Accounting & Invoicing Software: our picks for busy owners
⏱ In about 3 minutes
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page may become affiliate links. If you buy, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn't change what we recommend. Read the full disclosure.
In this article
Our verdict
Short answer
If you're in Australia and work with an accountant, start with Xero. If you're a freelancer who invoices a lot, look at FreshBooks.
Guides on this topic
Plain-English problem-and-fix guides, each with a short answer first.
AccountingClients pay late and I hate chasing them: how to get invoices paid on time
Tired of chasing late payers? Set clear terms, invoice on day one, add a pay-now link and let software send polite reminders. Plus copy-and-paste chase templates.
8 min readAccountingStill doing invoices in a spreadsheet? How to pick invoicing software for a small business
Moving off spreadsheet invoices? Compare Xero, FreshBooks and QuickBooks on invoice limits, reminders, bank feeds and accountant access, from official pages.
7 min readAccountingMy bookkeeping is a shoebox of receipts: how to get organised without hiring an accountant
Drowning in receipts? Separate your bank account, snap receipts into software, reconcile weekly and keep records the right way. A simple system, no accountant needed.
8 min readAccountingMy accountant wants access to my accounting software: how to share it safely
Don't hand over your login. Invite your accountant as their own user, give only the access they need, keep MFA on, and remove access when the job's done.
7 min readAccountingIt's tax time and I can't find anything: a small business records checklist
Tax deadline looming and records everywhere? A calm, step-by-step checklist to gather income, expense, asset and payroll records, plus how to never scramble again.
8 min readAccountingIs my financial data safe in the cloud? What small businesses should check
Worried about putting your books in the cloud? The real risk is usually your login, not the provider. What to check before you choose, and five settings to turn on today.
7 min readAt a glance
| Product | What it is | Best for | Free plan or trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero | Bank feeds, invoices and accountant access | A small business with an accountant or bookkeeper | Intro discount (see vendor) |
 FreshBooks | Invoicing for freelancers and service firms | Service businesses and freelancers who invoice often | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Accounting software cuts down paperwork: it can send invoices, track expenses and show how the business is doing, so you do less of it by hand.
Best for your situation
- You work with an accountant in Australia: Xero
- You're a freelancer who invoices often: FreshBooks
The options, one by one
Xero
Best for a small business with an accountant or bookkeeper
Bottom line: Cloud accounting with bank reconciliation and online invoice payments. It has an Australian entity and plans that scale as you grow.
Pros
- Reconcile bank transactions and accept online invoice payments, per Xero's pricing page.
- Plans scale up, with expense claims and project tracking for 5 or 10 users depending on the plan.
Cons
- The user limits for expenses and projects differ by plan.
- An introductory discount applies (80% off for 3 months at the time of checking), then the regular price.
Who it's for: Small businesses that invoice customers and work with an accountant.
Who it's not for: Freelancers who only need very simple invoicing.
Source: Vendor page. Checked 18 October 2026.
FreshBooks
Best for service businesses and freelancers who invoice often
Bottom line: Invoicing-led accounting aimed at service businesses and freelancers, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Unlimited customised invoices and automated recurring invoices.
- A 30-day money-back guarantee, per FreshBooks.
Cons
- The listed plans include a limited number of team members, with extra users charged per month.
- Some listed payment options, such as ACH bank transfers, are US-based.
Who it's for: Freelancers and service businesses who send many invoices.
Who it's not for: Businesses that need a broad accounting setup with accountant access as the main feature.
Source: Vendor page. Checked 18 October 2026.
How we reviewed this
Our method
We read each vendor's own published pages and note what they say. We have not tested these products hands-on, and we give no ratings or scores. Pros and cons are facts from those pages. "Who it's for" and "who it's not for" are our reading of them. We may earn a commission if you buy through some links, at no extra cost to you, and that does not change what we write. See how we work and our affiliate disclosure.
What to check before you choose
- Does the price suit your team size?
- Is there a free trial or free plan, and what are its limits?
- Does it work with the tools you already use?
- Is support easy to reach if you get stuck?
- Check the vendor's own site for current pricing and features.
More guides: Email Marketing & CRM, Password Managers, Cybersecurity Tools, Business websites, hosting & SEO tools.
Free: the Small Business Password & Access Checklist
A 1–2 page checklist that turns this article into a to-do list: which accounts to protect first, how to set up shared access, and what to do when someone joins or leaves.
You only get emails if you tick the consent box. Unsubscribe any time. See our privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Which accounting option should I pick first?
See our quick picks for a suggested starting point. It is a starting suggestion, not a test result. Check the vendor's site to confirm it suits your business.
Are the links on this page affiliate links?
Some may be, once approved by the program. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Where do I find current pricing?
On each vendor's own website. Prices and plans change, so we don't list them here.