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Running the finances of a media or newspaper company can be tough. As a CFO, you're juggling budget constraints, complex financial reporting, and the need for real-time data. Media and newspaper accounting software can help ease these challenges by offering tailored solutions for your industry’s specific needs.

As a financial controller, I understand how selecting the right software can significantly improve your team's efficiency and financial accuracy. That’s why I’ve done the legwork to provide you with an unbiased review of the top picks in the market.

In this article, I'll guide you through each option, highlighting features that can make a difference in your daily operations. Whether you're looking to simplify billing or enhance reporting, there's a solution waiting for you.

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Best Media and Newspaper Accounting Software Summary

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

Best Media and Newspaper Accounting Software Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best media and newspaper accounting 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 automation features

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

Zoho Books is an online accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including those in the media industry. It offers a suite of financial tools to automate and manage accounting tasks efficiently.

Why I picked Zoho Books: Zoho Books excels in providing automation features that simplify your accounting processes. It comes with automated bank feeds that keep your transactions up-to-date, while its recurring invoice feature reduces manual entry for repeat clients. Additionally, Zoho Books’ workflow automation ensures that routine tasks are handled without constant oversight from your team.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include client portal access, allowing your team to collaborate with clients by sharing invoices and estimates directly. It also offers project time tracking to ensure accurate billing for time-based services. Plus, Zoho Books provides detailed financial reports for better insight into business performance.

Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Square, Shopify, Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, G Suite, Slack, Office 365, and Mailchimp.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides client portal access
  • Offers recurring invoice feature
  • Supports workflow automation

Cons:

  • May need additional training
  • Limited advanced reporting options

Best for transparent pricing

  • Free trial + demo available
  • From $20/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

ZarMoney is a cloud-based accounting software designed for businesses seeking straightforward financial management. It's ideal for small to medium-sized media companies needing transparent pricing and essential accounting functions.

Why I picked ZarMoney: ZarMoney offers clear and transparent pricing, making it easy for your team to understand costs upfront. It includes features like invoicing and expense tracking to help your team manage financial tasks efficiently. The software’s customizable user dashboard also helps keep important information easily accessible. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced reporting tools that give insights into your financial data. Its cash flow management tools help to keep your finances in check, while the advanced search functionality for quick data retrieval. 

Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, Amazon, BigCommerce, Square, WooCommerce, eBay, Etsy, and QuickBooks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced search functionality
  • Effective cash flow management
  • Customizable user dashboard

Cons:

  • Learning curve for new users
  • Requires internet access

Best for small newspapers

  • Pricing upon request

Wordsys is a specialized accounting software solution designed for small media and newspaper businesses. Its features help small teams manage their accounting needs effectively.

Why I picked Wordsys: Wordsys offers a set of features tailored to the needs of small newspapers, making it accessible and practical for smaller teams. The software includes budget management tools that help your team keep track of expenditures and revenues. It also offers intuitive financial reporting to give you clear insights into your business's financial health. Plus, in addition to these key features, Wordsys’ simple interface is easy to navigate, reducing the learning curve for your team.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated invoicing to save your team time. The software also offers expense tracking to ensure financial accuracy, and customizable financial reports for detailed insights. 

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Salesforce, FreshBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho CRM, Slack, HubSpot, and PayPal.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides customizable reports
  • Supports automated invoicing
  • Simplifies budget management

Cons:

  • Basic reporting features
  • Limited scalability for growth

Best for multinational operations

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Aptitude is a financial management software tailored for large enterprises operating across multiple countries. It serves businesses needing complex financial planning and regulatory compliance across various jurisdictions.

Why I picked Aptitude: Aptitude caters to multinational operations with features that support cross-border financial management. It includes advanced compliance tools to ensure your team meets international standards. In addition to this, the software also provides advanced financial modeling to help you plan and forecast across different markets. Overall, Aptitude’s scalability supports growing businesses that are looking to expand into new regions.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time financial analytics that provide insights into global operations. Its automated regulatory reporting also helps to keep your team compliant. Lastly, the software’s customizable dashboards aid in monitoring key performance indicators and maintaining control over international financial activities.

Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Workday, QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, and IBM.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scales with business growth
  • Comprehensive compliance tools
  • Supports complex financial planning

Cons:

  • Complex interface for new users
  • Requires technical expertise for setup

Best for remote team collaboration

  • Free demo available
  • From $300/month (billed annually)

AccountsIQ is a cloud-based accounting software designed for media and publishing companies. It offers financial management and reporting tools suitable for medium-sized businesses looking to improve collaboration across remote teams.

Why I picked AccountsIQ: AccountsIQ provides tools that facilitate teamwork among remote colleagues, thanks to its cloud-based access and real-time data sharing. The software allows your team to efficiently manage multi-company accounts, making it ideal for businesses operating in multiple locations. Its advanced reporting features also help your team gain insights into financial performance. Additionally, the user interface is intuitive, making it easier for teams to adapt quickly.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable dashboards that offer insights at a glance, automated consolidation processes for businesses with multiple entities. It also provides detailed audit trails for tracking financial changes. Together, these features help your team keep everything organized and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, HubSpot, Stripe, and PayPal.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time data updates
  • Automated consolidation features
  • Supports multi-company accounting

Cons:

  • Setup can be complex
  • Limited mobile app features

Best for recurring billing management

  • Free demo available
  • From $99/3 users/month (billed annually)

Subscription Flow is a subscription management software tailored for media companies that handle recurring billing. It offers tools to automate billing processes and manage subscriber accounts effectively.

Why I picked Subscription Flow: Subscription Flow excels in managing recurring billing cycles, providing features that automate and simplify payment processes. The software includes automatic invoice generation, reducing manual work for your team. Its subscriber management tools also help you keep track of customer accounts and billing history. Additionally, Subscription Flow offers payment gateway integration to facilitate easy transactions.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable billing plans that allow your team to tailor subscriptions to different customer needs. It offers analytics and reporting tools for insights into subscription performance. The software also provides automated reminders to ensure timely payments from subscribers.

Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.Net, Braintree, Square, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Zoho CRM, and Salesforce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers analytics and reporting tools
  • Provides detailed subscriber management
  • Supports multiple payment gateways

Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Setup may require technical knowledge

Best for secure bookkeeping

  • Free demo available
  • From $8/client/month

Keeper is a bookkeeping software designed to protect sensitive information for businesses, including media companies. It focuses on secure data storage and password management to safeguard your team’s digital assets.

Why I picked Keeper: Keeper offers encrypted document storage, automated transaction reconciliation, and bank-grade security measures to protect sensitive financial data. Its built-in client portal ensures secure communication and document sharing, reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, Keeper integrates seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks, enhancing workflow efficiency while maintaining strict security compliance.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced reporting that lets your team track access and changes to sensitive information. It also offers role-based access controls to ensure that only authorized users manage critical data. Plus, the software provides a compliance reporting feature, helping your team adhere to industry standards.

Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce, Slack, Zoom, OneLogin, Okta, AWS, and Duo Security.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports role-based access controls
  • Secure file-sharing capabilities
  • Real-time breach monitoring

Cons:

  • Requires regular updates
  • Initial setup can be complex

Best for integrated media solutions

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Advantage Media is an accounting software solution tailored for media companies, providing advanced tools for managing financial and operational tasks.

Why I picked Advantage Media: Advantage Media offers a range of features that integrate accounting with media-specific operations, making it a versatile choice for media companies. The software includes project management tools that help your team track and manage ongoing projects efficiently. Additionally, its billing capabilities are designed to handle complex media transactions, and its financial reporting tools can give you insights into both accounting and operational performance.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable billing options to fit diverse client needs. Its project tracking options allow you to manage deadlines and resources. Plus, the software’s detailed financial analytics enable better decision-making, ultimately helping your team streamline operations and maintain financial accuracy.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Stripe, PayPal, Oracle, and SAP.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports operational performance insights
  • Customizable billing options
  • Handles complex media transactions

Cons:

  • Requires regular updates
  • Implementation can be time-consuming

Best for subscription management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

AccountScout is an accounting software solution designed for businesses that rely heavily on subscription models. It caters to media companies that need to manage recurring billing and track subscriptions efficiently.

Why I picked AccountScout: AccountScout excels in handling subscription management, offering tools that automate billing cycles and manage customer subscriptions seamlessly. The software includes features like recurring billing and automated invoicing, which help your team reduce manual workload. It also provides real-time updates on subscription statuses, while its flexibility allows your team to customize billing plans and manage subscriber accounts easily.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include detailed customer profiles that help your team understand subscriber needs. The software’s analytics tools provide insights into subscription trends. Additionally, it offers customizable billing templates for different client segments, helping your team organize and easily manage subscriptions.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho CRM, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, Stripe, PayPal, FreshBooks, and Slack.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed customer profiles
  • Real-time subscription updates
  • Automated billing cycles

Cons:

  • Limited offline functionality
  • Setup process can be complex

Best for billing management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

SmartPublisher is an accounting software designed specifically for newspaper businesses, focusing on billing and revenue management. It serves publishers who need efficient billing solutions and streamlined financial processes.

Why I picked SmartPublisher: SmartPublisher provides specialized billing management tools that cater to the unique needs of newspaper companies. The software includes automated billing processes to reduce manual work for your team and customizable invoice templates that fit your publication's branding. Along with these key features, SmartPublisher offers real-time revenue tracking to help you monitor financial performance effectively and maintain strong financial health.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include ad order management to coordinate advertising sales. Its circulation management tool is designed for subscriber tracking, while its detailed financial reporting offers insights into revenue streams. Together, these features help your team handle various aspects of newspaper operations efficiently.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Mailchimp, HubSpot, Stripe, PayPal, Xero, FreshBooks, and Google Sheets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports ad order management
  • Real-time revenue tracking
  • Automated billing processes

Cons:

  • Setup can be time-consuming
  • Limited to newspaper industry

Other Media and Newspaper Accounting Software

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

  1. iplicit

    For growing media businesses

  2. Xero

    For user-friendly interface

  3. Sage Intacct

    For financial compliance

  4. Odoo Accounting

    For modular integration

  5. Vena

    For financial planning

  6. The Newspaper Manager

    For ad sales management

  7. Netgain

    For cloud infrastructure

  8. NetSuite Cloud Accounting

    For accounts payable and receivable

Media and Newspaper Accounting Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best media and newspaper accounting software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing complex billing cycles and ensuring accurate financial reporting. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage billing and invoicing
  • Track financial transactions
  • Generate financial reports
  • Monitor advertising revenue
  • Handle subscription management

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

  • Automated ad revenue tracking
  • Customizable reporting templates
  • Multi-currency support
  • Integration with customer relationship management (CRM) + ERP systems
  • Advanced subscription analytics

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

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Easy navigation and formats
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Clear visual design
  • Accessibility features
  • On-premises and cloud connection

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

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Step-by-step setup guides
  • Access to live webinars
  • Dedicated chat support

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

  • 24/7 availability
  • Multi-channel support options
  • Responsiveness to queries
  • Availability of a help center
  • Personalized support services

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

  • Competitive pricing
  • Flexible subscription plans
  • Cost vs. features ratio
  • Discounts for annual billing
  • Availability of free trials

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

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on feature usefulness
  • Reports on reliability and uptime
  • Comments on customer support
  • User experience insights

How to Choose Media and Newspaper Accounting 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, handling increased data and user needs.
IntegrationsCheck if it integrates with your existing tools, ad management solutions, and other billing software.
CustomizabilityLook for software that lets you tailor features to match your team's specific workflows.
Ease of UseChoose a user-friendly interface that your team can quickly configure and adapt to without extensive training.
BudgetEvaluate the total cost of ownership, including hidden fees or additional user charges.
Security SafeguardsVerify the software offers strong data protection and compliance with industry standards.
SupportConsider the availability of customer support and training resources to assist your team.
Reporting FeaturesMake sure it provides detailed financial reports that meet your media business's needs.

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

  • AI-Driven Insights: More vendors are integrating AI to deliver actionable insights. This helps users make better financial decisions by analyzing patterns and predicting trends. Some tools even now offer AI-powered forecasting to help businesses plan their finances more accurately.
  • Blockchain for Transparency: Currently, blockchain is being adopted to increase transaction transparency and security. This is especially useful for tracking advertising revenues and ensuring accurate royalty payments. 
  • Personalized Dashboards: Customizable dashboards are becoming more popular in recent years, allowing users to tailor their financial views. These types of dashboards help teams focus on what's most important to their operations. Overall, they’re particularly useful for teams needing to monitor specific metrics regularly.
  • Sustainability Tracking: Some vendors are adding features that track the environmental impact of financial operations. This trend is driven by companies wanting to align their finances with sustainability goals. 
  • Remote Collaboration Tools: With more teams working remotely, tools that support collaboration are emerging. These features allow teams to work together on financial tasks from different locations, improving productivity and communication. 

What Is Media and Newspaper Accounting Software?

Media and newspaper accounting software is designed to manage the financial aspects of media and publishing businesses. These tools are typically used by accountants, financial analysts, and managers in media companies who need to handle billing, revenue tracking, and financial reporting. 

These solutions generally include key features like automated billing, subscription management, and real-time analytics to help users with accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making. Overall, media and newspaper accounting software (whether on-premise or cloud-based) provides essential support for managing finances in a complex industry, helping users stay organized and informed.

Features of Media and Newspaper Accounting Software

When selecting media and newspaper accounting software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Automated Billing: Streamlines invoicing processes by automatically generating and sending invoices, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Subscription Management: Manages recurring billing cycles and subscriber accounts, ensuring consistent revenue flow and profitability.
  • Real-Time Analytics: Provides up-to-date insights into financial data, helping teams make informed decisions quickly.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Allows users to tailor their view of financial metrics, focusing on the most relevant information for their operations.
  • Ad Revenue Tracking: Monitors advertising income to ensure accurate financial reporting and revenue allocation.
  • Compliance Reporting: Offers tools to help businesses adhere to financial regulations and standards, reducing compliance risks.
  • Role-Based Access Controls: Ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive financial information, enhancing security.
  • Project Time Tracking: Tracks time spent on projects to ensure accurate billing and resource allocation.
  • Multi-Currency Support: Handles transactions in different currencies, making it essential for businesses or nonprofits operating globally.
  • Sustainability Tracking: Measures the environmental impact of financial operations, supporting companies' sustainability goals.

Benefits of Media and Newspaper Accounting Software

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

  • Increased Efficiency: Automated billing and subscription management save time and reduce manual errors, allowing your team to focus on more strategic tasks.
  • Improved Financial Insights: Real-time analytics and customizable dashboards offer up-to-date financial data, helping you make informed decisions quickly.
  • Enhanced Security: Role-based access controls protect sensitive financial information, ensuring that only authorized users can access it.
  • Better Compliance: Compliance reporting tools help your business adhere to financial regulations, minimizing risks of non-compliance.
  • Global Reach: Multi-currency support allows you to handle international transactions easily, expanding your business's global operations.
  • Sustainability Focus: Sustainability tracking features help you monitor and reduce your business's environmental impact, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals.
  • Accurate Billing: Project time tracking ensures that billing is precise, improving client satisfaction and revenue accuracy.

Costs and Pricing of Media and Newspaper Accounting Software

Selecting media and newspaper accounting 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 media and newspaper accounting software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Media and Newspaper Accounting Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic invoicing, limited reporting, and community support.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthAutomated billing, subscription management, and email support.
Business Plan$30-$60/user/monthReal-time analytics, multi-currency support, and priority support.
Enterprise Plan$75-$150/user/monthCustomizable dashboards, compliance reporting, and dedicated account management.

Media and Newspaper Accounting Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about media and newspaper accounting software:

Can media accounting software handle multiple currencies?

Yes, many media accounting software solutions offer multi-currency support. This feature is essential for businesses operating internationally, as it allows you to manage transactions in various currencies without manual conversion. Check if the software updates exchange rates automatically for the most accurate reporting.

How important is cloud integration for media accounting software?

Cloud integration is crucial as it allows your team to access financial data from anywhere, facilitating remote work and collaboration. It also ensures data is backed up securely and updated in real-time. Choose software that offers robust cloud capabilities to enhance productivity.

What kind of reports can I generate with media accounting software?

You can generate a wide range of reports, from financial statements to ad revenue analytics and subscription summaries. These reports provide insights into your business’s financial health, helping you make informed decisions. Ensure the software offers customizable reporting to meet your specific needs.

How secure is media accounting software?

Security is a top priority, with many solutions offering features like role-based access controls and data encryption. These measures protect sensitive financial information from unauthorized access. Review the security features of each software to ensure it meets your company’s standards.

What support options are available for media accounting software?

Most vendors offer various support options, including online help centers, email support, and live chat. Some provide dedicated account managers for personalized assistance. Evaluate the support services included in the pricing plan to ensure you get the help you need when you need it.

What’s Next?

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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.