Basic useful accountant software

[Maslins]

If a contractor can't afford £300/year (less with referrals) for software that does everything FreeAgent does (bookkeeping, payroll, personal tax returns, VAT returns, dividend paperwork, expenses, time tracking, invoicing etc.), or equivalent software (Xero, KashFlow etc.), they're doing it wrong.

Yeah, that would be my attitude. But the OP did say ask for a "Basic" solution and seemingly they have other methods for doing quite a few accounting related things. Depends on whether they're happy to change to have FreeAgent do most things, as it might be overkill if they kept everything else as is.

[Martin at NixonWilliams]

Our of curiosity, is there a reason why you chose to develop your own system rather than partner with an existing solution like FreeAgent (I know they have special accountant portals/integration) or similar? Presumably you outsource the development of your own system? Just wondering why you chose to go down that route.

Simply because we wanted something that specifically meets the needs of our clients. A lot of the solutions out there seem to focus on your typical small business rather than contractors.