The right workflow management software is a central building block to a successful accounting business. Whether your goal is to build bookkeeping workflow templates that can scale as you add a new client, or design standard operating procedures for other accounting client processes, you need a tool that’s intuitive to use, but also has the capability for customization.

Two of the best project management tools are Asana and Jetpack Workflow. Before you choose one and invest hours working on the setup process for your team, get to know the ins and outs of each option and ensure the software is a good fit for what you aim to accomplish.

What Do Asana and Jetpack Workflow Do?

When you’re managing multiple clients and team members, email and spreadsheets aren’t the best tools to run your business at maximum efficiency. And that’s where finding the best accounting project management software comes in.

Both Asana and Jetpack Workflow are virtual collaboration spaces designed to help you:

• Automate repeatable processes
• Design workflows that streamline production
• Keep track of the status of individual tasks

But while Asana and Jetpack Workflow are both designed with successful project management in mind, there are significant differences between the two solutions, particularly when it comes to implementing the software for accounting firms.

A Quick Overview of Each Tool

Asana is a well-known project management software company used by businesses in countless industries. That’s what it’s designed for. While it’s most popular with sales and marketing teams, software companies, IT firms, and non-profit organizations also use Asana to keep their teams on track.

One of Asana’s strengths is that it’s highly customizable, and can be used cross-functionally within large organizations. Team members who prefer seeing their work on a board can view it through their preferred settings, while those who like list view can opt for that perspective.

It helps leaders see where every team member is at with their tasks given its detailed reporting features. There’s also a way to build in automation for workflows, notifying people when it’s their turn to take the next step in a project.

Jetpack Workflow is a powerful tool designed specifically with accountants and bookkeepers in mind. Over 6,000 financial services professionals use the software for their firms and report saving an average of 10 hours per week.

Jetpack Workflow has an impressive template library of accounting- and bookkeeping-specific workflows that you can leverage to begin setting up your team in the software. On the other hand, if you have a specific process you follow, you can create your own template and apply it to every client you service.

The platform ensures both you and your team members have clear prioritization based on critical deadlines, and gives you a window into tasks completed within a set time frame. This helps leaders evaluate capacity and scale sustainably. You see when you have the bandwidth to take on new client work, and when it’s time to hire more help.

The Differences Between Asana and Jetpack Workflow

So what are the determining factors when choosing the best accounting project management software? Here are five key categories to rate each project management tool:

Features

Asana has all the basic project management features a workflow software needs. For example, you can create tasks and task dependencies. You can make mass updates to groups of tasks, and quickly set recurring tasks. It’s possible to drag and drop tasks, and easy to see personal or team-wide to-do lists.

You may notice that people who love Asana really love Asana. Part of this is because it overcomes one of the limitations of many project management tools: views. Everyone has a different way they like to visualize their work. Some love a Gantt chart, some like a Kanban board, and some like a regular list. Asana puts the power in the hands of the user to decide which view will give them the best picture of what they need to do, and when.

Asana can handle resource management and capacity planning as well. Progress monitoring, time tracking, and communication in the tool are all features that you can expect with Asana.

Jetpack Workflow delivers on the project management and task creation side as well. You can set up recurring tasks, create task dependencies, and automate critical deadlines.

One of the biggest strengths of Jetpack Workflow is the ability to draw on a very large template library. Pre-made templates are all based on what common services accounting firms and bookkeeping professionals offer to clients.

Another key feature of Jetpack Workflow is it’s designed to help accounting and bookkeeping professionals manage the business side, not just the execution of individual tasks. With that in mind, capacity planning tools that are built into the platform help you keep tabs on what your firm has completed, client by client, and what you need to do next to reach the next stage of growth.

Integrations

When evaluating the available integrations in any project management system, start by taking an inventory of what apps and programs you and your team already use to get work done.

Will your new tool take the place of these systems, or will you need your new software to work seamlessly with existing programs? It’s not about the tool that has the most integrations – it’s about finding the platform that has the right integrations, and the support on the backend to ensure it works flawlessly, as intended, once set up.

Asana makes this promise: you’ll only need one platform to manage all of your work. With that in mind, they’ve built integrations with hundreds of other apps. Some of the favorites include Outlook, Google Sheets, Slack, and Zoom. They also provide information about their API for developers building their own API.

Jetpack Workflow works well with Zapier. Using Zapier, users can easily integrate with over 2,000 apps in real time. You’re also able to sync with QuickBooks Online to quickly run billing, payroll, and send invoices without delay.

Ease of Use

The best project management system makes everything easier once you log in every day. How do these two options stack up, according to real users?

Asana scores high on the user interface scale because of the user’s ability to customize it on a personal level.

“Interface is user friendly. No need for lengthy tutorials on how to use this platform as it’s very intuitive and straightforward,” said a G2 reviewer.

But the real challenge with Asana isn’t found in the average daily user experience. It’s in the setup.

If you’re solely in charge of project management tool setup, prepare to spend a lot of time working to customize Asana to exactly what your firm needs. Because it’s designed to be accessible for so many teams in countless industries, accounting firms may meet roadblocks in the ramp-up phase.

Asana has 24/7 customer support, complete with a knowledge base where customers can self-help when issues arise.

Jetpack Workflow is designed for much faster onboarding, so a CPA, accountant, or bookkeeper can instantly start seeing the return on investment from the new tool. To go one step further, you can customize your package to include onboarding support from the Jetpack Workflow team.

Because of the verified templates built specifically for accounting workflows, financial firms have greater control over their pipeline of client work much faster.

“Using JetPack helps us keep track of all the big and small things so nothing falls through the cracks. The dashboard view showing overdue tasks, due today, this week, and next week is very helpful,” said a G2 reviewer.

Jetpack Workflow reports swift response times and the ability to contact the team via chat, phone, or email.

Price

Asana starts with a basic free plan. You can have up to 15 team members in your dashboard, unlimited tasks, and straightforward list, board, and calendar views. To access custom fields, private projects, custom templates, and many other features, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium plan, which is $13.49/user per month.

The next level up is the business account level, which includes more advanced integrations, workload planning, and other premier features. The cost is $30.49/user per month.

Jetpack Workflow offers two plan options. The baseline plan is called the “Organize” plan, running at $45/user per month. The “Scale” plan costs $49/user per month. Both plans include unlimited storage, making document management easy. Both plans have workflow features and the pre-loaded template library.

The main difference between the two plans is that the “Scale” plan includes capacity management and scheduling features. It’s a better fit for firms that are in growth mode and need additional monitoring and support as they take on new clients and team members. Jetpack Workflow also offers a 14-day free trial.

Wrapping Up

You’re going to notice a night and day difference when you select the right accounting practice management software. It’s no longer just on you to manage due dates – you have an automated partner on your side.

Asana is ideal if you’re not afraid of a potentially lengthy setup process, you have a clear view of exactly what you want to build, and you know you can devote the time to doing so.

Jetpack Workflow is a much better fit if you want a plug-and-play solution that allows you to instantly start implementing workflows across your business and manage the growth of your accounting or bookkeeping firm from both a macro and a micro-level.

Aero Workflow is an accounting practice management software solution designed by accountants for accountants. The tool is designed to merge processes and procedures with daily tasks to ensure efficiency across all areas of the business.

If you’re an accountant running a growing firm and you have distributed team members, you’re likely considering Aero Workflow as a potential solution to the common challenges you are facing: tracking, organization, reporting.

Unlike back in 2008 when Aero Workflow was founded, today in 2023, there are multiple options for workflow software designed specifically for accounting and bookkeeping firms. If you’re finding the features of Aero Workflow aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, or you’re hoping for additional benefits in your chosen project management software, we did the research for you.

Here’s a list of seven best Aero Workflow alternatives to help you make the best decision on which accounting software tool is the ideal fit for your small business as you scale.

Shortcomings of Aero Workflow

Why consider options beyond Aero Workflow? Some users report a few key areas they were unsatisfied with the software.

• User experience/Ease of use: Think about it. Do you want to spend more time figuring out how to track time or log a task, or more time actually getting the work done? According to a Capterra user, “The interface was clunky and hard to navigate. It was very cumbersome and time-consuming to set up.”
  
  Not only will this make the ramp up period harder on you, you’ll likely have to spend additional time training team members – valuable time that could be better spent on client work.

• Reporting: One of the main benefits you’ll gain from moving your workflows to a software is the ability to track and generate reports…but only if the platform you choose has the capability to show the data you’re looking for, the way you’d like it represented.
  
  Regarding Aero Workflow, one Capterra review said, “I could not find a way to get a dashboard showing me actual logged hours vs. estimated hours by client for each month. Reports were hard to use.”

• Customer service and onboarding: Some users have reported a lack of customer support when they’ve run into issues or had questions, and others describe a difficult learning curve that stalls the complete integration of the tool into daily use practices.

The 7 Best Aero Workflow Alternatives

What other accounting software options could potentially fill any gaps left by Aero Workflow? Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the best workflow software solutions for your accounting practice.

Jetpack Workflow

• What is it: Jetpack Workflow is an emerging top choice for two key reasons. First, it’s easy to onboard and ramp up operations because it’s built with a number of free templates already loaded into the system. Second, it’s proven to increase accounting efficiency and save time: most teams report at least 10 hours saved a week.

• Top features: Integrate with over 2,000 apps using Zapier. Connect QuickBooks Online to make sending invoices a cinch. Forward emails from your inbox to automatically create tasks for you or your team.

• Who it’s for: This tool is ideal for accounting teams, bookkeeping practices, and even small business owners who are interested in automation and workflow management software that makes their lives easier.

• Pricing: Jetpack Workflow offers two plan options. The baseline plan is called the “Organize” plan, running at $45/user per month. The “Scale” plan costs $49/user per month. Both plans include unlimited storage, making document management easy, and include the automated workflows and template library. Both plans have workflow features and the pre-loaded template library.
  
  You’re able to trial Jetpack Workflow with 14 days free, and if you go for the “Scale” plan, you’ll see the capacity management and scheduling features not available in the lower-priced option.

• Final word: A modern software solution with a much faster adoption curve, accounting teams with an immediate need for workflow automation will find success with Jetpack Workflow.

Canopy

• What is it: Canopy is a cloud-based accounting practice management tool designed to help business owners streamline their firm’s activities. It also provides a way for accountants to interact with their clients within the platform, offering a CRM feature that could create an all-in-one experience that streamlines your tool stack.

• Top features: Canopy has built-in time tracking, invoicing capability, and integrates with QuickBooks Online. Canopy has automation capability, templates, and different filters and views to help you see what’s pending and what’s complete. You can also accept payments in Canopy.

• Who it’s for: Tax and accounting firms are a good fit for Canopy, especially if you’re looking for a tool that does more than just workflow. But keep in mind that it does a little bit of everything, and some users report it falls short on the workflow front – a trade-off for access to some other features like accepting payments and the CRM capability.

• Pricing: Canopy’s pricing can be difficult to understand. They present different “modules” you can choose from. The workflow module is $35 per user per month. Additional modules such as document management and time & billing can be purchased separately ($40 per user per month and $25 per user per month, respectively). Additionally, you are charged separately depending on how many contacts you have in your database, and the cost can add up quickly.

• Final word: Canopy is a good choice for mid-sized accounting firms. The main drawback is the way pricing is structured, and some reported clunkiness with task assignment and management. And if a big part of your search for a tool is future planning and capacity management, it may not be a fit for you.

Financial Cents

• What is it: Financial Cents is another accounting practice management tool specifically designed for accountants.

• Top features: You can do nearly everything in one platform with Financial Cents – time tracking, billing, invoicing, workflows, and more. It also has a document management feature to make storing key information easy.

• Who it’s for: The tool is good for CPAs, bookkeepers, and accountants that are ready to automate key parts of their workflow, and have one place to track work and bill clients.

• Pricing: You have two plan options (Team and Scale). You can choose the monthly billing route and pay $49 per user per month or $69 per user per month (respectively), or pay on an annual basis, at $39 per user per month or $59 per user per month (respectively).  

• Final word: Financial Cents’ major drawback is the lack of integrations. While you can connect to QuickBooks Online, that’s it. So if you have other tools you’d like to keep in your processes, it may not be the best fit.

Karbon

• What is it: Karbon markets itself as a collaboration platform for teams in the accounting field or other professional business services. It’s a place to track work and communicate about deadlines.

• Top features: Karbon offers performance analytics on your team, email insights, workflow automation, and client management capabilities.

• Who it’s for: Given the focus on collaboration and team optimization, it’s a good choice for larger, distributed teams with the need to balance many competing priorities at scale.

• Pricing: You have three different plan options with Karbon. The most basic is the “Team” plan, at $59 per user per month if paid annually. The “Business” plan is a bit more expensive at $79 per user per month on an annual basis. Then you must contact Karbon to access “Enterprise” level pricing.

• Final word: If you’re just starting to scale, Karbon may be too comprehensive for your needs, but if you have a larger team already, it may be a good fit for you. Keep an eye out for hidden fees and additional setup costs.

CS Professional Suite

• What is it: CS Professional Suite is both a local and cloud-based accounting firm project management tool. It’s central purpose is to streamline administrative work.

• Top features: From time tracking, to client management, to document management, it’s a good solution if you’re looking for a basic way to track time and manage your employees.

• Who it’s for: Tax professionals, accountants, and bookkeepers alike all use CS Professional Suite.

• Pricing: You must contact Thomson Reuters for pricing.

• Final word: Users report an outdated experience and clunky design. If you are looking for a streamlined, modern tool, check other options.

Asana

• What is it: Asana is a popular project management tool used in a variety of industries. One of its greatest benefits is you can use it cross-functionally across an organization, because it’s extremely easy to customize.
  
  It also provides a level of flexibility for the average user. They can view their work in a list view, board view, or as a calendar. It caters to individual preferences, while giving project owners insight into progress as a whole.

• Top features: It’s easy to create tasks and task dependencies in Asana, which is a key part of designing a useful workflow. You can make mass updates to groups of tasks, and quickly set recurring tasks.

• Who it’s for: Asana’s primary group of users is sales and marketing teams, but it’s also used by IT, finance, and non-profit groups as well. Given its flexibility, it’s an easily adaptable choice for most companies.

• Pricing: Pricing plans start at free. You can have up to 15 team members, see different views – including lists, boards, and calendar view – and create unlimited tasks. But to get access to custom fields, private projects, custom templates, and many other features, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium plan, which is $13.49/user per month.
  
  If you go up a level to the business plan, you’ll be able to access more advanced integrations, workload planning, and other premier features. The cost is $30.49/user per month.

• Final word: Asana’s widespread appeal lies in its accessibility. It is customizable for any industry and type of team.
  
  However, this is also the weakness, particularly for accounting or bookkeeping company owners who wish to quickly set up their team with workflows that reflect the type of work they do. You may find yourself spending a lot of time on the setup process, which takes away from time spent on client work.

Monday.com

• What is it: Much like Asana, Monday.com is a popular choice for teams in many industries. It’s a flexible way to collaborate across different parts of an organization.

• Top features: The platform’s analytics are strong, and they pre-load many workflow templates, giving you the option to choose which are best for you without having to build from scratch.

• Who it’s for: Given it’s flexibility, teams in all industries use it. One of the top is Human Resources, but sales, marketing, and operations teams also leverage it frequently.

• Pricing: The pricing is varied across five different plans. If you’re just looking for a tool for you, it’s free. But for teams, you’ll pay anywhere from $8 to $16 per user per month, then there’s also a custom-priced enterprise plan.

• Final word: Customization is key to success with Monday.com. It’s a benefit for many, but be prepared to set up your own workflows and do a lot of leg work to get the tool tailored to your team’s processes.