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Still wrestling with retail accounting software that slows you down? Messy reconciliations, inventory mismatches, and outdated reports make tracking sales and cash flow harder than it should be. You need a system that keeps up with real-time data, automates tasks, and actually makes your job easier, not harder.

I’ve worked with plenty of businesses and know which accounting tools truly deliver. The best ones sync with your POS, track inventory, and give you clear financial insights—without the hassle.

To save you time, I tested and reviewed the best retail accounting software out there. These picks will help you streamline finances, simplify reporting, and stay on top of your numbers. Here’s how.

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Best Retail Accounting Software Summary

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

Best Retail Accounting Software Review

Below are my detailed summaries of the best retail 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 free accounting

  • 30-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $14/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Wave is a free accounting software solution for small business owners and freelancers. It offers key financial functions such as invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning, providing a cost-effective way to manage business finances.

Why I picked Wave: Wave offers an advanced set of features without any cost, making it a perfect choice for small businesses on a budget. Its invoicing feature allows you to create and send professional invoices effortlessly, while the receipt scanning feature helps keep track of your expenses by digitizing paper receipts. These features, combined with Wave's accounting tools, help provide a clear view of your financial health, ensuring you maintain control of your business finances.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include free invoicing, receipt scanning, and accounting tools. You can also manage payroll if needed, although it's a paid feature. Plus, Wave's dashboard provides an overview of your financial status, helping you make educated decisions.

Integrations include PayPal, Etsy, Shoeboxed, Zapier, QuickBooks, Slack, HubSpot, Shopify, Stripe, and Mailchimp.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy receipt scanning
  • Professional invoicing options
  • Clear financial dashboard

Cons:

  • Basic reporting capabilities
  • Limited advanced features

Best for GST compliance

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

TallyPrime is an accounting software solution for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in retail. It facilitates financial management tasks such as invoicing, inventory management, and GST compliance, making it an essential tool for Indian businesses.

Why I picked TallyPrime: TallyPrime is specifically designed to handle GST compliance, which is an important need for Indian retailers. The software automates GST calculations and returns filing, reducing manual errors and saving time. Its advanced inventory management features also help you track stock efficiently. Additionally, TallyPrime offers customizable invoicing options to meet several needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include comprehensive inventory tracking, automated GST calculations, and customizable invoicing. You can also benefit from multi-currency support and financial reporting to help enhance your business's financial operations.

Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Amazon Web Services, Shopify, Magento, Salesforce, Flipkart, PayPal, Razorpay, Zoho CRM, and QuickBooks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Efficient inventory management
  • Multi-currency support
  • Strong compliance features

Cons:

  • May require additional training
  • Limited third-party integrations

Best for CRM features

  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

OneUp is an accounting and inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides tools for accounting, invoicing, and customer relationship management (CRM), helping businesses manage finances and customer interactions effectively.

Why I picked OneUp: OneUp integrates CRM features with accounting, which is beneficial for businesses looking to manage customer interactions alongside financial tasks. With OneUp, you can track sales opportunities and customer communications in one place. The software also offers automated inventory management to keep your stock levels in check. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated inventory management, real-time financial data metrics, and sales tracking. You can also manage purchase orders and generate financial reports to help enhance operations and improve business efficiency.

Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Square, Google Workspace, Mailchimp, Shopify, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Zapier, and WooCommerce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time financial data
  • Automated inventory management
  • Sales opportunity tracking

Cons:

  • Can be complex to set up
  • Limited offline functionality

Best for customizable reports

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

ZarMoney is a cloud-based accounting software for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides essential financial management services such as billing, invoicing, and inventory management, offering customizable reports to fit various business needs.

Why I picked ZarMoney: ZarMoney offers highly customizable reporting, which allows you to customize your financial insights to specific business requirements. Its flexible billing and invoicing features help your financial operations. The software's inventory management tools also ensure you can track stock levels effectively. Additionally, ZarMoney provides real-time data access, helping you make educated choices quickly.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include flexible billing options, real-time data access, and inventory management. You can also customize reports to fit your business needs and track expenses efficiently. 

Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, Shopify, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and Salesforce.



Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible billing options
  • Effective inventory management
  • Supports expense tracking

Cons:

  • May require additional training
  • Limited offline functionality

Best for accounts payable automation

  • Free demo available
  • From $447/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

Tipalti is an accounts payable automation software designed for businesses of all sizes. It enhances financial operations by automating invoice processing, payment workflows, and compliance, making it ideal for companies looking to simplify their accounts payable processes.

Why I picked Tipalti: Tipalti excels at automating the entire accounts payable process, which is vital for businesses that handle large volumes of transactions. It reduces manual entry by automating invoice processing and payment workflows, while the software ensures compliance with tax regulations, reducing the risk of errors. Tipalti also offers multi-currency support, which is beneficial for businesses operating internationally.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated invoice processing, payment workflows, and tax compliance management. You can also benefit from real-time payment reconciliation and financial reporting to enhance your accounts payable operations and improve efficiency.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle, Salesforce, FreshBooks, SAP, and Expensify.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multi-currency transactions
  • Ensures tax compliance
  • Reduces manual entry

Cons:

  • Can be complex to implement
  • May need additional training

Best for inventory management

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $59/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

Lightspeed is a versatile retail accounting software solution for various retail sectors, including apparel and electronics. It primarily serves retailers seeking to improve financial management with key features like integration with point-of-sale systems and inventory management.

Why I picked Lightspeed: Lightspeed excels in inventory management, making it ideal for retailers who need to keep track of stock efficiently. Its integration with point-of-sale systems helps automate bookkeeping and sync data, while the software’s compatibility with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks and Sage enhances its usability. With additional features like ecommerce capabilities, Lightspeed offers an advanced solution to enhance your retail operations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include detailed inventory management and the ability to automate bookkeeping. You can also benefit from advanced reporting and custom workflows. Together, these features aim to improve your team's efficiency and accuracy in financial management.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Sage, Shopify, WooCommerce, Mailchimp, Vend, Xero, Moneris, Apple Pay, and PayPal.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed inventory tracking
  • Advanced reporting capabilities
  • Smooth ecommerce integration

Cons:

  • Can be complex to set up
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for large enterprises

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.9/5

Epicor is an advanced retail management system designed for large enterprises. It facilitates financial management, inventory control, and point-of-sale operations, offering solutions that scale with business growth.

Why I picked Epicor: Epicor caters to large enterprises with its scalable solutions and extensive functionality. Its financial management tools support complex accounting needs and multi-location operations, while its detailed inventory management helps stock control across various outlets. The software's point-of-sale integration also ensures smooth transaction processing and data accuracy across the board.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced financial management, detailed inventory tracking, and point-of-sale integration. You can also manage multi-location operations and generate advanced financial reports to help maintain control over their finances and operations.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle, SAP, QuickBooks, Shopify, Magento, Amazon Web Services, PayPal, and Sage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multi-location operations
  • Advanced financial management tools
  • Point-of-sale integration

Cons:

  • Can be complex to set up
  • Limited customization options

Best for simple invoicing

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $20/month

Kashoo is a straightforward accounting software aimed at small business owners and freelancers. It simplifies financial management with features like invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation, making it an excellent choice for those who need basic accounting solutions.

Why I picked Kashoo: Kashoo offers simple invoicing, which is ideal for small businesses and freelancers who need to manage bills quickly. Its user-friendly interface allows you to create and send invoices in minutes. The software's expense tracking feature also helps you monitor your spending effortlessly. Additionally, Kashoo provides tax preparation tools to ensure you're ready for tax season.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include an easy-to-use interface, expense tracking, and tax preparation tools. You can also generate financial reports to get insights into your business's performance to help you stay organized and manage your finances effectively.

Integrations include Stripe, Square, FreshBooks, PayPal, SurePayroll, BluePay, and Google Workspace.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Quick invoice creation
  • Easy expense tracking
  • Simple tax preparation

Cons:

  • Basic reporting capabilities
  • Less suitable for large businesses

Best for POS integration

  • Free demo available
  • From $49/month (pay-as-you-go)

The General Store is a retail accounting software for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides essential functions such as inventory management, sales reporting, and point-of-sale (POS) integration, which helps manage your retail operations.

Why I picked The General Store: The General Store excels in POS integration, allowing smooth connection between sales and accounting systems. The platform offers detailed inventory management to help you track stock levels accurately, while its sales reporting feature gives you insights into your business performance. Not to mention, the software supports multi in-store operations, making it ideal for growing businesses.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include detailed sales reporting, multi-store support, and inventory management. You can also benefit from customizable sales reports and automated reordering to keep your business operations efficient and well-organized.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, PayPal, Shopify, Square, Authorize.Net, Clover, Worldpay, Moneris, and Sage.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multi-store operations
  • Customizable sales reports
  • Automated reordering feature

Cons:

  • Some features may need add-ons
  • May require additional training

Best for automated entries

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $49/month

Bookkeep is an accounting automation tool designed for retail businesses that need to simplify financial data entry. It helps automate the posting of sales, payment, and deposit data, reducing manual bookkeeping tasks.

Why I picked Bookkeep: Bookkeep excels in automating accounting entries, which is vital for busy retailers. Its ability to automatically post sales and payment data saves time and minimizes errors. Bookkeep also provides detailed financial reports that give you insights into your daily operations, while its automation features ensure your books are always up-to-date, allowing you to focus more on growing your business.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated sales posting, detailed financial reporting, and real-time data syncing. You can also schedule entries and set custom rules for data handling. Overall, these features aim to reduce manual work and improve data accuracy.

Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, Square, Shopify, BigCommerce, Amazon, PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, and Grubhub.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated sales data entry
  • Customizable entry rules
  • Detailed financial reports

Cons:

  • Setup can be time-consuming
  • Some features may need add-ons

Other Retail Accounting Software

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

  1. Xero

    For global availability

  2. FreeAgent

    For freelancers

  3. AccountEdge

    For desktop users

  4. Keeper

    For secure document storage

  5. NetSuite Cloud Accounting

    For large enterprises

  6. Sage Brightpearl

    For omnichannel retailers

  7. Zone&Co

    For scaling businesses

  8. QuickBooks

    For small business owners

Retail Accounting Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best retail accounting software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like inventory management and tax compliance. 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:

  • Track expenses
  • Manage invoices
  • Handle payroll and bank accounts
  • Reconcile bank transactions
  • Generate financial reports for accounts receivable and payable

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

  • Multi-currency support
  • Automated tax calculations
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Integration with ecommerce platforms
  • Advanced inventory management
  • Generate balance sheets/financial statements

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
  • Customizable user settings
  • Aesthetic design
  • Mobile app access

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
  • Chatbot assistance
  • Webinars for new users

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

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Response time
  • Access to a knowledge base
  • Live chat options
  • Dedicated account managers

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

  • Pricing compared to features
  • Flexibility in subscription plans
  • Discounts for annual payments
  • Transparency of pricing
  • Cost of add-ons

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 reliability
  • Comments on feature effectiveness
  • Insights on ease of use
  • User testimonials

How to Choose Retail 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. Look for solutions that handle increased transactions and additional users without losing performance.
IntegrationsCheck if the software integrates with your existing systems like ecommerce platforms, CRM, and payment gateways to enhance operations.
CustomizabilityLook for software that allows you to customize reports, dashboards, and workflows to fit your specific business needs and processes.
Ease of UseChoose a solution with an intuitive interface and minimal learning curve to ensure your team can adapt quickly and efficiently.
BudgetConsider the total cost, including subscription fees, add-ons, and potential discounts for annual payments. Make sure it fits your financial plan.
Security SafeguardsEnsure the software has strong security measures, such as data encryption and regular backups, to protect your financial information.
Customer SupportReliable support can be crucial. Look for providers offering 24/7 assistance, live chat, or dedicated account managers for swift issue resolution.
ComplianceEnsure the software complies with local tax regulations and industry standards to avoid legal issues and fines.

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

  • AI-Powered Insights: Retail accounting software is increasingly using AI to provide predictive insights and analytics to help businesses forecast sales and manage inventory more effectively. 
  • Blockchain for Security: Some vendors are exploring blockchain technology to enhance data security and transparency. This trend is particularly relevant for businesses handling sensitive financial transactions, as it adds an extra layer of security against fraud.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: There's a growing shift towards cloud-based platforms that allow multiple users to access and work on financial data simultaneously. This trend supports remote work and real-time collaboration, which is becoming essential for modern businesses.
  • Personalized User Experience: Software providers are focusing on creating more personalized experiences, allowing users to customize dashboards and reports. This trend helps businesses tailor the software to their specific needs, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
  • Sustainability Reporting: As businesses become more eco-conscious, there's a rising demand for sustainability reporting features. Some accounting software now includes tools to track and report on environmental impact, helping businesses align with green initiatives.

What Is Retail Accounting Software?

Retail accounting software is a tool designed to help retailers manage their financial operations, including sales, expenses, and inventory. These tools are generally used by store managers, accountants, and business owners who need to keep track of financial data and improve business efficiency. 

They often include key features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management to help with maintaining accurate financial records and making business decisions. Overall, retail accounting software provides valuable insights that help businesses optimize their financial health and operations.

Features of Retail Accounting Software

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

  • Invoicing: Automates the creation and sending of invoices, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Expense Tracking: Monitors and categorizes expenses to help manage budgets and control costs.
  • Inventory Management: Keeps track of stock levels and automates reordering to prevent shortages or overstocking.
  • Multi-Currency Support: Allows transactions in various currencies, which is essential for businesses operating internationally.
  • Tax Compliance: Ensures accurate calculation and reporting of taxes to meet local regulations and avoid penalties.
  • Financial Reporting: Generates detailed reports that provide insights into business performance and aid decision-making.
  • Real-Time Data Access: Offers up-to-date financial information for making timely business decisions.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Lets users tailor their interface to display the most relevant data.
  • Payment Automation: Enhances the payment process, reducing manual entry and improving cash flow management.
  • Security Safeguards: Protects sensitive financial data with encryption and regular backups, ensuring data integrity.

Benefits of Retail Accounting Software

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

  • Improved Accuracy: Automating tasks like invoicing and expense tracking reduces human error, leading to more accurate financial records.
  • Time Savings: Features like payment automation and real-time data access help free up time for your team to focus on other important tasks.
  • Better Inventory Control: Inventory management features ensure you maintain optimal stock levels, preventing lost sales and excess inventory.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making: Financial reporting and customizable dashboards provide insights that help you make business decisions.
  • Cost Efficiency: Expense tracking and tax compliance features help manage costs and avoid unnecessary expenses or fines.
  • Increased Security: Security safeguards protect sensitive financial data, giving you peace of mind about data integrity.
  • Scalability: Multi-currency support and integration capabilities allow your business to grow and adapt to new markets with ease.

Costs and Pricing of Retail Accounting Software

Selecting retail 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 retail accounting software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Retail Accounting Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0/user/monthBasic invoicing, basic expense tracking, and limited reporting.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthInvoicing, expense tracking, tax calculations, and basic inventory management.
Business Plan$30-$60/user/monthAdvanced invoicing, full expense tracking, multi-currency support, and custom reports.
Enterprise Plan$75-$150/user/monthDetailed reporting, advanced inventory management, integrations, and dedicated support.

Retail Accounting Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about retail accounting software:

Can you use QuickBooks for a retail store?

Yes, QuickBooks is suitable for retail stores. It provides tools for managing stock, processing payments, and handling taxes. You can also add payroll features to manage staff schedules and pay. QuickBooks offers integrations with various retail systems, making it a versatile choice for many retail businesses.

How does retail accounting work?

Retail accounting involves tracking inventory costs and sales values. The retail method calculates inventory value by dividing total costs by the total retail value of goods. This method simplifies inventory management, helping retailers maintain accurate financial records without tracking each item individually.

What are the three types of accounting software?

The three main types of accounting software are ERP systems, billing and invoicing systems, and payroll management systems. ERP systems provide comprehensive solutions for financial management, billing systems focus on invoicing tasks, and payroll systems handle employee payment processes.

What should you look for in retail accounting software?

Look for features like inventory management, tax compliance, and reporting capabilities. Ensure the software supports integrations with your existing systems and offers scalability. Consider usability and customer support options to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing operations.

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.