Now in its fifteenth version, MYOB Accounting is a well established small business accounting package available for both Windows PCs and Apple Mac platforms. Primarily aimed at users with at least a basic knowledge of book-keeping, it is nonetheless relatively easy to learn, with a separate Business Basics version (£68 + VAT) for start-ups and sole traders with less financial know-how.

The Accounting Plus package we tested is designed for the larger organisation looking for additional time billing, stock control and multi-currency options on top of the usual sales and purchase ledgers, VAT accounting and payroll facilities of the base MYOB package. It also allows networked users to work jointly on the same company file, although additional licences are required if you want to exploit this option.

Installation is straightforward with a wizard-driven setup tool to create the core company file. However, as with the package as a whole, a knowledge of accounting terms is assumed which can be a little daunting for the novice. On the plus side, sample profiles for different business types are provided along with a reasonable user manual and a tutorial which, together with setup assistants, help explain and configure the various options.

A colourful and intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through the software, with separate command centres for managing the underlying chart of accounts, banking transactions, sales and purchasing, stock control, time billing and payroll options. Of course, as with any accounts package, you have to do things in the right order and some of the jargon can take time to get used to, but we didn't find it particularly hard despite only a basic knowledge of accounting practices.

Among the things we liked most were the ability to import existing customer, supplier, stock and other lists, which is very useful when first starting. Integration with Word and Excel is another plus, and we also liked the built-in editor for customising invoices and other forms. You can also e-mail purchase orders and invoices rather than just print them out and rely on the vagaries of the post office.

Flexible VAT accounting is yet another key feature, along with over 170 customisable forms and reports, plus a new ODBC driver to access the MYOB data from other applications.

The payroll, too, proved very straightforward to use and the MYOB package is accredited by HM Revenue and Customs, which means you can use it for e-filing of PAYE and other returns, thus qualifying for the tax incentives currently offered. However, you do need to keep the tax tables up to date, which adds to the cost, and the updates are managed outside the main package which is a bit of a pain.

As well as end users, the MYOB software is suited to use by accountancy practices, while for those companies who need help a ready supply of professional advisors is also on tap with a database of consultants on the MYOB Web site. However, unlike some rival products, there aren't many add-on tools or services available from third parties. So, for example, you can't process credit/debit card transactions or BACS payments through the MYOB package, nor integrate the software directly into an online application at present.

Still, if it's basic business accounting you're after, MYOB Accounting has just about everything you could need and compares well with the competition on both functionality and price.

MYOB provides all the tools needed to manage small business accounts, with time billing and stock control being useful extras in the Plus version. Despite being aimed at the book-keeping professional rather than the novice or occasional user, it's not that difficult to master, with an intuitive user interface and plenty of online and wizard help.