List of finance and accounting packages - Budgeting - FM

A list of some of many finance applications aimed at the voluntary sector

Please note that this information is to be used as a guide and is not an exhaustive list of resources available. NCVO can make no endorsements or particular recommendations.

Software packages can change rapidly.

Sometimes valuable improvements are introduced. Sometimes cost or complexity may increase without any obvious benefit. At worst, the software company may go into liquidation which can have an immediate impact on accessing technical support, training and software updates.

You should contact potential suppliers to find out more about their latest deals/offers. You should be particularly clear about what training they offer and the costs of after-sales technical support. It is important not to underestimate training time and costs when purchasing a software package, and to ensure that adequate technical support is available.

Sage Line 50/Instant/MMS

Sage Line 50 is one of the most popular packages in the voluntary sector
Commonly used in small businesses, so new accounting staff may already be familiar with it
Specific charity templates available
Easily upgraded to MMS version if your organisation expands and needs to cater for new customers, increased transactions and provide additional user access
Prices vary according to requirements - NCVO members get 25% discount on Sageline 50 and 22% discount on Sageline MMS

Visit their site or telephone 0800 336633.

Access Accounts Horizons

Aimed at medium sized organisations although not directly designed for charities or voluntary organisations
Can be upgraded to a higher specification package
Regarded as having good reporting analysis and import/export functions
Sold directly from/direct to supplier
Price varies according to requirements

Contact info@access-accounts.com or telephone 0158 246 5100.

Cashcall

Aimed at smaller organisations although not directly designed for charities or voluntary organisations
Handles fund accounting, budgets, and analysis and will output a year-end SOFA
Prices vary according to requirements

Visit their site or telephone the supplier on 0190 282 4044.

Exchequer Enterprise

Aimed at larger organisations although not directly designed for charities or voluntary organisations
Real Finance/CBI's 'Financial Software Provider of the Year 2008'
Full suite of business modules
Supports e-commerce
Price vary according to software requirements

Visit their site or telephone 0870 243 1952.

Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Microsoft Great Plains)

Technically supported through Microsoft partner organisations
Suitable for larger charities with more complex accounting systems
Fully integrated with Windows
Can be complicated so investigate what support/training is available prior to purchase
Price varies depending on how many technical support is required - contact Microsoft or a Microsoft partner organisation to receive a quote

Visit their site for further details.

QuickBooks

Designed for non-accounting users
Can be adapted for SORP requirements
Not-for-profit version available
Prices from £58 (before P&P and VAT) through resellers or direct from manufacturer

Visit their site or telephone 0870 766 1515.