Review
Created: November, 1999
These
are banner days for accounting software for first-time bookkeepers.
Early incarnations of this type of software were so complex that
users almost needed certified public accountant (CPA) accreditation
to use them. Their interface practically required advanced knowledge
of assembly programming language. No joke: these early programs
were no walk in the park.
Today's crop, however, is intuitive, self-explanatory and quite powerful. Peachtree First Accounting v7.0 fits that bill very well. It is quite possibly the most self-explanatory accounting program available. Peachtree has managed to balance plenty of tutorial help and ease of use without alienating more advanced users.
First Accounting provides a graphical menu bar at the bottom of the screen that lists keywords leading to all areas of business accounting. Click on Sales and a flowchart of the sales process is graphically displayed. Click on any part of the Sales cycle and appropriate pages pop up, leading to the accounting task needed.
This feature is ideal for first-time number crunchers: people who purchase programs such as this to help organize their books but do not want to be overwhelmed by a lack of direction or the sheer enormity of the task. You will not be intimidated by Peachtree First Accounting.
One weakness is the program's graphic presentation. The bottom screen menu bar is nice but, on the whole, the program is not very attractive. The interface does not detract from First Accounting's power, but other programs such as Profit 4.0 have raised the bar for look and feel by creating a virtual accounting office on screen. Side by side, Peachtree's generic look is a disappointment.
But you cannot complain about First Accounting's functionality. The company set-up module is very impressive, providing templates for a wide array of different businesses. Each step of the accounting process is contained, functional and easy to use: invoices look like invoices and accounting ledgers look like accounting ledgers. The report printing function is particularly expansive, with possibly the most comprehensive lists of company printable reports on the market.
Simply put, there's not much to dislike. First Accounting is easily laid out, with all processes intuitively presented. And more than one function can be accomplished at the same time: five invoices and three payroll entries can be conducted simultaneously.
It is a competitive field out there for accounting programs. But Peachtree First Accounting deserves an early look. Other programs may match it feature for feature, and some are admittedly prettier, but this program sure delivers for the first-time small business bookkeeper.
Reviewer's rating: 4.5 / 5
Comments: The on-screen flowchart of business processes is innovative and gives this release the nod over other entries. The cost helps, too.
Price: $69.95 US / $100 CDN
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