Build an Accountacy App in Access - Am I mad?

[Meltdown]

Hi everyone, a client of mine has asked me to build them a customised Accounting application. I already built them an Order/Sales database whch they're very happy with, and they want to seamlessly integrate it with an Accounting app. They looked at Sage but feel it is not as suitable as a bespoke app.

I know Sage can be integrated with Access at some level but feel it would be to big of a learning curve for me to do

I'm not an accountant, but their accountant will "hold my hand" every step of the way, if necessary.

Questions
Anyone ever built a rock-solid Accounting app in Access?

Anyone ever come across any third-party Accounting add-ins for Access that I could buy and customise?

Would I be mad to undertake such a project in Access?

Thanks

 

[statsman]

I can think of a lot of applications that Access could perform well, but an accountancy app. is not one of them.
There are so many variables in accounting that it would be a lot more trouble than its worth to even try (right away I think of sending an invoice which is an Account Payable until it's paid then its Earnings until the cheque bounces then its a bad debt etc. etc.)
As Mr. Scot said so often in Star Trek, the right tool for the job laddie. There are plenty of accounting software packages out there already. One of them must be suitable for Access.

 

[Pat Hartman]

You could build an accounting app from scratch and Access would be quite suitable, but accounting applications are complex to say the least and I'm not sure your client understands the implications. You can integrate Quick Books with Access although not directly. You'll need to use import/export to transfer data.

I have seen one called "Yes, I can run my business" by DatabaseCreationsInc. It is built in Access and you can buy the source code so that if you want to customize it you can. It might be cheaper in the long run to buy something like this and customize it. I seriously doubt that one person could build a solid and complete app in much less than 9-12 months and it will require a great deal of the accountants time as well.

 

[Meltdown]

Thanks for the replies, that Business pro demo form Database Creations is very impressive.

 

[brunces]

Take a look at this...

Meltdown,

Take a look at this...

http://www.comtechsolutions.com/index.asp?go=cpa_software_news

An accounting software which runs on Access. It seems to be what you want.

Hugz.

Bruno

 

[Meltdown]

Thanks Bruno, looks interesting, I'll check it out now.

 

[jmorgan@seaga]

Sage

I can't understand why a company would disregard sage - are they the sort of people who like to see their name on a certain software package and pay through their nose for it!

To make a database in access to incorporate all facets of accounting would take thousands of man hours - is it worth your while? Are they going to be putting you on their payrole while you carry out this project or are they just going to pay for it at the end as a package.

If they want an accounts package that can do anything, they need to get Sage or quickbooks - they both incorporate everything you need - they include complex formulas for depreciation and interest calculations etc.

Is it really worth your while!!

 

[workmad3]

If its possible to integrate SAGE then id look at doing that. It might be a big learning curve, but then you can say to other potential clients that you can do it, making you a more popular choice than other competitors (and the bonus is you will get paid to learn how to do it, always good).