What is the best accounting software to use for a startup CPA firm?

I’ve worked with many accounting software systems and QuickBooks is the best option for tech startups because you can seamlessly move from QBOnline to QBDesktop as you scale. Here’s my review:

• QuickBooks: there’s a reason why Intuit is the market leader. They’ve taken the time to build software that works for nearly every kind of startup. Start with QuickBooks Online. As you grow (and as a startup that’s your goal!) you can quickly and easily move to QuickBooks Desktop, which has more robust functionality and is capable of handling a complex, multi-million $$$ company.
• NetSuite: is a great option, but complete overkill for a startup. Too pricey. But consider this once you’re doing really high volume, high complexity transactions. (for example, 200+ FTEs and/or $20M+ annual revenue).
• Sage: similar to NetSuite, this is a good choice in accounting software to move to when you are getting ready to go public (well, move to a long time before you go public so that you are ready!)
• Freshbooks: may be able to handle very early stage startup accounting needs, but will not be able to grow with you as the volume and complexity of transactions increases. Great for sole-proprietors.
• Wave: may be able to handle very early stage startup accounting needs, but will not be able to grow with you as the volume and complexity of transactions increases. Great for sole-proprietors.
• Xero: I applaud Xero for a) putting a fire under Intuit’s bum and getting them to revamp some of their older systems and b) marketing themselves as the new and sexy accounting software (it’s working). But there’s still key functionality that’s missing that makes it more time consuming to use. We are well versed in Xero and we do use it in our practice… but only after expressly telling our clients about said missing features that make using Xero more difficult.

I want my bookkeeping done as accurately, quickly, and efficiently as possible so that I can spend my time on higher “value add” activities. That’s why we use QuickBooks for the vast majority of our 750+ startup clients.