The 5 Best Accounting Software & Tools For Startups in 2025

startup accounting software

At the top right-hand corner of the screen, a grid-like button with a hover-over label that read “add widget” sat. When I clicked on it, I was presented with a simple form to toggle on and off the widgets I wanted on the dashboard. I simply had to input my email, name and phone number into a simple sign-up form.

Plan and Optimize Taxes

Besides being an integral part of business development team, he is actively involved in recruiting and nurturing talent, which forms the backbone of Knowcraft. Prior to co-founding Knowcraft, he worked at EXL, where he pioneered transaction advisory and complex security valuation services. He has proven expertise in valuing derivatives and embedded securities using complex models, such as Lattice or Monte Carlo simulations. Upasak holds a Master of Commerce degree from Gujarat University, India and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the ICFAI University, India.

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Some applications encourage you to enter a record or create a transaction to get your feet wet. It’s also a good idea to browse the accounting software’s settings. For example, do you plan to use specific features such as inventory tracking and purchase orders? You can usually turn tools on or off, which can help you either simplify the user interface or maximize the functions. Doola simplifies financial management by integrating directly with your business bank account. Every transaction — whether it’s a supplier payment, a credit card sale, or a utility bill — is automatically tracked and categorized.

Best for Multiple Users

FreshBooks is a good choice for small business owners who want easy-to-use accounting software. The software is also a good fit for service-based businesses, such as consultants, web designers and photographers. I then clicked on the “accounting” menu item and was taken to the accounting page. An explanation told me that doing so would allow me to automatically import transactions into FreshBooks, then match them with income and expenses in FreshBooks. When I opted to add my bank account, I was walked step-by-step through the process. Lower cost options that may work for people who are not building VC backed startups, but who instead are focused on services businesses, agencies, and other traditional small businesses.

  • It was highly customizable, allowing me to answer details about the invoice that would aid in filing it in my storage system and making it searchable.
  • With us, your books and taxes are in order when it’s time to raise another round of venture financing.
  • Investors also rely on accurate financial records to assess the viability of your business, so having your accounting in order can make all the difference when seeking funding.
  • At the top right-hand corner of the screen, a grid-like button with a hover-over label that read “add widget” sat.
  • You can track hours and expenses by project and easily add them to customer invoices, making it ideal for consulting firms and marketing agencies that bill clients based on employee time.
  • Factors like your business size and complexity, industry, location, and whether you handle accounting in-house or outsource it will all influence your budget.

But, in our experience with our startups, we suggest using accounting software ASAP. Adding Gusto payroll Accounting For Architects service will cost an additional $40 monthly. You can cancel your subscription to Xero anytime with a month’s notice. 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. Accurate data equates to accurate forecasts, a tool every founder needs.

startup accounting software

Sage – $10/month–$1,610/year

Unlike competitors, I had to also enter my credit or debit card information. This means that if I am not satisfied with the software, I have to manually cancel my subscription before the two-week free trial period or I will be charged the yearly rate of $200. Additionally, when I generated an invoice, the system alerted me if any necessary information was missing to save the invoice. A form would then appear on the same screen, enabling me to promptly add the required details, such as a service item for sale or a customer. This streamlined process allowed me to address all requirements directly from the invoice screen, providing clear guidance on what was needed to fully complete the task. To begin, I filled out a simple form with my name, contact information, company name, industry and a chosen platform.

startup accounting software

Solid accounting practices provide more than just organized numbers; they offer crucial financial clarity. This clarity helps attract potential investors and ensures you’re complying with tax laws. Monitoring it closely helps you anticipate potential shortfalls and make informed decisions about expenses. You’ll also be able to ensure you have enough funds to cover essential operating costs.