Delegating accounting tasks should lighten a firm owner’s workload and remove bottlenecks, not add complexity and extra work to an already busy schedule.

It takes trust to delegate tasks to your team members or outside contractors without having to oversee the work. You also need software you can count on to ensure every task is accounted for and completed on time.

Finding and using the right tools can make delegating simple. They can give you peace of mind that your team members have all they need to complete tasks and meet critical deadlines. 

Here are 5 helpful and trustworthy tools successful accounting and bookkeeping firms can rely on to pare down their to-do lists and get more time back in their day.

1. Loom

Loom is a messaging tool that allows users to create shareable videos of themselves and their screens. You can use Loom to provide clear instructions, share project guidelines, or send constructive feedback on completed work when delegating specific tasks. 

With Loom, you can demonstrate how to complete a delegated task. Providing clear directions to employees through a video eliminates some of the confusion or ambiguity of written instructions.

To save even more time in the future, you can create detailed tutorials or explanations on everyday accounting tasks. This way, your team can refer to the videos whenever they need a refresher. 

Pricing: Three plans are available on Loom: the Starter, Business, and Enterprise packages. 

The Starter package is free for one user. However, most accounting teams need the Business plan at $12.50/user per month, billed annually, which supports unlimited video creation and length. Larger firms can speak with Loom directly for custom pricing with the Enterprise plan. 

You can view all Loom pricing details here. 

2. Zapier

Zapier is a tool that lets users integrate thousands of web applications and automate workflows without needing a developer to code and build a custom integration. 

For an accounting practice, you can set up Zapier integrations in QuickBooks, Excel spreadsheets, Google Sheets, or other programs for easier task delegation. 

Use Zapier to automate the delegation process. Tasks can be automatically assigned to employees when a specific trigger action takes place. This way, Zapier helps accounting teams free up time spent on administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on client work. 

For instance, if a client fills out an onboarding form, this action can instantly prompt them to schedule a meeting with their new account manager at your firm. You no longer need to coordinate with the client and manager yourself. 

You can also set up “zaps” that automatically send an email or message to the appropriate person for review, such as when a customer enters a new expense in QuickBooks. 

Pricing: While the core features are free, accounting firms likely need access to the more advanced tools found in Zapier’s 4 paid plans. 

The Starter plan is $19.99/month, the Professional plan is $49/month, and the Team plan is $69/month, all when billed annually. Accessing more features and adding more tasks, users, and app integrations costs extra. 

The Company plan is for businesses with more robust automation needs, which comes with custom pricing. 

Click here to access Zapier pricing details. 

3. Jetpack Workflow

Jetpack Workflow is accounting workflow management software that helps you track critical client tasks and automate deadlines. You can monitor what each team member is working on and identify deliverables that are urgent or at risk of being missed. 

Easily assign or delegate tasks to team members with Jetpack Workflow, including any relevant information about the work and its due date. The “My Work” tab within the platform lets users see all their assigned jobs sorted by deadline to help prioritize time-sensitive tasks. 

Jetpack Workflow does a great job of flagging overdue jobs, and users can see any upcoming tasks delegated to them. The platform includes easy-to-use checklists and templates to quickly create and assign workflows and regular reminders for recurring work. 

Use Zapier integrations in Jetpack Workflow to further organize task delegation. Set up “zaps” to assign jobs to specific team members when a particular trigger is activated. 

For example, when a client receives a new invoice in QuickBooks, you can automatically delegate the task of reviewing it to a team member in Jetpack Workflow. 

Pricing: Jetpack Workflow offers 2 paid plans and a 14-day free trial for each. The Organize plan starts at $45/user per month, and the Scale plan is $49/user per month, both billed annually. The Scale plan includes additional features for capacity management and team scheduling. 

Check out Jetpack Workflow’s pricing details here. 

4. Virtual Assistant Sites

If you have a small team with limited resources, outsourcing websites like WoodBows, Wing Assistant, and Upwork allow you to delegate tasks externally to virtual assistants (VAs). 

Simply create a job posting, select the best candidates, and hire them directly through the site. 

Accessing talent through these sites makes scaling up or down and matching your workflow demands easier, like during tax season. 

These platforms give you access to a global talent pool, helping you find individuals with relevant skills, typically for less than hiring a new employee internally. 

Virtual assistant platforms can help streamline task delegation because you use just one channel to hire and collaborate with VAs. Some sites, like Upwork, have a built-in mobile app to make hiring independent contractors even more convenient. 

Pricing: Woodbows pricing starts at $499/month, billed annually, for 40 hours of VA support each month. Wing Assistant pricing begins at $599/month for 80 hours of VA support. Upwork varies depending on the individual rate of the freelancer or contractors your firm hires. 

5. Slack

Slack is a messaging app teams can use to communicate and collaborate on client work. 

Slack makes it easy to keep in touch with your team, using real-time notifications to inform employees about any new responsibilities or projects. 

You can set up dedicated channels for group discussions on tasks or projects or for one-on-one communication between two team members.

Within the platform, you can delegate tasks to an entire group or one individual based on the employees’ strengths. 

Share relevant file links, documents, instructions, video call details, or other information to coordinate work and ensure it gets completed accurately and efficiently. 

Pricing: Slack has 3 paid plans: Pro, Business+, and Enterprise Grid. The Pro plan costs $7.25/user per month, and the Business+ plan costs $12.50/user per month, billed annually. Large organizations can contact Slack for Enterprise Grid’s custom pricing. 

Click here for Slack pricing. 

OfficeTools is an accounting practice management solution used by several accounting firms. However, their feature-rich platform often presents firm owners with more issues than advantages. 

If you’re looking for a more streamlined and efficient practice management or accounting workflow management tool, there are other options on the market. 

This article highlights 7 fantastic OfficeTools alternatives that accounting professionals can consider when they’re ready to make the switch. 

Shortcomings of OfficeTools

First, let’s begin by covering some of the main drawbacks users experience with OfficeTools.

One ongoing issue users point to is the platform’s complexity and frequent slowness. Some of the other chief complaints OfficeTools users express include the following:

• The many features make getting up to speed on the platform overwhelming and can often slow the program down. 
• Some users wish they could pay only for the features they use, given so many available on the platform go unused. 
• The platform isn’t as user-friendly as some of the other options on the market. 
• The online tools, tutorials, and training for OfficeTools could be more robust and up to date on current features. 
• For most users, price hikes resulting from recent mergers aren’t equal to the value added. 

The Top 7 OfficeTools Alternatives

If you’re seeking an alternative to OfficeTools, we’ve selected 7 similar platforms to consider. We assess each platform individually based on its main features, pricing, and who it’s best suited for, beginning with our accounting workflow solution, Jetpack Workflow. 

1. Jetpack Workflow

Jetpack Workflow is accounting workflow software with powerful project management capabilities that helps firm owners maintain efficiency and visibility even as they scale.

• Top features: Easily set up workflows and helpful checklists, gain better visibility over what your team is working on and when, and automate important tasks and deadlines to keep crucial items from being overlooked. Users can simultaneously assign tasks to clients and get a clear view of upcoming work to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. 
• Who it’s for: Jetpack Workflow is for ambitious accounting firms, CPAs, and bookkeepers needing to simplify and automate tasks and workflows so they always hit important deadlines while their practice grows. 

• Pricing: You can start with a 14-day free trial for both the Organize and Scale plans. With annual billing, the Organize plan starts at $45/user per month, and the Scale plan costs $49/user per month with additional capabilities for capacity management and team scheduling. 
• Final word: Jetpack Workflow isn’t a practice management tool like OfficeTools. However, the software offers many overlapping features to help firm owners simplify and organize their accounting workflows and project management. Rather than paying for more than you need with an all-in-one tool, Jetpack Workflow is an affordable platform that includes all the essential features you need to automate recurring work, keep track of team progress, and stay organized with client work. 

2. TaxDome

TaxDome is a comprehensive practice management solution for accountants, tax professionals, and bookkeepers wanting to manage their back-office and client-facing operations in one platform. 

• Top features: Useful features include workflow automation, e-signature collection, reporting, customizable CRM and client portal, document management, invoicing, and more. 
• Who it’s for: TaxDome is for accounting or bookkeeping firms of any size seeking a centralized location for managing their operations and client information. It allows firm owners to streamline their administrative tasks. 
• Pricing: The TaxDome Lite plan is $33/month when billed annually. This plan is best for sole proprietors looking for a custom client portal and other basic features. TaxDome Pro starts at $50/user per month (billed annually) and includes more advanced features like task automation and online payments. 
• Final word: TaxDome offers firms an all-in-one tool for managing administrative tasks and client details. 

However, the platform’s features and capabilities can be overwhelming for firms only needing to access a few key tools, which could result in a steep learning curve and time investment when getting started. 

3. Karbon

Karbon is a practice management tool that helps local and remote teams collaborate better with seamless information-sharing capabilities. 

• Top features: This cloud-based platform helps firms automate client data collection and facilitates quicker onboarding. It also has features for task automation, document management and storage, and seamless integration with many other platforms. 
• Who it’s for: Designed for medium and large-sized companies collaborating across different locations, teams, and departments. 
• Pricing: Karbon’s three plans are Team, Business, and Enterprise. The Team plan is $59/user per month, and the Business plan is $79/user per month (both when billed annually). The Enterprise plan offers custom pricing to accommodate larger teams that require more comprehensive service. 
• Final word: Karbon’s strength is its collaboration capabilities, which support larger firms sharing information across multiple locations and departments. However, the user interface and setup experience can be clunky. Also, users need to pay for customer support, which may deter small firms that want more assistance. 

4. Financial Cents

Financial Cents is an accounting workflow and practice management tool that offers firms a bird’s-eye view of their operations with custom reporting and task automation. 

• Top features: Users enjoy robust client management tools and convenient capabilities for time tracking, invoicing, workflow management, and more to deliver client work on time. 
• Who it’s for: Accounting firms seeking comprehensive practice management software to manage client information and workflows, stay on top of team progress, and meet deadlines. 
• Pricing: There is just one plan at $39/user per month with annual billing or $49/user per month with monthly billing. 
• Final word: Financial Cents is an all-in-one tool that can help accounting firms manage team productivity and client details in one platform. However, growing firms may need a software program with more advanced reporting features and integrations to support their operations as they scale. 

5. Thomson Reuters Practice CS

Practice CS is a practice management solution that helps accounting firms manage their back-end administrative workflows. 

• Top features: CS Practice has a helpful dashboard with a real-time view of client projects. Firms can use convenient tools like employee time tracking, invoicing, reporting, and more.
• Who it’s for: This platform is most beneficial for bookkeeping and accounting firms needing help streamlining their back end and organizing their administrative work. 
• Pricing: You have to contact Thomson Reuters for pricing information. 
• Final word: Practice CS is a helpful tool for managing administrative workflows with greater efficiency. However, firms wanting software with more robust project management and workflow automation capabilities need to look elsewhere. Also, the platform’s clunky and outdated design may not appeal to growing firms.  

6. Keeper

Keeper is a practice management tool assisting bookkeepers in organizing their back-end and client-facing tasks in one platform. 

• Top features: Some of the best features on Keeper include a CRM system, document management, custom reporting, integrated tools for client communication, time tracking, KPI tracking, and integrations with commonly-used business applications. 
• Who it’s for: Though built specifically for bookkeepers to manage client work, small accounting firms can also take advantage of the platform’s features. Keeper users can gain better visibility into a project’s progress and have a centralized location for storing and managing all information relevant to their practice. 
• Pricing: There is a 14-day free trial for the Standard and Premium plans. Firms need to select the appropriate package that supports the number of clients they have. The Standard plan is $8/client per month, and the Premium plan is $10/client per month. 
• Final word: This platform stands out due to its ease of use, quick setup, and affordable pricing, which is congruent with business volume. That said, the platform could have better client file organization features. Some firm owners may find the capabilities too simplistic to support a growing practice. 

7. CCH iFirm

Provided by Wolters Kluwer, CCH iFirm is a cloud-based project management solution for accountants to manage all aspects of their practices. 

• Top features: CCH iFirm offers numerous helpful features like an online payment portal, invoice management, time tracking, and project and workflow management. Convenient automation capabilities and compatible integrations help accounting firms manage client work, billing, and employees from one tool. 
• Who it’s for: Accounting firms of any size can use CCH iFirm to organize their internal operations and simplify client-facing tasks, making both more efficient. 
• Pricing: Firms can purchase the Client Portal plan for $575 or the Practice Manager for $640. You can get both with the CCH iFirm Suite for $1,020 plus a setup fee of $124.50. Firms pay $165 for each additional user or $385 to add three users. There is an extra fee to purchase 5GB of storage. 
• Final word: CCH iFirm is a powerful all-in-one practice management tool for firms to streamline client-facing tasks, workflows, and administrative work. However, the high price point is a limiting factor, and the platform navigation could be more intuitive and user-friendly. 

Ready to Upgrade from OfficeTools?

Over 6,000 accountants and bookkeepers use Jetpack Workflow to better plan upcoming work, hit important deadlines, and build a scalable service that grows firm revenue. If you’re ready to give it a try, start a free 14-day trial here or schedule a personal demo walkthrough with us.

TaxDome is a popular practice management solution for accounting firms, tax firms, and bookkeepers. However, the platform has some notable limitations that leave firm owners wanting more. 

If you’ve been frustrated with TaxDome, you’ll be happy to learn you can opt for several other solutions with similar services plus more value and features. 

In this article, we’ll highlight 7 fantastic TaxDome alternatives that accounting professionals can consider using to be more efficient and productive. Before exploring your options, let’s dive deeper into some of the drawbacks users may experience with TaxDome. 

Shortcomings of TaxDome

There are some consistent complaints among TaxDome users about the platform’s setup process and user interface. Here are some examples of these shortcomings: 

• Users point out the steep learning curve required to set up the platform and get it in working order. 
• TaxDome doesn’t have full email integration, which many users look for to streamline client communications.
• Some of the reporting features within TaxDome could be more advanced, like including reports for budget vs. actuals.
• The customization offered for TaxDome’s dashboard and other features isn’t as robust as other platforms.
• Customer support isn’t available by phone. 

The Top 7 TaxDome Alternatives

If you’re seeking a better alternative to TaxDome, we’ve selected 7 similar platforms to consider. We review each option’s main features, pricing, and who they’re best for, starting with our own accounting workflow solution, Jetpack Workflow. 

1. Jetpack Workflow

Jetpack Workflow is cloud-based accounting workflow software with robust project management capabilities to help firm owners scale their practices efficiently. 

• Top features: Create workflows and helpful checklists in just a few clicks, get a birds-eye view of your team’s progress on various projects, and automate tasks and deadlines so nothing slips through the cracks. Also, it’s easy for users to assign tasks simultaneously to clients and even see which are at risk of being missed by your team. 
• Who it’s for: Specifically built for accountants, CPA firms, and bookkeepers, Jetpack Workflow standardizes recurring client work, automates workflows, and tracks team progress on projects and tasks so you never miss an important client deadline.

• Pricing: Both the Organize and Scale plans offer a 14-day free trial to get started.  When billed annually, the Organize plan starts at $45/user per month. The Scale plan costs $49/user per month (billed annually) and includes additional tools like team scheduling and capacity management. 
• Final word: While not an accounting practice management tool like TaxDome, Jetpack does have overlapping features. Instead of using an all-in-one solution that may be more than you need,  Jetpack can be a great alternative to better automate recurring tasks, manage and organize client work, and collaborate and track progress without getting bogged down in too many features. Overall, Jetpack Workflow excels in several areas, such as ease of setup, ease of use, features, integrations, customer support, and affordability. 

2. Karbon

Karbon is a cloud-based project management tool that helps facilitate collaboration and information sharing across local and remote teams.

• Top features: With Karbon, firms enjoy automatic client data collection to support streamlined onboarding, convenient document storage, task automation, and integration with other applications.
• Who it’s for: Medium to large-sized businesses looking to collaborate between different departments, teams, and locations.
• Pricing: Karbon has three plans: Team, Business, and Enterprise.  When billed annually, the Team plan is $59/user per month, the Business plan is $79/user per month, and the Enterprise plan has a custom pricing option for larger teams needing more full-service features. 
• Final word: Karbon’s strength is its collaboration capabilities that support larger firms needing to share information across multiple locations and departments. However, the user interface and setup experience could be less clunky. Also, users need to pay for customer support, which may deter small firms that need more assistance. 

3. Financial Cents

Financial Cents is an accounting workflow and practice management software that supports better visibility into a firm’s operations through automation and reporting.

• Top features: Some of the platform’s top features include client management, time-tracking, invoice management, and workflow management.
• Who it’s for: Accounting professionals needing an all-in-one practice management solution to manage client details, document storage, workflows, and more so they can track their teams’ productivity and performance.
• Pricing: They offer just one plan at $39/user per month, billed annually, or $49/user per month with monthly billing. 
• Final word: Financial Cents can help firm owners track workflows, client information, and invoicing. However, it may lack more advanced reporting features and integrations that some businesses seek. 

4. Aero Workflow

Aero Workflow is an accounting workflow and practice management solution helping firms boost efficiency by integrating procedures into tasks, which provides better visibility into the assignments that need completion.

• Top features: Some of Aero’s top features include employee time tracking, project tracking, task scheduling, and a training hub. 
• Who it’s for: Built for firms of all sizes, Aero integrates processes into a team’s workflow so everyone knows what tasks still need to be completed, how to do them, and when they’re due. 
• Pricing: A 30-day free trial is available for all plans. When billed annually, the Sole Proprietor plan is $39/user per month, the Small Firm plan is $79/user per month, and the Large Firm plan is $149/user per month. Virtually the only difference between these plans is how many users each option supports. 
• Final word: Aero was one of the first accounting practice management solutions on the market when it launched in 2008. Over the past 15 years, newer players in the market now offer better reporting features, user interface, and customer support. Plus, cheaper options are available with similar features. 

5. Keeper

Keeper is a bookkeeping practice management tool that helps bookkeepers manage their back-end and client-facing work all in one place. 

• Top features: Keeper includes tools for customer relationship management (CRM), time tracking, document management, client communication, KPI tracking, custom reporting, integrations, and more.
• Who it’s for: Designed for bookkeepers to keep track of their workload, this platform is helpful for small accounting firms, too. Bookkeepers can store all relevant information and workflows in one centralized program, giving them greater visibility on tasks yet to be completed and a more streamlined way to manage their practice overall.
• Pricing: Try Keeper for 14 days at no charge, then sign up for the Standard plan at $8/client per month or the Premium plan at $10/client per month. Firms can choose the right plan based on the number of clients they have.
• Final word: The platform is easy to use, easy to set up, and affordable for bookkeeping firms. However, some users complain about the clunky client file organization, which may be an issue for growing firms. Accountants may need a platform with more advanced features if they have larger practices. 

6. Thomson Reuters Practice CS

Practice CS is a practice management solution for accounting firms to manage their back-end processes more efficiently and scale with firms as they grow.

• Top features: The platform includes a central dashboard to access real-time information on client projects and employee progress, invoicing, time-tracking, and flexible reporting. 
• Who it’s for: Practice CS features are helpful for tax preparers, CPAs, and bookkeepers, as well as accounting firms that want to streamline administrative tasks. 
• Pricing: Contact Thomson Reuters for pricing information. 
• Final word: Practice CS is effective at helping accounting firms better manage their back-end administrative tasks. However, firms looking for a more all-in-one solution that includes a CRM, workflow management, and a more modern, sleek design likely need to seek an alternative. 

7. CCH iFirm

CCH iFirm by Wolters Kluwer is a cloud-based project management solution for accountants to help streamline and manage their practice, clients, and staff through app integrations and automation. 

• Top features: CCH iFirm is feature-rich, including invoice management, an online payment portal, document storage, time and project tracking, workflow management, and more. 
• Who it’s for: Built for accounting firms of all sizes that want a tool to organize both their internal and client-facing operations. 
• Pricing: The CCH iFirm Suite includes the Client Portal and Practice Manager plans for $1,020, with a setup fee of $124.50. Each additional user costs $165, or you can add three users for $385. Firms pay extra for 5GB of storage as well. Separately, the Client Portal costs $575, and the Practice Manager costs $640. 
• Final word: CCH iFirm is a comprehensive tool for accountants to manage their back-end and client-facing tasks. However, it’s not as user-friendly or affordable as other options. 

Ready to Try Something New Instead of TaxDome?

Over 6,000 accountants and bookkeepers use Jetpack Workflow to better plan upcoming work, hit important deadlines, and build a scalable service that grows firm revenue. If you’re ready to give it a try, start a free 14-day trial here.