Top 10 Bookkeeping Software Platforms for 2023
As an accounting professional, having the right technology is crucial for running an efficient practice. In this post, I’ll dive deeper into 10 leading bookkeeping software tools to consider from comprehensive platforms to specialized systems.
Intuit QuickBooks: Best for Comprehensive Features
As one of the longest standing and widely-used small business accounting solutions on the market, QuickBooks Online or QBO offers just about everything needed for solid financial management. Robust features include accounts receivable/payable, invoicing, inventory, purchasing, financial reporting, bank reconciliation, and the list goes on. With strong mobile capabilities and over 100 integrations with popular apps, QBO provides outstanding end-to-end functionality. Pricing starts at $12 per month on the simplest plan up to $150 monthly for their top-tier Advanced plan supporting 10 users.
Zoho Books: Best Free Accounting Software
If you’re looking for solid no-cost bookkeeping software, Zoho Books is a top pick. This cloud-based system covers core financial tasks like automated bank feeds, invoice creation, project tracking and standard reports. It also provides inventory control and order fulfillment capacities. Support options range from community forums up to 24/7 live agents for paid subscriptions starting at just $9 monthly. The free forever plan supports unlimited users so it works for basic small business needs.
Sage Business Cloud Accounting: Best for Microbusinesses
Previously known as Sage One, Sage Business Cloud Accounting packs a powerful financial punch for solopreneurs and tiny teams. It makes bookkeeping extremely simple through features like a visual workflow timeline showing what tasks need attention, drag-and-drop financial report builder, mobile invoicing, reconciliation automation and more. Growing subscription plans start at $10 monthly.
FreshBooks: Best for Ease of Use
Another wonderful software option for simplifying bookkeeping is FreshBooks. It provides an incredibly user-friendly, intuitive interface to manage key accounting. Features like auto-categorization rules, smart payment reminder scheduling, multi-channel invoicing, expert invoice design templates and abundant reporting make financial tasks much less tedious. Plans range from $6 to $21 a month.
Xero: Best for Advanced Features
For small businesses wanting deeper analytics controls alongside solid bookkeeping functionality, Xero is a top-rated choice. With options like fixed assets management, foreign currency handling, over 250 app integrations and powerful business performance dashboard — Xero goes the extra mile on robust capabilities. Expect pricing between $11 to $48 monthly for growing plans.
AccountEdge Pro: Best for Inventory Management
Run an ecommerce company or retail operation? AccountEdge Pro deserves a close look. This Mac-based software has incredible inventory optimization skills like warehouse/bin management, batch inventory adjustments, assembly builds, and matrix inventory tracking. Mix comprehensive order fulfillment automation with full financials for a very complete package—at a reasonable $200 price for desktop software.
NetSuite: Best for Automation
Mid-market and enterprise players wanting truly streamlined, automated accounting should consider NetSuite. As a pioneer in cloud ERP technology combined with AI, NetSuite lets you continuously optimize financial processes. From self-driving invoices to instant revenue recognition to predictive analytics — it aims to let the software do the heavy lifting while you focus on big picture data-driven decisions. But robust capabilities come at an enterprise price point with quotes provided.
OneUp: Best for Scaling
High growth small businesses can benefit from OneUp designed specifically to handle dynamic accounting needs. OneUp equips you with fast automated workflows, customizable reporting, and multi-entity support so it flexibly adapts as your company changes. Starting at $33 a month, it easily connects to popular platforms like Stripe, PayPal, and Zapier.
ZarMoney: Best for Customization
Seeking niche accounting personalization? Browser-based ZarMoney lets you fully tailor financial workflows to match your precise needs with options low-code customization templates for specialized invoicing, account mapping, approvals and reporting. Unique requirements supported especially for ecommerce businesses. Starts at $15 monthly.
Neat: Best for Solopreneurs
Finally, Neat delivers simple, affordable bookkeeping automation for solopreneurs and very small outfits. Key features like seamless bank imports, receipt capture with auto-categorization, automated reminders and deadline scheduling provide major time savings. Plans start at just $4.16 a month paid annually—providing solid value.
Picking the right platform comes down to aligning technical capabilities, business needs and budget. Hopefully mapping out these leading bookkeeping systems gives helpful perspective as you evaluate options! Let me know what other software solutions you want to see covered in future posts.