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small business accounting apps

How to find an accountant

Looking to manage your small business accounts and bookkeeping on the go? Worried about the limited access to your financial activities when on the move? Fed up of mountains of paperwork at the end of the day? How about trying an app to help solve your problems.

In the modern world, we are pretty tech-savvy when it comes to using apps giving us convenience and instant access to our content in a matter of seconds. So why not add your bookkeeping to this? You don’t need to be an accounting expert to keep on top of your bookkeeping when using one of these apps.

We will look at some of the best bookkeeping apps available to download on both iOS and Android devices. Helping you keep on top of your daily bookkeeping activities, no matter where or what time of day.

QuickBooks 

QuickBooks Online app uses cloud-based accounting software and is one of the most highly rated accounting apps available to download. It has an Apple store rating of 4.7* and Google Play rating of  4.2*. We will have a look at some of its key features which could help your small business.

 

What can you do? 

Using a picture dashboard to give you an insight into your financial activity the Quickbooks app contains numerous features that will let you manage your bookkeeping and keep on top of things when it comes to the taxman.

You can:

  •  Generate in-depth reports
  • Monitor expenses and invoices
  • Send quotes
  • View your profit and loss
  • Monitor cash flow in real-time
  • Track your mileage 
  • Categorise income and expense transactions

How to get started? 

The App is free to download. On iOS search for QuickBooks Accounting and on Google play search for QuickBooks Online Accounting: Invoicing & Expense Tracker.

If you’re already a member of QuickBooks online you can download the QuickBooks Accounting app and use your login details to access full features on the app right away. 

New to Quickbooks Online? Download the app to create an account and get a 30-day free unlimited access trial.
Subscriptions start at £3/month for self-employed and £12/month for small businesses.

 

Invoice Simple 

Looking for a simple yet professional way to invoice your customers in a matter of seconds? Give Invoice Simple app a go. The Apple store rates Invoice Simple, Estimate Maker app a high 4.9* and Google Play awards it 4.8*. 

What can you do? 

By using the invoicing generator and invoicing template you can easily create professional customised invoices or quotes to send directly to clients from anywhere in a matter of seconds. 

You will also be able to:

  • Send estimates to make into invoices at a later date
  • Show item/total inclusive or exclusive of tax
  • Make invoice fields your own with customisation 
  • Use one tap to automatically generate invoices from your estimates
  • Send quotes or estimates using email, text or messaging apps 
  • Use pre-built templates to generate receipts
  • Apply discounts on single items or total
  • Receive read notifications for invoices 
  • Accept various methods of payment 
  • Use built-in billing reporting to help track and manage your finances 

How to get started? 

The app is free to download on your device. Simply download and gain access to creating up to 3 invoices or estimates for free.

On iOS, you can find the app as Invoice Simple, Estimate Maker whilst on Google Play search for Invoice Maker: Estimate & Invoice.

To get full unlimited content all you need to do after your 3 free invoices have been created is upgrade in-app for a monthly subscription of £5.99/month or annual subscription of £59.99/month.


Xero 

Want to keep track of your invoices, employee time management and make sure your records are correct from any location at any time? Try the Xero Accounting app. Xero Accounting app has been awarded 4.2* on the Apple store and 3.5* on Google play.

What can you do? 

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software allowing you to manage your general bookkeeping tasks such as create and manage invoices, monitor your spending, keep ahead of your bills, bank reconciliation and reporting all whilst on the go. 

Other features you have access to whilst using the app are: 

  • Quotes
  • Contacts
  • Cash flow
  • Profit and loss
  • Account balances
  • Spending

How to get started? 

The Xero app is free to download for everyone. 

If already subscribed to Xero you can use your existing details to access your content. 

If you are a new user sign-up and receive a 30-day free trial, following this subscription starts at £10/month.

Wave Invoicing 

Looking to get limitless professional looking invoices for free? Wave Invoicing app can help you. With an Apple Store rating of 4.6* and Google Play rating of 4.6* Wave Invoicing is a top contender when it comes to helping you with your invoicing. 

What can you do?

Wave lets you create professional and customised invoices for your clients. 

With Wave Invoicing you can: 

  • Create your invoice using a choice of templates 
  • Customise invoices using your logo 
  • Record your payments and get payment notifications
  • Check the status of your invoices 
  • Send out reminders for invoices 
  • Send receipts for payments 

How to get started?

Create a Wave account for free by downloading the free Wave Invoicing app.

Freshbooks

Trying to find an easy way to manage your invoices, expenses and keep track of your time? The Freshbooks app lets your small business do this in a secure, easy and punctual manner. The Apple store Freshbooks Cloud Accounting app has a great 4.8* rating and the Freshbooks - Invoice + Accounting app on Google play has been rated 4.4*. 

What can you do? 

The app offers a simple way to keep in touch with clients, check feedback and manage your invoicing and expenses making sure you get paid quickly, all using the secure cloud. With an easy to understand dashboard and lots of great visuals, you can easily manage your bookkeeping. 

The app lets you: 

  • Create professional invoices anywhere at anytime
  • Keep updated on the status of your invoices 
  • Record receipts and your expenses whilst on the move 
  • Respond to your clients straight away 
  • Record payments automatically 

How to get started? 

Download the app today for your device to get a free 30-day trial.
Subscription prices start at £11/month or £132/annum. 

Zoho 

Accounting app - Zoho Books is another strong contender to help you manage your small business bookkeeping, with an Apple store rating of 4.6* and Google Play rating 4.6*. 

What can you do?

The Zoho Books app lets you manage your cash-flow and see your financial information whilst you are on the move. 

Some key features of the app include:

  • Automated workflow options 
  • Manage what money is coming in and out of your accounts
  • Keep on top of your banking
  • View your business insights
  • Track time you spend on jobs 
  • Give access to your accountant to review your figures at anytime 
  • Show invoiced items inclusive or exclusive of tax 
  • Attach receipts and files

How to get started?

Simply download the app free now to start using the 14- day free trial. 

Pricing plans then starts at £6/month or £60/year.

Freeagent 

Want an app with less accounting jargon? Give Freeagent app a try. Available to download as Freeagent mobile accounting app on Apple store with a rating of 4.7* and on Google play as Freeagent Mobile with a customer rating of 3.8*.

What can you do? 

Freeagent is an app letting you manage all your bookkeeping and account needs including: 

  • Performance of your business in real-time
  • Tracking cash flow
  • Easily record expenses 
  • Capture photos of receipts 
  • Effortlessly keep on top of daily activities 
  • Create and send invoices
  • Track travel costs and billable expenses 
  • Manage bills

How to get started? 

Free to download. Existing users can log in with their current credentials whilst new users can enjoy a 30-day free trial.
Subscriptions start 14.50/ month following the trial period.

 

What next? 

Once you know what your bookkeeping needs are you can start simplifying your daily bookkeeping tasks on the go, helping you stay on top of your finances at all times. 

Start today by taking advantage of the free trials and download the app most tailored to your bookkeeping needs. 

Whilst deciding how you will handle your bookkeeping, its also a good time to research outsourced payroll costs, if your small business has employees, or decide whether your business will benefit more if you hire an accountant instead of an app.

Want to speak to an experienced accountant for more advice on what might be the best option for your small business? Get in touch with Accountant Costs who can find you bookkeeping quotes and help put you through to a professional, trustworthy accountant in your area. 

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