Why
Features
Reports
Screen shots
Demo
Compare
CPA
Order
Advanced Accounting reviews
- July 2019: The CPA Practice Advisor 2019 Review of Point-of-Sale Systems, 4 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i r7f (note: we were about to release Adv 8 when this review came out)
- Excerpt from the 2019 review by Mary Girsch-Bock:
Advanced Accounting . . . is a complete financial application with a solid point of sale module included.
Sales transactions are easily processed in Advanced Accounting, with users able to add popular products to the user interface for quicker processing.
One of the biggest benefits offered by Advanced Accounting is the availability of product source code, for those that wish to modify the program . . . "- September 2018: The CPA Practice Advisor 2018 Review of Retail Point-of-Sale Systems for Small Business, 4 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i r7 (Windows 32-bit).
- Excerpt from the 2018 review by Mary Girsch-Bock:
One of the best features found in Advanced Accounting is its complete front/back office functionality, making it easy for smaller retailers in particular to know exactly how their business is performing at any given moment. Affordably priced for even the tightest budget . . . "- September 2017: The CPA Practice Advisor 2017 Reviews of Retail Point-of-Sale Systems, 4 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i r7 (Windows 32-bit).
- Substance and comments in the review are similar to the March 2016 review by the same author.
- March 2016: The CPA Practice Advisor 2016 Point-of-Sale Systems, 4.25 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i r6 (Windows 32-bit).
- Excerpt from the 2016 review by Mary Girsch-Bock:
Advanced Accounting . . . is a completely integrated front/back office point of sale product. Advanced Accounting is well suited to smaller retailers.
Advanced Accounting is an excellent solution for smaller retailers who desire a complete front office/back office accounting/point of sale functionality.
- March 2013: The CPA Practice Advisor (formerly The CPA Technology Advisor), 2013 Reviews of Small Business Accounting Systems, 3.75 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i r5 (Windows 32-bit).
- Excerpts from the 2013 review by Brian Tankersley:
Advanced Accounting offers excellent point-of-sale functionality with templates and industry-specific features, which makes the product suitable for smaller retail businesses. Wholesale and Distribution features are also found within the program, with job cost and bill of materials modules and industry-specific features included.
The Payroll module is solid and supports multi-location payroll with numerous user-defined fields for easy deduction tracking. Payroll updates can be downloaded from the Addsum website. Advanced Accounting also creates a non-modifiable audit trail for each change to standing data or transaction records, with an audit trail report which can be printed or downloaded and sorted. Consolidated financial statements for multiple companies can be processed. Users can set up more than 100 separate companies, with Advanced Accounting able to support hundreds of users simultaneously in a single instance of the application.
Advanced Accounting from Addsum Business Software is a scalable, integrated accounting software product designed for small to mid-sized businesses.
Advanced Accounting is a good fit for small retailers and contractors that require industry-specific features, a solid accounting function and a product that offers room to grow without incurring additional expense.
- Addsum comments: Comparing accounting software products is one of the more difficult challenges in the business software industry, and we appreciate the service that CPA Practice Advisor continues to provide in highlighting the capabilities of various software products to accounting professionals and end users.
To a large degree, these products and services represent different solutions to different needs. They do not provide equivalent functionality nor are their costs in any way comparable in terms of either multiple user, scability, availibility and the ongoing costs of maintenance and support.
Some of the web-based options provide limited or no inventory handling. In general, on-line systems still greatly lag behind feature-rich desktop (more recently referred to as “on premises” systems). Each offers various pros and cons depending on end user needs. We would be happy to provide hosting options for our software but each time we have researched options and provided them to existing or potential customers, they have not been cost-effective and/or have provided lower capabilities in terms of control, backup, security, and more.
Even within the desktop versus web-based product comparisons, the products are not directly comparable, often being designed with a different end user or industry in mind.
Advanced Accounting and its direct predecessor products have been on the market for as long, if not longer, than any accounting product available today as indicated by some of the historical reviews referenced on this page.
Sophisticated functionality exists under Advanced Accounting's user interface that we have tried to keep as clean and simple as possible. Ease of use has always been a high priority.
Our point-of-sale module is simply a part of a fully integrated system. The AR, AP, GL, PO, IC etc. modules were developed long before the POS (point-of-sale) module existed (although it has now existed along with job costing and bill of materials for some 20 years; but the product line dates back now to closer to 30 years). Because some misconceptions have started to develop that Advanced Accounting is only or is primarily a point-of-sale system, we have tried to avoid submitting it for review in POS categories.
Navigation to a given option within the program can be accomplished in at least four different ways, only one of which is from the module button.
So to navigate, for example, to AR payment entry, you could simply then click on the AR module and then choose option C; or just click on the graphic icon from the main page, which is perhaps the most obvious.
But that is not all. By clicking on Modules on the title bar or initiating an ALT-M since the M is underlined, then R (the "R" in Accounts Receivable is underlined, i.e. the Windows standard) and then C (C - Record Payments/Apply Credits since the "C" is underlined in the submenu option), you are also at the AR-C record payment option.
This then provides three options to get to the same place, allowing keyboard navigation using Windows standards, and these are not hidden or non-intuitive. And, this approach is turning out to be very helpful with touch screens and works with with an iPad using a remote desktop client for connectivity as well as under Windows 8.
The ability to access all three of those methods is completely dependent of course on user security being set to be able to, in this example, record AR-C payments in the first place. If the user does not have access, those options do not appear. Extensive end user settings exist for not only program access but also restrictions on what users can do within certain programs that they do have access to.
One more thing in terms of navigation that we might mention is that in Windows menus (which these are standard Windows menu objects, plus the image icon option), when you exit a program and come back, the menu you used for a selection reappears in Advanced Accounting 7i for the end user convenience potentially saving a mouse click. Windows menus otherwise normally do NOT reappear like this, but rather disappear and don't pop back up, and are less convenient than their legacy counterparts. So this is again another example of what is actually a fairly sophisticated navigation system that saves end user time and adds to ease of use.
And there is also the "re-run" option on the main menu screen where all you have to do is click that to run the same program that you were last in without having to re-navigate any of the three options in the case of AR payments, so it represents a fourth option, plus the ability to temporarily "lock" the screen if you walk way from the keyboard.
Another sophisticated option that relates to navigation that is available in the software is the "toolbar" mode (under File) that allows you to shrink the screen to basically a single bar of a few screen rows to leave your workspace almost completely open, but keep the accounting system fully ready/available during the work day. That gives the end user yet another option in interfacing with the software.
(end of Addsum comments, posted 3/7/2013)- April/May 2011: The CPA Practice Advisor (formerly The CPA Technology Advisor), 2011 Small Business Accounting: On-Premises category, Accounting for the Different Needs of SMB Clients, 4 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i r3 (Windows 32-bit).
- Excerpts from the 2011 review by Mary Girsch-Bock:
Advanced Accounting offers a highly scalable accounting software product. Well-known for its powerful point-of-sale module, Advanced Accounting also contains complete core accounting capability.
Advanced Accounting offers excellent point-of-sale functionality with templates and industry-specific features, which makes the product suitable for smaller retail businesses.
Sales tax levels are easily set up and maintained, with three levels of tax rates that can be assigned to each tax jurisdiction.
The Payroll module is solid and supports multi-location payroll with numerous user-defined fields for easy deduction tracking.
Users can set up more than 100 separate companies, with Advanced Accounting able to support hundreds of users simultaneously.
Advanced Accounting’s point-of-sale module easily integrates with the core accounting system and offers an excellent scope of features, including mail order processing, multiple tender types and the ability to track a comprehensive customer history.
Advanced Accounting integration means the system’s twelve modules work seamlessly together.
Advanced Accounting from Addsum Business Software is a highly scalable, completely integrated accounting software product designed for small to mid-sized businesses.
Affordable, and easily navigated, Advanced Accounting is a good fit for small retailers and contractors that require industry-specific features, a solid accounting function and a product that offers room to grow.- September 2010: The CPA Technology Advisor, 2010 Review of Retail/Point-of-Sale Systems, 4 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i (Windows 32-bit).
- Excerpts from the 2010 review by Mary Girsch-Bock:
Advanced Accounting offers a complete accounting suite along with an inclusive POS module. Built to be scalable, Advanced Accounting is suitable for single-user boutiques as well as stores with hundreds of users.
Advanced Accounting from Addsum Business Software is a completely integrated financial management suite with a basic POS module included.
Starting at $299 for a single-user system, Advanced Accounting can easily provide a complete front/back office financial solution for the small retail establishment.- September 2009: The CPA Technology Advisor, 2009 Review of Retail/Point-of-Sale Systems, 4 1/2 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 7i (Windows 32-bit). Link to 2009 review. The package received 5 stars for modules/scalability and for relative value.
- Excerpts from the 2009 review by Mary Girsch-Bock:
All of Advanced Accounting’s standard modules and add-ons integrate seamlessly. With its solid back-end customization capabilities, the program can also be modified to suit various types of retail businesses.
. . . it is ideal for small to mid-sized retailers with a need for strong front/back office processing.
Advanced Accounting is also extremely scalable, offering the capability to easily expand from a single-user system to providing support for hundreds of system users.
Each user interface can be configured to reflect each individual’s preferences.
Advanced Accounting provides a solid POS module. It’s affordably priced at $299 for a single user and $799.99 for unlimited users.
Unlike many of the products reviewed in this issue, Advanced Accounting offers complete accounting functionality along with the POS module.
Product tracking and performance is easily monitored. Customer information such as credit limit and year-to-date sales can also be tracked. Report processing screens contain all the necessary lookup options along with limited customization capability.
Advanced Accounting simplifies system setup, with sample accounts available along with the ability to import a chart of accounts from other software systems. The POS entry screen is easily navigated.
An excellent audit trail provides a detailed report of all transactions processed in the system, along with the register and clerk numbers. The price matrix in the Inventory Control module allows for defined discounts and markup percentages. Flat discount rates can also be used, if desired.
The new look of Advanced AccountingNovember 2007: The CPA Technology Advisor, 2007 Review of Point-of-Sale Systems, 4 1/2 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 6.1 (Windows 32-bit). Link to 2007 review. The package received 5 stars for modules/scalability.- Excerpts from the 2007 review by Mary Girsch-Bock:
Advanced Accounting from Addsum Business Software, Inc. offers retailers a complete accounting system along with a solid point-of-sale module. All modules are included with the purchase of the product, making Advanced Accounting very attractive to small businesses with limited budgets.
Advanced Accounting can be customized to suit a user’s needs, with source code available if desired. Custom modifications can also be performed by the vendor. Advanced Accounting can also easily expand as a business grows, with the ability to manage multi-location inventory.
Advanced Accounting would be an excellent choice for the smaller retail business that is looking to employ both front and back office functionality in a single product. And with the SQL version available, this is a system that a business will never outgrow.
- November 2006: The CPA Technology Advisor, Review of Point-of-Sale Systems -- 2006, 4 1/2 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 6.1 (Windows 32-bit). Link to 2006 review. The package received 5 stars for modules/scalability.
- Excerpt from the 2006 review Mary Girsch-Bock:
This is an excellent product that provides retailers an affordable POS solution along with a complete accounting package. While it does not contain all the bells and whistles that are found in some of the other programs reviewed here, its ease of use and affordability more than make up for that. For a small investment, you’ll have a POS/accounting program that you can use for a very long time.- December 2004: The CPA Technology Advisor, Point-Of-Sale Review, 4 1/2 stars (out of 5), Advanced Accounting version 6.1 (Windows 32-bit). Link to 2004 review. The software received an overall rating of 4 1/2 (out of 5) stars including 5 stars in the areas of modules/scalability, integration and relative value. The single-user Addsum Advanced Accounting version as well as the multi-user version version (by a significant margin) were the least expensive in the review of nine packages which included Intuit's QuickBooks/Point of Sale and Best Software's DacEasy/Point of Sale.
- Excerpt from the 2004 review authored by Brent Dirks:
Advanced Accounting provides all the basic tools needed to open your front office registers for business. This is a very economical package . . .- Late 2003: Tucows, rated 3 stars (highest rating that software products in its category were receiving at that time), Advanced Accounting version 6.1 (Windows 32-bit).
- October 1998: The CPA Software News, Point-Of-Sale Review, Top Ten, Advanced Accounting version 5.1 (DOS/Windows 16-bit). Excerpt from the review authored by David B. Moody, CPA:
Advanced Accounting for Windows is a slick product that tightly integrates POS functions with the accounting system. The POS module is well-designed to stand on its own as a complete product. Combined with the other inventory and accounting features, you have a product that will work well off-the-shelf for most small to medium-sized retailers.- October 1997: The CPA Software News, Point-Of-Sale Review, Innovative Approach to Compatibility,Top 15, Advanced Accounting version 5.1 (DOS/Windows 16-bit). Excerpt from the review authored by David B. Moody, CPA:
Advanced Accounting's POS program is a well-designed package for a small retail store. I was impressed with their Windows version and how it took good advantage of the environment while maintaing a consistent line with its ancestor DOS version.- June/July 1994: The CPA Software News, Mid-Range accounting, Advanced Accounting version 4.0 (DOS).
- April/May 1990: Computers in Accounting, Business Tools Advanced Accounting, Advanced Accounting 3.0, legacy predecessor product to Advanced Accounting. Excerpt from review authored by Louis Geller:
Advanced Accounting has a great deal to offer. It is a powerful, sophisticated, yet easy to use system with excellent record layouts and security functions.- November 16, 1987: InfoWorld, Accounting on a Budget: Entry-Level Accounting Systems, TAS-Books legacy predecessor product to Advanced Accounting
- September 15, 1987: PC Magazine, Making Every number Count: Economy Class Auditors, TAS-Books legacy predecessor product to Advanced Accounting