Best accounting software for startups: 2025 guide for early-stage companies

leading accounting software for startups

Accounting software ensures compliance with local accounting standards and regulations. Automated updates and built-in checks help startups avoid penalties and stay aligned with legal requirements. FreshBooks offers two additional plans with 60% off for the first four months. The Plus plan, originally $33.00 USD per month, is now available for $13.20 USD per month, saving you $79.20 over four months. The Premium plan, usually $60.00 USD per month, is discounted to $24.00 USD per month, providing a savings of $144.00 over four months. Consequently, startups can make informed decisions, optimize cash flow, and allocate resources more effectively.

Accounting integrations

leading accounting software for startups

QuickBooks is ideal for self-employed individuals and small to mid-sized businesses. It offers real-time accessibility, automated invoicing, customizable invoice templates, and payroll management. FreshBooks, cloud-based accounting software, allows owners to invoice clients, track time and run their small businesses in the cloud. With so many features available, how do I figure out what my business actually needs? The best approach is to go back to that initial assessment of your business needs and pain https://jt.org/accounting-services-for-startups-enhance-your-financial-operations/ points. If you’re struggling with getting paid on time, then strong invoicing and payment reminder features are key.

Automated Data Entry

leading accounting software for startups

Accounting automation software steps in to handle tasks like data entry, processing invoices, managing recurring billing, and even generating reports. As Future Firm highlights, these “significant time savings” mean your team can shift their focus from tedious manual work to more strategic activities that actually drive growth. Imagine your finance experts spending less time crunching numbers and more time analyzing them to provide valuable insights. Many small businesses handle day-to-day accounting tasks but may hire a business accountant for advisory purposes or need professional assistance when seeking external funding or dealing with the IRS. Most small business accounting software allows accountant access, but permission levels and collaboration features vary.

What third-party integrations are important to accounting software users?

However, several users complain about NetSuite’s high cost, particularly for small businesses. Other concerns center on the product’s complex implementation and the need for additional training and support, as well as the poor usability of its fixed assets and some other modules. NetSuite is a powerful tool for managing accounting and financial processes, but it requires a significant investment of time and resources to maximize its potential. Templates cover profit and loss reporting, income and billing statements, general ledger, expense reports and bank reconciliation. FreshBooks offers pricing plans starting at $15 per month, with additional fees for features like payroll and advanced reporting. They also offer a free 30-day trial so you can see if it meets your needs.

leading accounting software for startups

This comprehensive approach not only reduces your risk but also simplifies the audit process, potentially saving your team countless hours of preparation time. Sage Intacct is a popular cloud-based financial management solution for startups with complex accounting needs or those in specific industries accounting for startups like SaaS or nonprofits. Multi-entity management and financial consolidation are two of Sage Intacct’s more advanced offerings. We’ll examine key features to look for in accounting software, analyze top options in the market, and address common challenges faced by startup finance teams. We’ll also spotlight how innovative solutions like Brex are reshaping accounting for fast-growing companies, especially as accountant shortage continues and accounting expertise is hard to come by.

Businesses

Be sure to select software that checks most, if not all, of your boxes to ensure you have a solution that works for your startup. If you don’t need fancy apps or complex software to manage your business, Less Accounting could be what you’re looking for. With Less Accounting, you log in to your account through their website and record your business transactions. Wave Accounting is best suited for small service businesses, more like home cleaning businesses, window washing, etc. DataSnipper delivers intelligent automation with effortless data validation, revolutionizing how your audit and finance teams handle information.