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Best Online Accounting Software for Consultants

Best Online Accounting Software for Consultants

By Nicole N. Nicole N. Verified by Mary P. Mary P.Last updated: February 14, 2025 (0)
Table of contents

Bookkeeping is one of the most important challenges of running a small business. Consulting services may find that the generic accounting tools are inadequate at meeting their specific needs. These businesses require accurate time tracking, correct categorization of billable hours, and expense management.

Opting for accounting software tailored to professional services can help tackle this issue, leaving more time for you to focus on running your business. Accounting software for consultants offers relevant features such as project management, automation, expense tracking, and time tracking.

Best Online Accounting Software for Consultants

Finding the best accounting software for consultancy firms may seem like a daunting task, but we’ve narrowed down the best products to streamline your operations.

Best online accounting software for consultants

Editors' choice
FreshBooks logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Straightforward design
Simple use
Easy invoicing, projecting
Clever time tracking solution
Small businesses
QuickBooks Online logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Very good user interface
Over 300 integration options
Different subscriptions with different features
Good Android and iOS apps
Freelancers
Zoho Books logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
One-stop shop
Intuitive
Built-in time tracking
Free version available
User-friendliness
Xero logo
Editor's rating:
(4.5)
Great mobile app
Affordable pricing
Responsive customer support
Over 400 third-party apps
Scalability
Sage Business Cloud Accounting logo
Editor's rating:
(4)
Very detailed summary page
Fully customizable invoices
Intelligent inventory
Check printing by default
FreshBooks
Editors' Choice: FreshBooks
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Straightforward design
  • Simple use
  • Easy invoicing, projecting
  • Clever time tracking solution
  • All features available for all pricing
  • Lacking features in the app
  • Invitation for extra fee only
  • Limited number of clients
Starting price: $15/mo Visit FreshBooks
Screenshots
Offers
60% off Freshbooks for 6 months
30-day free trial of FreshBooks
30-day risk-free money back guarantee
QuickBooks Online
Small businesses: QuickBooks Online
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Very good user interface
  • Over 300 integration options
  • Different subscriptions with different features
  • Good Android and iOS apps
  • Trial period and money-back guarantee
  • Certain essential features are add-ons
  • Long waiting time for telephone assistance
Starting price: $15/mo Visit QuickBooks Online
Screenshots
Offers
50% discount on QuickBooks Online first 3 months
20% discount on Simple Start
Free 30-day trial of QuickBooks Online
Risk-free 60-day trial of QuickBooks Online
Zoho Books
Freelancers: Zoho Books
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • One-stop shop
  • Automatization
  • Built-in time tracking
  • Intuitive
  • Free version
  • Learning curve
  • Complex pricing
  • Tiered customer support
Starting price: $15/mo Visit Zoho Books
Screenshots
Offers
-day free trial of
Free online accounting software with
Up to off
-day refund policy with
Xero
User-friendliness: Xero
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Great mobile app
  • Affordable pricing
  • Responsive customer support
  • Over 400 third-party apps
  • Payroll support could be better
Starting price: $9/mo Visit Xero
Screenshots
Offers
30% discount for the first six months
Free 30-Day trial Of Xero
Sage Business Cloud Accounting
Scalability: Sage Business Cloud Accounting
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Very detailed summary page
  • Fully customizable invoices
  • Intelligent inventory
  • Check printing by default
  • Google Drive integration
  • No recurring invoicing
  • Limited third-party app integrations
  • No yearly subscription available
Screenshots
Offers
$10 per month for Sage Business Cloud Accounting Start
Sage 50cloud Pro Accounting from $41.94 per month
Free 30-day trial of Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Key features to look for in bookkeeping for consultants

It’s important to make sure all your software is working for you instead of against you. Choosing accounting software aimed at professional services can simplify bookkeeping for consultants, so look out for the following specialized features:

 

 

Time tracking and billing ⌛

As a business that handles multiple clients, it’s crucial that you can accurately track time for various projects. Some accounting software will offer integrations with time tracking software, while others will already include native time tracking.

In turn, this ensures accurate billing and streamlines the invoicing process. Swift expense tracking also contributes to a smooth billing experience for both consultants and clients.

Project reporting 📊

It’s ideal to have advanced reporting to optimize project management. A bookkeeping service that allows access to project reporting will enable you to analyze the most profitable projects and make informed decisions regarding future clients. You can benchmark the resources invested as well as expenses and profit.

Compliance ⚖️

The best accounting software for consultants will simplify your quarterly and annual filings to ensure your business operations stay compliant. Automated tax calculations, tax reports, and detailed audit trails streamline compliance, either through built-in tools or relevant integrations with trustworthy tax software.

This is especially important for smaller consultancy companies, as small businesses often don’t have an in-house team that focuses solely on these matters.

Real-time monitoring and keeping up with industry-specific regulations and standards are also essential to stay on top of compliance.

Scalability 📈

If your consulting business is on the right track to success, it’s only natural to consider scalability. The best software will cater to ever-growing teams without jeopardizing feature accessibility and quality. When choosing the most suitable accounting software, consider future plans and the benefits or compromises that will come with upgrading.

Tips for effective bookkeeping for consultants

To optimize your accounting workflow, there are a few key points to keep in mind, especially for small businesses. First and foremost, setting up a chart of accounts (COA) ensures you get a clear overview of your financial data by keeping track of all transactions. One of the many perks of using professional services accounting software is that you can categorize to better suit your specific needs.

Woman doing calculations

Next, it’s imperative that billing is as hassle-free as possible. Be sure to track all reimbursable expenses to the relevant projects and automate recurring invoices whenever possible. These are crucial to guarantee on-time client billing.

Moreover, when it comes to billing, transparency builds trust. Provide your clients with full disclosure of your project expenses by leveraging client portals, allowing them to verify you’re employing your resources in the most productive manner.

Following these and other best-suited actionable strategies will give you the peace of mind that only tailored bookkeeping tools for consultants can provide.

People discussing over tablet

Grow your business with confidence

The wrong accounting software can overcomplicate your workflow and hinder your financial practices. It’s important to know which features to look for in bookkeeping services for consultants, such as time tracking, reporting, compliance, accurate billing, and more essential tools that simplify accounting processes. With these in mind, you can make an informed decision when it’s time to choose the best online accounting provider.

By making the most of the right software, you can spend more time growing your small business instead of mulling over accounting hiccups. Professional services accounting software ensures you can do just that. There’s sure to be a perfect fit for your firm among the best accounting software for consultants we’ve selected.

Online accounting software for consultants FAQ

Do I need industry-specific software, or will generic tools suffice?
What are the main benefits of time tracking integrations?
How do I handle cross-border billing or currency conversions?
Is free software viable for consultants on a budget?

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