Odds are you didn't set out on your own as a creative to spend your time calculating sales tax, drafting invoices and monitoring business expenses. But, like it or not, balancing the books is integral to the success of your business. Unless you work with a specialised accountant for creatives, it can be hard to find reputable information on accounting for creatives, and even harder to find the right tools. Luckily we've rounded up the best accounting software for creatives to give you a helping hand. These cost-effective alternatives to Quickbooks and Xero are designed to provide ease of use and plenty of support because, let's face it, accounting for creatives can be confusing!
So, whether you're weighing up Honeybook vs. QuickBooks, searching for the best accounting software for interior designers, or simply trying to understand the art of bookkeeping for creatives, these accounting software tools will answer all your questions. Accounting for creatives shouldn't distract from your creative work. In fact, these tools are designed so you can spend less time accounting and more time doing what you do best, creating.
5 accounting tools for creative entrepreneurs
Fincent
Fincent's refreshingly simple interface lets even the most 'financially illiterate' creatives understand where their business stands. Fincent makes it easy to communicate with your bookkeeper because, after all, "You were meant to create. Not do books." Who knew bookkeeping for creatives could be so chic?
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In-app comments allow for direct and clear commentary about your expenses, meaning you and your bookkeeper are always on the same page.
Pricing
$$$
Fincent offers all new users a 14-day free trial period. After that, your monthly bill will depend on whether you deem your business to be starting ($69), growing ($159) or thriving ($269).
Suits you if...
You want the insight, without the stress. Fincent acts as a full-service accountant for creatives, but still lets you stay in control.
Zoho Books
Accounting for creatives made simple. Automated, effortless and easily scalable, Zoho is a comprehensive expense management tool available as a mobile app so you can manage your money wherever you are.
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Zoho have managed to 'streamline corporate travel', making it easy to track mileage, request and approve travel, organise itineraries and keep a tab on the expenses of it all!
Pricing
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Zoho operates a pay-per-user pricing plan across four membership tiers. But for any company with fewer than three employees, this one is completely free—a win for the solopreneurs!
Suits you if...
You're constantly on the go! Zoho's tailored travel expense features make managing travel a breeze.
Honeybook
A favourite accounting software for interior designers, Honeybook offers secure payments, digital contract signing and sleek templates for invoicing, contracts, and payments. With Honeybook, accounting for creatives has never been so sweet!
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Honeybooks is available as a mobile app—allowing you to keep in touch with clients wherever you go.
Pricing
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Following a 7-day free trial, HoneyBooks is available for $39 p/m or $390 p/a. But, attention bargain hunters: head over to Honeybooks' website to take advantage of their $1 a month for 6 months offer.
Suits you if...
You like having everything all in one place, even though you never are!
Wave
Wave offers a comprehensive suite of products to help you efficiently manage your business's finances, covering accounting, invoicing and payments. Wave truly understands the complexities of accounting for creatives and delivers accordingly.
Star feature
Wave allows businesses to accept payments online*, so you can get invoices paid even faster. *You are charged for said online payments, but at a reasonable rate.
Pricing
$
Wave offers their tools in invoicing and accounting for creatives completely free, yes really!
Suits you if...
You're ready to wave goodbye to unnecessary stress—simplistic and reliable, Wave almost makes accounting pleasant!
Dubsado
Quick, simple, and accessible. Create an invoice, get paid—accounting for creatives has never been so easy. Oh, and Dubsado's automatic late payment follow-ups save you from those cringe-inducing client chase-ups!
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Dubsado is one of the best accounting software for interior designers, or other creatives who offer ongoing services with long-term clients. Dubsado sends recurring invoices and offers automatic payment plans.
Pricing
$$
An annual payment of $200 for starters, or $400 if you want all the bells and whistles (automated workflows, public proposals, and multi-lead captures.)
Suits you if...
You foster ongoing relationships with your clients, some of whom may be prone to a late payment or two...
