Jul 02, 2020 Small business accounting software is software used by small businesses to track incoming and outgoing financial transactions as well as financial statements and cash flow. While traditionally small businesses have tracked financial information on tools such as spreadsheets, these manual methods are time-consuming and less accurate. Best Personal Finance Software - Programs for Mac, Windows PCs. We spent over 60 hours testing 20 personal finance apps and programs to find the best budgeting and money management tools. Our choice for the best personal finance software is Quicken Premier. It combines the best budgeting tools with easy-to-use tax reporting. Typically, they believe that accounting software for a Mac is difficult to use, expensive, and moreover lacks features available to Windows users. However, modern accounting software actually works great on an iMac, MacBook, or MacBook Air. Nov 30, 2019 The Best Small Business Accounting Software for 2020. If you're running a small business, then keeping a tight grip on finances is critical for success.
Just because you’re a Mac person doesn’t mean you have to settle for less with your accounting software. Check out these 6 great options.
A few years ago, we published an article on the best accounting software options for Mac users. This is an update of that article, but here’s the thing: There’s no such thing as “accounting software for Mac” anymore.
Sure, there’s plenty of accounting software that you can use on your MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, etc. But while there used to be Mac software and PC software, it’s now virtually all the same with the ever-increasing expansion of cloud-based software that works seamlessly in any browser.
In other words, you’d have a much harder time finding accounting software that doesn’t work on your Mac than a program that works only on Macs. In fact, with more than 100 million active Mac users, if you found an accounting program that somehow wasn’t compatible with Mac, that alone would be cause for alarm.
Cloud software is here to stay, and the market is only getting bigger. Gartner predicts that by 2022, 28% of enterprise IT spending will have shifted to cloud applications, up from 19% in 2018. (Full report available to Gartner clients.)
6 user-friendly accounting software options for Mac
Rather than giving you a generic list of accounting software that works on Macs (which would basically just be our accounting software directory), I decided to determine which top factors users have for choosing Mac over PC and then find accounting software that best suits those users.
With those factors in mind, here’s what I found, listed in order of rating and reviews from highest to lowest:
Jump to:
1. QuickBooks
It’s no surprise that the big name in accounting software is available on Mac operating systems. QuickBooks has even had a desktop-only (not cloud-based) option available for Macs since at least the mid-1990s, making the company something of a pioneer for cross-platform functionality.
Now, any of QuickBooks’ cloud-based offerings will work fine on your Apple device, and Intuit even still offers a desktop version for Mac. The desktop version for Mac even has a few features designed specifically for Mac users:
The QuickBooks Online dashboard (Source)
2. FreshBooks
Designed specifically for small businesses and the self-employed, Toronto-based FreshBooks has been around for more than 15 years. FreshBooks also has Mac users in mind. They say that their easy-to-use accounting software works on any device—desktop, mobile, or tablet—and “plays nicely” with Mac.
The Invoices dashboard in FreshBooks (Source)
![]() 3. Accounting by Wave
Accounting by Wave is one of the youngest tools on this list, having launched out of Toronto in 2010 before being acquired by H&R Block earlier this year. Its biggest differentiator is that it has a completely free version, as long as you don’t need to use it to accept payments or run payroll (those are optional, paid features).
So what makes Wave an attractive option specifically for Mac users? As mentioned, it’s free, so it’ll help you save for the next iPhone or MacBook upgrade. It also scores high for ease of use, making it fit in nicely with the intuitive Mac ecosystem.
Recent transactions in Accounting by Wave (Source)
4. Zoho Books
If you’re looking for the peace of mind of an established, international company offering Mac-friendly accounting software and you’re trying to avoid QuickBooks for whatever reason, Zoho Books might be for you. Zoho has been releasing business software since 1996, and Zoho Books is specifically tailored for Mac users, as it is designed to work with iMessage, Apple Maps, Siri, and 3D Touch. It even has an app for the Apple Watch.
Managing invoices in Zoho Books (Source)
5. FreeAgent
FreeAgent accounting software is based in the U.K. and originally designed for British businesses, but they also have versions customized for U.S. and global businesses, and the software has full multicurrency support. Like any good cloud-based software, FreeAgent works like a breeze on the Mac platform, and its iOS app is a fan favorite.
The main dashboard in FreeAgent accounting for iPad (Source)
6. Kashoo
Once you’ve stopped giggling about the name, you’ll see that Kashoo is a comprehensive accounting tool that is easy to use right from the start on any web-connected device, including Macs. One of Kashoo’s standout features is their customer support: You get free phone and web support with your subscription, which is much easier than standing in line at the Genius Bar.
The tax management interface in Kashoo (Source)
What’s your favorite accounting software for Mac?
Are you an accountant (either accidental or professional) and a power Mac user? If so, what’s your weapon of choice, whether it’s listed above or something else? (There are plenty of other options out there with iOS apps, as you can see by filtering for iOS deployment in our accounting software directory.)
I’d love to hear what you use and why you use it so I can recommend it to others. Just let me know in the comments or connect with me on Twitter @AndrewJosConrad.
Note: Listed pros and cons are derived from features listed on the product website and product user reviews on Gartner Digital Markets domains (Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice). They do not represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Capterra or its affiliates.
Note:The applications selected in this article are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations. They have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.
Looking for Accounting software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Accounting software solutions.
Choosing the right accounting software is a critical decision for any small business. Your accounting software helps with day-to-day processes such as invoicing, billing, and time tracking, and offers a complete picture of your company’s financial health.
The right accounting program can help you set goals, improve your cash flow, discover red flags, and increase profits. Choosing the best small business accounting software can help you successfully run your business.
What are the Main Types of Accounting Software?
Some types of accounting software include cloud-based, manual, and desktop. There are many options to create a simple accounting process for your small business. Each method has advantages and disadvantages as each accounting program offers a different level of automation and security.
Manual Accounting Software
The manual accounting method typical involves using a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or Google sheets. While it doesn’t necessarily mean sitting hunched over your desk, making ledger entries by candlelight, it is the most hands-on and work-intensive method of accounting.
Although manual accounting software was the gold standard at one time, it’s been surpassed in efficiency by other accounting programs that automate data entry like QuickBooks Online.
While manual accounting might be a cost-effective option, it can also be tedious and time consuming. It might take longer to:
Fortunately, manual accounting is only one of the accounting options available to you.
Cloud-Based Accounting Software
Cloud-based accounting is accounting software that is hosted on remote servers. It allows the user to access their data online and through multiple devices. Cloud accounting software has become the gold standard in Canada.
A benchmark survey conducted in 2017 found 67% of Canadians use cloud-based technology – a 20% increase from 2016. Cloud-based accounting software has a wealth of advantages; most importantly, it can protect your privacy and security while saving you time.
As more small businesses rely on cloud-based software to run their companies, the cost of such programs decreases. There are plenty of affordable cloud-based systems out there, like QuickBooks Online.
The advantages of cloud accounting software include:
Desktop Accounting Software
Desktop accounting software, like QuickBooks Desktop, keeps all of your data on your main computer in the office. As the owner or proprietor, you can easily control who has access to it. Self-employed professionals and small business owners can both benefit from using QuickBooks Desktop.
Desktop accounting software programs in Canada tend to offer some connectivity, such as the ability to email invoices, send messages to customers, and submit or receive online payments. These software programs can also be integrated with other programs that you already have on your computer.
The accounting program is only accessible from the computer network that it’s installed on, which means you can’t access accounting spreadsheets on your phone or laptop.
Business Accounting Software For Mac
Overall cloud-based accounting programs offer the same functions as manual and desktop accounting programs but with better flexibility.
What Are the Best Accounting Software Features?
Different types of accounting software offer various features. When deciding on the best accounting system for you, some key things to think about are: how much automation you need, how much time and money you want to save, and what additional financial features you need, like payroll and time tracking. Look for the following features when deciding what accounting software to choose:
Consider all of these accounting features above as you choose the best accounting software for your business. Want to level up your financial knowledge? Read our guide to finance and accounting for small business owners.
![]() Find Online Reviews
A simple Google search turns up reviews on accounting programs from many companies. However, Capterra is a website specifically designed to compile reviews on various software and computer programs; its Best Accounting Software page lists hundreds of programs, some of which have thousands of reviews. Each software is given a rating from one to five stars, with five stars being the ideal.
The QuickBooks page on Capterra shows more than 14,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars. Vendors who have profiles on Capterra can respond to people who leave reviews, much in the same way Yelp works for restaurants. Use trusted review systems like Capterra to discover the top Canadian accounting software.
Ask Your Accountant Which Accounting Solution is BestPersonal Accounting Software For Mac
Ask your accounting professional what accounting system best for your small business. Most financial professionals have tried multiple types of accounting software and can recommend useful accounting software that meets your needs.
If you regularly work with a certified professional accountant, choosing a cloud-based system that lets you easily share your financial data. With smooth, secure access to your books, your accountant can make recommendations for your business and ready your firm for tax time.
Best Accounting Software Mac
Don’t have an accountant? QuickBooks can help you find one in your area. Speaking with an expert is always better for your business. 75% of QuickBooks Online small business customer and with ProAdvisor you can add one to your QuickBooks Online account seamlessly.
Look for Free Trials & Special Pricing
As you shop around, see if any accounting software you like offers a free trial or special pricing for new users. Subscription-based services often give you a discount when you buy a package for 3, 6, or 12 months at a time.
Alternatively, you could try a free trial of an accounting program, which usually last for 30 days. The best accounting software companies alert you in advance to let you know how much time you have left of your trial.
Peachtree Accounting For Mac
QuickBooks regularly offers exclusive deals and free trials to help you make a smart decision; pick your plan, and try it free for 30 days.
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