Simply Accounting, Accpac International’s flagship product has been updated with more ease of use features and a new accounting category.
The new version comes in two packages: Basic for $169 and Pro for $299.
Both versions include an accounting system with payroll and e-commerce features,
while the Pro edition adds multi-user, multi-currency, and time and billing features to the package.
“”We wanted to enhance the interface for a brand new person. We tweaked the way the screen looks and added a optional second layer to the 2004 version of Simply Accounting,”” said Scott Zandbergen, product marketing manager, Simply Accounting for Accpac International Canada.
Accpac has added FAQs to the interface as a module for new users, for example.
“”Using Simply Accounting for my business has self help articles written by accountants to help users get direction in their own specific business such as retail, construction, food and beverage, non-profit, real estate and agriculture,”” Zandbergen said.
With that, Accpac has added about 20 to 30 templates for these specific businesses.
Users of Simply Accounting 2004 can now dump data in and out of business intelligence tools. There is a free copy of Crystal Reports built into this version for those users who need a BI-reporting tool.
With Excel spreadsheets, Simply Accounting users can now open report statements automatically and with all the formulas.
Direct deposit will be integrated into the 2004 version as well, Zandbergen said. Accpac has hired BeanStream, a Victoria, B.C.-based company that does cash transfers. With BeanStream on board, Simply Accounting users can split direct deposit cheques for their employees into 12 accounts such as chequing, savings, standard loan payback and RRSPs.
Initial fees start at $79 for set up and run about $1.50 per transaction.
“”Banks and Ceridian have monthly fees of $50 plus the per employee transaction fee. Accpac cut a deal with BeanStream to void the minimum monthly fee,”” Zandbergen said.
Simply Accounting will continue to be part of the Accpac’s Solution Provider program. Zandbergen said the program is open to anyone. It has a start up fee of $199 and comes with two levels for partners, solution provider and certified consultant provider.
“”At the certified level it is $499 to join, but the benefits are unlimited technical support and more marketing exposure,”” he said.
Accpac has also rolled out Payroll, a standalone Canadian payroll package for $129 that integrates with previous versions of Simply Accounting, MYOB, and Intuit QuickBooks. The package also includes up to one calendar year of employee tax calculation tables.
