15 Apps Helping Accounting Firms Get More Done in Less Time

Having an effective and comprehensive tech stack is the difference between a business that runs smoothly and one that struggles. 

With an abundance of accounting apps and software solutions available for small businesses, especially bookkeeping and accounting firms, the challenge is figuring out which platforms best suit your needs. 

This article looks at 15 of the top apps accounting firms use to stay organized and on top of their workload. You’ll learn what to look for when deciding on a software platform, the pros and cons of each tool, and how much you’ll need to budget for them. 

Whether you’re a small business owner or a professional accountant, the right tools can help you take control of your finances and stay ahead of the game.

 

Things to Consider as You Look for the Right Apps for Your Accounting Firm

There are four key factors to weigh when selecting software and tools for your accounting firm. 

1. Is it compatible with your current accounting software and systems?

One of the most crucial factors to consider with any app is whether it will sync seamlessly with the software and systems you currently use. Knowing this saves you time and trouble with data transfer and ensures your financial information stays organized and accurate.

2. Do the features align with your specific accounting needs and workflow?

Different accounting firms have different needs and processes. You need apps with features that align with your specific requirements. For example, if you need to track expenses and manage payroll, look for apps with those capabilities.

3. How user-friendly is it? 

Finding apps that are easy to use and navigate can help your team members save time and be more productive. Look for simple interfaces that are intuitive to use. 

You’ll also want to know how easily the app works on mobile devices and whether it’s compatible with iOS and Android operating systems. 

4. Does it offer data security and compliance with industry regulations?

With financial information, data security is of the utmost importance. Confirm the apps and tools you choose have robust security measures and comply with industry regulations.

 

15 Useful App Recommendations for Your Accounting Firm

Here are 15 apps we’ve identified to be particularly useful if you’re seeking accounting practice management software. 

 

Workflow and Project Management

Jetpack Workflow

 

Jetpack Workflow is a tool that streamlines and automates business tasks. Teams can create custom workflows and automate repetitive tasks, such as approving invoices or managing customer support requests. In addition to its automation capabilities, Jetpack Workflow offers wide-ranging features to help businesses manage their workload more effectively. 

For example, the task management system allows teams to assign, track, and prioritize tasks in real time. The platform also includes a built-in time-tracking feature so businesses can track employee hours and bill clients accordingly. 

One of the benefits of Jetpack Workflow is how it helps teams be more productive by reducing the time and effort required to complete repetitive tasks and ensuring tasks are completed correctly. Additionally, it’s easy to set up and customize, so businesses can use it immediately.

Pros:

• Optimizes operations
• Reduces error rates
• Helps manage client expectations
• App available on mobile devices

Cons:

• No free option, but reasonable monthly fees

Pricing: Jetpack Workflow offers a 14-day free trial. Once the trial period ends, the Organize plan starts at $36 per month when billed annually. The Scale plan is available at $39 per month if you need capacity management. 

Capterra Rating: 4.8/5 (52 reviews) 

 

Canopy

Canopy is a cloud-based accounting software helping accounting practices improve efficiency. It offers several features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, designed to assist businesses with managing their finances. 

One of the benefits of Canopy is it’s easy to use and navigate, making it ideal for small and medium-sized accounting firms. Canopy also provides flexibility in terms of customization and can be tailored to fit the specific needs of an accounting firm.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Large number of features
• Mobile app available

Cons:

• Slow customer service
• Complex pricing structure

Pricing: The basic plan is free for up to 500 contacts. Additional contacts will cost you more. Other features, such as document management, need to be purchased separately. 

Capterra Rating: 4.5/5 (214 reviews)

 

Asana

Asana is a project management and team collaboration tool. It allows teams to create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and track their progress in real time. The platform also includes features like calendars, boards, and timelines, which help teams to stay organized. 

One benefit of Asana for accounting firms is it allows your team to communicate and collaborate more effectively, reducing the need for face-to-face meetings and phone calls. Asana is also user-friendly and easy to customize to fit the specific needs of your business.

Pros:

• Integrates with other tools
• Enables collaboration
• Simple interface

Cons:

• No communication tool
• Unable to assign tasks to multiple people

Pricing: The Basic plan is free, or you can start with the Premium plan at $10.99 per user per month when billed annually. 

Capterra Rating: 4.5/5 (11,892 reviews)

 

Bonus

If you’d like a guide to see how these apps compare against one another, we’ve researched 11 top workflow and team management tools for you, ranking each and listing the steps to take when deciding which is best for you. 

 

Automation

 

Zapier

   

Zapier is a tool that helps accounting firms automate repetitive tasks, such as invoicing, expense tracking, and data entry. Firms can create custom workflows, saving time and energy on mundane tasks so they can focus on more important work. 

Zapier also integrates with several apps, such as Asana, Slack, and Google Workspace, making it easy to connect different tools and automate processes.

Pros:

• Allows integration between apps
• Creates automated processes

Cons:

• Cost

Pricing: A free plan is available if you only need to create a few automated connections. For multi-step automation, you’ll need one of the paid packages, which starts at $29.99 per month ($19.99 per month when billed annually).

Capterra Rating: 4.7/5 (2,441 reviews)

 

Communication and Collaboration

 

Google Workspace

   

Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, is a suite of tools that includes Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, and Gmail, among others. Its features include email, storage, and collaboration, which help accounting firms manage their workload efficiently and give their team easy access to shared files. 

Pros:

• Reasonable pricing
• Accessible anywhere
• Includes communication options

Cons:

• Minimal customer support

Pricing: Plans start at $6 per user per month. Each plan comes with a 14-day free trial. 

Capterra Rating: 4.7/5 (14,336 reviews)

 

Slack

Slack is a messaging app and team collaboration tool helping accounting firms communicate more easily. Teams can create channels, send direct messages, and share files, collaborating more effectively and reducing the need for face-to-face meetings and phone calls. 

Pros:

• Minimizes meeting time
• Facilitates communication
• Intuitive design

Cons:

• May be distracting
• Requires all team members have relevant information

Pricing: It’s free to sign up. The Pro plan is $7.25 per month for each user, and the Business+ plan is $12.50 monthly per user when billed annually. Additional Enterprise options are available.

Capterra Rating: 4.7/5 (22,817 reviews)

 

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a platform that allows teams to work together, share files, and communicate effectively. Features include video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing, designed to improve team productivity and collaboration. 

Microsoft Teams also integrates with other Microsoft products and services, such as Outlook and SharePoint. This platform is a good option for businesses already using Microsoft products.

Pros:

• Integrated communication and task management
• Straightforward design

Cons:

• Requires add-ons for full functionality
• Steep learning curve

Pricing: Plans range from $4–$12.50 per user per month, depending on the functions needed.

Capterra Rating: 4.5/5 (8,916 reviews)

 

Contract Management and E-Signatures

 

PandaDoc

   

PandaDoc’s document management software allows teams to create, edit, and share documents with clients. It includes features such as e-signature and document tracking, which help accounting firms to streamline their workflow and improve client communication. 

Additionally, PandaDoc offers a wide range of integrations with other tools, such as Salesforce and Hubspot, helping to connect different systems and automate processes.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Mobile app available 
• Predefined templates

Cons:

• Cost
• Less known than other alternatives

Pricing: Choose the basic free plan or a monthly plan starting at $29 per user ($19 per user per month if billed annually). If you need additional integrations or more workspaces, you’ll need to upgrade to a more expensive plan.

Capterra Rating: 4.5/5 (929 reviews)

 

DocuSign

DocuSign is a digital signature software app for signing, sending, and managing documents. Accounting firms save time on mundane tasks by sharing and approving documents digitally.

Pros:

• Minimizes paperwork
• Easy to use for clients

Cons:

• Some clients dislike digital signatures
• No free plan

Pricing: Plans start at $10 per month for 5 envelopes and one user and increase in cost with more users or envelopes.

Capterra Rating: 4.8/5 (7,314 reviews)

 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

 

Hubspot

   

HubSpot offers customer relationship management and marketing automation software, helping businesses manage leads, automate marketing, and track customer interactions. Accounting firms can streamline and improve client communication by having a centralized location for all customer data.

Pros:

• Extensive client management tools
• Integrated data analytics
• Marketing automation tools
• Integration with other accounting software

Cons: 

• Cost 
• Limited customization
• Steep learning curve

Pricing: Individuals and small teams can begin using the CRM Suite with a basic free plan or the Starter plan at $45 per month. The CRM Suite is $1,600 per month for larger businesses and enterprises. 

Capterra Rating: 4.5/5 (3,616 reviews)

 

Zoho

Zoho is a business software suite for accounting, CRM, project management, and more. Accounting firms can streamline workflow processes and enhance client communication through a centralized hub.

Pros:

• Extensive range of business tools
• Customizable
• Integrates with other tools
• Mobile app available 

Cons: 

• Cost 
• Complexity and learning curve
• Limited customization options

Pricing: Monthly plans begin at $20 per user per month or $14 per user per month if billed annually. The cost increases with additional features.  

Capterra Rating: 4.3/5 (6,135 reviews)

 

Time Tracking

 

Time Doctor

   

Time Doctor is time-tracking software helping teams track the time spent on different tasks. It helps accounting firms bill clients accurately and improve team productivity by providing detailed time-tracking reports.

Pros:

• Minimizes duplicate time entry
• Advanced reporting
• App integration

Cons:

• Occasional syncing problems
• Automatic logout 

Pricing: Monthly plans start at $7 per user per month. Annual plans start at $70 per user. 

Capterra Rating: 4.5/5 (466 reviews)

 

Toggl

Toggl is another time-tracking software option. It streamlines the client billing process by collecting your team’s timesheets in one place. Toggl also has advanced reporting options. 

Pros:

• Advanced analytics
• Increases efficiency

Cons:

• Learning curve
• Inability to pause an active session

Pricing: The basic plan is free. If you need additional features, such as CSV file exports, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. You can save 10% on plans if billed annually. 

Capterra Rating: 4.7/5 (2,112 reviews)

 

Password Management

 

LastPass

 

 

LastPass is password management software so teams can securely store and share passwords. It helps accounting firms improve security and reduce the risk of data breaches by providing a centralized location for all passwords.

Pros:

• Secures passwords
• Improves collaboration

Cons:

• Occasional outages

Pricing: The basic plan is free. The Premium plan is $3 per user per month.

Capterra Rating: 4.6/5 (2,630 reviews)

 

1Password

Another option for sharing passwords and logins with a team is 1Password. Accounting firms can use this software to minimize the time spent searching for login information.

Pros:

• Increased password security
• Separate vaults for different categories

Cons:

• Cost
• Confusing interface
• Mobile app can be hard to use

Pricing: The Starter Pack is available for $19.95 per month for up to 10 people and is billed annually. Another option is the Business plan, which is $7.99 per user per month. Enterprise plans are also available. 

Capterra Rating: 4.7/5 (1,902 reviews)