Award-winning practice management trusted by more than 10,000 accounting firms
For everything to be on one platform, it’s huge. It costs us less money too. Having everything centralized in TaxDome helps us, and it helps the client.
14 Min
Key takeaways:
- Practice management software is an essential piece of an accounting tech stack, providing the tools firms need to manage their clients, staff, and workflows on one centralized platform.
- The best accounting practice management software enables you to improve efficiency, collaboration, and accuracy while delivering an exceptional client experience.
- No two practice management platforms are the same. While they may share similar capabilities, each system has its own unique feature set, pricing, pros, and cons.
- TaxDome stands out as a comprehensive practice management platform, while Karbon, Canopy, Jetpack Workflow, and Financial Cents are all solid contenders.
- QuickBooks Online Accountants and Xero Practice Manager offer useful integration options but lack key functionality, while CountingWorks Pro is an interesting choice for accounting practices focusing on content marketing and lead generation.
Modern accounting firms rely on practice management software to streamline accounting processes, automate workflows, reduce paperwork, and offer a superior client experience. But with an ever-increasing number of options to choose from, how do you know which platform is the right one for your firm?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this detailed guide, you’ll find a profile of 12 popular accounting practice management platforms, including key features, pricing options, and client satisfaction ratings.
So, let’s dive in!
What is accounting practice management software?
Accounting practice management software provides all the tools accounting firms need to efficiently manage their daily operations. This spans client communication, document management, task automation, team collaboration, time and billing, and more.
To learn more about practice management software and watch a video explainer, check out this article: Accounting practice management software in action.
What are the benefits of using practice management software for your accounting firm?
Increased efficiency. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as data entry, report generation, and invoicing, accounting firms can focus on more important tasks.
Simple and effective communication. Accounting practice management software provides a secure platform for communicating with clients and team members, reducing the need for back-and-forth emails and phone calls.
Increased accuracy. Automated workflows can help you reduce errors, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with all relevant regulations.
Happy clients who keep coming back. Practice management software provides a secure way to collaborate with your clients and share information, making it a smooth experience for your clients.
Key features of accounting practice management software
Not all accounting software is created equal — some are better for certain tasks than others. But how can you find the best solution for your needs? Here are some key features of practice management software to look out for.
Project and task management
Look at how well the software helps you organize your work. Here are some important questions to ask:
- How can you assign tasks to your team members?
- Is it easy to search for tasks? Are there filters or tags that simplify searching?
- Can you see the overall progress of your team’s work?
Team management
Does the software provide tools for collaborating with your team, onboarding new or seasonal employees, assigning tasks, and tracking progress? During the busy season, you may need more assistance with tax-related tasks, so the software should enable you to add new team members and assign different access rights.
Workflow automation
Workflow automation is a key feature of accounting practice management software. When selecting a platform, consider whether it allows you to create dependencies that automate tasks, send automatic reminders to clients, and perform other actions that can streamline your workload.
Document management
To reduce paperwork and streamline your document workflows, ensure that the software enables you to:
- Securely store and manage documents
- Request legally binding e-signatures
- Share documents with both clients and team members
- Manage access rights
Client management
A client portal is another vital feature, providing a secure online space for clients to upload, view, and e-sign documents, communicate with their accountant, and pay bills.
Time tracking and invoicing
Practice management software should allow you to track the time spent on each project, record any expenses incurred, and auto-generate accurate invoices based on this data.
Reporting
This feature can help you make sense of all the client and team data at your disposal, allowing you to make smarter decisions across your firm. Here are some factors to consider:
- Does the practice management software offer report templates?
- What types of reports can you generate?
- Does it allow you to create custom reports?
Pricing
Practice management software can have varying pricing options and features, so be sure to consider what you need and what you are willing to pay for. Additionally, think about whether you prefer to pay monthly or annually. Opting for the latter can potentially lead to significant cost savings.
Onboarding and support
We recommend looking into the support options available. It’s also worth checking what the onboarding process looks like, and if you’ll receive dedicated advice and support on how to implement accounting practice management software.
Integration with other software
If you are planning to switch from your current accounting management software to a new one, ensure that seamless data transfer is feasible. Additionally, we recommend looking into the software’s integration options, such as schedulers, email apps, and other related tools.
To explore essential practice management features in more detail, check out this detailed guide: Key features of practice management software for accountants.
Best accounting practice management software in 2024
- TaxDome
- Karbon
- Jetpack Workflow
- Financial Cents
- QuickBooks Online Accountant
- Canopy
- Xero Practice Manager
- CountingWorks Pro
- Keeper
- Onvio Firm Management
- Aero Workflow
- OfficeTools
1. TaxDome
TaxDome is an all-in-one cloud-based platform that helps tax, bookkeeping, and accounting firms of all sizes manage their practices. It’s easy to use and has many useful features to simplify your processes and make your work more efficient.
Key features
Workflow automation: you can use customizable templates to automate entire accounting workflows from start to finish, including all client communication, data collection, document management, invoicing, and more.
Task and team management: gain complete visibility into who’s working on what, auto-assign work, and set access rights on an individual or team level.
Document management: TaxDome provides a secure environment for uploading, storing, managing, and sharing client documents. And with a document scanner built into the mobile app and legally binding e-signatures (including KBA, AdES, and QES), you can manage your entire document workflow on the go.
CRM: TaxDome’s built-in CRM allows you to manage all your client data, documents, and communications in one place, allowing you to build long-lasting client relationships.
Time and billing: you can track billable hours, automate invoicing, and set up one-time or recurring payments. TaxDome also integrates with payment providers Stripe and CPACharge.
Proposals and engagement letters: this handy feature enables you to engage clients, present your services and prices, and secure payment in one simple workflow.
AI-powered reporting: unlock the power of your data in TaxDome to deliver real-time insights into team performance and profitability. And with our AI-powered search, you can type in queries and get relevant data insights in response.
Client communication: TaxDome offers a complete communication ecosystem comprising secure chats, synced email, and SMS communication, allowing you to choose the perfect communication channel for different situations.
Client portal and mobile app: TaxDome takes your client experience to the next level with a secure, custom-branded portal where clients can upload, view, and e-sign documents, complete tasks, pay bills, and communicate with your team. All this is available on desktop or via our award-winning client mobile app.
What kind of practices use TaxDome?
TaxDome is well suited to accounting, tax, and bookkeeping businesses of all sizes — from solo practices to large firms. With its comprehensive feature set that’s available to all users, simple pricing, and zero restrictions on usage, TaxDome is able to scale as businesses grow.
Pricing
TaxDome offers a single pricing tier for all users, TaxDome Pro, at $50 per user per month. Unlike many competitors, there are no hidden costs, add-ons, or limitations.
Free trial?
Yes, TaxDome offers a free 14-day trial where you can access all of its features (apart from Zapier integrations).
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Replace multiple apps with a single unified platform | Because the feature set is so comprehensive, using the platform to its full potential involves a learning curve |
| Implement best practices faster with a library of templates for workflows, tasks, emails, and other components | |
| Built-in CRM with unlimited contacts | |
| Client mobile app and user-friendly client portal | |
| Simple and transparent pricing plan | |
| Integrations with QuickBooks, Zapier, Calendly, MailChimp, Office 365, CPACharge, Stripe, and more | |
| Personalized support and onboarding sessions |
Ratings and reviews
G2 rating: 4.7 from 550 reviews
Capterra rating: 4.8 from 3000+ reviews
TaxDome has plenty of glowing reviews, with users enjoying the platform’s user-friendly interface, security, and ability to enhance the client experience. The firm and client mobile apps are also a big hit, allowing users to manage tasks and keep in touch on the go.
Because TaxDome’s capabilities are so broad, some reviewers mention that it can take time to learn how to use it to its full potential. But thankfully, TaxDome’s Help videos and other educational materials provide everything you need to get up and running.
See how TaxDome is helping accounting firms across the world drive efficiency, productivity, and growth:
- Polaris Tax & Accounting scaled its customer base from 50 to 1,500+
- BHR Finans & Regnskap AS grew by 9% in 12 months
- Athene Group replaced multiple apps and slashed onboarding times to a couple of minutes
Join our daily demo to see how you can incorporate TaxDome into your practice.
Join demo2. Karbon
Karbon is a cloud-based practice management platform that helps accounting, bookkeeping, and CPA firms manage their day-to-day processes.
Key features
Karbon allows you to automate repetitive tasks, such as client data collection, file storage, or billing. You can also set auto-reminders at times of your choosing. There’s also a handy AI assistant that integrates with ChatGPT, enabling you to automatically summarize emails and compose client communications.
For team collaboration, you have internal and external messaging, collaborative task lists, kanban boards, and timelines to help you manage work more effectively as a team. On the client side, Karbon offers a secure client portal — available on desktop only — where you can assign tasks to clients and keep them in the loop.
Karbon also offers practice intelligence, allowing you to access real-time data insights about your firm’s performance.
What kind of practices use Karbon?
Karbon is designed for accounting firms with 5+ team members. Because of the pricing structure, smaller firms that are growing fast will have to upgrade to more expensive plans to unlock higher usage limits.
Pricing
Karbon offers three price plans:
- Team at $59 per user per month
- Business at $89 per user per month
- Enterprise, with a custom price for teams of 50+
Free trial?
Yes, Karbon offers a free trial with access to all features.
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Limited number of e-signatures |
| Secure client portal | You can’t send emails in bulk |
| Customer support available | You can’t custom-brand your website or choose a URL |
| Easy task management process | Paid setup and training only |
| Integrated AI and ChatGPT | No client mobile app |
Ratings and reviews
G2 rating: 4.8 from 500+ reviews
Capterra rating: 4.7 from 168 reviews
Most reviewers are happy with Karbon’s product offering, with several users singling out the platform’s email capabilities and task management for praise.
We also saw some major concerns that users have with certain features, however, including contact management, customer support, and the mobile app:
You can explore how Karbon compares with TaxDome in this detailed article: TaxDome vs Karbon.
3. Jetpack Workflow
Founded in 2014, Jetpack Workflow is a practice management software for accounting and bookkeeping firms.
Key features
Jetpack Workflow offers basic task automation and allows you to set automations to repeat at custom intervals. There’s also a template library to help you standardize documents, processes, and checklists with ease.
In terms of team collaboration and task management, the platform allows you to view all client work at a glance — and filter and search for more detail. You also get internal communication and alerts.
What kind of practices use Jetpack Workflow?
Jetpack Workflow’s somewhat limited functionality make it well suited to smaller firms that don’t expect to scale significantly in the foreseeable future.
Pricing
Jetpack Workflow has one package with two different billing options:
- Starter Yearly: $30 per user per month, billed yearly
- Starter Monthly: $45 per user per month, billed monthly
Free trial?
Yes, Jetpack Workflow offers a free 14-day trial.
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Workflow library | Outdated interface |
| Rapid job creation process | Limited functionality |
| Unlimited clients and contacts | No client portal, only a Clients section within the platform |
| Integration with QuickBooks | Minimal email and document management tools |
Ratings and reviews
G2 rating: 4.1 from 11 reviews
Capterra rating: 4.8 from 50+ reviews
Reviewers are generally happy with Jetpack Workflow, but it’s clear that it’s not the most comprehensive platform, with minimal email and document management tools, and no client portal or mobile app:
Want to see a direct comparison between Jetpack Workflow and TaxDome? Then check out this article: TaxDome vs Jetpack Workflow.
4. Financial Cents
Financial Cents is another cloud-based practice management software that helps small and medium-sized accounting and bookkeeping companies handle daily tasks.
Key features
Financial Cents offers a range of workflow management tools, allowing you to understand staff capacity, assign work, and keep up to date on progress. You also get a simple task dashboard with dynamic progress bars.
In terms of automation, Financial Cents offers automated document requests and reminders. Then there’s a built-in CRM for all your client data, time tracking and billing, and a branded client portal.
What kind of practices use Financial Cents?
Financial Cents is designed for small and medium-sized accounting practices that are happy with a more basic, user-friendly platform.
Pricing
Financial Cents has two pricing plans: Team at $39 per user per month and Scale at $59 per user per month.
Free trial?
Yes, you can try Financial Cents for free during a 14-day trial.
Pros and cons
Let’s take a look at some of the best features and drawbacks of Financial Cents.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Various tools for workflow automation | Some users have reported complexity when integrating with Xero and QuickBooks Online |
| Build-in client portal | Issues with triggering events |
| User-friendly platform | No firm or client mobile app |
Ratings and reviews
G2 rating: 4.8 from 80+ reviews
Capterra rating: 4.8 from 120+ reviews
Based on user reviews, it’s clear that Financial Cents is relatively easy to use and cost-effective. At the same time, however, customer support can be lacking at times:
Explore how Financial Cents compares with TaxDome in this detailed guide: TaxDome vs Financial Cents.
5. QuickBooks Online Accountant
QuickBooks Online Accountant is a cloud-based accounting software with various smart tools for organizing your tasks and team management.
Key features
QuickBooks Online Accountants offers secure communication and document sharing. And with seamless integration with QuickBooks Online, you can also access your clients’ books for joined-up accounting workflows. You can also automate routine accounting tasks and sync with banks.
Like most other accounting software, this platform provides a range of task management tools, and you can easily track project expenses, income, time, and labor. You get some pretty standard reporting and analysis tools too, as well as time and billing capabilities.
What kind of practices use QuickBooks Online Accountant?
Like other QuickBooks products, QuickBooks Online Accountant is geared towards small and medium-sized accounting businesses.
Pricing
QuickBooks Online Accountant is available for free. You only pay for clients you add, depending on whether you offer the software through direct billing or wholesale.
If you choose direct billing, your clients will need to purchase their own QuickBooks Online subscription. Alternatively, with the wholesale option, your firm can purchase Quickbooks subscriptions for your clients, and save up to 50% on the cost of each subscription.
Free trial?
Yes, you can take QuickBooks Online Accountant for a spin with a 30-day free trial.
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| User-friendly and intuitive workflow | Has a different platform for time tracking |
| A vast library of workflow templates | There’s no “undo” button |
| Free access to the QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor program | Lacks payroll features |
| Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online | Not ideal if your clients don’t use QuickBooks Online |
Ratings and reviews
G2 rating: 4.4 from 80 reviews
Capterra rating: 4.6 from 30+ reviews
Reviewers frequently praise QuickBooks Online Accountant’s usability and simplicity:
But there are a few minor gripes here and there, such as the inability to connect to certain banks:
6. Canopy
Canopy is a cloud-based practice management software designed to meet all your practice management needs.
Key features
Canopy has a pretty comprehensive set of features. As you’d expect from a practice management platform, you get standard stuff like document management, e-signatures, workflow automation, and task management.
On top of that, you get some interesting capabilities such as an AI assistant that drafts emails and answers queries with data insights, custom-branded client engagement letters, and a client portal mobile app.
What kind of practices use Canopy?
Canopy’s pricing specifies a minimum of five users, so small and solo practices will want to look elsewhere. Given Canopy’s complex, modular pricing, however, it may put off larger or fast-growing firms that want a complete feature set.
Pricing
Canopy offers a modular pricing model, where you pay extra for additional functionality. The most basic plan comes with client engagement and is free for up to 250 clients. The more clients you have over the 250-client threshold, the more you pay.
Likewise, by adding additional modules — such as document management, workflow, or time and billing — you pay more. There are add-ons for tax resolution, transcripts and notices, KBA e-signatures, and more — plus an implementation fee for getting up and running.
Free trial?
Yes, Canopy offers a free 15-day trial.
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| User-friendly interface | No website builder |
| Comprehensive feature set | You can’t set up your domain name |
| Client portal mobile app | Lack of document storage |
| Several reporting options | Limitations on the number of clients |
| Confusing pricing, with lots of add-ons and extra costs |
Ratings and reviews
G2 rating: 4.6 from 300+ reviews
Capterra rating: 4.5 from 220+ reviews
Reviewers love Canopy’s comprehensive feature set that allows them to replace multiple apps with a single platform.
There are, however, some concerns over certain areas of the platform, such as Canopy’s time and billing functionality.
For a detailed look at how Canopy stacks up against TaxDome, take a look at this article: TaxDome vs Canopy.
7. Xero Practice Manager
Xero Practice Manager is a practice management software for small accounting firms and solopreneurs.
Key features
As you’d expect, Xero Practice Manager offers seamless integration with Xero accounting software, providing a complete ecosystem for managing your clients’ books and your firm’s processes.
There are basic task management features, allowing you to assign work to team members, set deadlines, and monitor progress towards completion via a workflow dashboard. You can also track time and generate accurate invoices. On the data side, Xero Practice Manager offers customized reports and data visualizations.
What kind of practices use Xero Practice Manager?
Like Xero accounting software, Xero Practice Manager targets the small-business accounting market. It’s also a popular choice with users of other Xero products thanks to its seamless integration.
Pricing
We found it difficult to find clear information about the pricing of Xero Practice Management. The Xero website has a general pricing page, but the pricing options seem to be for Xero’s accounting software, not its practice management software.
Free trial?
Yes, Xero Practice Manager offers a free 30-day trial.
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
| Useful billing module | Not ideal if you don’t already use Xero |
| Good practice management features for solopreneurs | Xero is unable to connect with several banks |
| Seamless integration with Xero accounting software | Can be buggy at times |
| Not suitable for team management |
Ratings and reviews
G2 rating: 4.4 from 35 reviews
Clients love its simple user interface and ability to integrate with Xero accounting software:
At the same time, some users state that the system can be a bit buggy at times, which can be complicated and time-consuming to fix.
