Taming the Paperwork Monster
What would you rather tackle? A blocked drain or a spreadsheet?
Bring on the plunger, am I right?
Juggling finances between jobs, chasing invoices, and keeping track of receipts can feel like a never-ending chore. But fear not, there’s a secret weapon in your arsenal: accounting software.
But they are not all the right tool for the job. Choose the wrong software for your company and you will be pulling out your hair in no time. Pick the right accounting software for your company and it will be like your very own personal accountant in a handy app – minus the hefty hourly rate.
The Struggles are Real: Why Tradies Need Accounting Software
A recent survey by MYOB found that 42% of small businesses in Australia spend more than 5 hours a month on financial admin. That’s a shocking amount of time you could be spending on what you do best – getting the job done!
Here are some common financial struggles tradies face:
- Losing track of receipts: Those crumpled receipts stuffed in your toolbox can easily get lost or forgotten.
- Misplaced invoices: Ever chase a late payment because an invoice got buried in your email?
- Inaccurate expense tracking: Keeping track of fuel costs, tool purchases, and other work-related expenses can be a nightmare without proper tools.
- Tax season stress: Scrambling to gather information come tax time can be a major headache.
The Power of Accounting Software: Features Every Tradie Needs
Accounting software can be your knight in shining armour, slaying these financial foes and saving you precious time and money. Here are the key features to look for:
- User-friendly Interface: No time for complex accounting jargon? Look for software that’s easy to navigate, even if you’re not a financial whiz.
- Invoicing and Quotes: Create professional, customized invoices in minutes, track outstanding payments, and even accept online payments from clients for faster cash flow.
- Expense Management: Effortlessly capture receipts with your phone’s camera, categorize expenses, and track mileage for tax deductions.
- Mobile App: Manage your finances on the go. Imagine sending an invoice from the job site or checking your bank balance while waiting for parts.
Which features does your business need? Do you not need the mobile app? Do you already have a robust invoicing system? Figuring out what features you need will help you in identifying the right software for your company and budget.
Top Picks: Accounting Software Solutions Built for Tradies
Now that you know what features to look for, let’s explore some of the top accounting software options in Australia, specifically designed for tradies:
- Xero: Known for its user-friendly interface and strong reporting features, Xero is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. It offers robust invoicing, and expense tracking, and integrates with various trade-specific apps.
- MYOB: A well-established Australian player, MYOB offers a variety of software options catering to different business needs. Their “Essentials” plan is a good starting point for tradies, providing basic accounting features at an affordable price.
- Thriday: This newcomer to the scene is making waves with its focus on automation and ease of use. Thriday offers features specifically designed for tradies, like job costing and mobile app functionalities that make managing finances on the go a breeze.
- Cashflow Manager: If you’re looking for a simple and affordable solution, Cashflow Manager might be a good fit. It focuses on core accounting tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, making it a good option for sole traders or smaller businesses.
Choosing Your Champion: Finding the Right Accounting Software
With so many great options available, how do you pick the perfect one for your business? Here’s a quick guide:
- Consider your business size and needs: Do you need payroll features? How many users will need access to the software?
- Compare pricing plans: Most software offers tiered plans with different features. Choose the one that best fits your budget.
- Take advantage of free trials: Many software providers offer free trials. Use this opportunity to test drive the features and see if the software is a good fit for you.
OUR HOT TIP!
Get an expert to set you up.
See, you might have gotten to here and hoped that we would say that SOFTWARE X is the best option for all tradies. But that is simply not the case!
As painful as it might be to read, it depends. It depends on your needs. The size of your jobs. The size of your team. Your tech saviness.
But at TradieBots, we’ve got your back. Here is our suggestion:
Get in contact with a Tradie tech expert. There are a number of companies in Australia that provide expert support for tradies to operate their business more efficiently. They know the software solutions and can hook you up with he best solution for your business.
Not only will they make sure you get the right tool for the job, but they will set you up on the system so that you can speed up your learning curve and get focused on your profit-making activities.
Here are some of the industry leaders:
Check them out and save yourself a headache when tax time creeps up on you.
For expert SEO services for your tradie business, send us a message or give us a call today.
