16 Best General Ledger Software for Small Businesses Reviewed in 2025
Best General Ledger Software for Small Businesses Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best general ledger software for small businesses:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As a CFO in a small business, you’re constantly balancing big-picture strategy with the daily pressure to keep the numbers accurate and actionable. Outdated or broken systems only make it harder to get clear insights, stay compliant, and move quickly. And with so many tools claiming to be the best general ledger software for small businesses, finding the right fit can feel like just another item on an overloaded to-do list.
As a financial controller, I’ve seen how the right ledger system can transform a finance team's workflow. My years of experience with digital software taught me to focus on what truly improves daily operations—not just flashy features.
That’s why I’ve tested and reviewed these tools through the lens of financial operations and management, with an eye on what actually delivers. This list will help you cut through the noise and find a solution that supports your goals, so you can focus on closing the books with confidence.
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Best General Ledger Software for Small Businesses Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top general ledger software for small business selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for integration | Free trial + free plan available | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for modular solutions | Free plan available | From $20/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for cash flow forecasting | 14-day free trial | From $6/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for manufacturing | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for scalable accounting | 30-day free trial | From $19/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for Salesforce users | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for freelancers | Free plan available | From $14/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for desktop users | 30-day free trial | From $20/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for finance automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for ease of use | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website |
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LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
Visit Website -
Vena
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best General Ledger Software for Small Businesses Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best general ledger software for small businesses 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.
Zoho Books is an accounting solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps with invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
Why I picked Zoho Books: Zoho Books is great for businesses that need a tool with strong integration capabilities. You can connect with other Zoho apps, making it easy to manage different aspects of your business. The software also supports multi-currency transactions, which is useful if you deal with international clients, while its automated workflows help you save time on repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic bank feeds that help you reconcile transactions with ease. You can also set up recurring invoices for regular clients. Additionally, its client portal allows your customers to view and pay invoices online.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Zoho People, PayPal, Stripe, G Suite, Office 365, Slack, Dropbox, and Amazon.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated workflow features
- Detailed financial reports
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Limited offline capabilities
Odoo Accounting is a versatile accounting software tailored for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of financial management functions, including invoicing, bank synchronization, and expense management.
Why I picked Odoo Accounting: Odoo Accounting is an excellent choice if you need a modular solution that can grow with your business. You can start with basic accounting functions and add more modules as your needs evolve. The software also provides automated bank synchronization to keep your financial data up to date, while its user-friendly dashboard gives you an overview of your financial health, making it easier to manage your accounts.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to manage multiple companies within a single account, which is great for businesses with several subsidiaries. The software also offers detailed financial reports, helping you analyze your business performance.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Amazon, eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, DHL, UPS, and FedEx.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-company management
- Detailed financial reporting
- Invoice follow-up automation
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Limited offline functionality
Float is a cash flow management tool designed for small businesses and startups. It helps you forecast cash flow, manage budgets, and track financial performance.
Why I picked Float: Float is essential if you need precise cash flow forecasting. The software provides real-time insights into your financial health, helping you make informed decisions. You can also create multiple scenarios to see how different factors impact your cash flow. Additionally, the software’s intuitive interface makes it easy to set up and manage your financial data, which is ideal for businesses that want to maintain control over their finances.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include alerts to notify you of low cash balances. The software also offers detailed budget tracking, which ensures you stay on top of your financial goals.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks Online, FreeAgent, Sage, MYOB, FreshBooks, Zoho Books, KashFlow, Wave, and ClearBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Accurate cash flow forecasting
- Scenario planning capabilities
- Real-time financial insights
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Limited customization options
OmegaCube ERP is an enterprise resource planning software designed for manufacturing businesses. It supports functions like inventory management, production planning, and financial accounting, helping streamline operations.
Why I picked OmegaCube ERP: OmegaCube ERP seamlessly integrates core financial management with real-time manufacturing operations. Unlike generic small business accounting tools, the software offers a manufacturing-specific general ledger that automatically syncs with job costing, inventory, production scheduling, and order processing, ensuring financial accuracy and operational transparency. This level of integration minimizes manual data entry and errors, while providing small manufacturers with timely, granular insights into cost centers, profitability, and resource utilization.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced inventory management, which allows you to track stock levels and manage supply chains. You can also generate detailed cost analysis reports to understand your financial performance better.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced inventory management
- Comprehensive cost analysis
- Supports complex supply chains
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Complex implementation process
Sage Accounting is a business accounting software designed for small enterprises. It facilitates invoicing, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
Why I picked Sage Accounting: Sage Accounting offers a strong, cloud-based functionality that adapts to a growing company’s needs without overwhelming smaller operations. Its general ledger features include automated journal entries and multi-currency support, which streamline financial management and improve accuracy. Sage Accounting also integrates well with various third-party tools and payroll systems, making it easy to expand its capabilities as the business evolves.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time reporting that gives you an instant overview of your business's financial health. You can also manage and submit VAT directly through the software.
Integrations include AutoEntry, Stripe, PayPal, Microsoft 365, GoCardless, Zync, Shopify, Salesforce, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time financial overview
- VAT submission capabilities
- Mobile app functionality
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Occasional performance lags
AccountingSeed is a cloud-based accounting software designed for businesses that use Salesforce. It provides advanced financial management, including accounting, project accounting, and order management.
Why I picked AccountingSeed: AccountingSeed is particularly beneficial for businesses already using the Salesforce ecosystem as it allows you to leverage its native integration to streamline data flow between your CRM and accounting software. The tool also offers customizable dashboards, allowing you to tailor your financial insights to meet specific business needs, while its project accounting features help you track project costs and profitability efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable financial reports that give you in-depth insights into your business performance. You can also automate billing processes to save time and reduce errors.
Integrations include Salesforce, Stripe, Avalara, ADP, Nexonia, Expensify, Concur, Bill.com, AscentERP, and Rootstock.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports project accounting
- Multi-currency support
- Automates billing processes
Cons:
- Requires Salesforce subscription
- Steep learning curve
Wave Financial is a general ledger software designed for small business owners, particularly freelancers. It offers key business functions like invoicing, accounting, and payroll management.
Why I picked Wave Financial: Wave Financial is accessible for all business types, but is mainly tailored for freelancers and self-employed contractors who need an easy way to manage their finances. You can create professional invoices, complete double-entry bookkeeping, track income and expenses, and even scan receipts all at little to no cost. Wave also supports seamless integration with bank accounts and credit cards, automatically importing and categorizing transactions to maintain an accurate general ledger.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic recurring billing, multi-currency support for international clients, and the ability to manage multiple businesses from a single account. Its dashboard provides visual insights into profit and loss, overdue invoices, and account balances.
Integrations include PayPal, Etsy, Shoeboxed, Zapier, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Slack, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Double-entry accounting options
- Automatic transaction syncing
- Multi-business support
Cons:
- Lacks inventory management
- No project tracking features
AccountEdge is a desktop accounting software aimed at small to medium-sized businesses. It offers features like invoicing, payroll management, and inventory tracking to streamline your financial operations.
Why I picked AccountEdge: AccountEdge offers a strong, locally-installed solution that doesn’t rely on internet connectivity, providing full control over data privacy and performance. It features advanced accounting tools including detailed general ledger management, customizable chart of accounts, and real-time financial reporting, all designed with small business workflows in mind.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to manage multiple currencies, making it suitable for businesses dealing with international transactions. The software also supports job tracking, allowing you to monitor project costs and profitability.
Integrations include Shopify, UPS, FedEx, ShipStation, Webgility, Avalara, BigCommerce, Magent, SalesIn, and Checkout.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- In-house payroll management
- Customizable reporting options
- Supports multiple currencies
Cons:
- No cloud-based access
- Less frequent updates
HighRadius is a finance automation software aimed at small to large enterprises. It focuses on automating accounts receivable, cash management, and treasury operations.
Why I picked HighRadius: HighRadius streamlines key financial operations like accounts receivable, cash application, and credit management through AI-powered automation, significantly reducing manual effort and errors. While traditional general ledger software helps track and record financial transactions, HighRadius complements and enhances this by integrating real-time cash flow insights and automating tedious processes that typically burden small finance teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include cash flow forecasting that helps you manage your liquidity efficiently. The software also offers automated invoice matching to reduce manual errors, while its credit risk management tools allow you to assess and mitigate financial risks effectively.
Integrations include SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, QuickBooks, NetSuite, Salesforce, Sage, JD Edwards, PeopleSoft, and Workday.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-driven financial insights
- Advanced analytics features
- Effective risk management tools
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Limited customization options
ZipBooks is an accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers. It offers invoicing, bookkeeping, and financial reporting functionalities to simplify financial management.
Why I picked ZipBooks: ZipBooks is perfect if you want an intuitive tool that's easy to navigate. The software provides straightforward invoicing features, allowing you to create and send invoices quickly. You can also categorize your expenses to keep your finances organized, while its real-time insights give you a clear picture of your financial health, which is vital when building general ledgers.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include smart tagging, which helps you organize your finances with ease. You can also generate detailed reports to understand your business performance better.
Integrations include PayPal, Square, Google Drive, Slack, Gusto, Zapier, Stripe, Asana, Trello, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smart tagging for organization
- Real-time financial insights
- Easy expense categorization
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Occasional bugs reported
Other General Ledger Software for Small Businesses
Here are some additional general ledger software for small business options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Akaunting
For open-source use
- QuickBooks Online
For all-in-one financial management
- FreshBooks
For streamlined finances
- Vena
For financial planning and analysis
- Allvue
For investment management
- NetSuite Cloud Accounting
For global operations
General Ledger Software for Small Businesses Selection Criteria
When selecting the best general ledger software for small businesses to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ease of use and affordability. 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 income and expenses
- Generate financial reports
- Support multiple currencies
- Track accounts payable and receivable
- Reconcile bank transactions
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Automated invoicing
- Customizable dashboards
- Integration with other business tools
- Advanced data analytics
- Mobile app accessibility
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Customization options
- Speed of task completion
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 templates
- Availability of webinars
- Presence of chatbots for assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat
- 24/7 support options
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Response time to inquiries
- Access to user forums
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing compared to competitors
- Range of features offered
- Scalability of pricing plans
- Availability of free trials
- Cost of additional features
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
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Frequency of feature updates
- Feedback on customer service
- Ease of implementation feedback
How to Choose General Ledger Software for Small Businesses
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:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your business. Look for features that accommodate increasing transaction volumes and additional users without performance issues. |
| Integrations | Check if the software integrates with your existing tools like CRM, payroll, and inventory systems to streamline data flow and reduce manual entry. |
| Customizability | Look for options to tailor the software to your business needs, such as custom reports, fields, and workflows, to ensure it fits your unique processes. |
| Ease of Use | Evaluate the user interface and navigation. A simple, intuitive design reduces training time and helps your team become productive quickly. |
| Budget | Consider the total cost, including subscription fees, setup costs, and any additional charges for extra features or users to ensure it fits your financial plan. |
| Security Safeguards | Verify that the software provides data encryption, regular backups, and compliance with regulations to protect your financial information. |
| Support | Look for accessible customer support options, including live chat, phone support, and a comprehensive knowledge base to assist your team when needed. |
| Mobile Access | Check if the software offers a mobile app or responsive design for easy access to financial data on the go, supporting remote work and on-site decision-making. |
Trends in General Ledger Software for Small Businesses
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different general ledger software for small businesses vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Driven Insights: Many vendors are now incorporating AI to provide predictive analytics and insights. This helps businesses make informed decisions by analyzing trends and forecasting financial outcomes, saving time and reducing errors. Some tools even offer AI-driven anomaly detection to catch discrepancies early.
- Blockchain Integration: Blockchain is gaining traction for its ability to enhance security and transparency with some vendors exploring blockchain for audit trails, ensuring data integrity and trustworthiness. This trend is particularly useful for businesses needing stringent compliance.
- Real-Time Collaboration: More tools are enabling real-time collaboration among team members. This feature allows multiple users to work on financial data simultaneously, enhancing productivity and accuracy.
- Eco-Friendly Features: Sustainability is becoming a focus, with vendors offering features to track and reduce a company's carbon footprint. These features help businesses align with environmental goals, appealing to eco-conscious clients and investors.
- Customizable Dashboards: Users demand more control over how they view financial data. As a result, more vendors are providing customizable dashboards that allow users to tailor their interface to show key metrics at a glance, enhancing user experience and efficiency.
What Is General Ledger Software for Small Businesses?
General ledger software for small businesses is a tool that helps manage and track all financial transactions in one place. These tools are typically used by accountants, bookkeepers, and small business owners to ensure accurate financial records.
General ledger software for small businesses often include key features like real-time collaboration, customizable dashboards, and AI-driven insights to help with decision-making and maintaining accurate records. Overall, these solutions provide valuable financial oversight, helping SMBs manage their finances efficiently.
Features of General Ledger Software for Small Business
When selecting general ledger software for small businesses, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Real-Time Collaboration: Allows multiple users to access and update financial data simultaneously, enhancing productivity and reducing errors.
- Customizable Dashboards: Lets users tailor their interface to display key financial metrics, improving the user experience and efficiency.
- AI-Driven Insights: Provides predictive analytics and anomaly detection to aid in decision-making and catch discrepancies early.
- Automated Invoicing: Simplifies billing processes by generating and sending invoices automatically, saving time and reducing manual errors.
- Multi-Currency Support: Enables businesses dealing with international transactions to manage different currencies easily, ensuring accurate financial records.
- Advanced Inventory Management: Tracks stock levels and manages supply chains, which is crucial for businesses with complex inventory systems.
- Bank Synchronization: Keeps financial data up to date by automatically syncing bank transactions, reducing the need for manual entry.
- Project Accounting: Helps track project costs and profitability, providing insights into financial performance on a project basis.
- Mobile App Accessibility: Offers on-the-go access to financial data, supporting remote work and quick decision-making.
Benefits of General Ledger Software for Small Business
Implementing general ledger software for small businesses provides several benefits for your team and your company. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved Accuracy: Automated features like bank synchronization and AI-driven insights reduce manual errors and ensure accurate financial records.
- Time Savings: Automated invoicing and real-time collaboration free up time by streamlining repetitive tasks and enabling efficient teamwork.
- Better Decision-Making: Customizable dashboards and detailed financial reports provide clear insights, helping you make informed business decisions.
- Enhanced Financial Control: Multi-currency support and project accounting help manage complex financial scenarios, giving you better control over finances.
- Increased Accessibility: Mobile app accessibility ensures that you can access financial data anytime, supporting remote work and quick decision-making.
- Scalability: The ability to integrate with other business tools and add new features as needed supports business growth and evolving needs.
- Cost Efficiency: By automating processes and reducing errors, these tools can help cut costs associated with manual accounting tasks.
Costs and Pricing of General Ledger Software for Small Businesses
Selecting general ledger software for small businesses 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 general ledger software for small business solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for General Ledger Software for Small Businesses
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic invoicing, expense tracking, and limited reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Advanced invoicing, budget tracking, and multi-currency support. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Automated workflows, customizable dashboards, and integration with external tools. |
| Enterprise Plan | $80-$150/user/month | Comprehensive financial reporting, advanced security features, and priority customer support. |
General Ledger Software for Small Businesses FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about general ledger software for small businesses:
How does general ledger software improve financial reporting?
General ledger software automates the recording and categorization of financial transactions, providing accurate and up-to-date financial reports. This helps you quickly generate balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. By using software, your team can ensure compliance with accounting standards and make informed financial decisions.
Can general ledger software handle multi-currency transactions?
Yes, many general ledger software solutions support multi-currency transactions, allowing you to manage international sales and expenses efficiently. This feature is essential if your business deals with clients or suppliers in different countries. It helps you maintain accurate financial records and reduces manual conversion errors.
How secure is general ledger software?
General ledger software typically includes security measures like data encryption, user authentication, and regular backups. These safeguards protect your financial data from unauthorized access and data loss. When selecting software, ensure it complies with industry standards and offers robust security features to protect your business information.
How does general ledger software help with tax compliance?
General ledger software tracks all financial transactions and categorizes them according to tax codes, making it easier for you to prepare tax reports. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures compliance with tax regulations. The software can also generate necessary documents for audits and filings, saving you time during tax season.
Is it possible to customize reports in general ledger software?
Yes, most general ledger software allows you to customize reports to fit your specific business needs. You can select which data to include, apply filters, and adjust the layout. Customizable reports help you analyze financial performance and make data-driven decisions tailored to your business goals.
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