Can you recommend good start-up accounting software?
Table of contents
I’ve worked with many accounting software systems and QuickBooks is the best option for startups because you can seamlessly move from QB Online to QB Desktop 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)
- 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.
At Kruze Consulting, we want our bookkeeping done as accurately, quickly, and efficiently as possible so that we can spend our time on higher “value add” activities. That’s why we use QuickBooks for the vast majority of our 150+ startup clients.
Categories:
Startup AccountingTable of contents
Recent questions
- Are You Missing Hidden Tax Deductions Because Your Bookkeeping Isn’t Up-to-Date or Detailed Enough?
- How Does Modern Bookkeeping Automation Improve Cash Flow Visibility and Support Smarter Business Decisions?
- What Bookkeeping Strategies Can Help a Fast-Growing Startup Maintain Accurate Financials Without Slowing Down Innovation?
- What Is Net Working Capital in M&A, and Why Does It Matter for Deal Value?
- How Can Startups Identify and Track Sales Tax Nexus Across Multiple States to Ensure Full Compliance?
Top viewed questions
- What happens if the IRS audits me and I do not have the receipt for an expense (assuming it was a legitimate expense)?
- How should convertible note financing be handled on the balance sheet?
- How do startups account for equity and fundraising on the Balance Sheet?
- For startups incorporating in Delaware, what firms are good registered agents to use?
- 2025 Founder Salaries by Stage