Spreadsheet bookkeeping & alternatives
Since 2021, I maintain administrations for two companies in spreadsheets (LibreOffice Calc, not Excel, although the principles are the same). Originally, this was a delight of simplicity. But over time, I get the feeling that this is too simple: Whenever I want something more (e.g., a way to include past VAT errors in the upcoming VAT submission), it becomes harder and harder. Maybe time for something more serious? Some alternatives:
Build a database application
It really shouldn't be too hard to build a more-or-less complete bookkeeping system in MySQL. After all: I can do it in a spreadsheet, so I surely can do it in MySQL or MariaDB.
Probably the main problem: What kind of interface? How to develop it?
Some options concerning front-ends:
MySQL Workbench
I guess I can't really do that in MySQL Workbench:
- I even can't have dropdown boxes
- When I want to see e.g., all mutations over a month, I have to manually run a query.
Django Admin
HTML/CSS/PHP
Use plain HTML, CSS, PHP & maybe even JavaScript.
Argh. That doesn't sound like fun.
Framework
Use a framework, e.g, one for Python. Isn't Django such a framework?
Database Application Builders
Use a database application builder like NuBuilder: https://www.nubuilder.com/, AppSmith, etc.
PHPMyAdmin
Probably almost as bad as using MySQL Workbench.
Notion
I really like Notion. It would be cool if it's possible to develop a reasonably functioning bookkeeping system in it
Advantages
- You could create daybooks (just different views of the same data), to make entering mutations easier
- The user-friendliness of Notion
- Integration possibilities, like import
Disadvantages
Notion has some serious and often unexpected limitations. I doubt if it is sufficiently reliable. On the other hand: If it can be done in a spreadsheet, it can probably be done in Notion at least as well.
- Can you create a chart in Notion? E.g., of the montly average deposits in a bank account? → Yes, but only through API [1]
Existing resources
There is hope: https://www.notion.vip/insights/learn-notion-by-building-an-accounting-system
Also: https://akshayhallur.com/blog/notion-accounting-templates
WordPress
Creating a bookkeeping plugin in WordPress, seems quite straightforward to me. Indeed: https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/bookkeeping/
- CBX Accounting & Bookkeeping: Not double-sided bookkeeping, but a simpler way to keep track of some things - 300+ installations
- Akaunting for WooCommerce: Only a WooCommerce addon?
- Bizuno ERP/Accounting: Seems most promising
Traditional bookkeeping systems
Somehow, I really don't like this idea. I don't want to be stuck to something I'm likely to eventually hate. I think I rather keep messing with LibreOffice Calc, build something in Notion, or build a database application myself.