When it first came out, bookkeeping software completely replaced manual entry systems for most organizations, and now, with mobile devices packing serious processing power, it is possible to manage your business on-the-go with apps for small business bookkeeping.

 

 

Why Use an App Instead of Traditional Software?

You may already be using certain bookkeeping software at your office or place of business, and while that is sufficient in most cases, it lacks some advantages which are offered through apps, as detailed below.

 

#1. Flexibility and Freedom

Traditional software requires personal computers (desktops or laptops) to function, which means you have to either check in at your office or carry your laptop around. Mobile apps work on your phone, giving you increased flexibility and the freedom to manage your bookkeeping on the move.

 

 

#2. Cloud Storage and Data Security

While some modern bookkeeping software comes with cloud connectivity, almost all apps support this feature. This means that all the data on your app is stored in a remote location on the cloud and can be accessed from any other device, such as a tablet, or a replacement phone (in case you lose yours). Traditionally, PC-based bookkeeping software is not that robust and you need to keep regular backups to avoid losing your data.

 

 

#3. Intuitive User Interface

Bookkeeping software can be a little daunting to work on, but apps are designed more intuitively because they employ touch-based interfaces. These are far more user-friendly and approachable for newcomers to bookkeeping.

 

 

 

 

Which Apps for Small Business Bookkeeping are the best?

There are many different accounting and bookkeeping apps available for both iOS and Android platforms, and most of them provide similar basic options. However, some apps are better than others in terms of design, value for money, interface and additional features. Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 apps for small business bookkeeping that are currently available in app stores.

 

1.   Xero App for Accounting

The standout feature of Xero is its minimalist dashboard and easy-to-use interface. The app is perfect for small business owners who may not be very proficient with bookkeeping. It can import data on financial transactions and match it up with the appropriate accounting entries so you can see how everything is getting recorded and understand the process better. The app also stores all of your banking account details, invoices, reports, contacts, and expenses. All your data is stored in the cloud, and it is very easy to track accounts, expenses, and payments with the Xero app.

 

 

2. Freshbooks for Invoicing and Accounting

Like Xero Accounting Software, Freshbooks is easy to use, and sports a simple layout and user interface, suitable for people without an accounting background. With Freshbooks, you can create professional-looking invoices and receive credit card payments online without hassle. Apart from the invoicing functionality, you also get add-ons like time tracking, payment records and cloud storage for all your data.

 

 

3. Kashoo Cloud for Accounting

Kashoo does not have a dashboard, but it still comes with a great user interface and is particularly suited for income and expense management, and project-cost tracking.

If your business is heavily project-based, like a construction firm or a catering company, to name a few, you might find this app to be more suited for your needs. Other features include accessing online payments, expense tracking and detailed financial reports.

 

 

4. Quickbooks App for Accounting + Invoice

The Quickbooks app provides a user-friendly, streamlined interface, alongside useful functions, which enables centralized management of your accounting, billing and invoicing data. This app allows small business owners to easily view their profit and loss figures and send online invoices to clients on the go. New customers are also easy to add and managing your bank statements is a breeze as well.

 

 

5. Nutcache App for Invoicing

Though not a dedicated bookkeeping app, Nutcache is great for generating custom invoices and take care of processes like expense reporting, online payments and time management. An added advantage of this app is its support for multiple languages, which makes it easier for you to interact with overseas clients.

 

 

6. Sage One App for Accounting

Accounting apps from Sage are generally robust tools that will get the job done without any hassles. Sage One in particular, provides all the features you would expect from an accounting app, including easy reports, expense tracking and invoicing, while keeping things very simple and basic.

 

 

7. Wave App for Bookkeeping

Wave is one of the best apps for small business bookkeeping and is ideal for owners looking to keep their bookkeeping activities to a bare minimum. This app is targeted towards very small businesses that have fewer than 10 employees. A nice standout feature is that the reports from Wave are effective, which, combined with an easy-to-use dashboard, make it very easy for small business owners to manage their business invoicing and view reports on the go.

 

 

8. EZBooks App for Mobile Bookkeeping

EZBooks is another great accounting app that is excellent for small businesses and users who are not familiar with accounting terms and conventions. The app allows you to easily record all of your receipts and bills by taking photos and creating invoices on the go. You can also export all of your data to Excel and manage multiple businesses within the same interface, making it one of the best apps for small business bookkeeping.

 

 

9.  Freeagent Mobile App for Project Lists, Invoicing and Creating Receipts

Freeagent is a basic, easy-to-use app that comes with decent small business functionality such as the ability to handle projects, create customized invoices and upload receipts. This app makes bookkeeping a lot more accessible for small business owners and is used by over 40,000 people.

 

 

10. Book Keeper App for Accounting, GST Invoicing and Inventory

The Book Keeper app is loaded with features, and you can try it out for free for 30 days. The app boasts extensive bookkeeping functionality, such as the ability to create unlimited accounts, track inventory and manage multiple businesses/companies.

 

Customizable invoices are a breeze with this app, and you can send generated invoices via email or even through WhatsApp. Profit tracking is also very easy thanks to detailed expense tracking and income reports, and the app even works offline for instances when you are on the move and do not have internet connectivity. Book Keeper also supports cloud storage via Dropbox and is aimed at small business owners who are looking for an app that does not require prior bookkeeping knowledge.

 

Finally, you can even collaborate with your accountants via Book Keeping, making for a very seamless and efficient bookkeeping and accounting experience, which is why this is number one in our apps for small business bookkeeping.

 

 

 

It makes sense for small business owners to try bookkeeping and accounting apps since smartphones have become common. They can manage things freely, on the move and keep an eye on their finances even when they are away from work. We hope that our list of bookkeeping apps helps you find one that makes life easier as a business owner.