Discover the 7 best small business accounting apps. Boost control, flexibility, & savings.
TL;DR
Choosing the right accounting software for your small business is about more than just tracking expenses. You need a solution that integrates seamlessly with your operations, supports any payment processor through open gateways, and grows with your business. Here are the top seven tools that meet these requirements:
In today’s digital economy, the right accounting app is as essential as your POS or CRM system. Whether you’re a one-person operation or managing a growing team, accounting software, and bookkeeping software, are essential tools for small businesses. Solutions that support open payment gateways give you full control over how and where you get paid. These seven platforms stand out not only for their features, but because they don’t lock you into a single payment provider. They also allow you to accept payments directly from customers, streamlining your workflow.
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Nutcache’s automation features help small businesses save time on project management and bookkeeping tasks.
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Financial management is at the heart of every successful small business. The ability to keep track of income and expenses, manage cash flow, generate reports, and plan for tax season can make the difference between thriving and surviving.
Modern accounting apps simplify this work. Features like automatic transaction imports, mileage tracking, and real-time reporting bring clarity and consistency to your operations. These tools also assist in creating automated workflows for financial management, making it easier to stay organized. Most importantly, when integrated with an open payment gateway, these tools give you the flexibility to work with the best possible rates and terms, something Swipesum helps business owners navigate every day.
Additionally, these tools help you organize and file your financial data for tax season, ensuring everything is securely stored and easily accessible.
Bookkeeping software and free bookkeeping software offer cost-effective options for small businesses to manage finances efficiently.
Small businesses often need more than just basic bookkeeping. For example:
Accounting software should offer the flexibility to grow. That includes the number of users, the ability to assign roles, and integration with your merchant services provider. It should also support collaboration with accountants and accounting professionals, making it easier to manage double-entry accounting and streamline communication. This is where open gateways become critical, ensuring you’re never stuck with a one-size-fits-all processor.
If budget is a concern, a few free bookkeeping software tools provide solid foundations:
These tools may lack gateway flexibility, which is why free isn’t always the best fit. Swipesum often helps clients migrate from free to flexible platforms once growth demands more control.
Online accounting solutions have become a must-have for small business owners looking to streamline their financial management. These platforms offer a comprehensive suite of accounting features designed to simplify everyday tasks, whether you need to create professional invoices, track expenses, or monitor your cash flow in real time. With intuitive dashboards and automated tools, small businesses can easily manage expenses, generate detailed financial reports, and stay on top of their accounting without the need for complex spreadsheets.
One of the biggest advantages of online accounting software is the ability to access your business data from anywhere, making it easier to collaborate with your team or accountant. Many solutions include a free version or offer a free trial, so you can explore the features and see how they fit your business before committing to a subscription. This flexibility allows small businesses to find the right balance between cost and functionality, ensuring you only pay for the tools you need.
From sending professional invoices to tracking every business expense, online accounting solutions help small businesses maintain healthy cash flow and make informed decisions. With robust expense tracking and easy-to-use invoicing tools, you can keep your finances organized and focus on growing your business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your current system, online accounting software provides the essential features to manage your business efficiently and effectively.
When selecting software:
Always read user reviews from businesses similar to yours and test-drive the free trial versions.
From managing day-to-day expenses to projecting next quarter’s budget, accounting apps play a critical role. By integrating your accounting system with an open payment gateway, you unlock better margins, streamlined reconciliation, and faster payments.
Tax season shouldn’t be stressful. The right app can:
Apps that offer built-in tax features or integrate with tax software make filing easier. Swipesum ensures your payment setup matches your tax structure, especially for multi-location or high-volume merchants.
Security isn’t optional. Swipesum partners with tools that maintain industry-leading compliance and support audit preparation.
Once you’ve selected your software:
If your system isn't connected to an open payment gateway, you're leaving margin on the table. Let Swipesum plug in the right gateway, processor, and support team to make it seamless.
The best accounting app is one that fits your workflow and doesn’t limit how you get paid. These seven tools give you that flexibility while supporting key small business functions like invoicing, reporting, and cash flow management:
Pairing the right app with an open gateway strategy is where Swipesum shines. Our team helps you identify the best-fit software, configure your preferred gateway (like Authorize.Net, Cybersource, or NMI), and support your system as you scale.
Q: What are some of the best accounting apps for small businesses?
A: Zoho Books, Xero, Nutcache, FreeAgent, Hiveage, Bill Connect, and NolaPro are top options that support open payment gateways.
Q: Why is Zoho Books recommended?
A: It’s a full-featured platform with powerful APIs, making it highly customizable and payment-processor friendly.
Q: What makes Nutcache a good option?
A: It balances simplicity and customization, with flexible billing and time-tracking features.
Q: How does FreeAgent support small businesses?
A: It offers intuitive invoicing and expense tracking with light API support for payment gateway integration.
Q: Are any of these apps free?
A: Hiveage has a free version, and Nutcache offers a limited free tier. Wave is also a solid free option but has fewer gateway options.
Q: What’s the value of open payment gateways in accounting apps?
A: They allow you to choose your payment processor... saving money, unlocking better terms, and enabling scale.
Q: How can Swipesum help?
A: We consult with small businesses to identify the best accounting software and match it with the ideal payment processor. We help with setup, support, and ongoing optimization.
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