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Desktop to cloud

A Cloud Alternative to Pastel Partner Desktop

Keep the double-entry accounting you know from Pastel Partner or Pastel Express, without the desktop install, the server, or the backups you have to remember to send your accountant.

Compare accounting plansGet a quote
Accounter browser-based accounting replacing a desktop accounting installation
Business plan
R300/month
Bookkeeper plan
R650/month
Accounting Practice plan
R900/month
Installs needed
None, runs in the browser
Moving your data
Assisted conversion

Who it is for

Choose a plan for the work you do

Pastel Partner and Pastel Express users deciding whether to keep a desktop installation, with its office server, backups and version updates, or move the books to browser-based accounting.

No company file, server or install to look after
Public ZAR plans: Business R300/month, Accounting Practice R900/month
Assisted conversion of your Pastel data when you are ready

What changes when you leave the desktop

The accounting stays familiar. What changes is where the books live and who can reach them.

  • Work from any browser, not one machine
  • Give your accountant a login instead of a backup
  • No version upgrades to install

What stays the same

Accounter is double-entry accounting software built for South African businesses, so the concepts you use in Pastel carry over.

  • Chart of accounts and trial balance
  • Customers, suppliers and age analysis
  • VAT at 15% and South African tax-year reporting

Decision support

What changes when you move to Accounter

Where the books live
Pastel on a desktop or serverA company file on one PC or the office server
With AccounterIn the browser, from the office or anywhere else
Working with your accountant
Pastel on a desktop or serverBackups are copied, emailed or collected and restored
With AccounterYour accountant works in the same books with their own login
Backups and updates
Pastel on a desktop or serverSomeone in the business has to run backups and install updates
With AccounterHosted software with no installs on your machines
Pricing
Pastel on a desktop or serverLicence and support costs depend on the Sage product and licence
With AccounterPublic monthly ZAR plans from R300/month

Tools and next steps

Move from research to action

Compare the features and costs, or try a tool for the bookkeeping task you need to finish today.

Accounter vs Pastel comparisonPastel Partner data conversionAccounting plan pricingCloud readiness assessment

Frequently asked questions

What is a cloud alternative to Pastel Partner?

Browser-based accounting software that keeps the double-entry ledger, chart of accounts, customers, suppliers and VAT workflows you use in Pastel, without a company file installed on a PC or server. Accounter is one South African option, with public ZAR pricing.

Is Accounter a replacement for Pastel Express too?

Yes, for businesses that use Pastel Express for invoicing, supplier bills, bank reconciliation, VAT and reports. Check the features you depend on against the Accounter vs Pastel comparison before you switch.

Can Accounter open my Pastel company files?

No. Accounter does not open or sync with Pastel files. Moving across uses an assisted conversion from reports you export from Pastel.

Do I lose my Pastel history if I move?

No. Your Pastel data stays where it is. Keep your final Pastel reports as the archive of earlier years and start the new period in Accounter with opening balances.

When should I switch away from Pastel desktop?

The cleanest point is your financial year-end, or before you renew a desktop licence or support contract for another year. Take the cloud readiness assessment first if you are unsure whether your team is ready.

Reviewed and sourced

Last reviewed 2026-07-18. Tax and VAT references use official SARS sources where applicable.

SARS value-added taxSARS VAT registration threshold FAQSARS VAT changes for SMMEsSARS Budget 2026 FAQsSARS rates of tax for individualsSARS personal income taxAccounter pricing page