Sage Instant Accounts For Dummies

Jane E. Kelly

• Publisher: For Dummies
• Year: 2014
• ISBN:
  9781118847930
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Accounting
• Index: Business

Get to grips with Sage Instant Accounts in simple steps.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of setting up and using Sage Instant Accounts, from downloading and installing the software to customizing it to your needs. Packed with handy step–by–step instructions (and fully illustrated with screenshots), this book is the easiest way to get the most from Sage Instant Accounts and take control of your business finances.

Learn to:

• Keep track of money in and out and easily view your cash position
• Produce reports on your business performance and profitability
• Store customer information and easily generate quotes, invoices and remittances
• Record and accurately manage your VAT - and submit your VAT return to HMRC online
• Prepare for business audits and your financial year-end

Part I

Getting Started with Sage Instant Accounts

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In this Part …

• Get yourself going! Install Sage Instant Accounts quickly and efficiently.
• Tailor Sage Instant Accounts to meet your business’s bookkeeping needs by creating your Chart of Accounts.
• Learn how to set up customer, supplier, nominal, bank and products records.
• Enter your opening balances and start using Sage Instant Accounts to improve your account keeping.

Chapter 1

Introducing Sage Instant Accounts

In This Chapter

Introducing the Sage software range

Considering SageCover

Installing the software

Getting help from the wizard

Navigating around Sage

In this chapter, I introduce you to Sage Instant Accounts. I show you how easily you can install the software and give you a guided tour, so that you can get up and running quickly – essential for busy people!

Sage works on the principle that the less time you spend doing your accounts, the more time you can spend on your business, so makes each process as simple as possible.

I also discuss SageCover, an optional technical support package, which is an addition worth considering. If you experience software problems, SageCover can help. For small businesses, this support is like having an IT department at the end of a phone.

Looking at Two Sage Instant Options

Sage offers two versions of Instant Accounts:

• Sage Instant Accounts: The entry-level program. Sage Instant Accounts provides all the features you require to successfully manage your accounts. You can professionally handle your customers and suppliers, manage your bank reconciliations and VAT returns and provide simple reports, including monthly and year-end requirements. This basic version is suitable for small businesses with a simple structure.
• Sage Instant Accounts Plus: Contains all the features of the entry model, but in addition includes a simple stock system and also the ability to have up to two users.

I recommend that you install Sage Instant on a Windows operating system. Windows 8 or 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, Small Business Server 2011 or Server 2003 are all recommended by Sage.

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Deciding on SageCover

You can purchase SageCover at the same time as the software. SageCover provides you with technical support in case you have any problems using Sage. It may seem an additional cost burden to begin with, but is well worth the money if you’ve a software problem. Sage does currently offer 45 days of free telephone support, along with free online learning and access to guides and video tutorials.

Most people who use accounting packages know something about accounting, but don’t necessarily know much about computer software. When the screen pops up with an error message that you simply don’t understand, a quick phone call to your SageCover support line soon solves the problem.

For Sage Instant Accounts, you can choose between two different types of cover:

• SageCover: Provides telephone support during normal office hours, as well as email and online question and answer support. You also have access to a data repair service, where a member of the Sage in-house team will retrieve and repair your data if it becomes lost or corrupt. There’s also a free subscription to Sage’s business magazine Solutions.
• SageCover Extra: Includes all the benefits of SageCover, plus software upgrades, so you always have access to the latest version. You also gain the benefit of an Express data repair service rather than just the standard service. You’re given priority telephone support with Sagecover Extra, including a call-back option and also have additional Remote Support, which means that, with your permission, Sage technicians can remotely access your PC to help you solve your queries.

Having someone on the end of a phone to talk you through a problem is a real bonus. Sometimes the Help button just doesn’t answer your question. The technical support team can help you solve the most awkward problems that would otherwise have you throwing your laptop out of the window in pure frustration!

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Installing the Software

In this section, I take you step by step through the installation process, showing you the screens as they appear on your computer and ensuring that you load up the software correctly. I also let you know about any problems that may crop up while loading, so that you can deal with them effectively.

Anyway, onwards and upwards!

Getting what you need before you get started

Your Sage software package contains a CD, a ‘Getting Started with Sage Instant Accounts’ guide and, more importantly, a serial number and activation key. Without these last two pieces of information, you can’t successfully load the software. But don’t worry, if you purchased a genuine copy of Sage software, you have the necessary activation information.

You also need a few details about your company:

• When your company’s financial year begins: If you’re not sure of the date, consult your accountant.
• Whether and what type of VAT scheme you use: Again, your accountant can tell you whether you operate the VAT cash accounting scheme or the standard VAT scheme. If you’ve a VAT registration number, keep it handy.

Moving to the installation itself

The following steps assume that you’re loading Sage for the first time for a single company and single user. For those of you loading multiple-user programs, check the instructions provided with your software.

1. Insert your CD into the disk drive.
   If your CD doesn’t immediately start, you may need to click Run.
2. Follow the options on your screen to run the CD.
   A Sage Instant Accounts opening screen appears. Click the Install button to continue as shown in Figure 1-1
   For Vista users, the User Account Control window appears, asking you for permission to continue installin...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Part I: Getting Started with Sage Instant Accounts
• Part II: Looking into Day-to-Day Functions
• Part III: Running Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Routines
• Part IV: Using Reports
• Part V: The Part of Tens
• Appendix: Glossary
• About the Author
• Cheat Sheet
• More Dummies Products