20 Best School Accounting Software Reviewed In 2024
10 Best School Accounting Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
School accounting software is a valuable asset for any institution. With the right software, teams can improve financial management and enhance budgeting processes. However, finding the right school accounting software can be challenging, especially with many available options.
Using my experience with finance and accounting software, I tested and compared several of the top school accounting software programs available. Then, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best School Accounting Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top school accounting software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| ZarMoney | From $20/month (up to 2 users) | Website |
| Aplos | From $29.50/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Tyler Technologies | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Kashoo | From $20/month | Website |
| AccountEdge | From $20/month | Website |
| iplicit | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Odoo | From $25/user/month | Website |
| Ellucian Banner Finance | Pricing upon request | Website |
| MIP Fund Accounting | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Frontline Education | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose School Accounting Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. Here's a checklist of factors to remember to help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process.
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your school’s needs, accommodating increasing data and users. |
| Integrations | Check if it integrates with existing systems like student management or payroll software. |
| Customizability | Look for options to tailor the software to your school’s unique processes and requirements. |
| Ease of Use | Opt for a user-friendly interface that your team can learn quickly without extensive training. |
| Budget | Consider upfront costs and ongoing fees to ensure they fit within your financial plan. |
| Security Safeguards | Verify data protection measures, including encryption and compliance with relevant regulations. |
| Support | Assess the availability and quality of customer support to assist when issues arise. |
| Reporting Features | Look for robust reporting capabilities to generate insights and track financial performance. |
Best School Accounting Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of my shortlist’s best school accounting software solution. My reviews thoroughly examine each tool’s essential features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one.
ZarMoney is an all-in-one accounting and inventory management platform designed for diverse industries such as eCommerce, legal, and retail. It handles key business functions like invoicing, payment processing, and inventory management.
Why I picked ZarMoney: It offers significant customization in invoicing, allowing you to tailor invoices to fit your specific needs and branding. ZarMoney supports automated sales tax calculations and provides role-based access for enhanced security. Its features include advanced inventory tracking and streamlined order management. You can also connect with over 9,600 banks for automatic transaction imports, simplifying your financial processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated bank transaction imports, customizable quotes and estimates, and comprehensive reporting tools. You can manage your purchase orders and sales orders efficiently, gaining visibility into your global inventory. The platform supports multiple users with role-based access, enhancing security and compliance.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Square, Authorize.Net, Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, Xero, Amazon, and eBay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced inventory tracking
- Extensive bank connections
- Customizable invoicing options
Cons:
- Customer support response time
- Limited integration options
Aplos is a cloud-based software platform designed primarily for nonprofits and churches, providing fund accounting and donor management tools. It's used by organizations like schools and service clubs to simplify financial management and enhance donor engagement.
Why I picked Aplos: It specializes in fund accounting, making it ideal for non-profit schools managing multiple funding sources. The platform offers customizable reporting and donor management features, ensuring you can track donations and generate financial insights. With tools like event registration and digital donations, Aplos supports comprehensive financial operations. The software's focus on non-profit needs sets it apart from other solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable reporting, payroll services, and a website builder. You can manage your events with registration tools and enhance community engagement through email marketing. Aplos also supports digital and recurring donations, making it easier for your team to manage fundraising efforts.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Gusto, Mailchimp, Tithe.ly, Vanco, Bloomerang, Pushpay, and Twilio.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports digital donations
- Event registration features
- Customizable reporting options
Cons:
- Limited to non-profit entities
- May require training to use
Tyler Technologies offers an ERP solution tailored for public sector entities, including schools, providing financial management and administrative support. It's designed for public schools and municipalities that need efficient financial tracking and reporting.
Why I picked Tyler Technologies: It provides comprehensive financial management tailored for public schools, addressing specific regulatory requirements and accounting standards. The platform supports detailed budgeting and payroll management, ensuring your school operates smoothly. With its integrated financial reporting tools, your team can gain insights into financial health. The ability to handle complex public sector accounting tasks is a key benefit.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced payroll management tools that ensure accurate employee compensation. The software offers detailed budgeting capabilities, helping you allocate funds effectively. It also includes financial reporting tools that provide insights into your school's financial performance.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Sage, ADP, Paychex, and Kronos.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports regulatory compliance
- Strong payroll management features
- Detailed budgeting capabilities
Cons:
- Regular updates required
- May demand high resource use
Kashoo is a simple, cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers and small business owners who need straightforward bookkeeping solutions. It helps users manage tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
Why I picked Kashoo: Its simplicity and ease of use make it particularly appealing to freelancers who need basic financial management without the complexity of larger systems. Kashoo offers easy invoicing and expense tracking, making it simple for you to stay on top of your finances. With real-time collaboration features, your team can work together efficiently. Its automatic bank feeds reduce manual data entry, saving you time.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic categorization of expenses, which helps streamline your bookkeeping. Kashoo provides a dashboard that offers a clear view of your financial health. The platform also supports multiple currencies, which is beneficial if you work with international clients.
Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Square, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration tools
- Supports multiple currencies
- Simple setup process
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger businesses
- Limited advanced features
AccountEdge is desktop accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses needing reliable financial management. It's favored by users who prefer desktop solutions for tasks like invoicing, payroll, and reporting.
Why I picked AccountEdge: It excels as a desktop solution for those needing comprehensive accounting features without relying on cloud access. The software offers full-featured payroll services, allowing your team to manage employee payments efficiently. Extensive reporting tools allow you to generate detailed financial insights tailored to your school's needs. The flexibility to operate offline is a significant advantage for users with limited internet access.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory management, time billing, and purchase orders. You can track your inventory levels and manage sales orders effectively. The software also supports multi-currency transactions, which is beneficial if your school deals with international vendors.
Integrations include Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Stripe, Magento, Mailchimp, UPS, FedEx, eBay, and Amazon.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Inventory management included
- Multi-currency transactions
- Detailed financial reporting
Cons:
- Requires desktop installation
- Limited cloud functionality
iplicit is a cloud-based ERP solution designed for mid-sized organizations. It provides comprehensive financial management and accounting capabilities and is ideal for teams transitioning from on-premise systems to the cloud, offering flexible deployment options.
Why I picked iplicit: The platform uniquely supports organizations in migrating their existing systems to the cloud without disrupting operations. It offers real-time data access, enhancing your team's decision-making capabilities. With its intuitive interface and workflow automation, Iplicit reduces manual tasks, saving time. The tool's modular design allows you to tailor features to your needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced reporting tools, which allow you to generate insights quickly. The software also offers workflow automation to minimize manual processes. You can access real-time financial data from any device, ensuring your team stays informed.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Slack, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Workflow automation features
- Intuitive interface for ease of use
- Real-time data access
Cons:
- Needs internet for full functionality
- Potential compatibility issues
Odoo is an open-source ERP system offering a suite of business applications that cater to businesses of all sizes. It's popular among organizations looking for a customizable platform to manage various functions like accounting, sales, and inventory.
Why I picked Odoo: Its open-source nature allows you to tailor the software to your specific needs, making it ideal for schools that require flexibility. The platform supports comprehensive accounting features, helping you manage finances efficiently. You can customize workflows to suit your school's operations, enhancing productivity. Its modular approach lets you add applications as your needs grow, providing scalability.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include double-entry bookkeeping, which ensures accurate financial records. The software provides automated reconciliation, saving time on manual tasks. You can also benefit from its invoicing capabilities, which allow for detailed billing and payment tracking.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, Amazon, PayPal, Stripe, Square, QuickBooks, Xero, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive accounting features
- Modular design for easy expansion
- Highly customizable for specific needs
Cons:
- Complex setup for new users
- May require technical expertise
Ellucian Banner Finance is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system tailored for higher education institutions, offering comprehensive financial management and student information system capabilities. It serves universities and colleges that need to manage complex financial operations and streamline administrative processes.
Why I picked Ellucian Banner Finance: It effectively integrates financial management with student information systems, addressing the unique needs of higher education. The platform supports detailed budgeting and forecasting, ensuring your institution can plan effectively. It provides a centralized view of financial data, facilitating informed decision-making. Its compliance features help you meet regulatory requirements in the educational sector.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time analytics, which provides insights into financial and operational performance. The system offers automated workflows to streamline administrative tasks. You can also benefit from its comprehensive reporting tools, which support data-driven decision-making across your institution.
Integrations include Workday, Salesforce, Blackboard, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Canvas, Moodle, SAP, Oracle, and PeopleSoft.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time analytics capabilities
- Automated workflows for efficiency
- Supports detailed budgeting
Cons:
- Requires significant training
- Complex setup process
MIP Fund Accounting is a specialized accounting software tailored for nonprofits and government entities, focusing on managing complex fund accounting needs. It serves organizations that require detailed financial tracking, budgeting, and reporting capabilities.
Why I picked MIP Fund Accounting: It excels in providing comprehensive fund management features, making it ideal for schools handling multiple funding sources. You can track grants and manage budgets effectively, ensuring compliance with financial standards. Its robust reporting tools allow you to generate customized reports, offering valuable insights into your financial health. The flexibility to handle diverse funding scenarios sets it apart from other solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced budgeting capabilities, enabling you to allocate funds efficiently across various projects. It provides encumbrance accounting, which helps manage your committed funds. The system also offers a dashboard view for quick access to essential financial data.
Integrations include Salesforce, Blackbaud, QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Dynamics, Concur, Paychex, ADP, SAP, and Oracle.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Handles complex financial scenarios
- Advanced budgeting tools
- Specializes in fund management
Cons:
- May need frequent updates
- High learning curve
Frontline Education is an ERP solution tailored specifically for K-12 educational institutions, providing tools for financial management, human resources, and student data tracking. It serves school districts by streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing operational efficiency.
Why I picked Frontline Education: It offers specialized features that cater to the unique requirements of K-12 schools, such as managing school budgets and tracking student attendance. The software provides real-time financial insights, helping your team make informed decisions. Its focus on compliance ensures you meet educational regulations. The integration of HR functions simplifies workforce management within your school district.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include comprehensive reporting tools that help you analyze financial data effectively. The platform supports payroll management, ensuring accurate employee compensation. It also offers tools for managing student data, which can enhance administrative efficiency and decision-making.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office 365, PowerSchool, Skyward, Infinite Campus, Blackboard, Canvas, Aesop, Munis, and Edmodo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports comprehensive reporting
- Real-time financial insights
- Tailored for K-12 schools
Cons:
- Frequent updates needed
- Potentially high resource demands
Other School Accounting Software
Here are some additional school accounting software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out.
- Blackbaud
Best for donor management
- FreshBooks
Best for small businesses
- Xero
Best for non-profits
- Sage Intacct
Best for advanced financial reporting
- Zoho Books
Best for small business invoicing
- Vidyalaya
Best for school-specific ERP solutions
- QuickBooks Online
Best for mobile accounting access
- NetSuite
Best for mid-sized schools
- QuickBooks Enterprise
Best for organizational inventory management
- MYOB Business
Best for larger schools
School Accounting Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best school accounting software for this list, I considered everyday buyer needs and pain points, such as budget constraints and compliance with educational and financial regulations. 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 everyday use cases:
- Manage budgets
- Track expenses
- Process payroll
- Generate financial reports
- Handle invoicing
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Automated compliance checks
- Multi-campus management
- Donor and fundraising tracking
- Customizable dashboards
- Advanced analytics
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clean interface design
- Customization options
- Accessibility features
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Pre-built templates
- Access to webinars
- Responsive chat support
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Multichannel support options
- Response time efficiency
- Knowledge base resources
- Personalized assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Feature-to-cost ratio
- Transparent pricing structure
- Discounts for educational institutions
- Scalability with pricing tiers
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 reported issues
- Praise for specific features
- Feedback on customer support
- Frequency of software updates
Trends In School Accounting Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different school accounting software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on.
- Cloud-based solutions: Schools are increasingly moving to cloud-based accounting platforms for real-time data access and collaboration. This shift allows users to access financial information anywhere, enhancing flexibility and decision-making.
- AI-driven analytics: More software vendors incorporate AI to provide predictive analytics and more intelligent financial insights. This helps schools forecast budgets and identify trends before they become issues.
- Blockchain for security: Some school accounting systems explore blockchain to enhance data security and transparency. Blockchain can prevent unauthorized access and ensure data integrity, which is vital for schools handling sensitive financial information.
- Custom reporting tools: There is a growing demand for customizable reporting features that allow schools to create reports tailored to their specific needs. This trend is significant for schools seeking to meet unique compliance requirements.
- Sustainability tracking: Schools are looking to track and report sustainability metrics alongside financial data. This includes monitoring energy usage and carbon footprints. Vendors are beginning to integrate features that allow schools to align financial decisions with sustainability goals.
What Is School Accounting Software?
School accounting software is a tool designed to manage educational institutions' financial operations. It is generally used by school administrators, accountants, and financial officers to track expenses, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Features like cloud-based access, AI-driven analytics, and customizable reporting help users gain real-time insights, predict financial trends, and tailor reports to meet specific needs. These tools support maintaining financial health and transparency within schools.
Features Of School Accounting Software
When selecting school accounting software, look for the following key features.
- Budget management: Helps track and allocate funds efficiently, ensuring financial stability.
- Expense tracking: Monitors and categorizes expenses to maintain budget compliance.
- Payroll processing: Automates employee payments, saving time and reducing errors.
- Customizable reporting: Allows the creation of tailored reports to meet specific compliance needs.
- Cloud-based access: Provides real-time data access from anywhere for enhanced collaboration.
- AI-driven analytics: Offers predictive insights to help forecast budgets and trends.
- Grant management: Tracks grant applications and ensures compliance with fund requirements.
- Invoicing capabilities: Manages billing and payments, keeping financial records organized.
- Sustainability tracking: Monitors environmental metrics alongside financial data for sustainability goals.
- Security features: Protects sensitive financial data with advanced security protocols like blockchain.
Benefits Of School Accounting Software
Implementing school accounting software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to.
- Improved financial oversight: Real-time data access and customizable reports help track budgets and expenses effectively.
- Time savings: Automation of payroll and invoicing reduces manual work and minimizes errors.
- Enhanced decision-making: AI-driven analytics provide insights into financial trends, aiding in strategic planning.
- Increased compliance: Features like grant management ensure adherence to funding and regulatory requirements.
- Sustainability focus: Tools tracking environmental metrics help align financial decisions with sustainability goals.
- Better collaboration: Cloud-based solutions allow multiple users to access and update financial data from anywhere.
- Data security: Advanced features protect sensitive information, ensuring data integrity and privacy.
Costs & Pricing Of School Accounting Software
Selecting school accounting software requires understanding the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes standard plans, average prices, and typical features of school accounting software solutions.
Plan Comparison Table For School Accounting Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic invoicing, simple expense tracking, and limited reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Invoicing, expense tracking, budget management, and standard reporting. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Advanced reporting, payroll processing, integration options, and data security. |
| Enterprise Plan | $80-$150/user/month | Customizable reporting, AI-driven analytics, grant management, and enhanced support. |
School Accounting Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about school accounting software:
What is the accounting process for schools using school accounting software?
The accounting process for schools involves recording and reporting financial transactions, including revenues, expenses, and assets. Schools must adhere to federal, state, and local regulations while managing their budgets and audits. Accounting software helps automate these tasks, making it easier to maintain compliance and transparency.
What are the basics of school accounting software?
School accounting software primarily involves tracking all transactions related to running the school, such as revenues, expenses, and asset changes. This ensures financial stability and accountability. Accounting software provides tools to manage these transactions efficiently, supporting overall financial management.
What category does school accounting software fall under?
Accounting software often falls under the broader enterprise resource planning (ERP) software category. ERP software helps organizations manage their core operations, including financial processes. This means integrating accounting tasks with other administrative functions for better school efficiency.
How can school accounting software help with compliance?
Accounting software can assist schools in maintaining compliance by providing automated tools for tracking financial transactions and generating reports. These features help ensure that all financial activities align with regulatory requirements, minimize the risk of errors, and enhance transparency in financial management.
Why is budgeting important in school accounting software?
Budgeting is important in school accounting as it helps allocate resources and plan for future financial needs. Accounting software offers budgeting tools that allow schools to create, monitor, and adjust their budgets in real time. This ensures economic stability and supports strategic decision-making.
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