20 Best Restaurant Accounting Software Reviewed In 2024
10 Best Restaurant Accounting Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Restaurant accounting software is a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can improve payout accuracy and simplify expense tracking. However, finding the right restaurant accounting software can be challenging, especially with so many available options.
Using my experience with accounting and finance software, I tested and compared several of the top restaurant accounting solutions available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best Restaurant Accounting Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top restaurant accounting software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| FreeAgent | From $13.50/user/month | Website |
| Plooto | From $9/month | Website |
| Fincent | From $299/month | Website |
| Digits | $99/month | Website |
| Manager | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Wave | From $14/month | Website |
| LessAccounting | From $199/month | Website |
| Odoo | From $25/user/month | Website |
| ZipBooks | From $15/user/month | Website |
| Aplos | From $29.50/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose Restaurant Accounting Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. Here's a checklist of factors to remember to help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process.
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will it grow with your business? |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools? |
| Customizability | Can you adjust features to fit your team’s needs? |
| Ease of Use | Is it easy for your team to learn and use? |
| Budget | Does it align with your budget constraints? |
| Security Safeguards | Does it meet your security standards? |
| Support Options | Is customer support readily available when you need it? |
| Reporting | Does it offer reports that match your analysis needs? |
Best Restaurant Accounting Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best restaurant accounting software on my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at each tool’s key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one for you.
FreeAgent is an accounting solution designed for small business owners who need an easy way to manage their finances. It supports core accounting tasks and helps users with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax management.
Why I picked FreeAgent:
FreeAgent is especially suited for UK-based businesses, offering features aligned with UK tax laws and HMRC compliance. It includes VAT support, letting you manage VAT submissions directly to HMRC. FreeAgent also provides self-assessment tools, simplifying tax filing for small business owners. With automatic bank feeds, you can easily track income and expenses, keeping financial data accurate and up-to-date.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a time-tracking tool that makes it easy to log billable hours and convert them into invoices. FreeAgent also offers project management features, allowing you to track income and expenses by project. The cash flow dashboard also provides a clear view of your finances, helping you manage business funds more effectively.
Integrations include Stripe, GoCardless, HMRC, Zapier, TransferWise, Dropbox, Google Contacts, Slack, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable invoicing options
- Project-based financial tracking
- Built-in time tracking for billable hours
Cons:
- Some learning curve for first-time users
- Limited advanced analytics options
Plooto is a payment processing and accounts payable tool designed to help businesses manage their financial transactions. It’s geared toward teams who need a secure, streamlined way to handle payments and maintain clear transaction records.
Why I Picked Plooto:
Plooto automates the payment workflow, allowing you to make and receive payments without switching between multiple systems. With approval workflows, you can ensure each payment is authorized before processing. Plooto’s direct bank integrations make paying vendors domestically and internationally simple. Additionally, the built-in audit trails give you a record of each transaction for quick reference.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include automated recurring payments, which help you set up scheduled payments for regular expenses. The platform also offers bulk payment processing, letting you handle multiple transactions at once for greater efficiency. Additionally, Plooto provides detailed payment tracking so that you can monitor each transaction’s status in real time.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Plaid, Wells Fargo, Chase, RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, and American Express.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure with two-factor authentication
- Handles bulk payments in one step
- Streamlines complex approval workflows
Cons:
- Lacks in-depth data analytics
- Limited reporting customization options
Fincent is an accounting solution that simplifies financial management for small and medium businesses. It focuses on making reporting and transaction tracking more accessible so that users can get clear, actionable insights into their financial data.
Why I picked Fincent:
Fincent offers tailored reporting tools that allow you to create reports based on your specific financial needs. It includes customizable dashboards, giving you an overview of your financial health. With automated categorization of expenses and revenue, you can save time on manual entries. The software also lets you set up reminders for recurring transactions, keeping you on top of regular expenses.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include automated bank reconciliation, allowing your team to match transactions effortlessly and reduce errors. The recurring invoice tool helps you schedule invoices for repeat clients, saving you time each month. Additionally, Fincent’s financial forecasting feature offers insights into projected cash flow, supporting better planning for future expenses.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, PayPal, Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Etsy, Square, and Gusto.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Recurring invoicing simplifies the billing process
- Automated bank reconciliation saves time
- Customizable financial reports for specific needs
Cons:
- Some setup is required for customization
- Limited scalability for larger businesses
Digits is a software tool that gives users real-time financial insights and clarity on their business finances. It’s intended for business owners and teams that need an easy way to track, analyze, and understand financial data.
Why I picked Digits:
Digits helps you see financial details at a glance through automatic updates and visual insights. With dynamic financial statements and live dashboards, your team can easily monitor financial trends without manual calculations. Digits also offers transaction categorization, which saves time and helps with accuracy in financial tracking. The software’s insights feature also uses automation to highlight key trends and unusual activities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include interactive data visualizations that make it easy to interpret financial information. Digits also offer real-time transaction syncing, so your team always uses up-to-date data. The automatic categorization feature helps you quickly group expenses, saving time on manual entry.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto, Bill.com, Stripe, Square, Shopify, PayPal, Plaid, and American Express.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reduces manual transaction categorization
- Detailed visual insights into data
- Real-time financial updates
Cons:
- High learning curve for new users
- Limited industry-specific templates
Manager is a flexible software solution designed to help users handle financial tasks efficiently across various industries. It offers tools for organizing and managing essential accounting tasks, making it suitable for businesses that require precise financial tracking and reporting.
Why I Picked Manager:
It’s handy for teams that handle multiple currencies, allowing users to manage finances without manual conversions. Features like automatic currency adjustments and multi-currency bank accounts help you track international transactions accurately. You’ll also find it easy to customize reports in different currencies, which makes cross-border transactions and financial tracking far simpler.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include unlimited, customizable invoices, so you can adjust billing formats to suit your team’s needs. The built-in inventory management tool helps track stock levels and monitor inventory-related expenses. Additionally, Manager provides an audit trail feature, allowing you to record financial changes for greater transparency.
Integrations include WooCommerce, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Shopify, Amazon, Google Sheets, QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible inventory tracking options
- Supports offline access
- Customizable reports
Cons:
- Complex for beginners
- Limited mobile app functionality
Wave is a free accounting software designed for small business owners who need essential accounting features without the cost. It covers core functions like invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, supporting users in staying on top of their finances.
Why I picked Wave:
Wave’s free features make it a solid choice for small teams or businesses with limited budgets. It includes unlimited invoicing, allowing you to create and send invoices without cap. The expense tracking tool lets you organize and categorize business expenses, making it easier to see where funds go. Additionally, Wave’s dashboard provides a clear overview of income, costs, and cash flow, supporting efficient financial management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include payroll services that allow you to manage payroll directly in the platform, ensuring accurate and timely payments. Wave also offers receipt scanning, so you can snap pictures of receipts and link them to transactions for better record-keeping. It also provides detailed financial reporting, giving insights into income, expenses, and profit margins.
Integrations include PayPal, Shopify, Etsy, Zapier, Shoeboxed, Stripe, Google Sheets, HubSpot, QuickBooks, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Clear reporting for financial insights
- Automatic categorization for expenses
- Receipt scanning simplifies record-keeping
Cons:
- Lacks advanced budgeting tools
- Limited support options
LessAccounting is a straightforward tool designed for small businesses that need to track income and expenses with minimal hassle. It focuses on essential financial functions, making it a fit for users who want simplicity in their accounting processes.
Why I picked LessAccounting:
LessAccounting provides a simple expense-tracking solution, ideal for those who prefer a simplified approach. It includes an invoicing feature that lets you quickly create and send invoices without complex steps. The expense categorization feature automatically organizes your transactions, helping you save time on manual entry. Additionally, it offers mileage tracking, making it a good choice if you have regular business travel.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include double-entry accounting, which simplifies balancing your books. LessAccounting also offers cash flow tracking, helping you see where money is coming in and going out. It also includes a tax checklist to prepare you for tax season with clear documentation.
Integrations include Stripe, Square, FreshBooks, QuickBooks Online, Expensify, Basecamp, Shopify, Xero, and Harvest.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tax checklist keeps you organized
- Offers mileage tracking for business trips
- Simple setup with minimal configuration
Cons:
- Lacks detailed analytics and forecasting
- No real-time collaboration features
Odoo is a versatile business management software that offers accounting, point-of-sale (POS), inventory management, and more. It’s designed for businesses seeking a unified platform to manage various operations from one place.
Why I picked Odoo:
Odoo’s integration of POS with accounting makes it especially useful for teams managing sales and financial data. With its POS feature, transactions are recorded in real time and instantly reflected in your accounting dashboard. The software supports multi-location operations, allowing you to manage different outlets and inventory in one system. Its customizable reporting tools also help track sales and expenses, providing insights into each location’s performance.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include automated bank reconciliation, which lets you match and verify transactions efficiently. Odoo also offers customizable invoicing, allowing you to create branded invoices with specific terms and templates. Additionally, its multi-currency support helps you handle transactions in different currencies, which is helpful if your business operates internationally.
Integrations include WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Shopify, QuickBooks, Stripe, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-currency support for global transactions
- Customizable invoicing options
- POS integration syncs with accounting
Cons:
- Some features may need separate modules
- Steeper learning curve for new users
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software for small businesses needing essential accounting functions. It offers tools to manage invoices, expenses, and reporting, making it ideal for straightforward financial management.
Why I picked ZipBooks:
ZipBooks focuses on simplifying invoicing with features like easy template customization so you can create professional invoices quickly. The automatic payment reminders help reduce delays, keeping your cash flow steady. You can also track invoice statuses to know when clients view and pay, adding transparency to your invoicing process.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include intelligent insights, offering real-time analytics on your finances to help you make informed business decisions. ZipBooks also has a built-in time tracker, so you can accurately track project billable hours. Additionally, the auto-categorization feature helps you keep expenses organized without manual sorting.
Integrations include Square, Stripe, Gusto, Zapier, Google Drive, Slack, Xero, and FreshBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Auto-categorization for easier bookkeeping
- Time tracking integrates smoothly with invoicing
- Simple to set up recurring invoices
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large businesses
- Not ideal for complex accounting tasks
Aplos is an accounting software that focuses on the needs of organizations requiring specialized financial tracking. It’s primarily designed for users who need fund accounting, donation tracking, and budget management.
Why I picked Aplos:
Aplos supports nonprofit-specific features that make managing fund accounting and donations easy, which can be crucial for nonprofit restaurants. It offers budgeting tools that help you allocate funds efficiently and stay within limits. The built-in donor management feature allows you to track contributions and maintain donor relationships. It also includes customizable financial reports to align you with compliance and transparency standards.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include role-based access controls, allowing you to set different permissions for your team members. Aplos also provides event registration management to support fundraising efforts directly within the platform. Additionally, it offers automated reminders for donation acknowledgments so you can maintain timely communication with your donors.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Gusto, QuickBooks Online, Tithe.ly, Donorbox, Kindful, Eventbrite, and Bloomerang.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple setup for smaller organizations
- Helps track donations with built-in tools
- Supports fund accounting for nonprofits
Cons:
- Lacks real-time collaboration tools
- May require initial training for new users
Other Restaurant Accounting Software
Here are some additional restaurant accounting software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out.
- MarginEdge
Best for tracking food costs
- Kashoo
Best for small restaurant owners
- Zoho Books
Best for customizable invoices
- Marketman
Best for supply chain management
- QuickBooks Online
Best for small business owners
- Sage Intacct
Best for advanced reporting
- Xero
Best for multi-currency accounting
- Revel Systems
Best for POS and CRM integration
- FreshBooks
Best for freelancers and contractors
- Netsuite by Oracle
Best for enterprise scalability
Related Reviews
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:
Restaurant Accounting Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best restaurant accounting software for this list, I considered everyday buyer needs and pain points, such as tracking food costs and simplifying payroll. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair.
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage accounts payable and receivable
- Generate financial reports
- Track inventory and cost of goods sold
- Process payroll and tax filings
- Provide POS integration
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Food cost analysis tools
- Multi-location financial tracking
- Real-time analytics and dashboards
- Automated invoice processing
- Role-based access controls
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Easy navigation and layout
- Minimal learning curve for new users
- Clear, intuitive data visualizations
- Responsive mobile or tablet access
- Availability of customizable settings
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of interactive tutorials
- Access to training videos and webinars
- Pre-built templates for quick setup
- In-app support and chatbots
- Personalized onboarding assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability of support channels
- Access to a dedicated account manager
- Live chat, email, and phone support
- Comprehensive online help center
- Availability of troubleshooting guides
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Transparent and flexible pricing plans
- Features included in the base plan
- Reasonable cost for additional users
- Discounts for long-term commitments
- Fair pricing compared to competitors
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Frequent positive mentions of features
- Consistent feedback on software reliability
- Quality of customer support experiences
- Satisfaction with implementation and setup
- Insights into pain points from real users
Trends In Restaurant Accounting Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different restaurant accounting software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on.
- Real-time cost tracking: Vendors prioritize tools that track food and operational costs in real time. This helps businesses adjust prices based on shifting ingredient costs to maintain profitability.
- AI-driven financial insights: AI enables predictive financial insights and flags trends and anomalies that help managers make proactive financial decisions.
- Customizable dashboard views: Many vendors now offer dashboards that can be tailored to specific roles. This allows staff to see only the metrics relevant to their work, improving efficiency and reducing data overload.
- Sustainability tracking: Software is beginning to include features that track waste reduction and sustainability metrics, giving restaurant managers insight into eco-friendly practices and cost-saving opportunities tied to waste reduction.
- Enhanced compliance tools: Compliance features, like tax management for multi-location businesses and region-specific compliance checks, are increasingly being built, especially as companies expand to multiple locations.
What Is Restaurant Accounting Software?
Restaurant accounting software is designed to help restaurants manage their finances, track costs, and ensure profitability. These tools, typically used by restaurant managers, owners, and accountants, help control expenses, monitor cash flow, and handle payroll.
Real-time cost tracking, customizable dashboards, and compliance tools support efficient decision-making and regulatory adherence. Restaurant accounting software provides essential financial insights that help professionals make informed, data-driven choices to sustain and grow their businesses.
Features Of Restaurant Accounting Software
When selecting restaurant accounting software, look for the following key features.
- Inventory Tracking: Monitors ingredient stock levels, helping control costs and avoid waste.
- POS Integration: Connects with point-of-sale systems to sync sales and expense data.
- Cost Analysis: Provides insights into food and operational costs to support profitability.
- Payroll Management: Manages payroll processes, including wages, taxes, and benefits.
- Real-Time Reporting: Offers up-to-date financial data, helping make timely decisions.
- Recipe Costing: Calculates per-plate costs, aiding in menu pricing and profit margins.
- Multi-Location Support: Centralizes data for restaurants with multiple locations.
- Expense Categorization: Organizes expenses by type, simplifying budgeting and tracking.
- Compliance Tools: Ensures adherence to tax and labor regulations.
- Automated Invoicing: Streamlines billing processes, reducing manual entry time.
- Bookkeeping Software Integration: Simplifies tracking income, expenses, and financial reports with integrated bookkeeping features.
- Accounts Receivable Management: Manages accounts receivable to ensure timely payments and maintain healthy cash flow.
- Purchase Orders: Generates and manages purchase orders seamlessly, keeping track of supplies and controlling expenses.
- Restaurant Inventory Tracking: Monitors inventory in real time to minimize waste and optimize food costs.
- Credit Card Reconciliation: Simplifies tracking and reconciling credit card transactions to save time and reduce errors.
- Custom Pricing Options: Offers flexible pricing plans to accommodate various restaurant operations, from single locations to chains.
- Restaurant Bookkeeping Tools: Offers tailored tools for accurate and organized financial record-keeping.
- User-Friendly Interface: Features a user-friendly design that makes managing restaurant finances easy, even for non-accounting staff.
- Bottom Line Optimization: Delivers analytics to make data-driven decisions for improving profitability and efficiency.
Benefits Of Restaurant Accounting Software
Implementing restaurant accounting software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to.
- Better cost control: Tracks ingredient and labor costs, helping reduce waste and manage spending.
- Accurate payroll processing: Ensures timely and precise payroll, including tax and benefit calculations.
- Real-time insights: Provides up-to-date financial data to support fast, informed decisions.
- Improved menu pricing: Calculates recipe costs, enabling better menu pricing for profit.
- Centralized data management: Unifies data from multiple locations, improving access and reporting.
- Enhanced compliance: Keeps you aligned with tax regulations and labor laws.
- Efficient invoicing: Automates billing, saving time on manual data entry.
Costs & Pricing Of Restaurant Accounting Software
Selecting restaurant accounting software requires understanding the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes standard plans, their average prices, and typical features included in restaurant accounting software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Restaurant Accounting Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic invoicing, expense tracking, and simple reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Invoicing, payroll support, expense categorization, and reporting. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Advanced reporting, inventory tracking, multi-location support, and payroll. |
| Enterprise Plan | $60-$120/user/month | Customizable features, multi-location management, POS integration, and compliance tools. |
Restaurant Accounting Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about restaurant accounting software.
How does restaurant accounting software handle inventory management?
Most restaurant accounting software includes inventory tracking to monitor ingredient levels and costs. It helps you track quantities, manage supplier orders, and alert you when stock is low. Some solutions provide real-time cost updates so that you can adjust pricing based on current inventory expenses. This can be particularly useful for keeping food costs aligned with profitability goals.
Can restaurant accounting software integrate with my POS system?
Many restaurant accounting tools integrate with popular POS systems to automatically import sales and transaction data. This syncs sales data with accounting records, reducing manual data entry. POS integration also helps create accurate financial reports by combining sales and expense data in one place, making it easier to track profitability and revenue trends.
What reporting capabilities should I expect from restaurant accounting software?
Restaurant accounting software typically offers a range of reports, including profit and loss statements, food cost reports, and cash flow analysis. You can expect customizable reports focusing on revenue, expenses, and overall financial health. Advanced options often include multi-location reporting, enabling you to compare performance across different locations and make data-driven decisions.
Does restaurant accounting software support payroll processing?
Many restaurant accounting solutions offer payroll processing, including calculating wages, taxes, and tips. Payroll modules ensure accurate payouts and tax compliance, which is essential in the restaurant industry. Some tools also help with employee time tracking and reporting, making monitoring labor costs easier and streamlining payroll tasks.
How secure is the data in restaurant accounting software?
Most providers prioritize data security and use encryption to protect sensitive information. Look for solutions that offer secure data storage, regular backups, and user access controls. Some vendors also provide compliance with specific data regulations, ensuring your financial information is kept safe and only accessible to authorized users.
Can I track multiple locations with one restaurant accounting software?
Many restaurant accounting solutions support multi-location management, allowing you to track each location’s financial performance individually. This feature helps you view revenue, expenses, and profitability metrics by location, making it easy to see which sites perform best. Multi-location tracking also simplifies consolidated reporting so you can analyze the overall financial health of your entire business.