Skip to main content

Best Accounting Document Management Software Shortlist

Here’s my shortlist of the best accounting document management software:

Struggling with messy files, lost invoices, and clunky accounting document management software? You’re not alone. 

Sifting through endless options for a better solution is exhausting—some tools lack key features, while others are overloaded with things you don’t need. You just want something that works, without the hassle.

As a financial controller, I get it. I’ve dealt with the same headaches and tested plenty of tools along the way. A good system should keep things organized, save time, and make compliance easy—not the opposite.

That’s why I reviewed and tested the best options out there, so you don’t have to. Whether you need better automation, security, or simple organization, this list will help you find the right tool.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing finance and accounting software since 2023. As CFOs ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different finance and accounting use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.

Best Accounting Document Management Software Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top accounting document management software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Accounting Document Management Software Review

Below are my detailed summaries of the best accounting document management software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for invoicing

  • Free trial + free plan available
  • From $15/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Zoho Books is an advanced accounting software solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management, providing a solid foundation for managing your financial operations.

Why I picked Zoho Books: Zoho Books excels in invoicing capabilities, making it perfect for businesses that need efficient and customizable invoicing solutions. It offers automated payment reminders, helping you manage cash flow more effectively, while the recurring invoice feature saves time by automating billing for regular clients. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced reporting tools, giving you insights into your business's financial health. Additionally, cloud-based storage and organization ensure secure access to financial documents, simplifying compliance and audits.

Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Zoho Inventory, PayPal, Stripe, G Suite, and Microsoft Office 365.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides financial insights
  • Automated payment reminders
  • Strong invoicing capabilities

Cons:

  • May need additional customization
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for cloud storage

  • Free demo available
  • From $25/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

SmartVault is a cloud-based document management system designed for accountants and financial professionals. It simplifies document storage and sharing, making it ideal for teams looking to enhance their document organization and accessibility.

Why I picked SmartVault: SmartVault is known for its reliable cloud storage capabilities, which are essential for teams needing secure and accessible document storage. The software offers features like customizable folder structures that help you organize documents, while its secure client portal allows for easy sharing of documents with clients. Additionally, SmartVault’s audit trail feature ensures you can track all document interactions, enhancing accountability.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include secure cloud storage, which ensures that accounting professionals can safely store and access financial documents from anywhere. The automated workflow integration feature also connects with accounting software like QuickBooks, streamlining document management and reducing manual tasks. 

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Docusign, Microsoft Outlook, and Salesforce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed audit trail
  • Secure client portal
  • Reliable cloud storage

Cons:

  • May need additional customization
  • Initial setup complexity

Best for tax professionals

  • 15-day free trial
  • From $150/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Canopy is a cloud-based document management solution for tax professionals and accounting firms. It helps manage client documents and tax workflows, enhancing productivity and organization.

Why I picked Canopy: Canopy is specifically designed for tax professionals who need to manage client documents efficiently. It offers features like client portals for secure document exchange, which are vital for maintaining client confidentiality. The task management tools also help track deadlines and ensure your team doesn't miss important filings. Overall, Canopy's focus on tax workflows makes it a perfect fit for firms looking to enhance their tax services.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include e-signature integration to help accountants to request and collect legally binding electronic signatures directly within the platform. Canopy’s version control and audit trails also track changes and maintain version histories for all documents, ensuring accountants have a clear record of edits and approvals for compliance and auditing purposes.

Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Lacerte, ProConnect, and Outlook.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable document templates
  • Secure client portals
  • Tailored for tax workflows

Cons:

  • May require initial setup time
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for large firms

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

iManage is a document and email management solution for large accounting firms and enterprises. It focuses on improving productivity, collaboration, and compliance through efficient document handling and secure access.

Why I picked iManage: iManage is ideal for large firms that require comprehensive document management solutions. The platform offers advanced security features to protect sensitive documents, which is vital for large enterprises. Its powerful search capabilities also make finding documents quick and easy, while its collaborative tools allow multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, enhancing teamwork across departments.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include compliance and audit readiness to help maintain regulatory adherence by keeping detailed audit trails and secure access logs. The software also features email and document integration, allowing users to manage financial documents directly from their inbox.

Integrations include Microsoft Office, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, NetDocuments, and Docusign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Enhances document accessibility
  • Supports large-scale collaboration
  • Powerful search capabilities

Cons:

  • Requires significant IT resources
  • Complex setup process

Best for secure sharing

  • Free demo available
  • From $42/user/month

Virtual Cabinet is a document management solution for professional services firms, offering secure document storage and sharing. It’s designed for businesses that prioritize data security and need efficient document handling.

Why I picked Virtual Cabinet: Virtual Cabinet excels in providing secure document sharing, making it ideal for firms needing high-level data protection. It offers features like secure portals that allow you to share documents safely with clients. The software's version control also ensures you always work with the most recent document versions. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include an audit trail, offering a detailed history of document interactions. Additionally, the customizable workflows help streamline your document processes, improving efficiency.

Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, and Practice Manager.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Enhances data protection
  • Effective version control
  • Secure document sharing

Cons:

  • Limited offline features
  • May require user training

Best for integration with Microsoft 365

  • Free demo available
  • From $30/user/month

FYI is a document management software aimed at accounting firms and professionals who rely heavily on Microsoft 365. It enhances document collaboration and management, aligning perfectly with Microsoft tools to improve productivity.

Why I picked FYI: FYI integrates with Microsoft 365, making it ideal for teams already using these tools. It also offers features like automatic filing and task creation, which help improve your document workflows. Plus, the software's ability to automate repetitive tasks allows your team to focus more on client work, while its intuitive interface ensures that even those new to document management can get up to speed quickly.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated data capture to streamline the process of extracting key financial information from invoices, receipts, and other documents. FYI also provides advanced search to quickly locate specific documents, and secure cloud storage to safely store important financial records.

Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, and Xero.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong Microsoft 365 integration
  • Supports document versioning
  • Enhances workflow management

Cons:

  • Limited to Microsoft users
  • No offline access

Best for small teams

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $3.87/client/month (for 3 months, then $7.75/client/month)

LedgerDocs is an online document management software designed for accountants and bookkeepers. It simplifies the collection and organization of financial documents, making it ideal for small teams managing bookkeeping tasks.

Why I picked LedgerDocs: LedgerDocs caters specifically to small teams by providing features like automatic bank statement fetching and smart receipt scanning. Its focus on easy document sharing and collaboration makes it stand out for small accounting teams. The software's integration with major accounting tools also ensures that your team can easily incorporate it into your existing workflow. Overall, LedgerDocs provides an efficient solution for small teams looking to improve their document management.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a cloud-based document management system that allows for easy collaboration among team members. LedgerDocs’ smart receipt and invoice scanning with OCR technology also ensures accurate data capture.

Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Dropbox, ScanSnap, and Canon.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy collaboration tools
  • Smart receipt scanning
  • Automatic bank statement fetching

Cons:

  • May need additional storage
  • Limited to small teams

Best for document organization

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Docsvault is an in-depth document management system designed for businesses of all sizes, focusing on organizing and securing documents. It helps teams manage files, automate workflows, and ensure compliance with ease.

Why I picked Docsvault: Docsvault excels in document organization, making it perfect for businesses needing structured document management. Its document versioning ensures you always have the latest file. The software's role-based access control also keeps sensitive information secure while allowing team collaboration. Additionally, the workflow automation features help improve repetitive tasks, improving overall efficiency.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated document organization, which categorizes and stores financial records efficiently, ensuring quick retrieval and reducing the risk of lost files. The software also provides secure access controls, allowing accounting professionals to set role-based permissions and encryption to protect sensitive financial data. 

Integrations include Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Docusign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective version control
  • Role-based access control
  • Enhances document security

Cons:

  • Complex setup process
  • Limited offline access

Best for integration with Thomson Reuters

  • Free demo available
  • From $1,680/year + $99/user/year

Onvio Firm Management is a cloud-based solution designed for accounting firms, offering tools for document management, client collaboration, and workflow automation. It’s targeted at firms needing an integrated approach to managing their accounting processes.

Why I picked Onvio Firm Management: Onvio Firm Management is for firms already using Thomson Reuters products, offering smooth integration with their services. Its cloud-based platform allows your team to access documents from anywhere, enhancing flexibility. The platform also includes workflow automation features, which help improve processes and reduce manual tasks. Plus, Onvio Firm Management's client collaboration tools ensure you can maintain effective communication with your clients, improving service delivery.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced security and compliance measures that encrypt and securely store documents, ensuring firms meet industry regulations like GDPR and SOC 2. The software also offers seamless integration with tax and accounting tools, eliminating duplicate data entry and enhancing workflow efficiency. Additionally, mobile accessibility allows accountants to access documents, collaborate with clients, and manage tasks remotely, improving overall productivity.

Integrations include UltraTax CS, Accounting CS, Practice CS, and GoFileRoom.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective client collaboration tools
  • Smooth integration with Thomson Reuters
  • Cloud-based platform

Cons:

  • High learning curve
  • Requires significant IT resources

Best for collaboration

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $225/user/month + $45/additional user/month

SuiteFiles is a cloud-based document management system for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on improving collaboration and document accessibility. It helps manage, share, and store documents efficiently, enhancing workflow and productivity.

Why I picked SuiteFiles: SuiteFiles offers excellent collaboration tools, making it ideal for teams needing to work together on documents. The software’s live editing feature allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, which is vital for collaborative environments. SuiteFiles also provides email integration, letting you save emails directly into your document management system.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include cloud-based document storage, ensuring accountants can securely access and manage client files from anywhere. Additionally, automated file organization helps structure documents efficiently, reducing manual effort and improving workflow. Furthermore, integration with accounting software allows seamless connection with platforms like Xero, streamlining audits and client reporting.

Integrations include Xero, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and WorkflowMax.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Live document editing
  • Email integration
  • Automatic document backup

Cons:

  • May require training
  • Limited to small and medium businesses

Other Accounting Document Management Software

Here are some additional accounting document management software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. IRIS Document Management

    For compliance focus

  2. CCH Axcess Document

    For scalable solutions

  3. M-Files

    For metadata-driven documentation

  4. Box

    For secure cloud storage

  5. Google Drive

    For easy file sharing

  6. Dropbox

    For simple file backup

  7. Revver

    For document workflow automation

  8. Karbon

    For accounting practice administration

  9. Moxo

    For client interaction hubs

  10. Conga

    For contract lifecycle management

  11. 1040 Bridge

    For tax document sharing

  12. MinuteBox

    For board meeting processes

Accounting Document Management Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best accounting document management software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data security and compliance with accounting standards. 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:

  • Secure document storage
  • Version control
  • Access permissions
  • Document sharing
  • Audit trails

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Customizable workflows
  • Integration with accounting software
  • Mobile access/cloud-integration
  • Advanced search capabilities
  • Automated document classification

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface
  • Easy navigation
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Clear layout
  • Responsive design

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to webinars
  • Comprehensive onboarding guides
  • Supportive chatbots

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 support availability
  • Multiple support channels
  • Response time
  • Expertise of support staff
  • Availability of a knowledge base

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Pricing transparency
  • Features relative to cost
  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Discounts for annual billing
  • Competitive pricing

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on software reliability
  • Comments on feature usefulness
  • Opinions on customer service
  • Insights into user experience

How to Choose Accounting Document Management Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityEnsure the software can grow with your business. Consider if it can handle increased document volume and user numbers as your team expands.
IntegrationsLook for compatibility with existing tools like accounting software and email platforms. This helps streamline workflows and improves productivity.
CustomizabilityCheck if you can tailor the software to fit your specific needs. Customizable workflows and templates can enhance efficiency and match your processes.
Ease of UseEvaluate the user interface and navigation. A user-friendly design reduces the learning curve and helps your team get up to speed quickly.
BudgetConsider the total cost, including setup fees and ongoing expenses. Ensure the pricing aligns with your budget without sacrificing essential features.
Security SafeguardsVerify the software offers strong security measures like encryption and access controls to protect sensitive financial data.
Support ServicesAssess the availability and quality of customer support. Responsive support can be crucial during onboarding and troubleshooting.
ComplianceEnsure the software meets industry regulations and standards. This is critical for maintaining legal compliance and avoiding potential fines.

In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different accounting document management software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:

  • AI-Powered Insights: Vendors are incorporating AI to provide predictive analytics and insights which helps users identify trends. Some platforms now offer AI-driven recommendations for optimizing document workflows.
  • Blockchain for Security: Blockchain technology is being used to enhance document security and integrity. This trend ensures that documents are tamper-proof and traceable, providing an extra layer of trust for sensitive financial information.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: More tools now offer real-time editing and collaboration features. This allows teams to work together on documents simultaneously, improving efficiency and reducing the need for back-and-forth emails.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: There's a growing focus on reducing paper usage and promoting eco-friendly practices. Digital document management helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint by minimizing paper reliance.
  • User Experience Enhancements: Vendors are prioritizing UX improvements, offering cleaner interfaces and more intuitive designs. This trend focuses on making software easier to navigate, helping users find what they need faster and with less frustration.

What Is Accounting Document Management Software?

Accounting document management software is a tool designed to organize, store, and manage financial documents digitally. Accountants, bookkeepers, and financial professionals typically use these tools to enhance efficiency and maintain compliance. 

These solutions generally include key features like secure document storage, real-time collaboration, and AI-powered insights to help with organizing files, improving teamwork, and making informed decisions. Overall, accounting document management software provides significant value by reducing paper usage, increasing productivity, and ensuring data security.

Features of Accounting Document Management Software

When selecting accounting document management software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Secure Document Storage: Safeguards sensitive financial documents with encryption and access controls, ensuring data protection.
  • Version Control: Tracks changes and maintains document history, so you always have the most current version.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Allows multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, enhancing teamwork and efficiency.
  • AI-Powered Insights: Provides predictive analytics to help users make informed decisions based on document data.
  • Workflow Automation: Improves repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing errors in document handling.
  • Compliance Features: Ensures adherence to industry regulations and standards, minimizing legal risks.
  • Customizable Workflows: Lets you customize processes to fit your business needs, improving operational efficiency.
  • Audit Trails: Keeps a detailed record of document interactions, enhancing transparency and accountability.
  • Integration Capabilities: Connects with other tools like accounting software to create a smooth workflow across platforms.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive design that makes it easy for users to navigate and find what they need quickly.

Benefits of Accounting Document Management Software

Implementing accounting document management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved Efficiency: Automates repetitive tasks, allowing your team to focus on more important work and save time.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time editing and sharing features enable your team to work together effectively, regardless of location.
  • Increased Security: Protects sensitive financial data with encryption and access controls, reducing the risk of data breaches.
  • Better Compliance: Ensures your business adheres to industry regulations, minimizing legal risks and penalties.
  • Cost Savings: Reduces paper usage and storage costs by digitizing document management processes.
  • Informed Decision-Making: AI-powered insights provide valuable analytics, helping your team make data-driven decisions.
  • Easy Access to Documents: Cloud storage ensures your team can access necessary documents from anywhere, supporting flexible work arrangements.

Costs and Pricing of Accounting Document Management Software

Selecting accounting document management software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in accounting document management software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Accounting Document Management Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic document storage, limited collaboration, and basic security.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthEnhanced storage, version control, and basic integrations.
Business Plan$25-$50/user/monthAdvanced collaboration, workflow automation, and compliance features.
Enterprise Plan$50-$100/user/monthCustomizable workflows, advanced security measures, and priority customer support.

Accounting Document Management Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about accounting document management software:

What is the function of the DMS software?

The main function of DMS software is to store, manage, and track electronic documents and images. It helps your business maintain a digital record of all files, which can be easily accessed and managed. This system reduces physical storage needs and enhances document retrieval efficiency.

What are three benefits of document management systems?

Document management systems offer benefits like reducing physical storage space, improving workflow efficiency, and enhancing document security. They also help your team maintain better version control and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. These systems save time and money by streamlining document processes.

What are the key components of a document management system?

Key components include metadata management, document capture, indexing, and storage. They also offer retrieval and versioning capabilities. These features ensure your team can easily find and manage documents, improving overall efficiency and organization.

How do document management systems improve compliance?

These systems provide tools to ensure that your document handling complies with industry regulations. They offer audit trails, access controls, and secure storage, helping your team meet compliance standards. This reduces the risk of legal issues and fines.

What's Next?

Ready to compound your abilities as a finance professional? Subscribe to our free newsletter.

Drew Robertson
By Drew Robertson

Drew currently works as the Financial Controller for Black & White Zebra, leading the finance department for the company. Prior to BWZ, he was at EY for six years, including two as a manager.

He received his undergraduate degree at the Ivey Business School in Canada and MBA from Oxford University.