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

Posted by icsadmin
01 October 2021
5 min read

accounting software for startups

We give a different weighting to each main category depending on who, or for what purpose, we are recommending accounting software. This ensures our rankings and recommendations are tailored to specific needs. We also recommend looking at the price of upgrading, to make sure the accounting software you choose is one you can afford to have grow with you. Finally, when using FreeAgent, accounting services for startups businesses can’t assign multiple shipping addresses to clients.

Empowering your small business with smart accounting

  • The best rule of thumb for startup accounting is to hire a professional accountant to help you manage your business’s finances.
  • The platform is designed to be intuitive, so even users with minimal experience in accounting can easily navigate the system.
  • Zeni Inc is not licensed, nor exempt to provide any payment services in the US.
  • QuickBooks Online is an accounting software designed for freelance bookkeepers, small businesses, and startups.
  • Xero offers quality cash flow management tools and integrates with over 800 third-party apps.

I pair content writing with ongoing retained earnings training in SEO, market research, and investment analysis to turn complex business data into clear, founder-friendly guides. And remember, it’s better to match your budget with your future growth potential and revisit your accounting stack every funding round. QuickBooks isn’t the most difficult to use platform we tested, but it does have a steep learning curve. If you need a platform to get up and running quickly with, there are easier options, such as Zoho Book and FreshBooks. QuickBooks’ invoicing tool was particularly easy to use, thanks to its clear, uncluttered layout.

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Its drag-and-drop function gives you the power to reorder tasks, view task dependencies and change milestones within your Gantt charts. However, without any of these power-ups enabled, Trello’s usefulness is limited to personal to-do lists and collaborating on projects within an organization. Seamless integrations streamline workflows and provide a more comprehensive view of your business operations. Shut down your US company cleanly, with expert-guided, penalty-free dissolution.

  • Startups working in or with Web3/Web 3.0, NFTs, Distributed Finance, etc. need an additional piece of fintech infrastructure to process their accounting efficiently and correctly.
  • You can even outline costs of individual items or services, so clients can choose the services that work best for them.
  • Open-source accounting software is a great pick for startups wanting to keep their finances in check without spending a fortune.
  • Monitoring both accounts comes easier when everything is in one place and up to date.
  • Send snail mail at $2 a credit if you need to send paper estimates and invoices.
  • Through its industry-specific features, you can potentially reduce shipping time, increase customer satisfaction and automate tasks.
  • FreshBooks’s combination of stellar features, customizable invoices, and well-reviewed mobile apps make it pretty much perfect—especially for freelancers.

Clearly Define Financial Processes

accounting software for startups

Here’s my overview of the best accounting software options on the market today. Manual, time-consuming tasks like data entry are no longer human responsibilities and should be automated. Automation lowers data errors and cost that can rack up during manual entry.

accounting software for startups

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NTask combines the main elements of project management software with task management features. You can visualize tasks in relation to one another using the Gantt chart, which also has special capabilities like critical path analysis and risk assessment. With other project management tools, it’s not as easy and subtask creation is required. Hence, the user-friendly interface makes TeamGantt optimal for first-time Gantt chart users. Trello’s free plan is a good option for startups to kick off with, as it offers unlimited users and integrations. However, there’s a limit of 10 boards per workspace and a 10MB file size upload limit, so those who want to scale should opt for the paid plans.

accounting software for startups

Why Do We Recommend Zoho Books?

SaaS businesses aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither are accounting solutions. Think recurring billing, revenue recognition, and MRR tracking—features tailored to SaaS-specific needs. Don’t just focus on features you need now; consider what you’ll need as you grow. Operating across regions involves complex tax compliance, as sales tax rates and regulations vary significantly by state. Navigating these differences can be quite a challenge, especially with each jurisdiction imposing unique rules. SaaS-focused accounting tools simplify this with automated sales tax calculations, real-time liability tracking, and streamlined reporting, Medical Billing Process reducing compliance risks and administrative effort.

accounting software for startups

Be sure to consider the departments you have in your company and what features are most important to each. Consider the features of each cloud ERP software you’re looking into, but also look at what each one specializes in and how it can help your business. Some cloud ERP software are better for manufacturers, while others may offer tools vital for e-commerce businesses. Below are what Forbes Advisor suggests as must-have features and the key factors you should consider before signing on any dotted line.