Top 13 Accounting Software for Small Businesses
Accounting Software for Small Businesses – Financial data about a small business can be gathered and reported using accounting software. This program is essential for running a business efficiently.
Accounting software is useful for small business owners because it allows them to keep tabs on their money coming in and going out, gain insight into their profitability, and prepare for tax time.
When it comes to financial applications, a small business can get by with “out-of-the-box” software rather than requiring comprehensive personalization.
Also, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system tailored to an organization’s specific demands is often required to keep up with the increasing complexity of a growing company’s financial transactions.
Small businesses can choose from various accounting software options with their features and price points. Accounting software selection for small businesses can be aided by industry and employee numbers.
On the other hand, so many options are now available that picking one may seem difficult. To aid you in finding the best accounting software for your small business, we have compiled a list of the top software available.
What does Accounting Software for Small Businesses Do?
Accounting software is one of the most crucial solutions for the success of your business, and it is not something that every new business owner immediately thinks about.
The compilation is simplified, and the closing of books is sped up, all thanks to the automation of most accounting software packages.
In addition to helping you keep track of your cash flow, profits, and expenses, accounting software is a valuable tool for small business owners.
A small business’s accounting software should be able to safely store massive amounts of data and give you up-to-the-minute details on how the business is doing financially. Standard accounting software usually includes extras like payroll and inventory management.
Types of Accounting Software
Understanding the various accounting software types and when to apply them is crucial before settling on a solution. The various types of accounting software are categorized below:
01 Spreadsheets
An electronic spreadsheet can serve as adequate accounting software for a reasonably sized business. The system may be set up in any way you like, and the spreadsheet program is quite cheap.
Inaccurate financial accounts can occur from spreadsheets since data entry mistakes, omissions, and duplications are often used, which means that spreadsheets are only practical for businesses with minimal daily transactions.
02 Commercially-Available Software
Worldwide, most businesses and individuals rely on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software to keep their financial records.
It has several layers of error detection to prevent the entering of inaccurate information. Also, it produces standard reports that can typically be adjusted to the user’s needs, making it a good fit for most businesses.
Furthermore, industry-specific COTS packages exist, tailoring additional functionality to meet the demands of a select clientele.
Depending on the program’s complexity, implementing COTS may necessitate the help of consultants, a significant amount of time, and the presence of dedicated personnel.
03 Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP)
One may find the data from every company’s department in one central location with the help of ERP software.
The inefficiencies caused by siloed, department-specific applications that cannot exchange data are thus avoided.
Nonetheless, it is extremely costly, and the setup time might take more than a year. Only the largest and most complicated companies typically require this type of software.
04 Custom Accounting Software
This software is specifically designed for a certain business. This method is employed seldom and only if the organization has very particular requirements that can’t be addressed by a COTS or ERP solution.
Notwithstanding, this strategy is rarely implemented because proprietary software is notorious for being unstable and requiring more upkeep than pre-packaged solutions.
Accounting Software for Small Businesses
1/13 Freshbooks
FreshBooks is an online accounting service for small businesses. The package includes invoicing, expenditure tracking, time tracking, company reporting, and the ability to accept credit card payments.
Its user-friendly interface assures you’ll be up and running quickly. In addition, it is simple but has depth.
One may bill in any currency, save time by setting up recurring invoices, allow clients to pay by credit card by checking a box, and automatically bill their credit card.
Integrated services include PayPal, MailChimp, Basecamp, WordPress, Gusto, Zendesk, and more. This software has fewer management headaches.
Also, you can access and utilize the system from your desktop or its free iOS and Android apps, and there’s no need to worry about backups. Try FreshBooks for 30 days without a credit card if you’re interested.
2/13 QuickBooks
QuickBooks is well-known accounting software. It’s owned by Intuit, which has other alternatives for small and large businesses, including Turbotax, Mint, and Proconnect.
QuickBooks has desktop and online versions. QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Self-Employed, QuickBooks Online Advanced, QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping, QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, QuickBooks Desktop Pro, QuickBooks Premier, and QuickBooks Enterprise are available.
Additionally, you can develop a custom QuickBooks package if you require a more customized alternative. You may also download the QuickBooks app on both iOS and Android gadgets.
Also, due to the enormous number of QuickBooks-based products, it’s advisable to check the website for the latest information on pricing, versions, and promotions.
3/13 Xero
Xero’s low-cost Early plan account may attract you, but its limitations include a limit of five invoices, five bills, and 20 bank transactions. If you can live with the limits, there are benefits.
The solution offers smart spending tracking and management on Android and iOS mobile apps. Dozens of customizable reports, simple budgeting, and no constraints on additional users or accountants accessing data.
Xero Growing is a better offer if invoicing, bank, or billing troubles are a problem. You can issue as many invoices and enter as many bills for more money.
Xero is easy to use and has many financial features for small businesses, including a “convert your QuickBooks files” option. There’s greater value elsewhere if you don’t need all that power.
4/13 Zoho Books
Zoho Books is part of a larger Indian enterprise offering solutions for everyone. With its clean and easy cloud-based interface, Zoho Books is a cost-effective alternative for freelancers, sole traders, and small businesses.
Zoho Books is a good desktop option and offers a good mobile app. The basic plan has a restricted number of contacts, two users (you and your accountant), and five automatic workflows.
The Standard package includes 500 contacts, three users, and ten automated workflows. The Professional package offers 500 contacts, ten users, and ten automated workflows.
You can sign up for a yearly package and save two months. Additionally, Zoho offers add-ons, which are listed on its website. Also, a 14-day trial is offered.
5/13 Kashoo
Selecting accounting software means studying a lengthy comparison table and checking for hidden catches. Kashoo avoids it and provides everything you need.
Kashoo’s multi-currency compatibility is crucial in today’s global economy. It accepts Amex, Visa, and Mastercard for a low fee. You get limitless invoicing and online account reconciliation with over 5,000 banks.
This product’s clean UI and dashboard provide a good overview of your financial condition. Kashoo offers customer care through email, phone, live chat, and social media. The company will even answer a letter.
Android users are left out because there is just an iOS app. Also, Kashoo has a 14-day trial for new users.
6/13 Sage Accounting
Sage Accounting’s transparent pricing is a plus. Sage’s premium plan offers good value and a 30-day free trial. You may also download the Sage Accounting app on iOS and Android devices.
Modules to manage quotations, invoices, VAT online, smart bank feeds, and reconciliation, cash flow forecasts, thorough reporting, various currency support, project tracking, and more are included.
All of this is well-organized and user-friendly. If you run into problems, extensive web assistance and video training are just a click away, and “free unlimited 24/7 telephone and email support” should put any newcomer at ease.
Sage’s Accounting Start is a basic service. It doesn’t support quotations, estimates, vendor invoices, or cash flow forecasts, but it may be enough for start-ups and small businesses.
7/13 Wave
Wave is one of the most popular online accounting software. It’s free for accounting, invoicing, and receipts, but you must pay for technical assistance.
Also, payroll isn’t included, and you get ads like any free internet service. It’s a well-designed and well-thought-out program, but it’s too basic for medium-sized organizations.
It’s an excellent alternative for sole traders, freelancers, and small businesses. You may also download the Wave app on iOS and Android devices.
Wave is free, but you pay per transaction. Start-ups and businesses with little sales volume may not care, while large businesses may discover a more competitive pricing plan.
8/13 KashFlow
KashFlow keeps things easy, which is good when managing finances and taxes. You can utilize this cloud-based software from anywhere with internet access.
The service has various accounting, payroll, and HR features. The starter package is for solo proprietors, contractors, and small businesses.
Furthermore, you can submit unlimited bids and ten invoices and reconcile 25 bank transactions. It has a single-user account, integrates with bank feeds, and includes a mobile app and a configurable dashboard.
Growing and limited companies use the Business edition, which allows infinite quotations, invoices, and bank transactions. It’s multiuser and allows online VAT returns.
In addition, KashFlow’s Business and Payroll bundle include all of the above features plus payroll.
Top Free Accounting Software for Small Businesses
9/13 ZipBooks
ZipBooks is accounting software with an up-to-date user interface and a wealth of useful features. It claims to streamline accounting processes, allowing users to spend less time on the chore and more time focusing on other priorities.
If you’re just getting started, the Starter plan is free. Unlike some competing free accounting services, it doesn’t limit the number of invoices you can send or the number of clients you can have.
It also supports accepting payments via PayPal and major credit cards and may be used for limitless bookkeeping.
Intelligent tagging and other high-level capabilities like in-depth reporting and artificial intelligence are available only at the premium levels, which cost money.
10/13 Money Manager Ex
Money Manager Ex is another excellent free software with a professional look and feels and a feature set that can compete with commercial software.
It’s simple to use, so you can start processing transactions and maintaining your accounts immediately.
Due to its ease of use, Money Manager Ex is a great option for personal or small business budgeting.
This free accounting app is portable and may be used without installing it on your computer. If you own an Android device, you may download a mobile app to manage your finances on the go.
11/13 GnuCash
GnuCash is an open-source piece of accounting software created as an alternative to commercially available software like Intuit’s Quicken for individuals and small businesses.
Since the late 1990s, this software has been around and is now compatible with Linux, GNU, OpenBSD, Android, macOS, and Microsoft Windows.
It’s able to deal with numerous currencies, cards, and accounts, and it can generate invoices, credit notes, accounts payable/receivable, employee costs, and some payroll features.
Furthermore, its adaptability makes it a top pick for home-based enterprises’ bookkeeping needs.
12/13 VT Cash Book
VT Cash Book has a poor design, but that’s not why it’s there. All that matters is that it accurately records your daily cash transactions with as little effort as possible.
It allows you to construct profit and loss, balance sheets, and ledgers, and it has a feature called “Autocomplete” that makes entering data faster.
It also supports numerous bank accounts and reconciliations and can be used to prepare VAT returns. In addition to the premium VT Transaction+, the free accounting software can be installed and used independently.
13/13 Adminsoft Accounts
Accounting software Adminsoft Accounts can be obtained without cost because it relies on advertising to support itself. Considering it’s free, it’s a remarkably robust accounting tool (and a surprisingly forthright agreement to terms).
Not only can it process invoices and statements, but it can also manage inventory, issue purchase orders, create budgets, and assist with human resource tasks.
The program’s default currency is the British pound; however, it can be used without problems with other currencies.
A premium edition is available for those who wish to use the program commercial-free; adding AutoManager or Shop/Cafe Manager to the package raises the price somewhat.
What Criteria did we use to Choose the Top Accounting Software?
Different aspects were taken into consideration. As a starting point, we compared the tools available in each program and how they might serve a small business.
The cost of each software was then evaluated to determine which would be most practical for small businesses. After that, we thought about each program’s user-friendliness and help resources.
Real customers’ experiences were compared to the product’s advertising to ensure they were tallied.
Like the rest of your business software, the top accounting software should be versatile and easy to customize to meet your specific needs.
Into the bargain, it should also be compatible with your existing programs, apps, and cloud-based solutions.
Related: 9 Best Free Accounting Apps 2022
We hope you find this information helpful. Please use any of the share buttons below to share this information.
Feel free to drop any questions or contributions regarding this article in the comment section below.