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September 2007

ACUMEN HELPS NEW STARTS TAKE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS ACCOUNTING SUCCESS

Getting finances in order can be a daunting task for anyone but when you're setting up a business or starting out on an accounting career it's even more so. Lisa Bruce, an accounting software specialist at The Acumen Group says that's why it's essential that people have a good understanding of key financial packages such as Sage before they set out.

Financial packages such as Sage are the accounting life-blood of many businesses - regardless of whether it's a new business start up or a large company. If used properly Sage can provide huge benefits to accounting processes and supports all aspects of financial systems such as sales purchases and the creation of invoices, VAT and bank reconciliations. But when you're just starting out, trying to get to grips with everything can be overwhelming.

Most common problems people encounter include understanding which nominal accounts to post, which VAT code to use and how to create a sales invoice. Understanding how to reconcile accounts and completing VAT returns can also cause quite a lot of confusion. For people just beginning on Sage, it can sometimes be difficult to believe that these software packages are here to help but with a little guidance, they really can make life easier and make sure your accounting processes are on-track.

Many people who are first introduced to the package often rely on its on-line help functions for guidance and while this provides some assistance, nothing beats sitting down with a teacher and being taken step-by-step through the basics.

All too often, we find people only tend to ask for help after they've tried using the system for a while and realise they're in a bit of a muddle. It's much better to start using Sage with confidence from the beginning rather than trying to sort out problems that have been caused by a lack of understanding of the software.

There's no getting away from the fact that Sage is an integral part of most businesses and although the thought of using this sort of software can fill you with trepidation, with just a little bit of help you'll soon be a whiz at balance sheets and a dab hand at VAT returns.

The Acumen Group will be holding a series of Sage courses over the coming months. The first will cater for beginners and will take place on 6th and 7th November. For further details contact Lisa Bruce at lisa.bruce@acumen.info

 
Companies in the Acumen Group include Acumen Accountants and Advisors Limited, Acumen Financial Planning Limited and Acumen IT Consultancy Limited. Acumen Financial Planning Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Acumen Accountants and Advisors Limited are registered to carry out audit work and are regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants but are not authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Acumen Financial Planning Limited, Registered in Scotland number 215343, VAT Number 894 6221 94. Acumen Accountants and Advisors Limited, Registered in Scotland number 153885, VAT Number 894 6221 94. Acumen IT Consultancy Limited, Registered in Scotland number 284749, VAT Number 859 474862. Acumen Holdings (Aberdeen) Limited, Registered in Scotland number 215503, VAT Number 894 6221 94. Registered office, Commercial House, 2 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1XE.