Chances are, if you own a small business, you’ve put thousands of hours into it. You’ve poured your heart and soul into building something amazing. Now it’s time to protect the essence of your success via some kind of accounting software for Mac with payroll .
We all know, as a small business owner, you need certain software for accounting and payroll. Especially if you have employees! The problem is that there are many options out there that leave much to be desired. We’ve tested and reviewed 50 small business accounting software for Mac and we’re going to show you which ones failed and which ones passed our muster and was able to handle your finances.
Sage 50
Formally known as Sage Peachtree, Sage 50 is an accounting program commonly used by small to mid-sized businesses. The program offers accounts payable and accounts receivable services, bank reconciliation, and cash management. Users can also bill and invoice directly to customers through online services. Payroll and employee management is another feature of the program and is widely used by smaller and mid-sized businesses.
The program also allows the users to create and maintain a general business ledger. Sage comes at a monthly cost of $29.95 per month, with customer service being a part of this cost.
Money Manager Ex
Similar to GnuCash, this is another open source tool, recognised for being well designed and with features to rival even premium software. It’s easy to understand and simple to use, making it a good option for sole traders. It’s great for budgeting and forecasting cashflow but getting set up initially is known to be fiddly and time consuming. It also operates entirely offline, meaning you won’t be able to link to online banking. Still, the entire program can run from a USB drive, making it portable.
GnuCash
- Open-source desktop accounting software
- Completely free
- Basic features
- Desktop – works on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs
What is GnuCash?
GnuCash began life in 2001, and is a desktop open-source accounting software. If you’re confused by any of that; desktop means you need to actually download and install it, while open-source means that anyone can download and edit the actual code that makes up the program, in order to add extra functionality and fix errors.
This means it’s completely free forever, but it won’t win any awards for its UI, and it’s not particularly tailored to the needs of small businesses (there’s no open banking integration or mobile app, for example). There’s also a bit of a learning curve, and doing your accounts is a more manual and fiddly process than with some of the other software discussed in this piece.
What can GnuCash do?
GnuCash offers a basic range of accounting features. This includes:
- A checkbook-style interface that allows you to record transactions via double entry accounting
- Support for recurring transactions
- Generated reports that show balance sheets, profit and loss etc.
- Customer and vendor tracking tools
- Multiple currency support
- Compatible with QIF files used by some other accounting software
Why is GnuCash free?
Essentially, GnuCash is made on an entirely voluntary basis, so no one who makes it gets paid at all. The product is then provided free of charge to anyone who wants to use it, and keeps being updated by a dedicated army of volunteer developers. In other words, GnuCash is free because it’s not trying to make money at all – it just wants to help people who can’t afford professional accounting software. If you want to help them out, then you can donate via the GnuCash website, or even volunteer to test new updates.
What support does GnuCash offer?
GnuCash supports its users through its forums (called Mailing Lists), and an extensive manual and FAQ. There’s also a part of the GnuCash wiki called Using GnuCash, which gives solutions to common issues encountered by real-world GnuCash users. This probably goes without saying, but there’s no phone or email support for GnuCash.
GnuCash Verdict
Comparing GnuCash to some of the other providers on this list feels like weighing up the relative benefits of apples and oranges. They have different objectives, business models, and hugely different functionality. However, if you don’t mind the dated visuals and sometimes fiddly interface, then GnuCash is a great option for no-frills accounting software. It’s also not reliant on an internet connection, so ideal if you often work in remote areas with patchy internet coverage.
Kashoo
Kashoo is an accounting software program offered through the Apple App Store for iPad, iPhone, and web use. The format of this program is through the cloud and is widely used by smaller businesses already using any Apple product. The program allows small business owners to send invoices, manage finances, enter in expenses, and generate reports from the comfort of their own mobile device.
Accounts receivable and accounts payable are available through Kashoo, as well as cash management, CPA firms, and bank reconciliation. Users will be able to track expenses and income, and they will also be able to bill and invoice customers directly online. Payroll services are available, as well as spend and tax management services. One especially unique feature is Kashoo’s ability to enter handle multi-currency expenses.
Apple does offer a free trial for this program, with the starting monthly cost of $12.95 per month. Training is offered live online as well as through webinar format. Support is available online during business hours.
Conclusion
Are you a small business owner who is short on time and cash, but big on a need for a variety of features from your software? I had been in the same boat. After managing my own business for over a decade, over the years I’ve tried nearly every accounting software available. Some were free, some cost substantially more. None made me feel too organized or organized enough. Then several months ago I decided to try FreshBooks – online invoicing & Mac small business accounting software with payroll & even more – and have been completely impressed!
Sage 50 Accounting and Payroll for Mac ensures small businesses work confidently and efficiently with complete business management for Mac. Sage 50 provides everything you need to manage your finances, so you can focus on growing your business.