Which accounting software is right for your business?
For freelancers and small businesses in Germany who are choosing accounting software or are stuck with the one they have. I look at how your bookkeeping works today, recommend the software that fits and work out with you how receipts, bank transactions and numbers will flow from now on. So the choice no longer depends on what your tax advisor is used to.
BAFA can fund 50 or 80% of this consultation, on eligible costs of up to €3,500.Why choosing is so hard
Lexware Office, sevDesk, BuchhaltungsButler, DATEV, Papierkram. There's a lot to choose from and the marketing all sounds alike. Which software fits your business mainly depends on how invoices, payments and receipts actually work for you.
Often the accounting firm picked the software because that's what they use themselves. Then your data sits in the tax advisor's DATEV, you wait for reports, and every month starts with hunting for receipts.
In the consultation I look at your situation, recommend the software and define the process. If you like, I set it up with you afterwards.
Software I work with →What you take away from the consultation
After the consultation you have everything in writing and can start the setup right away.
Review of your current setup
I look at your business model, how you get paid and the software you use today.
Software recommendation
You get a recommendation with reasons and one alternative. I list my partnerships on the Software page.
Bookkeeping process
I define how receipts, bank transactions and invoices move from arrival to the finished booking and who does what. If you like, with a fixed handover to your tax advisor.
Plan for the switch
Order, timing and what happens to the data in your current software.
Written documentation
Everything we decide, you get in writing, as the basis for the setup.
More than 30 programs from my client projects
I've set up most accounting programs on the German market myself, for clients. My recommendations come from those projects.
Up to 80% funded by BAFA
I'm registered with BAFA (Germany's Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control) as a consultant in the programme “Förderung von Unternehmensberatungen für KMU”, which funds consulting for small and medium-sized businesses. That's why this consultation can be funded, at 50 or 80% depending on where your business is based, on eligible consulting costs of up to €3,500. You apply before the consultation starts, and I help you with the application. We only sign the consulting contract once BAFA has confirmed your application.
- For freelancers and small businesses based in Germany
- Grant of up to €2,800 (80% of €3,500)
- Consulting contract only after BAFA has confirmed the application
How the consultation works
Free info call
15 minutes. We look at how your bookkeeping works today and whether the consultation is a good fit.
Application and preparation
If you use the BAFA funding, you apply first. Once BAFA has confirmed it, we sign the consulting contract. Then you fill in a short questionnaire so I can prepare.
Consulting
Online, in one or more sessions depending on the scope. We decide on the software and the process together.
Documentation and questions
You get everything in writing and can ask me questions about the implementation for two weeks.
What clients say about working with me
“Sandra is the go-to expert for setting up automated accounting in Germany. She was very patient with me, always available for answering my questions. Very supportive. Highly recommend her.”
“She was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her expertise in accounting automation helped us streamline our processes significantly.”
“Sandra is one of a kind in her unique mix of great analytical & entrepreneurial thinking and hands-on mentality.”
Common questions
Which accounting software is the right one?
It depends on how you work. For a very simple sole proprietorship, simple software is often enough. With lots of receipts, several bank accounts or online sales you need more automation. If you're deciding between sevDesk and BuchhaltungsButler, I've compared them here.
Do I have to use DATEV because my tax advisor does?
No. Your tax advisor can take over the data from other programs through a DATEV export. Which software you use is your decision.
Do you also set up the software?
Yes, if you like. The setup is a separate project. BAFA only funds the consultation, not the setup.
When is the best time to switch?
It's easiest at the start of a month or a financial year. In the consultation we decide which data is carried over and what stays in the old software.
I record your day-to-day business transactions and prepare your VAT returns and year-end closing up to the final step. You or a tax advisor of your choice then submit them.
Not sure which software fits?
Let's talk for 15 minutes about how your bookkeeping works today.