Rehash: Accounting Software Design Patterns

Question

Back in October, Kristopher Johnson asked about Accounting Software Design Patterns

He received several answers, but they were all basically the same, pointing to Martin Fowlers Accounting Patterns.

I don't really find Fowlers patterns all that useful. They seem overly complex for a more simplistic accounting system, so I'm rehashing Kristopher's question and looking for more options, preferably for smaller systems.

This would be primarily a cash based system in which users are given accounts similar to a bank. They can log in (web based) and check balances, make certain transactions, etc..

I guess it would be more similar to a Paypal or Credit Card company than a bank, but on a smaller scale. It won't have to deal with taxes, or Amortizations, or any of the things you would see in a full fledged accounting system. Just balances, and transactions.

So can anyone point to any additional resources for accounting based software design or even good implementations of a simple accounting system?

Answer 1

Fowler's patterns are not overly complex. They are about what is needed. You are unlikely to be able to build something simpler without getting in trouble with either the end users or the accountant.