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Best Online Accounting Software Providers Shortlist

I researched over a hundred online accounting software providers and, using a set of strict criteria, condensed the list down to the 10 best tools. Here’s my list (in no particular order):

Time is money. Therefore, spending too much time on your money, costs money. Annoyingly meta, I know.

Accounting shouldn’t eat up your day. Yet, for many people, it still does. Online accounting software changes that by automating repetitive tasks and simplifying workflows, allowing you to focus on growth, not paperwork—while doing it from anywhere with an internet connection.

I've looked at the options out there, to come up with a shortlist for you. Here are the best online accounting software options in 2024—complete with reasons I've chosen each one, what they excel at, and who they're best for.

Price Comparison Chart

As you get started, I want to give you a bit of pricing information on the tools I chose, in case you have a set budget in mind.

Tools Price
Xero From $1.40/month
QuickBooks Online From $10.50/month (for 3 months, then $35/month)
Zoho Books From $15/month (billed annually)
FreshBooks From $10/month (billed annually)
BlackLine Pricing upon request
TallyPrime From $630/year
BQE Core Pricing upon request
FreeAgent From $13.50/user/month
WAVE From $16/user/month
TrulySmall From $9/month
Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

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Overviews of the Best Online Accounting Software for 2024

Here, I’ll expand on each of the online accounting tools that made my top 10 shortlist. I have purposely kept each section brief and followed a uniform structure, to allow you to compare their key features easily.

Best for a range of integrations

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $1.40/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Xero is a global small business platform that offers comprehensive accounting features and is easy to use, even for people without accounting experience. Zero's mobile app allows users to access their financial information from anywhere.

Overall, Xero is an excellent choice for small and micro business owners and freelancers.

Why I picked Xero: I included Xero among the top online accounting software options because of its comprehensive features, user-friendly interface, and strong support for small businesses. Xero offers various accounting features, including invoicing, expenses, payroll, inventory, bank connections, third-party integrations and analytics and reporting tools. It also helps automate data entry and payment reminders.

Xero users have access to its versatile dashboards and excellent mobile app.

Xero Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include comprehensive accounting and bookkeeping features, real-time financial analytics and reporting, access to compliance tools, automation features and versatile business dashboards. It also offers users excellent support and education resources, including courses, guides, webinars, video tutorials and the help of a dedicated advisor to get you started.

Integrations include CRM systems (Salesforce and HubSpot); e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce); payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Square; HR solutions like Gusto, Zenefits, and BambooHR; project management and time tracking tools such as Trello, Asana, and Toggl Track and many others.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Security
  • Real-time reporting
  • Custom integrations and add-ons
  • Intuitive user interface

Cons:

  • No phone call support
  • Issues with inventory management

Best comprehensive small business solution

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $10.50/month (for 3 months, then $35/month)
Visit Website
Rating: 4/5

QuickBooks Online is easy to use, even for people with no accounting experience, and is especially suited to the needs of small business owners and solopreneurs. All plans include a mobile app, user support, and app integration.

QuickBooks Online is an excellent choice for small business owners and freelancers needing basic accounting and bookkeeping.

Why I picked QuickBooks Online: I selected QuickBooks Online as an excellent online accounting software option because of its comprehensive features, ease of use, and popularity among small businesses and professionals.

With its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, QuickBooks Online is easy to navigate. The platform offers helpful tutorials and resources to help users make the most of its features.

QuickBooks Online Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, inventory management, payroll processing, automated sales tax calculations and scalability (it grows with your business). It also offers reporting and analytics tools, enabling businesses to gain real-time financial insights.

Integrations include over 700 business apps and services, including many CRM, payment processing, and time-tracking tools.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Security
  • Integrations
  • Breadth and quality of features

Cons:

  • Occasional customer support issues
  • Issues with transition from QuickBooks Desktop

Best for budgeting

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

Zoho Books is the online accounting platform for growing businesses today, offering invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, and financial reporting. Zoho Books' user-friendly interface and automation features make it easy to use.

A standout feature of Zoho Books is that it integrates with other Zoho apps, making it a part of an extensive suite of business applications.

Zoho Books is an excellent project management accounting software for managing budgets, billing, timeline tracking, and forecasting.

Why I picked Zoho Books: I chose Zoho Books for its comprehensive features, including customizable invoicing, automated expense tracking, inventory management, multi-currency support, and tax compliance tools. Zoho Books integrates with other Zoho applications making it an especially appropriate option for entrepreneurs.

Zoho Books Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include customizable invoicing, tracking invoice and expense status, recurrent invoices and automated payment reminders, inventory management, multi-currency transactions, automatic tax calculations and tax report generation, and mobile access. The real-time dashboard visualizes cash flow, income and expenses, your top expenses, and project status.

Integrations include other Zoho applications, payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, Square, and 2Checkout, CRM systems such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive, expense management solutions like Expensify, Receipt Bank, and Pleo, workflow tools such as Zapier, Automate.io, and Microsoft Flow and others.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customer support
  • Integration with other Zoho products
  • Simple external banking feeds
  • Clean and clear layout

Cons:

  • Inventory feature needs improvement
  • Can't customize automated reports

Best for service businesses

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $10/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

FreshBooks is an online accounting platform designed for small service businesses. Its invoicing capabilities are a standout feature, allowing users to create professional invoices, track payments, and set up automatic payment reminders.

FreshBooks is an excellent choice for small business owners needing simple yet comprehensive accounting software.

Why I picked FreshBooks: I included FreshBooks in the shortlist of the best online accounting software options because of its user-friendly interface, time-saving features, and strong support for small businesses and freelancers. Its customization options, cloud-based accessibility, seamless integration with third-party apps, and reliable security measures make it an ideal choice for service businesses.

FreshBooks Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include customized and branded invoices and cost estimates, time and expense tracking, payment processing, financial reporting, and collaboration tools. FreshBooks also has time-saving features like recurrent invoicing and late payment reminders.

Integrations include CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, and Capsule), e-commerce platforms (Shopify and WooCommerce), Payment processing (PayPal, Stripe, and Square), time tracking tools (Trello, Basecamp, and Toggl Track), and marketing tools (Mailchimp and Zapier).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Reliability and adaptability
  • Reporting and dashboards
  • Branded and recurrent invoicing features

Cons:

  • Mobile app needs improvements
  • Occasional lag in automatic payments

Best for internal control features

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

BlackLine is a cloud-based financial accounting software providing account reconciliation, journal entry management, and financial reporting. BlackLine's user-friendly platform offers helpful automation features, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors.

A standout feature of BlackLine is its ability to integrate with many ERP and financial systems, making it a flexible solution for businesses with complex accounting needs.

BlackLine is an excellent tool for process standardization and internal control.

Why I picked BlackLine: I picked BlackLine for its automation features, intercompany accounting, and improved accuracy and transparency of financial operations. It is user-friendly and intuitive to use.

BlackLine Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include automated account reconciliations, intercompany accounting, real-time reporting, journal entry management, compliance and control features and real-time, flexible, personalizable dashboards.

Integrations include a range of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and other financial applications such as: SAP ERP systems, Oracle ERP systems, Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions, Workday Financial Management and many more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automation
  • Real-time detailed reporting
  • Reconciliation dashboard

Cons:

  • Some integrations are very technical

Best for global operations

  • Free demo available
  • From $630/year
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

TallyPrime is designed for global small and medium companies and prides itself on its simplicity. It offers a suite of accounting features and inventory management tools.

Its standout feature is the ability to handle multiple currencies and languages, making it an excellent choice for enterprises with global operations.

Overall, TallyPrime is a comprehensive and easy-to-use online accounting software solution for global small and medium-sized businesses.

Why I picked TallyPrime: I selected TallyPrime for its easy-to-use interface, efficient inventory management, multi-currency transactions, and tax compliance tools. It is a versatile solution that simplifies complex accounting tasks, offers real-time reporting and analysis, and caters to diverse industry requirements.

TallyPrime Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include efficient inventory management, multi-currency support, financial reporting, real-time business dashboards, and ease of use.

Integrations can be developed to include e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, CRM systems such as Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and HubSpot, and tax management tools and government portals to simplify tax filing and ensure regulatory compliance. TallyPrime offers limited direct integration capabilities with third-party applications compared to other accounting software

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Superb customer support
  • Customizable reporting
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Limited invoicing template options

Best for service firms

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

BQE CORE is a cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for professional service firms. It offers time and expense tracking, invoicing, project management, and financial reporting.

BQE CORE is known for its flexible reporting capabilities. It also offers a range of integrations with other business applications, making it easy to manage operations from a single platform.

BQE CORE is a reliable accounting software solution ideal for professional service firms.

Why I picked BQE CORE: I included BQE CORE in the top online accounting software solutions for its comprehensive project management and accounting features designed to cater to the unique needs of professional service firms, such as architects, engineers, consultants, and legal professionals.

BQE CORE Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include time and expense tracking, project management, resource scheduling and forecasting capabilities, customizable real-time reports and dashboards, tools tailored for various professional service industries, a user-friendly interface, and mobile app.

Integrations include popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, payment gateways like Stripe, Authorize.Net, and PayPal, CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot, cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, email clients like Microsoft Outlook and Gmail, and Zapier.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent customer support
  • Ability to customize invoicing and reporting
  • Easy to track processes in one place

Cons:

  • Invoice editing not user friendly
  • Time-consuming to learn

Best for automation

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $13.50/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

FreeAgent is an award-winning accounting software option for small businesses, freelancers, and contractors. It helps manage day-to-day administrative and accounting processes and offers features like invoicing, expense tracking, project management, and financial reporting.

FreeAgent's standout feature is its automation capabilities, saving your business time by reducing manual data entry. It also offers integrations with other business applications, such as PayPal, Stripe, and Dropbox, so you can manage your business operations from a single platform.

FreeAgent is a good fit for businesses looking for a comprehensive accounting software solution with automation capabilities and integrations.

Why I picked FreeAgent: I selected FreeAgent for its automation capabilities and the opportunities it offers small businesses and freelancers to manage day-to-day administration and accounting painlessly. It is a comprehensive and user-friendly online accounting solution.

FreeAgent Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include customizable invoicing features, including branding and recurrent invoices, multi-currency support, tax compliance and forecasting, time tracking and project management, intuitive dashboard and reporting.

Integrations include payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, and GoCardless, CRM systems like Capsule CRM and Tactile CRM; e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce, time tracking tools like Toggl, Harvest, and TimeCamp, expense management solutions like Receipt Bank and Expensify, workflow tools such as Zapier and Integromat and others.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One-stop solution for all accounting needs
  • Sends reminders
  • Intuitive and easy to use

Cons:

  • Doesn't scale—strictly for small and micro-businesses
  • Mobile app is slightly buggy

Best free accounting software

  • Free plan available
  • From $16/user/month

Wave is a popular accounting software for small businesses and freelancers. It provides features including invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.

Wave's standout feature is that it is free, making it an attractive option for small businesses with limited budgets. Despite being free, Wave offers helpful automation features like bank connections, payment reminders, and automatic report generation.

Overall, Wave is an excellent choice for businesses and freelancers with no payroll needing a reliable accounting software solution that won’t break the bank.

Why I picked Wave: I selected Wave for its user-friendly, feature-rich, and cost-effective online accounting solution geared towards small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Wave offers free invoicing, expense tracking, and basic bookkeeping functionalities.

Wave Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include customizable invoices with unlimited invoicing capabilities at no cost, double-entry accounting, account reconciliation, financial reports, receipts scanning, user-friendly interface.

Integrations include a limited but essential set of third-party tools and services such as Wave payments, Wave payroll and receipts, Zapier and Etsy.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Free
  • Simple to use
  • Helpful tech support
  • Basics are easy and quick

Cons:

  • Limited data entry automation
  • Website occasionally freezes

Best for small businesses needing simple financial management

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $9/month

TrulySmall Accounting automates bookkeeping tasks for small business owners. It uses machine learning to reconcile expenses and bank statements, provide real-time reports with one click, and match receipts to transactions.

This online accounting tool is known for its affordability and user-friendly interface. TrulySmall also offers integrations with other business applications, making it easy to manage your operations from a single platform.

TrulySmall Accounting is an excellent choice for small businesses looking to automate their bookkeeping using an affordable and easy-to-use accounting software solution.

Why I picked TrulySmall Accounting: I picked TrulySmall Accounting for its simplified approach to accounting, expense tracking and scanning, which specifically caters to the needs of small businesses, solopreneurs, and freelancers.

TrulySmall Accounting Standout Features and Integrations

Standout features include easily customizable invoicing, simplified expense management, essential bookkeeping features, allowing users to invite team members or external accountants to collaborate on their financial data, receipt scanning, bank-level security measures to protect users' financial data, real-time dashboard and mobile app.

Integrations: Truly small Accounting does not offer direct integrations with third-party applications.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Receipt scanning
  • Automated reconciliation
  • Bank connections

Cons:

  • Pricey for what it is

Other Online Accounting Software Options

The market for online accounting software has grown significantly in recent years, and there are estimates that it now accounts for a substantial proportion of the overall accounting software market. This growth can be attributed to the increased demand for user-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable solutions that cater to the unique needs of today’s businesses.

Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best online accounting software providers list:

  1. Aplos

    For nonprofits

  2. Veryfi

    For managing time & expenses

  3. Sage 50cloud

    For automation and security

  4. SAP Business One

    For financial forecasting

  5. ZarMoney

    For flexibility

  6. Sage Intacct

    For using AI

  7. Acumatica

    For managing financial data

  8. NetSuite

    For resource planning

  9. Odoo ERP

    Open-source accounting software

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:

Online Accounting Software Selection Criteria

Here's how I determined the tools that would go on this list:

  1. I researched and compared dozens of online accounting software tools to create a long list of options.
  2. I considered specific accounting software features and condensed the list further based on the following criteria:

Core Functionality - 25% of total weighting score:

  • Invoicing and Billing: Automate invoicing and manage billing cycles.
  • Expense Tracking: Monitor and categorize business expenses.
  • Financial Reporting: Generate standard financial reports like balance sheets and income statements.
  • Bank Reconciliation: Sync with bank accounts to reconcile transactions.
  • Tax Management: Calculate and file taxes accurately.

Additional Standout Features - 25% of total weighting score:

  • AI-Powered Insights: Tools like Xero leverage AI to provide predictive financial insights.
  • Customizable Dashboards: QuickBooks offers highly customizable dashboards for better data visualization.
  • Multi-Currency Support: FreshBooks supports transactions in multiple currencies.
  • Mobile App Functionality: Zoho Books provides robust mobile app features for on-the-go accounting.
  • Integration Capabilities: Wave integrates seamlessly with various third-party applications.

Usability - 10% of total weighting score:

  • Intuitive Interface: Look for clean, user-friendly interfaces.
  • Navigation: Easy navigation with minimal clicks to access core features.
  • Customization: Ability to customize workflows and dashboards.
  • Accessibility: Mobile and desktop accessibility for flexibility.

Onboarding - 10% of total weighting score:

  • Training Videos: Availability of comprehensive training videos.
  • Interactive Product Tours: Guided tours to help new users get started.
  • Templates: Pre-built templates for quick setup.
  • Support Resources: Access to chatbots, webinars, and help centers.

Customer Support - 10% of total weighting score:

  • Availability: 24/7 customer support availability.
  • Response Time: Quick response times for queries.
  • Support Channels: Multiple support channels like chat, email, and phone.
  • Knowledge Base: Comprehensive knowledge base for self-help.

Value For Money - 10% of total weighting score:

  • Pricing Plans: Competitive and transparent pricing plans.
  • Feature Set: Rich feature set relative to the price.
  • Scalability: Options to scale up as the business grows.
  • Trial Periods: Availability of free trials or money-back guarantees.

Customer Reviews - 10% of total weighting score:

  • User Satisfaction: High overall user satisfaction ratings.
  • Feedback on Features: Positive feedback on key features.
  • Ease of Use: Consistent praise for ease of use.
  • Support Quality: High ratings for customer support quality.

The landscape of online accounting software is evolving rapidly. Here are some key trends to watch in 2024.

AI and Machine Learning Integration

AI and machine learning are becoming integral to accounting software. These technologies automate routine tasks and provide predictive analytics. This trend is important for improving efficiency and decision-making.

Blockchain for Enhanced Security

Blockchain technology is being adopted to enhance security in accounting software. It ensures data integrity and transparency. This trend is crucial for preventing fraud and maintaining trust.

Real-Time Financial Data

Real-time financial data access is now a standard feature. It allows businesses to make informed decisions quickly. This trend is significant for maintaining agility in a fast-paced market.

Mobile Accessibility

Mobile accessibility is increasingly prioritized in accounting software. Users can manage finances on-the-go with mobile apps. This trend is vital for supporting remote work and flexibility.

Customizable Dashboards

Customizable dashboards are becoming more common. They allow users to tailor their interface to their specific needs. This trend is important for improving user experience and efficiency.

What is Online Accounting Software?

Online accounting software refers to a web-based tool used to perform various accounting tasks, such as recording transactions, generating financial reports, and managing invoices, using web browsers or dedicated applications. Among the features that make these tools special are real-time financial reporting, invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and collaboration tools.

These features help simplify financial management, improve accuracy, and enhance collaboration among users, regardless of their physical location. Perfect for the dynamic nature of online and remote work environments.

How to Choose Online Accounting Software

As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:

  • Business Needs: Assess your specific accounting requirements. Different businesses have unique needs based on their size, industry, and complexity. For example, a retail business might need robust inventory management features, while a service-based business might prioritize time tracking and invoicing capabilities.
  • User-Friendliness: Choose software that is easy to navigate for all users. Accounting software should simplify financial management, not complicate it. Look for intuitive interfaces and user-friendly features that make it easy for non-accounting professionals to use.
  • Features: Look for essential functionalities like invoicing and reporting. The right accounting software should offer features that meet your business's current & immediately anticipated day-to-day financial management needs. Don't get swept up by features you don't have a need for, yet.
  • Integration: Ensure compatibility with other tools and software you use. Seamless integration with existing systems, such as CRM, e-commerce platforms, and banking systems, can be the difference between an effective system and an administrative headache.
  • Cost: Of course. Accounting software comes in various pricing models, from free versions with limited features to premium plans with advanced functionalities; look at what the system costs, for the functionality you need.

Features Of Online Accounting Software

When selecting online accounting software, it's essential to consider several key features to ensure it meets your business needs. These features help streamline financial management, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to manage their finances effectively.

Key Features to Look For:

  1. General Ledger: A comprehensive record of all financial transactions. This is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
  2. User-Friendliness: An intuitive interface for ease of use. This ensures that all staff, regardless of their accounting knowledge, can navigate the software efficiently.
  3. Analysis and Reporting: Tools for generating financial reports and insights. Robust reporting tools are crucial for tracking financial health and aiding decision-making.
  4. Automatic Updates & Scalability: Regular updates and the ability to grow with your business. The software should evolve with the business, accommodating growth and technological advancements.
  5. Payment Processing: Efficient handling of payments and invoicing. This is vital for tracking financial obligations and ensuring timely payments.
  6. Mobile Usage: Accessibility on mobile devices for on-the-go management. Mobile-friendly applications are crucial for managing finances on-the-go, with features for expense tracking and invoicing.
  7. Security: Robust measures to protect financial data. Strong security measures are vital to protect sensitive financial data from unauthorized access.
  8. Accounts Payable Management: Management of outgoing payments. The software should track vendor information, manage outgoing payments, and handle purchase orders and credit memos.
  9. Error Prevention: Features to identify and prevent financial errors. Reliable software should ensure accuracy and transparency, minimizing manual errors in financial data.
  10. Budgeting and Forecasting: Tools for budgeting help in planning and financial forecasting. This aids in financial planning and predicting future performance.

These functionalities collectively enhance security, streamline operations, and support the overall financial management of a business. By prioritizing these features, businesses can ensure they select software that not only meets their current needs but also supports future growth and scalability.

Choosing the right online accounting software is crucial for effective financial management. By focusing on features such as user-friendliness, robust reporting, security, and scalability, businesses can streamline their financial processes, reduce errors, and gain valuable insights into their financial health. This, in turn, supports better decision-making and overall business success.

Benefits Of Online Accounting Software

In today's fast-paced business environment, online accounting software has become an essential tool for organizations of all sizes. These platforms offer a range of features that streamline financial management, enhance accuracy, and provide real-time insights, making them invaluable for both small businesses and large enterprises.

  1. Accessibility and Convenience: Online accounting software allows users to access their financial data from anywhere, at any time, using any device with an internet connection. This flexibility ensures that business owners and accountants can manage finances on the go, improving efficiency and responsiveness.
  2. Real-Time Financial Reporting: With online accounting software, financial data is updated in real-time, providing users with up-to-date insights into their financial status. This enables businesses to make informed decisions quickly, based on the most current information available.
  3. Cost-Effective: Online accounting software often comes with a subscription-based pricing model, which can be more affordable than traditional accounting software. This reduces the need for significant upfront investments in software and hardware, making it accessible for small businesses and startups.
  4. Enhanced Security: These platforms typically offer robust security features, including data encryption and regular backups. This ensures that sensitive financial information is protected against unauthorized access and data loss, providing peace of mind for business owners.
  5. Automation of Routine Tasks: Online accounting software can automate many routine accounting tasks, such as invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking. This reduces the time and effort required for manual data entry, allowing businesses to focus on more strategic activities.

Online accounting software offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of financial management for businesses. By leveraging these tools, organizations can gain better control over their finances, reduce costs, and enhance security, ultimately driving growth and success.

Costs And Pricing Of Online Accounting Software

Here are the average online accounting software plans and costs, based on my research.

Plan TypeAverage Price (per month)Common Features
Free$0 (of course!)Basic invoicing, expense tracking, limited users
Personal$5 - 30Invoicing, expense tracking, basic reporting, single user
Business$30 - 60Multi-user support, advanced reporting, payroll integration, project management
Enterprise$100 - 200+Comprehensive financial management, advanced analytics, unlimited users, custom features

People Also Ask

Here are some common questions and answers about buying online accounting software.

What are the benefits of using online accounting software?

Online accounting software tools can streamline your accounting processes, save time and money, and provide real-time insight into your financial performance. More specifically it:

  • Offers access from wherever you are on different devices.
  • Often helps you save on costs because you don’t need expensive hardware and installations. You’ll also save on onsite maintenance.
  • Enhances collaboration, and many users can access the same data simultaneously.
  • Shifts financial data security and costs from you to the online accounting software provider.

What is the most popular online accounting software provider?

There are different popular options depending on region, industry, and business size. However, QuickBooks Online is the most popular option amongst small and medium businesses globally, with over 7 million customers.

Which software is easiest to use?

Which online accounting software tool users consider most intuitive depends on how versed the user is in accounting and their business needs. FreshBooks has earned high marks, however.

How do I migrate my data from my current accounting software to a new online accounting software?

Migrating data from your current accounting software to a new online platform can be a complex process, but most online accounting software providers offer detailed guides and support to help you through it. Typically, the process involves exporting your data from the old system in a compatible format (such as CSV or Excel), and then importing it into the new system. Some providers also offer migration services where their team will handle the entire process for you. It’s crucial to back up your data before starting the migration to prevent any loss of information.

Can online accounting software integrate with other business tools and applications?

Yes, most online accounting software can integrate with a variety of other business tools and applications. Common integrations include CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, payroll services, and payment gateways. These integrations help streamline your business processes by ensuring that data flows seamlessly between different systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. Check the software’s integration capabilities and supported applications before making a decision.

What security measures are in place to protect my financial data in online accounting software?

Online accounting software providers implement several security measures to protect your financial data. These typically include data encryption, secure socket layer (SSL) technology, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular security audits. Additionally, reputable providers often have compliance certifications such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR, which indicate that they adhere to stringent data protection standards. Always review the security features and certifications of the software to ensure your data is well-protected.

Can I customize the financial reports generated by online accounting software?

Most online accounting software provides customizable financial reporting features. You can tailor reports to meet your specific business needs by selecting the data points, date ranges, and formats that are most relevant to you. Customizable reports can include profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and more. This flexibility allows you to gain deeper insights into your financial performance and make informed business decisions.

Why Trust Our Accounting Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing accounting software since 2023. As financial operators 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 use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our accounting software review methodology.

Other Accounting Software Options

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:

Consider Yourself Connected

Selecting the right online accounting software provider will help to ensure your company’s financial processes are efficient, accurate, secure, and scalable.

The rest is up to you.

... with help from the pros.

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Simon Litt
By Simon Litt

Simon Litt is the editor of The CFO Club, specializing in covering a range of financial topics. His career has seen him focus on both personal and corporate finance for digital publications, public companies, and digital media brands across the globe.