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Your online accounting software guide

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Whether you're a small business owner, sole trader or just a stickler for savings we've compared online accounting software side-by-side.

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What is cloud accounting?

Like any other form of cloud computing, cloud accounting allows multiple users to access documents and data on a single online server from computers, mobiles and tablets.

Also known as "online accounting", cloud accounting works the same as any other accounting software e.g. MYOB. However, rather than installing and saving on your desktop computer, the program (and your data) is saved on the company's secure servers – allowing you to access your accounts from most Internet-enabled devices.

Trouble at tax time?

Why would I want to store my accounting data on the cloud?

There are so many benefits to managing your business or personal accounts online but essentially is comes to down to convenience and accessibility.

Forgetting your hard drive or memory stick (or if you're proper old school, your log book) at home is a thing of the past. When everything is stored on the cloud it can be accessed and retrieved from absolutely anywhere with an internet connection. This also has its benefits for your employees and accountant.

Does your employee need to make a payroll adjustment? They can simply jump online and make the correction, rather than coming in to the office. Does your accountant have some questions for you at tax time? With cloud accounting you can save yourself a trip to the office and collaborate online.

Deals for online accounting software

Online accounting software comparison

NameMost popular planContract TypeFree trial?
Saasu Logo Lockup - RGB Orange Black$15 per monthMonth-to-month30-day free trial
qbv$17.50 per monthMonth-to-month30-day free trial
so$15 per monthMonth-to-month35-day free trial
Xero-Logo-EPS-vector-image$25 per monthMonth-to-month30-day free trial
MYOB Logo_RGB$29 per monthMonth-to-month30-day free trial
NameTransactionsPayrollOnline storageSmartphone/tablet app?Support
Saasu Logo Lockup - RGB Orange Black1,000 a yearYes. Includes payroll for up to 20 employeesNot specifiediOSService support 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday + lots of helpful documentation on website.
qbvUnlimitedYes. Includes payroll for up to 10 employees through a third party app. Additional employees are $4.00 eachUnlimitediOS, Android and Windows PhoneSupport and Live Chat 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Monday - Friday + a designated support contact and direct phone number with signup.
soUnlimitedYes. Additional software. Includes payroll for up to 5 employees1 GBiOS, Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8 TabletDirect support from a Sage One expert via phone from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Xero-Logo-EPS-vector-image20 transactions per monthYes. Includes payroll for 1 employeeUnlimitediOS and Android24/7 support + a list of specialist (e.g. book keeping) contact numbers
MYOB Logo_RGBUnlimitedYes. Includes payroll for user and 1 employee *Payroll add-on availableNot specified.iOS and AndroidPhone and LiveChat support
NameStandout featuresProsCons
Saasu Logo Lockup - RGB Orange Black
  • Forecaster: Allows you to see how your business is tracking over the next 30 days.
  • Add-ons: 50+ specialised products that are compatible with Saasu.
  • Custom dashboard: Personalise your dashboard to display the reports you use most.

 

  • Australia based – compliant with Australian Tax system.
  • Lots of payment options
  • Generous payroll features for low-tier plan

 

  • 1,000 transaction limit is irritating

 

qbv
  • Automatic sync: No matter where you are, your data syncs across your computer, Android and iPhone.
  • Online collaboration: The ability to invite your accountant to access your data to collaborate on documents.
  • Complete user control: Control what documents and data each user has access to.

 

  • 3 simultaneous users at any time
  • Good payroll inclusions at an entry level price
  • Simple Start feature is incredibly handy for newcomers

 

  • Limited features on mobile devices
so
  • Sky Payroll Integration: A secure, cloud-based Pay Roll system that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.
  • Accountant collaboration: Helps reduce time spent on tax by allowing you to collaborate with your accountant online.
  • Direct line: When you sign up with Sage One you're given the direct mobile number of a support consultant.

 

  • Unrivalled customer support system
  • Windows Phone and Windows 8 Tablet compatibility!
  • One, generously prices package

 

  • Odd 1GB limit on data storage

 

Xero-Logo-EPS-vector-image
  • Comprehensive Inventory system: Track quantity, cost and sale price for regular transactions.
  • Works with over 400 business apps: Xero integrates with many existing apps, like PayPal, Expensify and Workflow Max.
  • Cashflow: A bevvy of cashflow features, like online accounting, smart reports and automatic bank reconciliation.
  • Easily one of the best mobile apps for online accounting.
  • Niche specialists on hand 24/7
  • Universally praised

 

  • Only allows for one additional payroll member
  • A little pricier than its competitors
MYOB Logo_RGB
  • 90 day money back guarantee: Not happy with your MYOB Essentials Live Account? No worries get a full refund within the first 90 days.
  • Auto-backup: MYOB Essentials is constantly backing up your data to the cloud.
  • Add-ons: MYOB has a popular range of products, such as OnTheGo and PayDirect
  • Trusted brand
  • Rich community of members always willing to help out
  • Unlimited transactions

 

  • App designs quirks make some everyday tasks unbearable
  • Some features, like Payroll, are additional costs rather than included
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