...makes the world go around

I have been searching software packages to find an accountancy application to suit. Most have been designed for old style bricks and mortar businesses. None provide the functionality I need without providing loads of functions I don’t.

I want the package to:

• Be Web based
• Handle multiple currencies
• Track account payments
• Track expenses in same categories as UK tax forms
• Divide expenses into taxable / non-taxable categories
• Handel Micro-payments
• Be able to integrate with on-line payment systems
• Produce invoices
• Collate data for tax return

I do not need:

• Stock control
• Employee details payments
• Reams of financial reports

I tried looking for open source applications that I could hack, but there is none that come near my requirements.

I have decided to create my own application to the above specification. If I base it on the php / MySQL application I developed of “Getting Things Done” it should not take too long. It is a simpler application.

Other advantages in creating my own the application are:

• I will have to develope a clear understanding of my business
• I will have to understand the tax laws
• I will retain control over essential data
• I can tailor the application to suit my needs exactly
• No learning curve on third party applications
• No cash layout
• Mastering more web coding techniques (eg how to integrate with paypal or Amazon)

I have put aside 2 weeks to develop the basic application. Then a further week to enter all my data from the last three years.

Once complete, the application will make filing tax returns much simpler. Plus, I will be able to create and track invoices automatically once I get the on-line integration working .

This is my least favourite part of working for myself. Time spent now will reduce stress and free up more time for the things I want to do.

I Googled the problem and found the answer on a notice board from four years ago. The same problem was being described in version 10 of Money, I’m using version 12. Apparently it’s a leap year bug and will go away in the morning.

That’s truly mind bogglingly bad software production even by Microsoft’s not very high standards (don’t get me started).

Maybe they’ll get around to fixing it by 2012.