I am possibly spenindimng too much time on forums, email lists and the like. This coupled with my increasing frustration with MS Office Accounting software, has resulted in my having lots of sympathy for the poster, below. But what really appealed to my anal preoccupation with spelling and grammar was the dry wit of his postscript to Microsoft.
I really wanted this program to work for me. I was particularly drawn by the advertising that this accounting package for small businesses would integrate with my Microsoft Office (2007) programs, especially Outlook with Business contact manager. I started as a sole trader (consultant) in August – a new
business, so not a lot of data input required and the potential for managing contacts and billing time seemed ideal.
After early false starts (to be expected with new software) with the ‘trial’ professional version, I had high hopes of upgrading to the full (paid for) version (and implement the full functionality noted above). However, the last three months have been a nightmare. I would characterise this period in four phases: disappointment, dismay, exasperation and anger. I wish I could establish how to record time in the program, then I would be able to accurately ascertain how much time I have wasted on this product.
Microsoft Office Accounting (MOA) appears to be written by accountants for accountants. It presumes, without warning, a high level understanding of accounting procedures, processes and esoteric jargon. I would characterise the ‘Help’ function and online training as obfuscation.
Similarly, it has been interesting to read the postings in ‘Ask the
community’.
This product should not be promoted as “… an essential, easy-to-use tool for managing your home-based business”.
I am now giving up. This is clearly not the product for me or indeed many thousands of businesses like mine. A wasted opportunity for Microsoft? I strongly urge Microsoft to change the marketing or replace the product.
Ps to Microsoft: Get rid of the distracting and annoying advertisement
panels/links; and take a long hard look at the name of Nominal Account no.
7200. [which was entitled “stationary [sic]”]