Top 5 Best Accounting Software for Business (2024)

22 May 2023 All news

Navigate the world of accounting software and choose the best option for efficient financial management in your business.

Efficient financial management is crucial for the success of any organisation, especially in today's highly competitive business market. With the increasing complexity of financial transactions and reporting requirements, it's essential for businesses of any size to have access to reliable and easy-to-use accounting software. In 2023, there are numerous accounting software solutions available in the market, each with its own set of features and benefits tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses.

In this article, we'll explore the top accounting software for you to consider utilising for your business — regardless of size. We'll also discuss the importance of using accounting software for businesses and provide guidance on how to choose the right solution for your organisation.

Why Should Businesses Use Accounting Software?

Effective financial management is a cornerstone of success for businesses of any size. The ability to accurately track expenses, monitor cash flow, and generate financial reports is essential for informed decision-making and long-term growth.

That's where accounting software comes into play, offering a host of advantages for businesses, such as:

Time-saving

Accounting software automates repetitive tasks, such as invoicing, payroll, and data entry, significantly reducing the time spent on manual bookkeeping. By streamlining these processes, business owners can allocate more time and resources to strategic tasks, such as product development, marketing, and customer relationship management.

This increased efficiency can lead to higher productivity and, ultimately, improved profitability.

Accuracy

By automating financial processes, accounting software minimises the risk of human errors, ensuring that your financial data remains accurate and reliable. Accurate financial records provide a solid foundation for data-driven decision-making, helping business owners identify trends, monitor performance, and plan for the future.

Furthermore, accurate records are essential for meeting legal and regulatory requirements, as well as building trust with investors and stakeholders.

Compliance

With constantly changing tax regulations and reporting requirements, accounting software helps businesses stay compliant by automatically updating to reflect the latest rules and providing built-in tax calculators. This automation not only saves time but also reduces the risk of penalties or fines associated with non-compliance.

Additionally, accounting software can generate compliant financial reports, making it easier for businesses to fulfil their obligations and maintain a positive reputation within their industry.

Improved cash flow management

Real-time insights into your financial position allow you to make informed decisions, effectively manage cash flow, and identify potential issues before they escalate. By tracking income and expenses, business owners can anticipate financial challenges, such as late payments or unexpected costs, and take proactive measures to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Robust cash flow management is vital for sustaining business operations, investing in growth opportunities, and ensuring long-term financial stability.

Customisation and scalability

Modern accounting software solutions offer customisation options and can be scaled to accommodate your business's growth and changing needs. As your organisation expands, your accounting software should adapt by providing additional features, integrations, and user access as needed.

This flexibility ensures that your financial management tools remain relevant and effective, supporting your business's success at every stage of its lifecycle.

Accounting Software Solutions for Business Owners to Consider

Navigating the diverse range of accounting software options can be a daunting task for business owners. To simplify the selection process, we've compiled a list of the top 5 accounting software solutions in 2023.

In the following sections, we'll explore each of these accounting software solutions in more detail, discussing their key features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision that best aligns with your organisation's unique requirements.

1. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a powerful, cloud-based accounting software designed to cater to the unique needs of businesses. Its comprehensive financial management features, coupled with an intuitive interface and extensive integration capabilities, make it a top choice for organisations looking to streamline their financial processes.

Key features of Sage Intacct

Here are some key features that set Sage Intacct apart:

Robust financial reporting and analytics: Sage Intacct offers a wide range of customisable financial reports and real-time dashboards, providing business owners with in-depth insights into their financial performance. With its multi-dimensional reporting capabilities, users can easily track and analyse data by various factors, such as location, department, or project.
Flexible and automated workflows: Sage Intacct's adaptable and automated workflows simplify complex financial processes, reducing the risk of errors and saving time. Business owners can tailor the system to fit their specific requirements and automate tasks, such as approvals, reminders, and notifications.
Scalability and customisation: As your business grows, Sage Intacct's modular structure allows you to add advanced features and functionalities to match your evolving needs. The platform also supports customisation and integration with other business applications, creating a seamless and unified financial management ecosystem.
Compliance and security: Sage Intacct maintains strict security standards and regularly updates its software to meet the latest regulatory requirements. This ensures that your financial data remains protected and compliant at all times.

Pros

Sage Intacct is a powerful and versatile accounting solution that offers a comprehensive range of features to help streamline financial processes and improve decision-making for businesses of any size.

Here are some of the advantages of utilising Sage Intacct:

Comprehensive financial management features: Sage Intacct offers a wide range of tools, making it suitable for businesses with complex financial needs.
User-friendly interface: Its intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and access the features they need.
Seamless integrations: Sage Intacct can integrate with a variety of third-party applications, streamlining processes and data sharing across platforms.
Highly customisable and scalable: The modular structure and customisation options allow Sage Intacct to adapt to your organisation's unique requirements and grow alongside your business.

Cons

Although Sage Intacct is a great software for businesses to have in their arsenal, the software isn’t without its downsides.

Here are the main disadvantages of Sage Intacct:

Pricing: Sage Intacct may be more expensive than some other accounting software solutions, which could be a drawback for smaller businesses or those with tight budgets.
Steep learning curve: While the interface is user-friendly, some users may find the comprehensive feature set overwhelming initially and may require more time to become proficient in using the software.

2. Xero

A popular, cloud-based accounting software, Xero was designed with businesses in mind. Its user-friendly interface, combined with robust features and seamless integrations, make it a top choice for organisations across various industries.

Key features of Xero

Here are some of the main features of Xero:

Easy invoicing and expense tracking: Xero simplifies the invoicing process with customisable templates, automated reminders, and online payment options. Additionally, it offers efficient expense tracking, making it easy for businesses to monitor and control their spending.
Bank reconciliation and cash flow management: Xero's automatic bank feed feature imports transactions from your bank account, simplifying the reconciliation process. The software also provides real-time cash flow information, enabling businesses to make informed financial decisions.
Payroll and employee management: Xero includes built-in payroll functionality that automates calculations, tax filings, and employee payments. Its employee portal allows staff to submit timesheets and view their payslips, streamlining the payroll process.
Third-party integrations: Xero supports integration with a wide range of third-party applications, including CRM, inventory management, and payment processing systems. This allows businesses to create a unified financial management ecosystem that caters to their specific needs.

Pros

Xero is a versatile option for businesses looking to streamline their financial processes and improve decision-making. Here are some of the benefits of using the software:

User-friendly design: Xero's intuitive interface makes it easy for users to navigate and access its features, even with little or no accounting experience.
Strong feature set: Despite being designed for businesses, Xero offers a comprehensive range of features to meet various financial management needs.
Extensive app ecosystem: Xero's compatibility with numerous third-party applications allows for seamless integration and data sharing across platforms.
Regular updates and improvements: Xero frequently updates its software, ensuring users have access to the latest features and enhancements.

Cons

Despite all the many advantages, the Xero software isn’t without its limitations. Here are the main disadvantages of choosing Xero:

Limited customisation: Compared to some other accounting software, Xero offers fewer options for customising reports and templates.
Payroll limitations: Xero's built-in payroll features may not be suitable for businesses with complex payroll requirements or those operating in multiple countries.
No built-in inventory management: While Xero integrates with third-party inventory management apps, it lacks built-in inventory management functionality, which might be a drawback for some businesses.
Does not grow alongside your business: Larger businesses or those looking to rapidly scale might find it difficult to continue using Xero once they reach a certain size.

3. Quickbooks

QuickBooks is a widely-used accounting software known for its intuitive interface and extensive ecosystem of add-ons and integrations. It offers a variety of features designed to cater to the financial management needs of businesses.

Key features of Quickbooks

Some key features of QuickBooks include:

Comprehensive invoicing and billing: QuickBooks provides customisable invoice templates, automatic invoice scheduling, and the ability to accept online payments, simplifying the invoicing and billing process for businesses.
Expense tracking and categorisation: The software allows users to track and categorise expenses, making it easy to monitor spending and stay on top of business finances.
Advanced reporting and analytics: QuickBooks offers a range of customisable reports and real-time dashboards, providing valuable insights into a business's financial performance.
Payroll and employee management: With built-in payroll features, QuickBooks automates calculations, tax filings, and employee payments, streamlining the payroll process.

Pros

QuickBooks is a popular and versatile accounting software solution that offers a comprehensive range of features designed to cater to the financial management needs of businesses. With that said, here are its main advantages:

Intuitive user interface: QuickBooks is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for users with little or no accounting experience to navigate and access its features.
Comprehensive feature set: The software offers a wide range of features designed to cater to the financial management needs of businesses.
Extensive ecosystem of add-ons and integrations: QuickBooks supports integration with numerous third-party applications, allowing businesses to create a customised financial management ecosystem.
Large user community: QuickBooks has a large and active user community, which can be helpful for businesses seeking advice or support from other users.

Cons

Although QuickBooks is a flexible option for businesses looking to streamline their financial processes and improve decision-making, there are a few things that decision-makers need to be aware of before settling on this software solution. Here are the biggest disadvantages of QuickBooks:

Can be expensive: QuickBooks offers a range of pricing plans, but some businesses may find the cost prohibitive, particularly for higher-tier plans with advanced features.
Limited global payroll support: QuickBooks' built-in payroll features are primarily focused on the US market, which may be limiting for businesses operating in multiple countries or regions.
Occasional performance issues: Some users have reported occasional performance issues, such as slow loading times or temporary unavailability of certain features.
Limited scalability: Despite its large user community, QuickBooks only supports businesses up to a certain size.

4. NetSuite

Oracle’s NetSuite software is a comprehensive, cloud-based ERP solution that includes robust accounting and financial management tools. It caters to a wide range of business sizes and industries, making it a versatile option for businesses with more complex financial management needs.

Key features of NetSuite

Here are some biggest draws of NetSuite:

Complete financial management: NetSuite offers a full suite of accounting and financial management tools, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed asset management.
Real-time financial reporting and analytics: The software provides real-time financial data and customisable reports, allowing businesses to make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information.
Scalable and adaptable: NetSuite is designed to grow with your business, allowing you to add or remove features and modules as needed to accommodate your changing needs.

Pros

NetSuite is a powerful and comprehensive accounting and ERP solution that caters to businesses with more complex financial management needs. Here are some of the biggest advantages of utilising this accounting software:

Comprehensive feature set: NetSuite offers a wide range of advanced financial management features, making it suitable for businesses with more complex needs.
Highly scalable: The software's modular structure allows businesses to adapt the system to their evolving requirements, making it a future-proof investment.
Built-in CRM and e-commerce capabilities: NetSuite includes built-in CRM and e-commerce features, providing an all-in-one solution for businesses looking to manage their financials, customer relationships, and online sales.
Extensive third-party integrations: NetSuite supports integration with numerous third-party applications, allowing businesses to create a customised financial management ecosystem.

Cons

While NetSuite’s advanced features and extensive integration capabilities may make it seem like the perfect solution, there are significant downsides to consider. Here are some of the software’s biggest disadvantages:

Higher price point: NetSuite's advanced features and comprehensive capabilities come at a higher price point, which may be a barrier for smaller businesses or those with tight budgets.
Steeper learning curve: Due to its extensive feature set, NetSuite may have a steeper learning curve compared to more simplified accounting software solutions.
Customisation complexity: While NetSuite is highly customisable, the process of customising the software can be complex and may require assistance from experts or consultants.

5. Wave

Wave is a free, cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for smaller businesses in mind. It offers essential financial management features without the price tag, making it an attractive option for businesses on a tight budget.

Key features of Wave

Here are some key features of Wave:

Easy invoicing and expense tracking: Wave simplifies the invoicing process with customisable templates, automatic reminders, and online payment options. Additionally, it offers efficient expense tracking, making it easy for businesses to monitor and control their spending.
Unlimited bank connections and reconciliation: Wave allows users to connect an unlimited number of bank accounts and credit cards, streamlining the reconciliation process and providing a complete picture of their financial situation.
Built-in payroll and receipt scanning: Wave offers built-in payroll functionality and a mobile app for scanning receipts, further simplifying financial management tasks for business owners.
Basic financial reporting: Wave provides basic financial reports, such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets, to help businesses stay on top of their financial performance.

Pros

Wave is an excellent accounting software solution for businesses looking for the bare essential financial management features without breaking the bank. Here are some of its biggest advantages:

Free to use: Wave's primary accounting features are free to use, making it an ideal choice for businesses on a tight budget.
User-friendly interface: Wave's intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and access its features, even with little or no accounting experience.
Unlimited bank connections: Wave's support for unlimited bank connections allows businesses to manage all their financial accounts in one place.
Regular updates and improvements: Wave frequently updates its software, ensuring users have access to the latest features and enhancements.

Cons

Wave is an attractive option for businesses with simple financial management needs. However, with its free cost comes a significant downgrade in important features. Here are some of the biggest disadvantages of Wave:

Limited features: Wave's free offering comes with a more limited feature set compared to some other accounting software solutions, which may not be suitable for businesses with more complex needs.
Limited integrations: Wave currently supports fewer third-party integrations than some other accounting software options, which might limit its versatility for businesses that rely on multiple software solutions.
No multi-currency support: Wave does not support multi-currency transactions, which could be a drawback for businesses looking to expand internationally.
No direct support for UK Making Tax Digital (MTD): From April 1, 2022, every business registered for VAT must keep an automated digital log that consolidates essential company information. Unfortunately, Wave does not keep digital tax logs, meaning that businesses will need additional software to ensure that they are compliant with MTD.

Why Your Business Should Consider Switching to Cloud-Based Finance Solutions

To keep up with the increasingly fast-paced modern business environment, businesses are constantly seeking more efficient and streamlined ways to manage their finances. Traditional accounting software, while proven, often fails to provide the flexibility and real-time capabilities businesses need.

Cloud-based financial solutions have emerged as the frontrunners in addressing these modern-day demands. With the promise of enhanced accessibility, accuracy, and scalability, they're quickly becoming the top choice for forward-thinking businesses.

If you're still on the fence about making the transition, here are five compelling reasons to consider switching to cloud-based finance solutions:

1. Enhanced accessibility: Cloud-based solutions are accessible from any device with an internet connection. Whether you're at the office, working from home, or on the go, you can access your financial data with ease. This flexibility empowers teams to collaborate more efficiently, regardless of their physical locations. Furthermore, the cloud ensures that you're not tied down to a particular workstation, offering true mobility and convenience in your financial operations.
2. Cost-efficient: Implementing cloud-based finance solutions can result in significant cost savings. Businesses no longer need to invest heavily in hardware or worry about regular software updates. The savings also extend to maintenance, as cloud solutions typically come with technical support, eliminating the need for in-house IT troubleshooting. Plus, without the physical limitations of on-premises servers, there's a reduction in energy costs and space requirements.
3. Real-time data updates: Cloud solutions automatically sync and update financial data in real-time. This means that businesses can have a real-time overview of their financial health, enabling quick and informed decisions. Immediate insights reduce the lag between data acquisition and actionable analysis, facilitating proactive financial management. Additionally, this constant flow of up-to-date information can be vital in industries where market conditions change rapidly.
4. Advanced security features: Contrary to common misconceptions, cloud-based solutions often provide enhanced security features. Leading cloud providers invest heavily in state-of-the-art security protocols, ensuring that your data is encrypted, backed up, and protected from threats. Routine updates to the cloud infrastructure mean that security measures evolve to counteract the latest cyber threats. Moreover, having data stored in the cloud can act as a safeguard against physical threats like theft or natural disasters, ensuring business continuity.
5. Easy integration and scalability: Cloud-based finance tools are designed to grow with your business. They can easily integrate with other business tools, be it CRM systems, inventory management, or e-commerce platforms. This seamless integration ensures that businesses can establish a unified digital ecosystem, optimizing data flow and enhancing productivity. Moreover, the modular nature of cloud solutions means you can add or modify functionalities as your business needs evolve, ensuring a tailored fit at every stage of your growth.

Which Accounting Software Is the Best for Your Business?

We've explored the top 5 best accounting software for businesses in 2023, including Sage Intacct, Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite and Wave. Each solution offers a unique set of features and benefits tailored to meet the varying needs of businesses of all sizes. Selecting the right accounting software for your business is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organisation's financial management efficiency and overall success.

To make the best choice, consider the following factors:

Business size and complexity
Cloud infrastructure
Integration with existing systems
Ease of use
Customer support and user community

By considering the factors mentioned above and evaluating each software's pros and cons, you can make an informed decision and select the right accounting software for your organisation, ensuring efficient financial management and a solid foundation for business success. Sage Intacct, in particular, offers impressive functionality and customisation capabilities, making it a strong contender for businesses seeking a reliable and scalable solution.

If that sounds like the right solution for your business, see how powerful Sage Intacct is for yourself.

Book your free discovery call today