Accounting software is required if you own a firm to accurately oversee its financial health. Of course, the software you select must be exactly proportional to the size and scope of your business. Different types of Accounting software are available now, more than ever before, with prices to suit any budget.
Accounting software includes tools for tracking a company’s revenue and expenses. The best business accounting software includes a variety of reports that allow you to analyze your company’s financials. They come equipped with dashboards that provide an overview of key financial aspects such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, historical sales data, and cash flow.
Accounting software is also useful for tax management, ensuring that you precisely estimate all your tax liabilities and save money as a result. Advanced types of computerized accounting software are equipped with other vital business systems such as payroll and human resources software, eliminating the need to manually enter the same data in several systems.
With all of that in mind, it is natural for you to take an interest in implementing some kind of accounting software in your business. That is why we are here with an elaborate list of the top 10 different types of accounting software that are popular and a must-try in 2023.
Top 10 Types of Accounting Software in 2023
Let us now straight dive into our curated list of the top 10 types of accounting software programs available in the year 2023.
1. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an online accounting software catering to sole proprietors, freelancers, attorneys, and accountants who manage retainer fees. It offers both solo and team versions, facilitating collaboration with employees and contractors. Notable features include automatic receipt data capture, flexible time tracking, and the FreshBooks Accounting Partner Program for seamless accountant collaboration.
FreshBooks ensures accurate client billing with a comprehensive unbilled time overview. It enables proposal and estimate creation while integrating with Gusto Payroll for payroll needs involving employees. The platform boasts a mobile app for iOS and Android. Its plan options—Lite, Plus, Premium, and Select—cater to self-employed individuals and small businesses based on their needs.
2. Oracle Netsuite
Oracle NetSuite is the top choice for midsize and growing businesses seeking advanced accounting features. It is an ERP system suite by Oracle Group and offers cloud-based financial management, automation, and integration with other software, including Oracle’s other ERP module integrations.
With multi-currency support, it is suitable for global companies. NetSuite streamlines accounts, deal closures, and compliance, alongside robust business management tools. It does not restrict users or require third-party apps for customization.
However, its rich features might be costly and complex for smaller businesses. Moreover, due to it being a complete suite of modules, your business will have to develop an ERP system in order to incorporate the best that Oracle NetSuite has to offer.
3. QuickBooks
QuickBooks Online is our top choice for comprehensive small-business accounting. With four plan options and a self-employed version, it caters to diverse business needs. It offers up to 4 plans starting from essential tools for small businesses and reports, and you can upgrade as your business grows.
Setting up and using the platform is straightforward, but Intuit also offers professional assistance for customized configuration. QuickBooks Online lets you create branded invoices and forms. Despite its feature-rich offerings, the pricing remains reasonable.
4. Zoho Books
Zoho Books suits sole proprietors, freelancers, and startups. It is budget-friendly, offering inventory management and user-friendly setup guidance. The professional plan highlights automated workflows, expense tracking, recurring transactions, project management, custom invoices, tax preferences, and bank account overview.
It has a client portal for invoice sharing and a CPA-friendly version. Online payments and mobile apps for iOS/Android are available. Limited third-party app integration and no payroll are drawbacks.
One of the most significant advantages of Zoho Books is its resources available to non-accountant personnel. Zoho Books takes the time to explain everything, making new users feel more at ease.
5. AccountEdge Pro
AccountEdge Pro stands as our top-rated accounting software for good reasons. Tailored for small and growing businesses, it is an on-premise solution with remote access for a complete accounting cycle. Moreover, Shopify, UPS Shipping, and Square integration make it excellent for online retailers.
The software offers robust invoicing, comprehensive time and billing tracking, and optional self-service or full-service payroll. An inventory module simplifies stock management, while the automatic bank feed option aids financial tracking. Reporting, including an audit trail report, is comprehensive. The mobile app serves both iOS and Android users.
6. Xero
Xero is our top choice for efficient bill tracking and payment. It ensures strong supplier relationships and avoids late fees, maintaining positive cash flow. The user-friendly, customizable dashboard displays due dates and invoices for immediate insights.
With real-time cost monitoring and quick adjustments, Xero’s cloud-based system eliminates the need for downloads or installations. Offering professional double-entry bookkeeping, it automates transactions as debits and credits.
Xero’s cloud platform enables scheduled payments and bulk supplier payments, streamlining manual processes.
7. Bonsai
Bonsai is a comprehensive accounting app offering CRM for invoicing. Its user-friendly dashboard simplifies financial management even for beginners. Notably, Bonsai includes a client portal, streamlining client onboarding by consolidating work documents, communication records, tasks, and to-dos in a single platform.
It provides customizable templates, like emails and legal documents, fostering secure client relationships and upfront payments.
Bonsai’s time tracker aids billable hours monitoring, converting worked hours to invoices effortlessly. It enhances team communication and ensures timely payments while saving you significant time each week.
8. Sage
Sage Accounting is a top choice for self-employed entrepreneurs and freelancers needing efficient invoicing and payment tracking. It ensures steady cash flow through affordable plans and automates manual tasks like expense posting and invoice reminders.
The system quickly reconciles bank entries, saving time. Sage’s accessible customer service aids those without accounting expertise. The software is user-friendly with simple navigation and easy setup, well-supported by ample resources.
9. TurboTax
TurboTax specializes in tax filing rather than full accounting. It offers options to outsource to experts, get professional assistance, or self-file using the software. TurboTax guarantees 100% accurate calculations, ensuring maximum tax refunds without excessive paperwork or preparation time.
It provides step-by-step guidance for independent filing, expert checks, and Live Support. TurboTax also offers yearly one-on-one audit guidance for IRS preparedness. Ideal for freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, and startups seeking accurate, hassle-free tax filing.
10. Melio
Melio is a top pick for user-friendly accounts payable software, ideal for uncomplicated small businesses. It is great for cloud-based invoicing, payments, and bill management, integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks at no cost.
Melio offers payments via bank transfer for free, with a 2.9% fee for credit/debit cards; two free paper checks monthly, additional at $1.50 each. Melio has an intuitive user experience, quick vendor addition, and manual or photo invoice entry. It supports internal users and accountants, allowing role assignments and transaction approval controls.
Conclusion
Need effortless invoice creation? Choose an app that streamlines the process. Managing diverse products? opt for inventory management. Forget recording credit card expenses? Look for auto-import features. For employees, prioritize payroll and tax compliance.
While accounting software often covers these features, prioritize must-haves to guide your choice effectively. There are different types of accounting software programs for different needs, Choose the one that fits your scale and style of business and you are good to go!
