The Top 5 Choices Of Accounting Software For Small Companies

Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy, constituting the majority of all businesses. With a staggering count of 33.2 million small businesses in America, it’s clear that their operational needs, including bookkeeping, are substantial.

While larger enterprises can afford to hire accountants for meticulous financial management, this luxury isn’t always feasible for smaller ventures. Manual tracking methods like spreadsheets or even pen-and-paper approaches are error-prone and inefficient. Fortunately, the internet offers a plethora of budget-friendly accounting software solutions tailored specifically for small businesses.

FreshBooks stands out as an excellent choice for small-business owners, thanks to its user-friendly interface that doesn’t require an accounting background to navigate. With FreshBooks, you can effortlessly track expenses, generate and send invoices, access reports, and process credit card payments—all with just a few clicks. Its intuitive mobile apps for iOS and Android further enhance its convenience.

FreshBooks offers various membership tiers to cater to different business needs. The Lite tier, priced at $19 per month, is ideal for those with up to five billable clients. For larger businesses, there are the Plus and Premium tiers, priced at $32 per month and $60 per month, respectively, offering more client capacity. Additionally, FreshBooks provides custom accounting solutions with flexible pricing options that align with your business’s growth trajectory.

QuickBooks has earned its status as a household name for good reason. Trusted by millions of small and medium businesses worldwide, QuickBooks likely has a plan tailored to suit your business needs. Renowned for its user-friendliness, it’s a favorite among both beginners and professional accountants alike. With its cloud-based platform, scalability, and seamless integration with numerous third-party applications, QuickBooks offers a comprehensive solution for managing your finances.

You can explore QuickBooks with a free 30-day trial, and its entry-level tier starts at just $15 per month for the first three months, followed by $30 per month thereafter. While additional users or payroll features may require an upgrade, its intuitive interface and extensive feature set make it an appealing option for most small businesses.

You don’t need to break the bank to access top-tier accounting software. In fact, you can access powerful tools without spending a dime. Wave offers small businesses the ability to create and send invoices, track unlimited income and expenses, and more, all for free through their online platform or mobile app.

While many features are free, Wave does charge for payment processing per transaction, and there’s a monthly fee for payroll services based on the number of payees. This makes it an excellent option for those unable to afford the monthly fees of other accounting programs mentioned here. Plus, with no upfront cost, there’s no risk in giving it a try.

If Wave doesn’t meet your needs, Zoho Books might be a suitable alternative. They provide a free version tailored for businesses with less than $50,000 in annual revenue. This version includes features like invoicing, expense and mileage tracking, among others. While the free plan is limited to 1,000 invoices annually, it may suffice depending on your company’s size.

Zoho Books seamlessly integrates with numerous popular apps, and the company offers phone, email, and chat support to its members. Paid plans start at just $15 per month, with advanced enterprise services available in their Premium, Elite, and Ultimate tiers. You can explore the free version or take advantage of a 14-day trial of a paid tier through the Zoho Books website.

Xero is widely embraced by small businesses nationwide for its robust features. It automates report generation and invoice creation seamlessly. The platform fosters collaboration through features like comment threads and the option to invite third-party advisors. Additionally, it offers extensive customization options with over 1,000 third-party apps and optional add-ons.

Xero offers three subscription plans: Early, Growing, and Established, priced from $13 to $70 per month. For those requiring payroll management capabilities, integration with Gusto software is available for an additional $40.

Investing in accounting software, both in terms of time and money, is a wise decision for any business. It ensures your accounts receivable and payable are well-organized, providing peace of mind now and potentially saving you from future headaches, especially during tax season.

The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank or dedicate extensive time to learn these software programs. They are affordable and user-friendly, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. As your business grows, you may need to explore more advanced solutions or seek professional assistance. However, for now, the top five accounting software options mentioned earlier should suffice for the needs of your small business.