Best Accounting Software for Very Small Businesses

Simplest, easiest accounting software

Online accounting solutions are designed to be simple and straightforward – in other words, you don’t need to be an expert to know how to deal with your software. Furthermore, if you still need help, the service providers are at your aid with tutorials, FAQs, knowledge bases and an always-ready customer support.

Some accounting solutions even have built-in guides, so you can learn the basics with the example in front of you. This way you can see that accounting can be a fun and interesting task, rather than a complex chore. Invoicing is usually the easiest and most advanced feature of these programs, especially if you have estimating as well (as estimates can be turned into invoices). Most solutions also feature a time tracker, project and expense management, an inventory, a dashboard displaying your bank feed and much more, whether you access everything from your computer or a mobile device. But the most important thing is that reports are created automatically, ergo your accountant just needs to confirm it and the hardest part of tax reporting is done.

Scalability in mind

Unless you are intentionally keeping your business small, chances are that your clientele will grow, not to mention you might end up employing one or more people as well. Online accounting solutions are prepared for this with multiple plans tailored to different business sizes: there are cheaper ones intended for micro business owners like you, and more complete ones for full-fledged SMBs and enterprises. Quite often all pricing plans contain the same features, including access for your accountant to verify your books, but sometimes you have to upgrade to get those extra options you want.

Speaking of missing features, do not write online accounting off just because it misses an important feature. Instead, try out one of the biggest strengths of these solutions: third-party app integration. Integrated apps can complement even the simplest cloud-based accounting software, turning it into a full powerhouse. Furthermore, they can replace the accounting solution’s own features with a more advanced one or, and this is of utmost importance, can partially or fully automate tasks you would normally do with a pinch of salt.

Recommended online accounting software

Although most online accounting programs, like Xero, FreshBooks and QuickBooks Online, are intended for SMBs, they can also be used by micro businesses without remorse. So without further ado, let us present you these three stellar options for very small businesses.