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, managing your money is pretty integral to success. Luckily we've rounded up the best accounting software available 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, finance can be confusing.
So, whether you're a fashion stylist making a financial plan or an interior designer tackling your own bookkeeping these great accounting software tools will fulfil all your accounting needs—so you can spend less time accounting and more time doing what you do best, creating.
Fincent
A refreshingly simple interface lets even the most 'financially illiterate' creatives understand where their business stands. Fincent makes it easy to communicate with your bookkeeper, so that they can do the heavy lifting because, after all, "You were meant to create. Not do books."
Star feature
In-app comments allow for direct and clear commentary about your expenses, meaning you and your bookkeeper are always on the same page.
Pricing
$$$
Fincent offers all new users a 14-day free trial period. After that, your monthly bill will depend on whether you deem your business to be starting ($69), growing ($159) or thriving ($269).
Suits you if...
You like a little control, but not the whole lot. A 'back-seat banker' so to speak.
Zoho Books
Automated, effortless and easily scalable. A comprehensive expense management tool, available as a mobile app so you can use it at home, en route or from afar.
Star feature
Zoho have managed to 'streamline corporate travel', making it easy to track mileage, request and approve travel, organise itineraries and keep a tab on the expenses of it all!
Pricing
$
Zoho operates a pay-per-user pricing plan across four membership tiers. But for any company with fewer than three employees, this one is completely free—a win for the solopreneurs!
Suits you if...
You're constantly on the go! Zoho's tailored travel expense features make managing travel a breeze.
Honeybook
Secure payments, digital contract signing and sleek-looking proposal templates comprising invoice, contract, and payment—an accounting tool has never been so sweet!
Star feature
Honeybooks is available as a mobile app—allowing you to keep in touch with clients wherever you go.
Pricing
$$
Following a 7-day free trial, HoneyBooks is available for $39 p/m or $390 p/a.
But, attention bargain hunters! You can 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 meaning of all-in-one.
Star feature
Wave allows businesses to accept payments online*, so you can get invoices paid even faster.
Pricing
$
Wave offers their invoicing and accounting service completely free, yes really!
*You are charged for said online payments, but at a reasonable rate.
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—it's that easy. Oh, and Dubsado's automatic late payment follow-ups save you from those cringe-inducing client chase-ups!
Star feature
For creatives who offer ongoing services or subscription-type work, 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, 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...