9 Best Workflow Management Software for Accountants
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Still using basic spreadsheets to manage workflows and track client deadlines?
When it’s just you or a small team, spreadsheets may seem like the simplest way to keep tabs on client work and organize your employees. However, keeping track of your accounting processes this way can become challenging as your work and team grow. Plus, spreadsheets give you little to no visibility into which tasks your team members are working on.
If your firm is expanding, you need a better solution. That’s why we put together some of the top reviews and recommendations for accounting workflow software. Plus, to make it as easy as possible for you to compare these tools against one another, we created a list of the key features each option offers, including:
- Automated recurring tasks
- Standardized workflow templates
- Custom workflow template builder
- Multiple work views
- Workflow filters
- Task dependencies
- Unlimited contacts/storage
- Bulk task edits
- Team collaboration tools
- Capacity management
- Native time tracker for billable hours
- Invoices/billing
- Mobile app
We’ll start the list with our own tool, Jetpack Workflow.
Financial Cents
Financial Cents is an all-in-one practice management software designed to help firm owners manage back-end and front-facing operations.
Within the platform, users can automate and track the progress of client work, organize and store client data, and manage billing to support better firm efficiency and productivity.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ✅ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ✅ |
| Bulk task edits | ✅ |
| Team collaboration tools | ✅ |
| Capacity management | ✅ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours | ✅ |
| Invoices/billing | ✅ |
| Mobile app | ❌ |
Pros
- Affordable plan for sole proprietors
- Client portal for document management and information requests
Cons
- Features may not be as flexible or scalable as other solutions
- Limited reporting options
Free Trial
14-day free trial
Pricing
Team plans start at $39 per user per month, billed yearly (also available in monthly pricing of $49 per user).
Best Suited For
Sole operators or small to medium-sized accounting and bookkeeping firms who want one centralized solution to manage all aspects of their practice.
Aero Workflow
Aero Workflow is a simple workflow management solution built for accountants. The platform helps firms standardize bookkeeping and accounting task management with detailed checklists. Then, firms can use these checklists to organize and monitor progress on client work.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ✅ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ✅ |
| Bulk task edits | ❌ |
| Team collaboration tools | ✅ |
| Capacity management | ❌ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours | ✅ |
| Invoices/billing | ❌ |
| Mobile app | ❌ |
Pros
- Appealing fixed-rate pricing for growing firms
- Allows for detailed instructions on common tasks
Cons
- Potentially limited pricing structure for small firms or sole proprietors
- Clunky and outdated interface
Free Trial
30-day free trial
Pricing
Plans start at $108 per month, billed annually (monthly pricing also available starting at $135)
Best Suited For
Small to mid-sized accounting firms seeking a basic solution for tracking firm to-do lists and checklists digitally.
Canopy
Canopy Tax is a comprehensive accounting practice management software for workflow oversight and other essential tasks. The platform focuses on improving client engagements from start to finish, including building and sending proposals, tracking client work, and billing.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ✅ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ✅ |
| Bulk task edits | ✅ |
| Team collaboration tools | ✅ |
| Capacity management | ❌ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours | ✅ |
| Invoices/billing | ✅ |
| Mobile app | ✅ |
Pros
- Modular pricing for firms to pay for only what they need
- Sleek and modern interface
Cons
- Somewhat confusing pricing structure
- Focus on client engagement features may get in the way of workflow management capabilities
Free Trial
15-day free trial
Pricing
Canopy Tax pricing starts at $150/month for the base client engagement platform, billed yearly. They also have the Workflow module, which is $32 per user per month with annual billing.
Best Suited For
Growing accounting firms seeking a comprehensive tool for overseeing all aspects of their practice, including workflow management, with an emphasis on the client-facing portal and experience.
CCH Axcess Workstream
CCH Axcess Workstream is a workflow solution product by industry titan Wolters Kluwer. Known for robust tax and legal research work, the CCH division of Wolters Kluwer develops workflow products for accounting and tax professionals, including Workstream and CCH iFirm.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ✅ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ❌ |
| Bulk task edits | ✅ |
| Team collaboration tools | ✅ |
| Capacity management | ✅ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours* | ❌ |
| Invoices/billing* | ❌ |
| Mobile app | ❌ |
*Not supported within CCH Axcess Workstream, but may be available through other tools in the CCH Axcess suite
Pros
- Seamless integration with other CCH Axcess products
- Tax-related due dates automatically sync with government deadlines
Cons
- Pricing not transparent
- Clunky interface
Free Trial
No
Pricing
The cost of the software is not displayed publicly. Contact the company for their pricing.
Best Suited For
Tax firms and accounting professionals already using CCH Axcess for tax returns, managing audits, and billing clients might consider the Workstream integration for a streamlined tech stack.
OfficeTools WorkSpace
OfficeTools WorkSpace is practice management software within a desktop workflow system (Note: They recently launched their cloud-based product, OfficeTools Cloud). Recently acquired by AbacusNext, OfficeTools has a long-standing history in workflow for accounting firms.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ✅ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ❌ |
| Bulk task edits | ✅ |
| Team collaboration tools | ✅ |
| Capacity management | ❌ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours | ✅ |
| Invoices/billing | ✅ |
| Mobile app | ✅ |
Pros
- Consolidates all aspects of practice management for remote team members
- Clean and simple interface
Cons
- May lack some of the advanced workflow features other tools offer
- Pricing not transparent
Free Trial
No
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available. Contact the company for a custom quote.
Best Suited For
Small and medium-sized firms that want a straightforward, all-in-one solution for practice management, even if workflow management isn’t its core focus.
CCH iFirm
CCH iFirm is another Wolters Kluwer product that serves slightly smaller firms than the Workstream marketplace. They also recently released a Xero integration, which is a new exploration for Wolters Kluwer as they open up their ecosystem.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ✅ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ❌ |
| Bulk task edits | ✅ |
| Team collaboration tools | ✅ |
| Capacity management | ✅ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours | ✅ |
| Invoices/billing | ✅ |
| Mobile app | ✅ |
Pros
- Integrated with CCH’s comprehensive suite of tools
Cons
- Initial setup fee for all users
- Limited capabilities on mobile app
Free Trial
No
Pricing
Plans start at $695 per year for a single user, with a one-time setup fee of $134.50.
Best Suited For
Small firms that use other applications within the CCH suite of solutions and want to consolidate their tech stack.
Client Track
Client Track is a workflow and due date management tool known for its robust desktop application and largely focused on the Canadian accounting firm market. Similar to other legacy systems, they have a long-standing history in the ecosystem but are still in transition to their new platform.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ❌ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ❌ |
| Bulk task edits | ❌ |
| Team collaboration tools | ✅ |
| Capacity management | ❌ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours | ✅ |
| Invoices/billing | ✅ |
| Mobile app | ❌ |
Pros
- Canadian government due dates built into the platform
Cons
- Workflow features more limited than other solutions
- Clunky and outdated interface
Free Trial
30-day free trial
Pricing
Plans start at $39/month for 2 users.
Best Suited For
Canadian CPA firms and accountants seeking an all-in-one solution for practice management with basic workflow management features.
QBO “Work” Feature
A recent release from Intuit, called “QBO Work” within the QuickBooks Online platform, is a task app in the Kanban style of project management and task software, similar to Trello.
The major benefit is that Intuit has released this as a free widget for their accounting community. It’s a great starting point for those who have nothing in place, but as a free tool, it quickly reaches limitations as you grow.
Main Features
| Automated recurring tasks | ✅ |
| Standardized workflow templates | ✅ |
| Custom workflow template builder | ✅ |
| Multiple work views | ✅ |
| Workflow filters | ✅ |
| Task dependencies | ✅ |
| Unlimited contacts/storage | ✅ |
| Bulk task edits | ❌ |
| Team collaboration tools | ❌ |
| Capacity management | ❌ |
| Native time tracker for billable hours* | ❌ |
| Invoices/billing** | ❌ |
| Mobile app | ✅ |
*Available as an add-on
**Available through QuickBooks Online subscription
Pros
- Seamless integration with popular QuickBooks Online solution
- Free widget for the accounting community
Cons
- Limited workflow management capabilities compared to other tools
Free Trial
N/A
Pricing
This app is available as a free widget within the QuickBooks Online Accountant platform, which firms can sign up for at no cost.
Best Suited For
Firms that already use the QuickBooks Online Accountant platform for practice management and want a basic workflow management tool with seamless integration.
