When you planned on becoming a small business owner, your thoughts were likely filled with your big idea, the people you hoped to surround yourself with, where to open your shop and how to reach your customers. To this day, the last thing you likely want to spend time on is accounting. But understanding your finances is critical if you want to ensure your business continues to run smoothly.
To lessen some of the burdens, there are many software options that can help you automate all the tedious tasks you wish to avoid. Below, you will find a list of some of the top small business accounting software options available today:
FreshBooks
Considered the best overall accounting software, FreshBooks combines industry-leading usability with an attractive, low price point. This software is based around a “Double-Entry Accounting” feature. This feature tracks revenue items against their related expenses, making it much easier to understand your business’ profit and loss figures. FreshBooks also pinpoints errors as soon as they arrive and automatically checks that debit and credit amounts are correct.
- Simple data import and export
- Automated invoice generator
- 30-day free trial
QuickBooks
QuickBooks has become known as the easiest accounting software for small business owners’ to use. It quickly sorts through all of your business’ transactions and places them into tax categories. It also links photos of receipts to their corresponding transactions. With this software, you also gain personalized invoice templates, automated reminders and updates on whether your invoice has been viewed or paid.
- A comprehensive accounting software solution
- Mobile app tracks miles driven
- 30-day free trial
Xero
One of the biggest advantages of Xero is that it integrates with some of the biggest website builder platforms on the market, like Squarespace. For small businesses that rely on such platforms, Xero can prove to be a great fit. Generate invoices quickly, check on their status, and easily track inventory. The ability of this software to seamlessly sync with Amazon, Shopify, and Etsy (among others) makes it a great choice for eCommerce businesses.
- Effortlessly works with platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, and Square Online
- Impressive mobile app
Zoho Books
When it comes to automation features, Zoho is at the top of the list. If your biggest concern is having your time and resources tied up in boring tasks, Zoho might be the perfect fit. This software allows you to send hard copies of invoices and estimates to customers on behalf of your business, and it can auto-scan documents uploaded into its system. You can also schedule payment reminders to be automatically emailed to customers, and have reports generated weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.
- Automatically send invoices and estimates to customers
- Autoscan documents to the cloud
- Will chase late payments for you
Establishing a source of outside funding
Are you having trouble finding a source of funding? It’s important to note that not all financing options are created equal. If you’re having trouble finding the extra cash you need to adapt to changes and secure the tools you need, consider partnering with First American Merchant. Our team of experts at First American Merchant can help you quickly and easily secure flexible funding. Thanks to our experience and vast network, you can have an account and funding approved in as little as 24 hours.