The Nonprofit FAQ

What's a good Mac accounting program?

Richard Bryant, by way of Nick Gustafson, asked: We are looking for Mac software for the following functions: 1. Fund Accounting 2. Must be able to separate accounts into different departments 3. Track grant funding coming in at different times, fiscal years, etc. 4. Modular--such that additional "modules" could be purchased for different functions as the need arises. 5. Use software to keep track of two separate companies/organizations. Mark Kupferman replied: I ran a summer theatre on Mind Your Own Business (MYOB) and it was very effective in almost all of the areas you described above. The interface is also straight forward and relatively easy to use. The program is well supported (an update was released earlier this year which includes a VERY useful payroll system/module) and can generate reports right on the spot. In addition, the interface is consistant with Macintosh user interface guidelines, meaning you won't go into shock when you start to use it if you are a reasonably proficient Mac user. Something to keep in mind: It is not a multi-user program, i.e., two people can't work on the same file over a network (to my knowledge, at any rate) but then, it is really designed for small businesses (I think it would work for any business under a million, depending what you use it for). The account numbers are 4 digit with an additional prefix for account type so you can create a ridiculous number of different accounts, if you feel the need. The program is flexible enough to allow you to use it for point of sale, as we also use it as our box office program. DISCLAIMER: I don't work for, nor do I have any interest in the company that produces M.Y.O.B....I just happen to like the product a lot. A US reader provided feedback on this item in March 2008 and wrote: "MYOB now has a multi-user version, but it is very, very slow if 2 people are trying to actually work at the same time. Many other aspects of the program run slowly. If you're willing to pay the annual fee, technical help is very good." (The writer did not say what sort of machine this two-user system is running on. -- Ed.) Anne M Bracker sent a further update on 15 August 2009 using the Feedback feature of the Idealist website: Comment: I use MYOB multi-user and the speed has definitely improved, even in just a year or two. It's definitely a good idea to also purchase the technical support plan - if for no other reason than to make sure you get the free updates and timely notice of when those updates are released. We are using a G4 XServe server and the workstations are G5 iMacs running a 10.5 operating system. MYOB was bought by Acclivity sometime Spring/Summer 2009, but I haven't seen any difference other than the name change. Info about this purchase - http://www.myob-us.com/company/ For a more robust Mac accounting program, Big Business is a fantastic multi-user or single-user program (I have no stake in the company but my own business has been using it for over 10 years). But it's geared more toward inventory control and probably would be overkill for someone who doesn't need to take advantage of those features. Their website is http://www.bigbusiness.com NOTE: Updated information on this topic would be welcome. This items dates from the mid 1990s. Two-user info added 3/25/08 and updated 8/15/09 -- Ed.