laws, but I am not competent to speak to them.

Your decsription of your working environment is what caught my eye. The owner
may be creating some potential difficulties for him/herself by classing you all
as subcontractors. See
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html for additional
info.

I have dealt with a number of small businesses who try to save money by
1099-ing people who shoud be treated as employees. The problem is, if they are
caught by the IRS or state Department of Labor, the fines and penalties are
HUGE.

You may want to do a little research, and let the owner know.

Good Luck!
Is someone messing with your credit?
Need a plan to get out of debt?
http://www.kestlewealth.com

 

[Tee]

Tara, I cannot help you with the software; the last time I ran an accounting
package on a Mac was MYOB ver 1 on a IIsi machine - a couple of years ago

NOTE: The following only applies to USian companies/individuals. Other
countries may have simial laws, but I am not competent to speak to them.

Your decsription of your working environment is what caught my eye. The owner
may be creating some potential difficulties for him/herself by classing you all
as subcontractors. See
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html for additional
info.

I have dealt with a number of small businesses who try to save money by
1099-ing people who shoud be treated as employees. The problem is, if they are
caught by the IRS or state Department of Labor, the fines and penalties are
HUGE.

You may want to do a little research, and let the owner know.

Thanks, I've already checked into the situation. There's no conflict
present. The two reps are commission-only and paid when they bring on a new
account which isn't often. I'm a freelance bookkeeper who works from my
home office, on my own equipment, & only a few hours a week, so am
technically not an employee for any of my clients. The girl who does
assembly/admin can go either way but for the little bit she works, and does
so from home, we've been advised that treating her as a sub is ok
until/unless her hours increase.

 

[Tony]

Thanks, I've already checked into the situation. There's no conflict

present.

Well, you just get down with your bad self!

Sorry I couldn't help on the software issue - good luck!

Tony

 

[Tee]

Well, you just get down with your bad self!

LOL. I've learned some of the more questionable issues that can raise the
IRS' eyebrows and know to ask an accountant, when I see a gray area,
regardless of what the employer says. I've only worked for one company who
had even the smallest amount of bookkeeping & accounting principles
knowledge. The others just knew how to do their work, had a company set up
legally, and away they went without any consideration to books or proper
procedures. How some of them got away with their practices for so long is
beyond me.

Sorry I couldn't help on the software issue - good luck!

No problem