Over recent years, the number of people working for themselves has increased significantly.
One thing that is essential is a little guiding hand however. Ongoing support is also important, with outsourced accountancy a prime example of this, and getting your books in order is naturally one of the most important tasks for any entrepreneur.
There are also a number of tools freely available to help ensure those books are well looked after in other ways too. Used correctly and working alongside strong bookkeeping practices, they will help boost profits and drive growth.
Here are the five best apps that anyone self-employed or running their own small business should take a look at:
1. Hours Tracker
This is perfect for those charging by the hour and, could likely be used by many outsourced providers to optimize your contract with them.
The app is ideal for tracking exactly how much time is spent on particular projects, client accounts, and other activities. Able to manage numerous accounts, pay rates, and job history, it works like a simple clocking in and out tool.
Typically just $4.99, some features are charged an extra $0.99. A full package is available at $9.99 annually.
2. Evernote
A free app, Evernote is popular with organizations large and small.
It’s the perfect tool for storing all sorts of materials, from notes and images to audio and video files. It’s also able to be synchronized across any number of mobile devices and PCs.
3. mSecure Password Manager
Available for your mobile device as well as for a desktop computer, this is the best way to store all of your passwords as securely as possible.
It works like an encrypted vault for any sensitive data – a little like the best human brain with instant and 100% accurate memory recall.
It’s priced at $9.99 for the mobile version and $19.99 for the desktop equivalent.
4. Triplog – GPS Mileage
Another freebie, this handy piece of gadgetry allows your every move to be tracked as you drive from location to location.
It makes putting in tax claims simple and straightforward, helps your outsourced accounts team keep a track of tax details and can even keep records of other information, such as repair and maintenance bills.
An extra $0.99 (as needed) or a one off $4.99 (forever) payment will see you able to export records in Excel too.
5. Square Register
Yet another freely available app, Square is tailored for those accepting card payments.
Working with its accompanying card reader, which plugs into most smartphones and tablets, linking your bank account is all that is needed to get going.
Once set up, you’re good to go for accepting Amex, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa payments
The app also allows for digital signatures, tips, and e-receipts via an SMS message or email for the customer. For business owners, an easy to use dashboard allows the convenient management of payments, from reviewing transactions to issuing refunds.
The app and reader are free, with each transaction charged at 2.75% per swipe.