>
> Alesa Rottersman asked:
>
> Got any advice you're dying to get off your chest on Windows-based software
> packages for tracking client projects and generating invoices? I two
> freelance clients and need a way to track the time I'm spending on their
work
> and to dump that into a monthly invoice broken out by project code.
>
> I've heard a couple of good things about QuickBooks Pro, but would like to
> check with people who have similar needs to mine and see what you guys
> recommend. I know Quicken has an excellent home finance package, but I'm
not
> sure that their business package meets my needs.
Quicken's business financial module is weak for those of us who need to
account
for and bill our time and expenses (i.e., accounts receivables). It's more
adept at tracking very small businesses that deal in selling products, not
ones
that sell professional services. QuickBooks Pro, on the other hand, is a
better solution but you need to be aware of its limitations. While it can
track your time for billing purposes, it is is somewhat limited in its ability
to assign project codes to specific clients.
An alternative, and one I've been using for about nine years, is Timeslips.
This product will track projects, sub-projects, allow you to assign either
flat
fees to clients, projects or tasks, assign multiple billing rates to yourself,
clients or tasks.... and a whole lot more. It will also generate invoices
which you can customize by client. For example, if you have a client who
wants
to see everything you've done, when you did it and how long it took you to do
it and wants all that broken down by project .... or you have a retainer or
fixed fee arrangement.....or a client who only wants to see limited
detail......no problem.
But it is NOT an accounting product. It can handle only your accounts
receivables. However, you can buy a companion product called Timeslips
Accounting Link (TAL), which you can use to link your Timeslips data to your
accounting software's datafiles. TAL will link to about three dozen products,
including Quickbooks.
Comparing Timeslips with general ledger products, such as Quickbooks:
Timeslips is not an accounting product: it cannot deal with your accounts
payables, cannot set up your chart of accounts, but can exchange data with
accounting software. It's not as "user friendly" as Quickbooks but is easier
to understand than most other accounting products. It's more flexible than
accounting products.
As I said, I've been a Timeslips customer for 9 years. Despite its
shortcomings (what software doesn't have shortcomings?), I like it.
Hope this helps.
=============================================
Peter Shinbach, APR
The Birmingham Group
Internet: [log in to unmask]
Phone: 248.433.1399
=============================================
|