Background

Shoebooks was established in 2002 to develop an online accounting software application to offer a unique solution to small to medium businesses that would allow them to take advantage of the benefits of a web based software application.
 
Shoebooks software was developed for business managers with their accountants interaction in mind.

The initial objective was to offer online software that would allow clients to view reports and provide feedback on questions relating to the processing of their information. The initial front end launched in 2003 allowed clients to view the results (reports) of the bookkeeping process and view individual transaction details. At this stage they could not input any information. Over the course of the next year the software was extended so that clients could add/edit invoices, bills and banking transactions. 

As the software evolved the focus of primarily being a delivery method to report to and collect information from clients switched to becoming a full featured double entry accounting system to compete with other mainstream accounting software packages. The advantages of being web based were identified as:

• Accessible from any geographical location which supports modern workplaces where staff can work from home or for organisations that were spread across multiple locations.
• Support outsource bookkeeping services as client and bookkeeper can access the software at the same time.
• Ability for accountant and business advisers to have real time access without the need to exchange backup disks.
• Remove the risk of computer security issues such as viruses, backup & hardware malfunctions.
• Take advantage of other services being offered online such as online banking systems. Being web based communicating with other systems is possible without the need for an import/export process.

The Shoebooks software is now a fully feature accounting package delivered over the internet. The software is used by a wide range of businesses in diverse sectors such as hospitality, communications & medical services to name a few. Shoebooks software is operated independtly as an accounting and payroll package by many of our clients.
 
At the same time the software was being developed Shoebooks also built an outsourced bookkeeping and payroll services business. Initial clients were sought primariliy to test the software's functionaility. Over the past 5 years Shoebook services offering has been tailored around the Shoebooks Software offering a unique solution to small to medium businesses.