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

If you’ve done any research into accounting software, chances are you will have heard of Xero! For those who really want to keep the purse strings tight, Wave can be an excellent option, as the core accounting features are completely free! As you might expect, the actual features and design are not as detailed as the paid versions on this list, but for basic bookkeeping and invoicing, it’s a fantastic option. Additionally, Pilot offers a discount of $200 per month pre-revenue if you’re just starting out. And when your startup is no longer a startup, Pilot is great for scaling your business and continuing to offer customized bookkeeping services. Decimal is great if you’re looking to quickly access your business records.

QuickBooks Online

This means information from payroll like Gusto and Rippling, or bill pay solutions like Bill.com can flow directly into The Real Value of Accounting Services for Startups your accounting system. Forward thinking accounting firms like Kruze have development teams, and our development team has built proprietary software that integrates directly with QuickBooks via their API. We use technology to automate manual process (which saves our clients money!) and provide customized dashboards and better bookkeeping services.

The Best Accounting Software: Summary

• For instance, cloud-based ERP solutions, such as NetSuite, often come with advanced accounting automation features.
• NetSuite ERP is a robust cloud accounting software that transcends traditional financial management of startups.
• With over 200 customizable templates, teams are able to build tailor-made workspaces to streamline processes and improve collaboration.
• We put dozens of accounting software products through their paces to identify the best option in 10 categories.
• It is an excellent choice for startups in the early stages of growth that require a simple, easy-to-use accounting solution.

Your burn rate, revenue, cash flows, etc. – you’ll want to track all of these carefully. Plus, you’ll want the standard outputs like Income Statements and Balance Sheets for your venture capital investors. QBO has these built off the shelf, so it’s easy to gather the data you want – and you can customize reports as well. VC-backed, early-stage companies have very different needs than traditional small businesses—and your financial stack should reflect that.

Best for Sales and Inventory Management

QuickBooks Online has a longstanding reputation as one of the easiest accounting software programs to use. The dashboard is well organized with clear graphics for each feature and easy-to-read reports that simplify finances for non-accountant business owners. If you’re looking for industry-specific accounting software, Sage some standout solutions beyond Sage Business Cloud Accounting. For instance, Sage 100 Contractor is a preferred accounting option for professionals in the construction business.

• Users really appreciate when they can get a mobile app and automate various accounting tasks without a steep learning curve.
• The desktop and online versions of AccountEdge’s accounting software support payroll management and account reconciliation, as well as UPS integration and links to Shopify stores.
• Managing equity can be a confusing, overwhelming task for founders unfamiliar with the various processes, paperwork and filings involved.
• Continue reading our full review of the best accounting solutions below.
• In particular, the founders we work with are always on the move – at conferences, at WeWorks, meeting with customers – you want you and your accountant to be able to log into your books from anywhere.

• Sage Intacct’s pricing is customized to each business’s size and specific needs.
• By automating tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and compliance management, these tools empower your finance team to focus on analysis and strategy rather than repetitive work.
• With 1-800Accountant, you don’t have to worry about the stress of keeping your own books.
• It is ideal for growing startups that require a scalable solution to manage their financials, operations, and customer relationships.
• Always check a software’s security features before choosing a provider.

Wave Accounting is one of the most fully featured free accounting software options for small businesses. Its user-friendly dashboard, low learning curve, and easy expense tracking make it ideal for freelancers and small-business owners who don’t mind finding another app to manage inventory. It’s https://www.citybiz.co/article/785736/the-real-value-of-accounting-services-for-startups/ also a lot more comprehensive than most other free cloud-accounting software options. If you don’t need quite as many features as Wave offers, ZipBooks is a solid free accounting software alternative. Even though it’s free, it doesn’t limit the number of invoices you can send (like Xero) or clients you can bill (like FreshBooks) per month—you can access unlimited customizable invoices and accept payments too. ZipBooks’ paid plan starts at $15 a month and offers better bookkeeping and automation features than its free accounting plan.