Make accounting work for you, not against you

Posted: October 7th, 2009 | Author: andy | Filed under: Business, Productivity | Tags: , , | 3 Comments »

Inspired by this post from John O’Nolan (@johnonolan) I wanted to have my say on how I think FreeAgent has revolutionised the one-man/small business accounting world. Bare in mind this is just my experience with in the UK.

In my opinion accounting still seems to be locked in the 50’s. Having only started my own company Tizma Ltd back in December of 2007 I’ve already seen my share of lunacy and mysticism.

This post is not focusing on the issues, but rather the positives and this is where FreeAgent came in for me. As I’m sure with most of their users I was recommended it by a freelancing colleague.

Well, I think it took me just a few hours that evening to decide I had to have it. So, I signed up there and then, only needing a few details from my accountants and the odd upload of previous transactions to put me bang up to date. They even give kick-backs for recommending users. The more you recommend the cheaper your subscription is…. Genius!

Accounting has gone from a dreadful chore to a simple task and as my confidence over the various aspects grows the more I’m taking back from my accountants. Its liberating.

The icing on the cake

Now, the best for last. FreeAgent also has a full blown API, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. Admittedly they are a ruby shop and me being a .NET dude it took a little bit of twiddling the bits until I figured it out, but wow is it powerful.

As a one man business selling software direct over the web I strived for automation in the sales/fullfillment process. Since the launch of our first product CSV Easy I’ve had PayPal fully integrated using their IPN system. This allows immediate authorisation and license key generation to take place, arriving in the form of a nice “thank you” email to the customer in minutes. No involvement from me.

The missing piece has always been my accounts. So with the FreeAgent API I’ve created an extension to my fullfillment process that now adds the new contact and invoice automatically. Next time I login to FreeAgent there it is. Awesome!

Conclusion

If you’re a freelancer or a small business FreeAgent is a perfect fit. Thanks guys for an excellent application and service.

3 Comments on “Make accounting work for you, not against you”

  1. 1 James Ward said at 4:32 pm on October 7th, 2009:

    I am such a big fan of FreeAgent – like you it took me no time at all to decide I could not live one more day without it. Accounts are – and I mean this quite sincerely – a pleasure these days.

    Great news to hear about their API. I’d been looking with envy at FreshBooks, one of their competitors who make quite a big thing of theirs.

    Will be integrating FreeAgent with a project I’m working on, for sure.

  2. 2 JohnONolan said at 4:35 pm on October 7th, 2009:

    Awesome review Andy, I’m going to have to talk to you about that API integration – that sounds SERIOUSLY nice! :)

  3. 3 andy said at 4:53 pm on October 7th, 2009:

    Thanks John and James. John, always happy to help. Just give me the nod if you need it. Any chance you guys could retweet my post, trying to boost my presence on the intertubes.

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