The U.S. is experiencing a post-pandemic boom — not the expected baby boom but rather the birth of new businesses. As panic around the pandemic recedes and people reshuffle their positions within the U.S. workforce, thousands of new small businesses have popped up. In fact, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the number of new business applications is the highest on record.
These new businesses are growing up during an evolution in everyday sales transactions. From personal services to eCommerce operations, and from restaurants to retailers, changes in payment preferences have begun to affect all sectors. The fast-growing trend is digital transactions. This form of payment grew significantly during the pandemic in terms of both use and variety. For instance, businesses have seen dramatic increases in contactless payments, online ordering and the use of mobile wallets. In fact, digital payments made through smartphone wallets in the U.S., alone, are projected to reach $220.03 billion by 2023.
To stay on top of these trends, all businesses — new and old — will need cost-effective small business software (or “smb software”). This is especially true for accounting, payroll, invoicing, payment processing and other financial tracking processes. To keep track of your transaction and financial data, take a fresh look at the best software for small business. There may even be accounting and financial management programs tailored to your type of business.
Best Small Business Accounting Software
Over the past few years, several new accounting software options have entered the arena. Some long-standing programs like QuickBooks have also made updates to better serve small businesses’ evolving needs. Other noteworthy players have reduced subscription costs or revamped their offerings. Plus, there are even several no-frills free accounting services. Keep in mind, though, that most bare-bones free offerings do find ways to generate income. Some charge for additional options like payroll service or payment processing, for instance.
Whatever you choose, make sure you plan time to implement and train for your new business software. You’ll likely be the one using it, at least at first. For many small business owners, it’s not practical to hire a part-time bookkeeper, much less a fully trained accountant. That’s why small business accounting software is often one of the first programs a small business owner may use. Even independent contractors, freelancers and gig workers need an effective way to track their income and expenses. This helps them maximize deductions and avoid paying more taxes than is necessary. Depending on your specific needs, accounting software can take the place of hiring a CPA or manually tracking your income and expenses.
What Is the Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses?
All businesses have different needs. So, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to label as the best accounting software for small business. Instead, let’s take a look at several business accounting software options. Based on factors like company size, key sectors and financial tracking goals, we’ll cover which type of business each one best supports. The sections below will help you choose the right accounting software for your business, whether you are looking to find the least expensive option, the most user-friendly tool or the most robust reporting capabilities.
Best All-Around Accounting Software for Small Businesses — Intuit Quickbooks
Many small businesses choose QuickBooks thanks to its intuitive interface and easy data entry. It also offers live help to answer customer questions about the software. Among its strong points are easy installation and the fact that many financial professionals are familiar with it, making it simple to get local assistance if needed. Below are some notable QuickBooks pros and cons to review as you consider this option.
