What Software Do Most Bookkeepers Use?
While numerous bookkeeping software options are available, two platforms are at the head of the pack — QuickBooks Online and Xero. In 2023, QuickBooks Online Accountant had 7.2 million users, making it the most popular small business accounting software.

- FreshBooks (has a mobile app)
- Sage Business Cloud Accounting (has a mobile app)
- Zoho Books (has a mobile app)
- Wave (has a mobile app)
- Kashoo (has a mobile app)
Other Bookkeeping-Related Software
Besides the accounting software options just mentioned that handle accounting end-to-end, some niche platforms can be used for more specific tasks, such as payroll, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and financial management. Here are some examples of the best accounting software alternatives. Payroll Services- Sage 50
- Patriot Software
- Gusto Payroll
- Paychex Payroll
- Bill.com Invoicing
- HighRadius
- Sage Intacct Invoicing
- SAP Concur
- Tipalti
- Oracle Netsuite
- Wave
- Oracle Netsuite
- Sage Intacct

Can You Automate Bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping is a profession that’s notorious for being bogged down with repetitive, manual tasks. From invoicing to payment reminders to inventory management to gathering W-9s, productivity can take a hit without properly streamlined workflows. For perspective, one survey found that more than half (56%) of today’s bookkeepers spend too much time on manual tasks like invoicing. Fortunately, technology has made massive strides in recent years, where bookkeeping automation is now available and can cover a wide range of tasks. For instance, you can use bookkeeping software to conveniently keep track of expenses without resorting to antiquated techniques like manually sorting through a box of receipts. Instead, a client can simply upload their receipts through a mobile app (either from an Android or iOS app). From there, bookkeeping software will automatically extract the data through the mobile app and offer coding suggestions. Once edited, it will automatically post to the client’s ledger for maximum efficiency and accuracy. As for invoicing, bookkeeping software can automate much of the process by allowing you to create customizable invoice templates to send to clients, send automatic payment reminders, and complete payment processing by integrating with invoicing software.Helpful Bookkeeper Software Features
Modern small business bookkeeping software is incredibly comprehensive and can assist in virtually every aspect of the process. And the result is always the same. Increased efficiency, a quality client experience, and closing the books for a small business owner quicker — everyone from a sole proprietor to a full-fledged team. As for specific features that can help your bookkeeping services operate at their peak, here are some to look for.- Automated file review - Use bookkeeping software to catch errors and increase accuracy.
- Automated expense management - Quickly and easily track expenses with small business accounting software to identify patterns and trends for better business financing.
- W-9 gathering - Determine which vendors meet the 1099 threshold and follow the steps from start to finish without endless back-and-forthing.
- Streamlined client communication - Ask questions about forms, invoicing, and more, and get responses from a single portal and automate reminders.
- Task management - Create recurring or one-off tasks and follow the status until completion.
File Review and Automated Expense Management
Manually searching for coding errors can be a huge time drain for an accounting professional. With Keeper, however, you can automatically catch errors that could’ve led to delays in your month-end close.

W-9 Requesting and Tracking
Collecting W-9s from vendors that meet the 1099 threshold is a critical part of accounting. It can also be incredibly time-consuming. But Keeper streamlines the process by automatically identifying who meets the criteria for a small business.

Client Portal
Spreadsheets — also known as “dreadsheets” to some — can also be a serious time-drainer. You have to copy and paste your transaction questions, send them out, wait for responses, send reminders, and update the financial information in your accounting software. But with bookkeeping software for bookkeeping businesses, you can centralize communication from within a portal. That way, you can upload files,...


CRM and Client Communication
Juggling multiple clients and coordinating communication with a small business owner can quickly become chaotic for an accountant. With Keeper, you can easily manage every single client from a personal dashboard for a big-picture overview.


Task and Project Management
Equally important as client communication for an accountant is internal team communication, where everyone stays on the same page without information breakdowns. With Keeper, you have an overarching view of individual tasks and collective projects at all times, allowing you to see what’s been assigned to who, when it’s due, what the status is, and when something has been completed.

Automated Report Creation
Having a crystal clear understanding of a client’s financial trajectory is essential for your accounting service. But in the past, generating this information has been meticulous. However, now highly detailed reports can be generated using client-friendly visuals that are easy to digest.

