Hey CPA's! Peachtree or Quickbooks? What's the diff?

Question

So I got Peachtree Pro Accounting 2010 for Free with a Full Rebate but everyone is using QuickBooks.

Does anyone have experience with both? Or, why did you choose one over the other?

Any reccommendations for a newb?

Account Closed · Answer

Personally I like Peachtree, but the majority of my clients like QuickBooks.  I have had only one client recently that used Peachtree.

I suspect the main reason client like QuickBooks is that it is a little easier to use than Peachtree.

Some of the things I dislike about QuickBooks:
QuickBooks has been making it separating features like payroll over the years making it necessary to pay extra for that function.

Peachtree Pro 2010 has the payroll function included the tax forms in the program.

One the main things accountants like is you can close a period in Peachtree.  QuickBooks was designed to be easy and in this regard probably to easy.

I'm told that Peachtree Pro 2010 is much easier to use than prior versions.  It can now work with Excel and Word.

From a personal stand point, I would choose Peachtree over QuickBooks.  Generally, I have found that my clients are happier with QuickBooks.

Account Closed · Answer

I use my own chart of accounts.  Sounds like the KW chart of accounts would be your best bet.

As far as tutorials and support.  QuickBooks beats Peachtree hands done.  You can use the QuickBooks community feature built into QuickBooks to find answers yourself.  Libraries often have free or cheap classes.  Sometimes local community centers offer reasonably priced classes.  There are lots of third party tutorials and guides for using QuickBooks that can also be found on the web.

I can't say that I know any best ones.  I generally work with my clients and walk them through the various features.  One of the most important things is getting it setup right the first time.

The chart of accounts is an important part of setup.  You also want to decide if or how you want to use the "classes" feature.  You'll need to setup items so they flow to the proper accounts as well.

It is often not a bad idea to develop the idea of what you want.  Find a accountant preferably a QuickBooks Pro adviser and pay them for an hour or two's time to set it up for you.  It will be money well spent in the long run.

Mat Lewczenko · Answer

Thanks Charles, I was hoping you would chime in. Do you use the pre-made chart of accounts or do you set up your own, or your client's?

I have a nice chart of accounts from our KW office based off of the MREA book by Gary Keller.

Also, otehr than the extra (paid) services/support, where does everyone go for tutorials and set up guides? I found some on you tube, any otehr places?