Here is a quick overview of some of our favorite accounting softwares that can help you get your finances in order. Instead of going to go in depth about each feature that each one offers, we will focus on what separates these from the competition, and what type of businesses they work best for. However, the links provided take you directly to the homepage of our top choices, where their features are listed. Regardless of which software you choose, you should look for one that at least automatically enters, records and analyzes data. All of the best softwares will also offer features for bill pay, invoicing, bookkeeping, payroll, financial reporting, and a way to keep track of expenses & receipts.
Quickbooks– Best overall, most popular
Quickbooks is one of the most common and trusted softwares, and is used by a large number of accounting professionals. This is a largely customizable, cloud-based software that you can access on your laptop or on the mobile app- ensuring you can tackle your finances on-the-go. This is voted the best overall service by many companies; such as, Hubspot, Investopedia, Business News Daily, and NerdWallet. This is the tried and true option for accountants, business owners, and freelancers alike. One of the great benefits of the popularity of Quickbooks is their integration with many different programs, such as Docusign, MailChimp, PayPal, and many more. Quickbooks also offers 24 hr support, many resources, and even a virtual bookkeeper to help keep you on track.
Price: $30/mo
Upgraded subscriptions (per month): $55, $85, $200.
Freshbooks– Best for service-based businesses, best for invoicing companies
If you are a service or subscription based company, then Freshbooks is the move for you! Many accounting softwares offer invoicing capabilities alongside their accounting features, but few do it as well as Freshbooks. Fresshbooks makes it extremely simple to customize invoices. You can easily set up recurring invoices- complete with auto-pay reminders & late fees. Similarly to QuickBooks, Freshbooks has a large network of business apps that it can integrate with, and they have a mobile app as well. If your business involves sending out a significant amount of invoices then this is the obvious choice for you.
Price: $15/mo
Upgraded subscriptions (per month): $25, $50, custom.
Xero– Best for micro-business, best for growing businesses, best for unlimited users
For growing businesses that are looking for a simple and easy to use solution for their accounting, Xero is one of the best options. This software integrates with GoCardless, Stripes, and with payroll service, Gusto. The reason it is a good move for growing businesses is that you can add an unlimited number users without upgrading your subscription. The most basic plan limits you to only 20 invoices and 5 bills per month, but the tiers above that don’t have a limit. Xero is another option that features cloud-based operation, a mobile app, and integration with a large network of business apps.
Price: $12/mo
Upgraded subscriptions (per month): $34, $65.
Melio– Best free accounts payable
Melio is an online business-to-business payment solution that can work alongside a full service software like one listed above. Melio allows businesses to get paid however they prefer- by ACH, check or credit card. Aside from a charge on some types of transactions, this program is completely free. No subscription needed! Besides affordability, Melio offers tools to set up, schedule, and track payments. You can also decide who you allow to access your accounts payable and receivables. To add on to that, it even syncs with Quickbooks and many other full service accounting programs. Melio is a great choice for you if you are simply looking for an easy and cost effective way to set up bill pay, send and receive invoices, and to get paid.
Any of these options are a great way to take steps toward a more efficient and organized company. However, if you’re doing things right, there may come a time when outsourcing your bookkeeping and accounting may actually lead to increased profitability for your business. To understand exactly what outsourcing these tasks can do for you, check out our article “How Can Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping Save You Time And Money?” If you feel overwhelmed with your books or feel like you can’t focus on running your actual business any more, then let us help you get back to your dream job! We offer remote bookkeeping, business solutions, and business consultation services that we can cater to best meet your needs. To experience the freedom that you wanted when you started your own business, contact us today for more information!
