--- title: "Best CPA Accounting Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best CPA Accounting Software for your organization. Compare top CPA Accounting Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/cpa-software-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / CPA Accounting Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best CPA Accounting Software of 2026 Updated October 22, 2026 On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide Filter products 121 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 121 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Xledger](/accounting/xledger-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 27 - Starting price: $750.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Xledger, True Cloud Finance Software Built For Modern, Multi-entity Organisations Xledger is a true-cloud finance management platform built for organisations needing more than [Read more](/accounting/xledger-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Audit Trail: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 5/5 - General Ledger: 4.9/5 [See all features](/accounting/xledger-profile/#key-features) --- ### [AccountMate](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 25 - Starting price: $4,000.00one time - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AccountMate is a hybrid accounting solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and offers them tools and functionalities, which help them to manage their financial [Read more](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Task Management: 4/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $4,000.00one time [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Sage Intacct](/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 718 - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage Intacct operates within the Sage Business Cloud portfolio as a comprehensive cloud-based financial management software, expertly designed to bring rich financial and [Read more](/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) ##### What users love - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Comprehensive accounting functionality - Robust, customizable reporting capabilities ##### To take in mind - Complex and inflexible report customization - Slow and unresponsive support experience - Expensive and rising costs #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - For Nonprofits: 5/5 - Vendor Management: 5/5 - Customer Statements: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/#key-features) --- ### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,081 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping [Read more](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) ##### What users love - Deep system tailoring options - Comprehensive and scalable functionality - Centralized financial operations platform ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Complex and rigid reporting tools - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 - Import/Export Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Canopy](/product/127735-Canopy-Tax/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 286 - Starting price: $32.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Canopy is an award-winning, all-in-one accounting practice management platform engineered to serve as the unified operating system for modern CPA, tax, and bookkeeping practices. [Read more](/product/127735-Canopy-Tax/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Time Tracking: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 - Progress Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/product/127735-Canopy-Tax/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Client Engagement Platform - Price: $150.00/month ##### Document Management - Price: $36.00/month ##### Workflow - Price: $32.00/month [See full pricing details](/product/127735-Canopy-Tax/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Beyond Software](/psa/beyond-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 7 - Starting price: $6,120.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Beyond Software is a project accounting and management software system available for small to mid-size companies. The system allows organizations to manage and execute around their [Read more](/psa/beyond-profile/) --- ### [Striven](/project-management/striven-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 130 - Starting price: $35.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Striven is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management ERP platform built for small and midsize companies tired of duct-taping popular accounting tools, a CRM, a project tool, [Read more](/project-management/striven-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Routing: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 - Milestone Tracking: 5/5 - Percent-Complete Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 1/5 [See all features](/project-management/striven-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $35.00/month - The plan is based on the number of users. ##### Enterprise - Price: $70.00/month - The per-user price decreases as the number of users increases. [See full pricing details](/project-management/striven-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [M3 Accounting Core](/accounting/m3-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 11 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview M3 Accounting Core Software is a cloud-based accounting solution that helps streamline financial operations for small to large businesses in the hospitality industry. The software [Read more](/accounting/m3-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Expense Tracking: 5/5 - Transaction Management: 5/5 - Accounts Payable: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/m3-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Procurify](/accounting/procurify-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 208 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Procurify is the agentic procurement platform for finance and operations teams that understands your vendors, budgets, and policies. It delivers complete spend control across [Read more](/accounting/procurify-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Audit Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/procurify-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Sage X3](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 171 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage X3 is a powerful ERP software solution designed for midsized national and global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sales providers and can establish a foundation for your [Read more](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Serial Number Tracking: 5/5 - Cash Management: 5/5 - Supplier Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Visualization: 1/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 1/5 - Performance Metrics: 1/5 - Enterprise Asset Management: 1.8/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/#key-features) --- ### [BQE CORE Suite](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 796 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BQE CORE is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing software designed for architecture, engineering, and consulting firms. The platform enables users to streamline operations and [Read more](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support team - Intuitive and adaptable interface design - Flexible and efficient invoicing tools ##### To take in mind - Limited and confusing reporting options - Challenging migration and workflow issues - Frequent lag and slow loading times #### Features ##### Best rated features - Budgeting/Forecasting: 5/5 - Percent-Complete Tracking: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Client Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Gantt/Timeline View: 1/5 - Cost Estimating: 2/5 - Forecasting: 2/5 [See all features](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Foundations - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SAP S/4HANA Cloud](/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 358 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a cloud-based and on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small, midsize and large businesses in industries such as [Read more](/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) ##### What users love - Robust real-time data handling - Versatile business system connectivity - Comprehensive financial process automation ##### To take in mind - Challenging and unintuitive interface - Steep learning and onboarding demands - Occasional lag and slow response #### Features ##### Best rated features - Dashboard: 5/5 - Enterprise Asset Management: 5/5 - Portfolio Management: 5/5 - Integrated Business Operations: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - BOM Creation: 2.3/5 - Distribution Management: 4/5 - Cost Tracking: 4/5 - Collaboration Tools: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Plan - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Pricing not available [See full pricing details](/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Sage Accounting](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 653 - Starting price: $20.00/month - Best for: On the rise - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage Accounting is a cloud-based accounting and invoice management solution for small to midsize businesses. It offers accounting, project accounting, expense management and [Read more](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined daily financial management - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Accessible cloud-based accounting platform ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and hard-to-reach support - Limited and inflexible invoicing tools - Restrictive and unintuitive reporting features #### Features ##### Best rated features - Time Tracking: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 - For Accountants: 5/5 - Duplicate Payment Alert: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Accounting Start - Price: $20.00/month - The Sage Accounting Start plan comes with an 30-day free trial and is ideal for micro-businesses. ##### Accounting Standard - Price: $40.00/month ##### Accounting Plus - Price: $50.00/month [See full pricing details](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Dynamics 365](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 5,863 - Starting price: $50.00/month - Best for: Popular - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based CRM ecosystem for small, medium and enterprise organizations, with a focus on Sales, Field Service, Customer Service complete with strong [Read more](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/) ##### What users love - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration - Centralized workforce and operations control ##### To take in mind - Expensive licensing and add-ons - Limited and complex customization options - Steep learning and onboarding process #### Features ##### Best rated features - Financial Analysis: 5/5 - Trend Analysis: 5/5 - Commission Management: 5/5 - Monitoring: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Lead Scoring: 3.5/5 - Sales Trend Analysis: 3.8/5 - Prospecting Tools: 3.9/5 - API: 3.9/5 [See all features](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Professional - Price: $50.00/month ##### Enterprise - Price: $105.00/month ##### Premium - Price: $195.00/month [See full pricing details](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Focus X](/product/3600-focus/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 119 - Starting price: $60.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Focus X is an all-inclusive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that helps you connect every aspect of your business operations. From production to supply chain, customer [Read more](/product/3600-focus/) ##### What users love - Robust and flexible reporting tools - Flexible system adaptation options ##### To take in mind - Slow and unreliable support response #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Accounting: 5/5 - Online Payments: 5/5 - Scheduling: 5/5 - Mobile App: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Fraud Detection: 1/5 [See all features](/product/3600-focus/#key-features) --- ### [TimeSolv Legal Billing](/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 647 - Starting price: $42.74/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TimeSolv is a cloud-based legal time tracking and billing solution that caters to law firms, accountants, consultants, architects, and freelancers, helping them manage daily [Read more](/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/) ##### What users love - Intuitive and user-friendly interface - Responsive and hands-on support - Flexible and efficient billing tools ##### To take in mind - Invoice customization and clarity issues #### Features ##### Best rated features - Document Capture: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Fee Calculation & Posting: 5/5 - Archiving & Retention: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 3/5 - Collaboration Tools: 3/5 - Activity Dashboard: 3.3/5 [See all features](/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### TimeSolv Legal (1-4 Users) - Price: $47.50/month - The plan can be billed on a monthly or annual subscription. Volume discounts apply. ##### TimeSolv Legal (5-14 Users) - Price: $45.12/month - The plan is billed on a monthly subscription. ##### TimeSolv Legal (15+ Users) - Price: $42.74/month - The plan is billed on a monthly subscription. [See full pricing details](/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SAP Business One](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 346 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SAP Business All-in-One is a complete suite of applications to help support your CPA office, no matter the size of your operation. Features include accounting and financials, [Read more](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive inventory control tools - Tailored for SMB growth needs - Flexible integration and customization ##### To take in mind - Significant costs and licensing fees - Outdated and unintuitive interface - Frequent slowdowns and crashes #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Production Management: 5/5 - Financial Analysis: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Elorus](/accounting/elorus-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 325 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Elorus is an online invoicing, time-tracking, billing and expense management platform. At heart, it is the ideal professional solution for every freelancer, small business and [Read more](/accounting/elorus-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reimbursement Management: 5/5 - Accounts Payable: 5/5 - Electronic Payments: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Task Management: 3/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 3.9/5 [See all features](/accounting/elorus-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free - Price: $0.00 - 6$ per extra user ##### Starter - Price: $9.00/month - 6$ per extra user ##### Standard - Price: $19.00/month - 6$ per extra user [See full pricing details](/accounting/elorus-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Zoho Invoice](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 823 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Billing & Invoicing - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Zoho Invoice is a 100% free cloud-based invoicing solution designed to help small businesses with invoicing, tracking expenses and accepting online payments.Key features include [Read more](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible and customizable invoicing - Intuitive and beginner-friendly interface - Free and affordable plans ##### To take in mind - Complex settings and navigation - Limited and outdated email features #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Billing: 5/5 - Data Security: 5/5 - Customizable Branding: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Recurring Invoicing: 4/5 - Client Portal: 4/5 - Timesheet Management: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $0.00 - Up to 2 users [See full pricing details](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Agiled](/project-management/agiled-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 350 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Invoice Creation - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Agiled is an all in one business management platform. It comes with built-in CRM, HRM, Financial Management, Project Management and Time Tracking. Users can manage all of their [Read more](/project-management/agiled-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multiple Billing Rates: 5/5 - Issue Management: 5/5 - Completion Tracking: 4.8/5 - Employee Database: 4.8/5 ##### Worst rated features - Reminders: 3/5 - Customizable Templates: 3.8/5 - Team Collaboration: 4/5 - Automatic Time Capture: 4/5 [See all features](/project-management/agiled-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $0.00 ##### Pro - Price: $30.00/month - $25/month when billed annually. ##### Premium - Price: $59.00/month - $49/month when billed annually. [See full pricing details](/project-management/agiled-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [QuickBooks Enterprise](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 20,689 - Starting price: $2,210.00/year - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview QuickBooks Enterprise is an accounting solution designed for SMBs across different industry verticals such as construction, nonprofit distribution, manufacturing, and retail. With [Read more](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible setup and onboarding support - Comprehensive accounting functionality - Detailed and customizable reporting tools ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow customer service - Bank syncing and reconciliation issues - Expensive subscription and add-ons #### Features ##### Best rated features - Distribution Management: 5/5 - Due Date Tracking: 5/5 - For Residential: 5/5 - Supply Chain Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - BIM Modeling: 2/5 - SKU/UPC Codes: 3.3/5 [See all features](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Gold - Price: $2,210.00/year - Up to 30 users. ##### Platinum - Price: $2,717.00/year - Up to 30 users. ##### Diamond - Price: $5,264.00/year - Up to 40 users. [See full pricing details](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [FloQast](/accounting/floqast-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 106 - Starting price: $999.00/month - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview FloQast, an Accounting Automation Platform created by accountants for accountants, enables organizations to automate a variety of accounting operations. Trusted by more than 2,800 [Read more](/accounting/floqast-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multi-Company: 5/5 - Audit Management: 5/5 - Financial Consolidation & Close Management: 5/5 - Due Date Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Project Management: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/floqast-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Invoice Ninja](/accounting/invoice-ninja-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 167 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Create. Send. Get Paid. Invoice Ninja is the leading small-business platform to invoice, accept payments, track expenses & time tasks. Designed for freelancers and small to medium [Read more](/accounting/invoice-ninja-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multi-Currency: 5/5 - Invoice Management: 5/5 - Dashboard: 5/5 - Mobile App: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Credit Card Processing: 3/5 [See all features](/accounting/invoice-ninja-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Forever Free - Price: $0.00 - The plan is free forever. ##### Ninja Pro - Price: $10.00/month - The plan includes a 14-day free trial. ##### Enterprise - Price: $14.00/month - The plan includes a 30-day guarantee. The plan price depends upon the number of users: 1-2 users - [See full pricing details](/accounting/invoice-ninja-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [N2F ](/accounting/n2f-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 94 - Starting price: €5.10/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview N2F is a spend management solution designed to help businesses take control of their professional expenses. Trusted by over 1 million users across 98 countries, N2F enables [Read more](/accounting/n2f-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Automated Receipt Matching: 5/5 - Optical Character Recognition: 5/5 - Spend Analysis: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/n2f-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Business - Price: €5.10/month ##### Enterprise - Price: €6.90/month - Enterprise: from €6.90 per month (billed annually) [See full pricing details](/accounting/n2f-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Reckon One](/compliance/reckon-one-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 146 - Starting price: A$24.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Reckon One is easy and affordable accounting software built for Australian small businesses and sole traders. It gives you the tools to run your everyday finances with confidence, [Read more](/compliance/reckon-one-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Batch Processing: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Timesheet Management: 5/5 - Budgeting/Forecasting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Sales Tax Management: 3.5/5 - Mobile Access: 3.7/5 - Purchase Order Management: 4/5 [See all features](/compliance/reckon-one-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Accounting Plus - Price: A$24.00/month - For small businesses scaling up ##### Accounting Premium - Price: A$46.00/month - For businesses with complex projects [See full pricing details](/compliance/reckon-one-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/cpa-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/cpa-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/cpa-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/cpa-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ## Popular Comparisons [ QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Enterprise ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/49801-qb-desktop-enterprise/vs/393202-QuickBooks-Online/)[ NetSuite vs Dynamics 365 ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/25483-netsuite-financials-accounting-software/vs/106335-Dynamics-365/)[ Sage Intacct vs Xero ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/xero/)[ Zoho Invoice vs Wave ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/18767-Wave-Apps/vs/435103-zoho-invoice/)[ Sage Accounting vs Sage 100 ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/sage-100cloud-profile/vs/sage-business-cloud-accounting/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Here’s what we’ll cover: [What is CPA accounting software?](#WhatisCPAaccountingsoftware) [What are the common features of CPA accounting software?](#WhatarethecommonfeaturesofCPAaccountingsoftware) [CPA accounting software pricing](#CPAaccountingsoftwarepricing) [What are the deployment options for CPA accounting software?](#WhatarethedeploymentoptionsforCPAaccountingsoftware) [What are some other considerations when selecting a platform?](#Whataresomeotherconsiderationswhenselectingaplatform) [How to evaluate accounting software for Certified Public Accountants?](#HowtoevaluateaccountingsoftwareforCertifiedPublicAccountants) ## **What is CPA accounting software?** Since Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) manage the finances for dozens, or even hundreds of corporations and individuals, they need software that can keep up. CPA-specific accounting programs will be designed for payroll, expense and reporting for multiple companies, and will also include useful tools like auditing, tax preparation and time-based billing. _Screenshot of BillQuick user dashboard_ Accounting software for CPAs isn’t just regular accounting software. CPAs typically need greater functionality and more features in order to handle multiple clients or otherwise ensure regulatory compliance. In this guide, we'll cover: - The functionality CPAs should be looking for when considering software solutions; and - Best practices for evaluating CPA-specific systems. ## **What are the common features of CPA accounting software?** Accounting software for banks, mortgage companies and financial services institutions will include the following industry-specific features: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Multi-company accounting | Unlike other industries, professional accountants need to manage the accounting for multiple companies, so the software should allow you to categorize access all their data to keep it separated but easy to recall. Non-accountant-specific programs can sometimes become overloaded by all the records, so it’s critical that your software can handle large volumes of data. | | Tax preparation | The U.S. tax code is thousands of pages long, and it changes every year. Tax preparation is a major part of a CPA’s job, and CPA-specific systems will contain specialized data to support preparation for all your clients. These will include updated tax tables, automated calculations and electronic filing for individuals and corporations on a state, local and federal level. | | Time & billing | Time and billing refers to the ability to track the time spent on certain projects and then bill clients based on the number of hours spent. Accounting software for any service provider should include time and billing capabilities. | | Regulations compliance | The system needs to comply with federal, state and local regulations and statutes like FASB, GASB 34, IFRS and DCAA. Ensure the software you select complies with these regulations and updates it for any changes. | | Financial reports | Reporting is a critical component for freelance accountants. In addition to standard executive reports, charts and summary statements, the software should be able to build customized reports using an intuitive interface. | --- ## CPA accounting software pricing Accounting software used by CPAs is generally priced one of two ways: subscription and perpetual licensing. **Subscription.** The software is priced as a monthly fee, typically based on the number of users. While no upfront fee is paid, an organization might have to pay annual fees for support and maintenance. **Perpetual license.** With a perpetual license, an organization pays an upfront fee and then in turn owns the software in perpetuity. The upfront fee is also typically based on the number of users or the relative size of the organization based on its annual revenue. However, organizations will still generally have to pay annual fees for support, maintenance and updates. A general rule of thumb is that an organization can expect to pay 20 percent of the perpetual license fee annually on those other associated fees. ## What are the deployment options for CPA accounting software? CPA Accounting software can be deployed one of several ways: cloud-based, on-premise and hybrid. **Cloud-based.** Cloud-based software is hosted on the vendor’s servers and is accessed through a web browser. Cloud-based deployment has become increasingly popular in recent years. Typically, cloud-based software is most associated with subscription pricing. **On-premise.** The organization installs and hosts the software on their own computers and servers. Typically, on-premise software is most associated with perpetual licensing. **Hybrid.** There are several hybrid approaches out there, but the most common is when an organization licenses a cloud-based platform to have it run on the organization’s own internal servers. This is done so the organization can have the flexibility of using cloud-based software while also having more control over how its data is stored. One consideration to keep in mind is indeed data security. While cloud-based platforms can be just as secure as on-premise platforms, some organizations will nevertheless prefer to store their own data internally. CPAs might have certain clients who would prefer that their data never leave the CPA’s office, so at any rate it is critical for CPAs to understand where their clients’ data is being stored and how secure it is. ## What are some other considerations when selecting a platform? The strength of vendors offering CPA accounting software can often be determined by how agile they are when it comes to ensuring that their platform is continuously updated to reflect new regulations and laws pertaining to tax compliance. When selecting a platform, be sure to vet vendors’ commitment to updating their platform. Also consider a vendor’s long term viability. The major players in this space can generally be seen as safe bets, while there can be less certainty smaller vendors. Smaller vendors may more adequately serve a particular niche, and may have more competitive pricing, but there is less of a guarantee as to how long that vendor will be around. As such, it’s important to note that every vendor has its own unique advantages and disadvantages in this regard. ## How to e**valuate accounting software for Certified Public Accountants?** When evaluating CPA-specific systems, the most important criteria to consider are the nature of your business and the number of clients. Do you primarily deal with tax preparation for individuals, or [general ledger](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/) and payroll for corporations? Do you have two or three clients or 100? In particular, CPAs seeking software should ask the following questions: - How many individual records will you need access to at a given time? Is the software designed for that level of usage? - Do you primarily serve individuals or corporations? - Will you need support on regulatory compliance? - Do you need to keep track of billable hours?