Writing an accounts d'base

[GarryM]

I'm a newbie, so please be gentle! I'm not sure this is the correct place to post this but it seemed appropriate.

I'd appreciate opinions from the wise. I'm not a computer wiz but I managed to write a database for my business (property) in FMPro4 about 7 years ago. It has evolved over the years into about 20 related files and is vital to the running of my business. It does not (yet) tackle accounts for which I currently use an off the shelf package and I'm now considering trying to write an accounting database.

I'm very familiar with accounting practice but have never tried to do anything about it in FMPro. Has anyone done this and if so, is it a mammoth task? The more I think about it the more involved it seems! I don't wish to re-invent the wheel but I can see the benefits of having a solution tailored to my business (and one which I understand rather than being in the hands of a third party). I would write it in FMPro8 (have 7 but 8 seems much better).

Any suggestions appreciated (including "don't be ridiculous!" if you think so!) and please let me know if there is any literature or web sites that might help me.

Garry

[BrentHedden]

Well, I'm no accounting genius, but there are some templates that come with FileMaker that might work out OK for you. Or, at least you'll be able to "look under the hood" of how they were created. Then modify these templates for your use. I'm sure that there are other shareware/unlocked solutions that have 75% of the work already done for you, and then you can modify it to your own personal preference.

I suppose that an accounting program could get quite complicated, depending on the amount of information you wanted to work with.

[GarryM]

Thanks Brent.

I use MYOB at the moment which is a double entry system. I need to re-create that sort of complexity but without all the features that I don't use (obviously) but incorporating new features that suit me.

I've since managed to search this site and see that quite a few people have asked similar questions (note to self: search before asking questions!)

I can see there is no easy answer to my original question and it will be quite a challenge. It almost certainly makes no business sense for me to spend the time doing this but I take real pleasure in making something specific to my business. No doubt I will be back asking specific questions when I get stuck! This forum seems like a fantastic resource for people like me. Thanks again. ;)

[Foxy]

I'm looking for an accounting DBase to manage a role as Club Treasurer. If your hear of anything please let me know.