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

Finding the best online accounting software for your small business can seriously transform your working life. With less time spent on data entry, you have more time for the things you like most about small-business ownership, whether that’s getting to know customers or making products you’re proud of. Gusto is a comprehensive HR platform highly rated for its payroll, benefits, and https://jt.org/accounting-services-for-startups-enhance-your-financial-operations/ more.

• Designed to minimise manual effort, Vyapar TaxOne automates tedious tasks like data entry, bank reconciliations, GST automation, and smart client communication, enabling teams to focus on advisory and growth.
• Phone.com has customizable business phone services, so you can keep costs low by only paying for what each employee actually needs.
• 80+ years of combined experience covering small business and personal finance.
• For an early-stage startup, bookkeeping software and accounting software are the same thing – and our advice is that the top bookkeeping software for a funded startup is QuickBooks Online.
• The right tools help track income and expenses, making it easier to keep your business on solid financial ground.
• While cash accounting offers simplicity and clear visibility of cash flow, it may not accurately portray the business’s financial position in terms of owed income and expenses.

Marg ERP 9+ – Best for Inventory & Retail Businesses

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Intuit QuickBooks Online

While expensive, burdensome, and frankly annoying a thorough annual audit will help ensure that funds aren’t being misappropriated, and that the system is being implemented correctly. Regularly reviewing your software ensures it meets evolving business requirements, maintains compliance, and maximizes efficiency. Payment services are provided by Community Federal Savings Bank and Column National Association, to which Nium, Inc. acts as a service provider. Zeni Inc is not licensed, nor exempt to provide any payment services in the US. The SVB Innovators Card is another good choice of credit card where founders benefit from no personal liability, and is designed to meet the specific needs of startups.

• These plans come with all of the features of the base payroll plan, plus a lot extra.
• FreshBooks is one of the most affordable accounting software for startups, offering advanced tools without a hefty price tag.
• Consider these options based on your specific requirements and watch how they simplify day-to-day operations while enhancing overall efficiency in handling finances.
• Overall, Deel is seen as a valuable tool for managing global payroll and payments, although it could improve in areas of transparency and app optimization.
• Pricing is available upon request, as each plan is tailored to company needs.

Key Features

Getting started with Square Payroll takes only a few minutes, including your company information, team members, payroll settings and mobile app download. Milestone combines deep financial insight with hands-on support so businesses … Handling accounting effectively is pivotal for any startup aiming to establish a solid financial foundation.

• Team members can communicate project stats, create projects, solidify timelines, and outline necessary steps all on Asana’s platform.
• RingCentral brings employees and customers alike together through robust communication capabilities.
• However, there are numerous complaints regarding inadequate customer service, unresolved account issues and inaccuracies in tax filings, which have led to significant frustration for some users.
• We recommend QuickBooks Online (“QBO”) as the right bookkeeping software for early-stage companies and high growth small businesses.
• Homebase can sync their hours, breaks, PTO and overtime into their time sheet, along with multiple wage rates for each employee.

The rise of affordable accounting software UK has levelled the playing field, giving even small teams access to enterprise-level functionality. In 2026, as digital transformation accelerates, choosing the right tax filing software UK 2026 will not just streamline operations but empower founders to make smarter, faster business decisions. The following accounting software for startups UK gives you audit-ready journals, timely VAT submissions, and dashboards that make burn and runway obvious to everyone. But, at their core, all accounting software options are designed to provide a convenient, reliable way to keep track of your finances while keeping costs down. In a digital business environment, relying on traditional manual methods for accounting can be inefficient and prone to errors. Whether it’s tracking income and expenses, managing invoices, or filing taxes, businesses need accurate and real-time financial information.

Startups run into all kinds of challenges with their bookkeeping, accounting and business finances, in fact, we dig into some of the various challenges and startup bookkeeping mistakes in a blog post here. To help you in your search, Zeni’s expert finance team, which includes accounting for startups Certified Public Accountants and experienced startup founders, we put together a list of our favorite accounting tools for startups. Xero’s entry-level Early plan caps the number of invoices you can send and approve at 20 and the number of bills you can enter at five, which makes it impractical for most small businesses.

Cash vs. Accrual Accounting

Of course, all of the basics, such as open rate, conversion rate, and automation, are included. Wellfound (previously known as AngelList) has an extensive network of over 8 million workers, with a tech-heavy focus among that workforce. Companies with great growth stories, such as DoorDash, Roblox, and Peloton, have used the platform.