Quick was the message of the moment at the launch of QuickBooks SA's 2006 range of accounting and payroll software.
MD Gary Epstein says there are certain must-haves for SME accounting and payroll software and 'quick' ranks as number one, followed closely by easy and cost-effective.
Speaking at a McDonald's-inspired quick breakfast launch, Epstein also unveiled the company's business strategy and outlined not only its independence from parent company Softline, but also its move into business management software with the immediate launch of its payroll product, Quick Payroll and the imminent release of a point of sale (POS) solution.
Firmly believing that SMEs are starved for choice in the business management software area, QuickBooks SA says that in this sector there is no time to wait.
"A short return on investment on software purchases is a key requirement for SMEs. In addition, accounting software without annual licence fees is extremely attractive to local businesses," says Epstein.
He says a nominal update fee is charged on Quick Payroll. Clients can choose between a one- or three-year contract, providing SMEs with financial planning flexibility.
"We are simply taking our winning formula a step further by launching Quick Payroll and later this year, a POS solution," says Epstein.
As one of the easiest accounting software products to use, and a worldwide leader, QuickBooks SA has experienced exceptional growth over the past year. Its accounting product range has extended from two to six, providing entry-level as well as power user versions. Unit sales and the user base have both increased by 160% with the number of QuickBooks SA staff doubling in size. Supporting this growth is QuickBooks SA's nationwide infrastructure as well as its presence in several retail outlets, and support centres in countries such as Namibia, Kenya, Mauritius, Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
Its new offer, Quick Payroll, manages all aspects of payroll, including calculations, leave registers, report writing and tax year-end reports.
Sharon Terblanche, marketing manager, QuickBooks SA, says that as a result of the complex regulatory environment, local businesses need to find a simple payroll solution that is easy to implement and manage. Not wanting to lose control, businesses are looking for a no-fuss alternative that will manage the payroll effectively.
Set for release this month, QuickBooks SA also launched its 2006 products. Aimed at making the user interface even easier, the 2006 range is suitable for any industry sector and all size companies, the range includes: QuickBooks Simple Start; QuickBooks Regular; QuickBooks Pro; QuickBooks Accountant (previously Premier); QuickBooks Customer Manager and Quicken XG.
Aside from its bottom line ambitions, QuickBooks SA has aligned itself with the South African Black Suppliers Development Association (SABSDA), SA's leading non-profit developer of black suppliers in a financial literacy initiative. Together they are launching a series of national financial empowerment training seminars for SMEs, providing much needed financial literacy and management training.
"The need for financial literacy is real. As a leading provider of accounting and payroll software, we believe it is necessary to support an initiative aimed at improving financial literacy within the SME sector, ultimately assisting businesses to prosper and grow," says Epstein.
Already an accepted alternative for accountants worldwide, QuickBooks SA has big plans for sub-Saharan Africa: "Worldwide we have over three million customers using our products and we have seen an increased interest from the local accounting fraternity, who recognise the value of quick, easy and shorter return on investment," says Epstein.
For more information, visit www.quickbooks.co.za or call (011) 291-7300.
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