When QuickBooks Isn't Cutting It: 9 Accounting Alternatives for Growing SMBs

Are you finding that your accounting system can't keep up as your business grows? Frustrated with exporting financial data to Excel just to create the reports you need? Spending hours reconciling data between QuickBooks and your CRM?

If any of these challenges sound familiar, you may have outgrown QuickBooks.

While QuickBooks works well for many small businesses (holding 44.17% of the cloud accounting software market), growing companies often hit significant roadblocks with this popular accounting solution:

  • Delayed or inaccurate data: Your QuickBooks setup operates separately from your CRM and other business systems, requiring expensive third-party integrations that frequently break and need constant maintenance.
  • Manual reporting processes: You find yourself exporting QuickBooks data to Excel for further manipulation because the standard reporting features don't provide the depth of analysis your growing business needs.
  • Multi-entity challenges: If your company has international operations or multiple business entities, you've likely struggled with QuickBooks' limited support for consolidation and multi-currency management. While Intuit introduced the Enterprise Suite to address these issues, it comes at a much higher price point.
  • Workflow constraints: As your processes become more complex, QuickBooks' rigid structure makes it difficult to adapt the software to your specific needs without creating cumbersome workarounds.
  • Performance issues at scale: The software that worked perfectly when your company was smaller may now be struggling to keep up with your increased transaction volume and user requirements.

These growing pains have led many businesses to explore cloud-based alternatives that will support an organization of their stage and size. When evaluating these alternatives, one of the most critical factors to consider is how they handle the relationship between your financial data and the rest of your business systems.


The QuickBooks alternatives below generally fall into three categories:


Integration-dependent systems:

Most QuickBooks alternatives still operate as standalone financial systems that require third-party integration with your CRM and other business software. While these may offer more robust financial capabilities than QuickBooks, they still maintain the fundamental data separation that creates multiple problems: duplicate data entry across systems, data integrity issues when information doesn’t sync properly, lack of real-time visibility into business performance, and the constant need to reconcile conflicting information between platforms.

Ecosystem-based solutions:

Some alternatives are part of broader business software ecosystems (like Zoho Books within the Zoho suite). These offer tighter integration within their own family of products but may still require connectors for third-party tools. You’re limited to their choices for each business function, and you may still require connectors for tools outside their ecosystem.

Platform-based accounting:

The most advanced approach is accounting software built on the same platform as your CRM and other business systems. This approach eliminates integration entirely, as all applications share the same database and user-interface framework.

With that in mind, let’s examine some of the top QuickBooks alternatives to help you determine which might be the right next step for your business.

1. Certinia (category: platform-based)

Certinia (formerly FinancialForce) targets mid-to-large enterprises, particularly professional services firms, that need integrated PSA/ERP capabilities on the Salesforce Platform. Built on Salesforce, it unifies CRM, project management, and back-office finance operations.

The platform connects sales opportunities through service delivery to invoicing in one continuous workflow. Its comprehensive modules cover professional services automation (projects, resource management, services billing) and full accounting functionality (general ledger, AR/AP, revenue recognition), all connected with existing Salesforce data.

Certinia supports multi-currency and multi-company accounting with consolidated financials, addressing limitations that QuickBooks users face with separate company files and basic currency handling. The platform leverages Salesforce's configuration tools, custom objects, Lightning experience, and extendable functionality from AppExchange apps.

Pro tip: Some users report a steep learning curve due to the depth of features, and implementation typically requires partner assistance. Others also note that the platform's rigid structure limits their ability to customize workflows and processes when used outside of the professional services industry.
FeatureCertinia (formerly FinancialForce)QuickBooks OnlineAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationBuilt on Salesforce; combines CRM, PSA, and financials on a single platform.Requires third-party connectors for CRM integration; data synchronization requiredBuilt on Salesforce; unified customer and financial data.
User LimitationsPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scaleUser-based pricing; limits vary by plan.Permission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce platformLimited customization options; may require third-party apps for extended functionality.Extensive no-code customization via Salesforce platform
Multi-CurrencyAdvanced multi-currency and multi-company supportBasic multi-currency support in higher-tier plans.Advanced multi-currency and multi-entity support.
ReportingComprehensive reporting, customizable templates and real-time dashboards. Includes app built on CRM Analytics for Advanced analyticsStandard reports; advanced reporting may require exports to Excel.Comprehensive reporting, customizable templates and real-time dashboards. Includes add-ons such as Financial Analytics app built on CRM Analytics for Advanced analytics
Market FitLarge enterprises, particularly professional services firms, needing integrated PSA/ERP capabilities on Salesforce.Small to medium businesses with general accounting needs.Growing SMBs in multiple industries on Salesforce needing complex accounting requirements.

2. FreshBooks (category: integration-dependent)

FreshBooks focuses on service-based small businesses, freelancers, and consultants who prioritize invoicing and time tracking capabilities. The platform makes billing and expense management straightforward for non-accountants.

With FreshBooks, users can create professional invoices, accept online payments through built-in processing, and convert time entries or estimates directly into invoices. The solution includes features like branded invoices, recurring billing, and automatic payment reminders.

The mobile app allows users to capture receipts on the go, making it convenient for business owners who frequently travel. FreshBooks does cap the number of billable clients on lower-tier plans (with entry plans limited to just a handful of clients) and has a smaller ecosystem of integrations compared to QuickBooks, which can be limiting as businesses grow.

Pro tip: FreshBooks isn't built on an open platform. This means your customer data lives separately from your financial data, creating potential reconciliation headaches. As your business grows, you'll likely face the same data disconnection issues experienced by QuickBooks users, requiring manual data transfers or potentially unreliable integrations.
FeatureFreshBooksQuickBooksAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationBasic integrations; customer data separate from accountingRequires third-party connectorsBuilt natively on Salesforce; unified customer and financial data
User LimitationsCaps on billable clients per planUser-based pricing; limits vary by planPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationLimited customization; focuses on simplicityVery limited customization optionsExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce Platform
Multi-CurrencyLimited multi-currency supportBasic multi-currency in higher tiersAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity support
ReportingBasic reporting capabilitiesStandard reports; advanced reporting requires exportsMulti-dimensional reporting and real-time dashboards without spreadsheets
Market FitService-based small businesses, freelancers, and consultantsSmall to medium businesses with general accounting needsAny business on Salesforce needing complex accounting requirements (especially growing companies)

3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (category: ecosystem-based)

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central targets small to mid-sized companies within the Microsoft ecosystem, aiming to provide a modern ERP with familiar user experience. The platform combines financial management with sales, purchasing, inventory, and light manufacturing capabilities.

Business Central features guided setup wizards and templates designed to speed implementation compared to traditional ERPs. Its interface resembles Outlook and Excel, potentially reducing the learning curve for Microsoft users. The system offers deep Excel integration for data analysis and connects with Power BI for advanced analytics.

For organizations already invested in Microsoft products, Business Central provides natural extensions like generating invoices and emailing them via Outlook. While it may require partner assistance for complex configurations and has per-user monthly licensing costs, its base price is often more affordable than solutions like Oracle NetSuite.

Pro tip: Some may experience Microsoft Dynamics' user interface as clunky with an outdated feel. More importantly, companies using Salesforce as their CRM still face integration challenges with Dynamics 365, requiring connectors that need ongoing maintenance. Mary Balmer, VP of product at Accounting Seed, adds that customizing business processes in Dynamics requires "engineers and a much longer process," whereas Accounting Seed users can often make changes with "no code" using the Salesforce Platform's built-in configuration tools.
FeatureMicrosoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralQuickBooksAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationRequires connectors for Salesforce; integration maintenance neededRequires separate CRM solution; data lives in multiple systemsBuilt natively on Salesforce; unified customer and financial data
User LimitationsPer-user monthly licensing costs; base price often more affordableUser-based pricing; costs increase with users/featuresPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationRequires technical expertise; longer development processVery limited customization optionsExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce platform
Multi-CurrencySupports multi-currency transactionsBasic multi-currency in higher tiersAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity support
ReportingDeep Excel integration; connects with Power BI for advanced analyticsStandard reports; advanced reporting requires exportsAdvanced Financial Analytics available through CRM Analytics
Market FitSmall to mid-sized companies within the Microsoft ecosystemSmall to medium businesses with general accounting needsGrowing businesses on Salesforce needing comprehensive  accounting requirements

4. Oracle NetSuite (category: platform-based)

NetSuite targets enterprise businesses seeking a comprehensive ERP solution that extends beyond accounting. As one of the first cloud ERPs (launched in 1998), NetSuite integrates financial management with inventory, order management, CRM, and other business functions within the Oracle Platform.

The system offers automated revenue recognition, advanced financial reporting through SuiteAnalytics, and support for multiple currencies and tax regimes. For international operations, NetSuite handles different currencies, languages, and compliance standards in one system.

NetSuite provides industry-specific configurations and third-party SuiteApps to extend functionality. Implementation requires significant planning and investment, with pricing requiring a sales consultation. NetSuite's interface demands more training than QuickBooks, and customizations often require developer support.

Pro tip: While NetSuite claims to offer an all-in-one platform, many companies prefer using  Salesforce for their CRM rather than Oracle. Shannon Canzanella from Accounting Seed notes, "There is a lot of HubSpot and NetSuite and a lot of Salesforce and NetSuite within organizations." This creates the same disconnected data problem that QuickBooks users tend to struggle with. Additionally, NetSuite customers often face long and complex implementation timelines (particularly if a business is trying to connect to Salesforce) and significant price increases after the initial contract.
FeatureOracle NetSuiteQuickBooksAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationBuilt-in CRM; many still use Salesforce, leading to disconnected dataRequires separate CRM solution; data lives in multiple systemsBuilt natively on Salesforce; unified customer and financial data
User LimitationsHigh initial costs; significant price increases after contractUser-based pricing; costs increase with users/featuresPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationRequires developer expertise; SuiteScript development neededVery limited customization optionsExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce platform
Multi-CurrencyHandles different currencies, languages, and compliance standardsBasic multi-currency in higher tiersAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity support
ReportingAdvanced financial reporting through SuiteAnalyticsStandard reports; advanced reporting requires exportsMulti-dimensional reporting without spreadsheets
Market FitFast-growing and mid-sized businesses seeking comprehensive ERP solutionsSmall to medium businesses with general accounting needsGrowing businesses on Salesforce needing complex accounting requirements

5. Sage Intacct (category: integration-dependent)

Sage Intacct targets mid-sized businesses that need advanced financial controls and reporting capabilities. The solution focuses on providing tools for GAAP compliance and sophisticated financial management for organizations that have outgrown QuickBooks in complexity.

Sage Intacct offers customizable reporting with over 150 standard reports and tools for multi-entity consolidation, dimension-based accounting, and automated revenue recognition. It supports continuous close processes rather than rigid monthly closes, allowing for more flexible period management.

The cloud-based interface is designed to be more intuitive than traditional on-premise ERP systems while maintaining strong audit trails and permission controls for compliance. Sage Intacct focuses primarily on core financial functions and requires integration with other systems (like Salesforce) for CRM capabilities.

Pro tip: Sage Intacct offers a connector to Salesforce, but as Balmer points out, "The synchronization of data many times is not 100%. They spend a lot of time just trying to make that connector work." This integration challenge means your finance team must regularly research data discrepancies: "I have customer data here and different customer data over there...which is correct?" says Balmer.
FeatureSage IntacctQuickBooksAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationOffers Salesforce connector; synchronization issues commonRequires third-party connectorsBuilt natively on Salesforce; 100% data synchronization in real-time
User LimitationsComplex implementation process; may require consultant assistanceUser-based pricing; limits vary by planPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationLimited customization; may require technical expertiseVery limited customization optionsExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce Platform
Multi-CurrencyAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity supportBasic multi-currency in higher tiersAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity support
ReportingAdvanced financial controls; 150+ standard reportsStandard reports; advanced reporting requires exportsMulti-dimensional reporting without spreadsheets
Market FitMid-sized businesses needing advanced financial controls and reportingSmall to medium businesses with general accounting needsGrowing businesses on Salesforce needing complex accounting requirements

6. Wave Accounting (category: integration-dependent)

Wave Accounting targets very small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking zero-cost bookkeeping and invoicing solutions. The core accounting, invoicing, and receipt-scanning tools are completely free, with no monthly subscription fees.

Users can create unlimited invoices, track expenses and income, connect bank accounts for transaction import, run basic reports, and support multiple users or businesses on one account. The interface is designed for non-accountants, focusing on simplicity.

Wave monetizes through optional payment processing and payroll services (available only in North America). It lacks more advanced features like inventory management, purchase ordering, budgeting modules, and offers limited customer support for free users. Many growing businesses quickly find Wave's capabilities too basic as their accounting needs become more complex.

Pro tip: Wave is solely focused on basic accounting functions with no meaningful CRM integration. While it's an excellent free option for very small businesses, it lacks the comprehensive platform approach. As Balmer explains, "You can have your entire business on the Salesforce Platform. Every aspect of your business can be on Salesforce." Wave, by contrast, addresses only the accounting piece of your business puzzle, requiring separate applications for customer relationship management and more as you grow.
FeatureWave AccountingQuickBooksAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationRequires integration to your CRM (such as Hubspot or Odoo) using tools like ZapierRequires separate CRM solution; data lives in multiple systemsBuilt natively on Salesforce; unified customer and financial data
User LimitationsFree core features; limited advanced capabilitiesUser-based pricing; costs increase with users/featuresPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationVery limited customization; basic workflow optionsVery limited customization optionsExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce platform
Multi-CurrencyLimited multi-currency supportBasic multi-currency in higher tiersAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity support
ReportingBasic reporting capabilitiesStandard reports; advanced reporting requires exportsMulti-dimensional reporting without spreadsheets
Market FitVery small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking free toolsSmall to medium businesses with general accounting needsGrowing businesses on Salesforce needing complex accounting requirements

7. Xero (category: integration-dependent)

Xero targets small businesses seeking robust accounting capabilities without user limitations. With unlimited users on all plans, it offers features like inventory management and fixed asset tracking even at lower tiers.

Xero provides a modern, intuitive interface that non-accountants find approachable, along with multi-currency support for international businesses. Its app marketplace enables workflow automation through third-party integrations.

While Xero's entry-level plan has transaction caps (limited to 20 invoices and 5 bills per month), and its U.S. presence is smaller than QuickBooks (potentially making it harder to find local accounting support), many growing businesses appreciate its straightforward approach and reasonable pricing structure for additional users compared to QuickBooks.

Pro tip: Xero falls into the "integration-dependent" category of QuickBooks alternatives. While it may offer similar accounting features to QuickBooks, it operates as a separate system from your CRM. With Xero, you'll still need third-party connectors to integrate with Salesforce or other CRM tools, creating the same fundamental data synchronization challenges you may be experiencing with QuickBooks.
FeatureXeroQuickBooksAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationRequires third-party connectorsRequires third-party connectorsBuilt natively on Salesforce; no connectors needed
User LimitationsUnlimited users on all plansUser-based pricing; limits vary by planPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationLimited workflow customization; relies on third-party appsVery limited customization optionsExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce platform
Multi-CurrencyGood multi-currency supportBasic multi-currency in higher tiersAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity support
ReportingReporting tools with predictive analytics, but basic configurationStandard reports; advanced reporting requires exportsMulti-dimensional reporting without spreadsheets
Market FitSmall businesses seeking robust accounting capabilitiesSmall to medium businesses with general accounting needsGrowing businesses on Salesforce needing complex accounting requirements

8. Zoho Books (category: ecosystem-based)

Zoho Books targets budget-conscious small businesses and startups looking for an interconnected software ecosystem. It offers a free plan for micro-businesses (with revenue caps) and competitively priced tiers that often undercut QuickBooks for comparable features.

Zoho Books includes invoicing, expense tracking, project time tracking, and basic inventory management. Its main advantage is seamless integration with other Zoho applications such as Zoho CRM, Inventory, and Analytics, allowing businesses to manage multiple functions under one umbrella.

The solution supports multi-currency transactions and multi-language invoices for global small businesses. With a tiny U.S. market share (around 0.5% compared to QuickBooks) and fewer third-party integrations outside its own ecosystem, local accounting support may be harder to find.

Pro tip: While Zoho Books integrates with Zoho CRM within its own ecosystem, many growing businesses require deeper functionality and choose Salesforce as their CRM platform for its industry-leading capabilities and extensive marketplace. Salesforce was ranked the #1 CRM by IDC this year, marking the 12th consecutive year they've held this position. As Jennifer Fennell, Product Manager at Accounting Seed points out, "Salesforce perhaps is the best of breed CRM."
FeatureZoho BooksQuickBooksAccounting Seed
CRM IntegrationIntegrates well within Zoho ecosystem; limited outside integrationsRequires third-party connectorsBuilt natively on Salesforce; access to entire Salesforce ecosystem
User LimitationsCompetitive pricing; free plan availableUser-based pricing; costs increase with users/featuresPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scale
CustomizationLimited customization outside Zoho ecosystemVery limited customization optionsExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce Platform
Multi-CurrencySupports multi-currency transactionsBasic multi-currency in higher tiersAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity support
ReportingRobust reporting tools; fewer reports than QuickBooksStandard reports; advanced reporting requires exportsMulti-dimensional reporting without spreadsheets
Market FitBudget-conscious small businesses and startupsSmall to medium businesses with general accounting needsGrowing businesses on Salesforce needing complex accounting requirements

9. Accounting Seed (category: platform-based)

Built on the same platform as Salesforce, Accounting Seed (hey, that’s us!) unites front-office (sales, CRM) and back-office (accounting) operations in a single environment. This solves one of the biggest challenges businesses face with QuickBooks: the disconnect between sales, operational, and financial data.

Instead of relying on integrations or connectors that can break or cause delays, Accounting Seed shares the same database as Salesforce. This provides real-time financial visibility and eliminates the need to manually reconcile data between systems.

For businesses already using or planning to use Salesforce, Accounting Seed offers customizable workflows and automation capabilities with minimal to no coding requirements. As companies grow more complex, this shared-platform approach enables them to implement AI and advanced analytics across their entire operation rather than just within isolated accounting functions.

Pro tip: Many Accounting Seed customers switched from QuickBooks when they needed better and faster financial insights but found QuickBooks couldn't deliver the data visibility necessary to guide the business forward.
FeatureAccounting Seed (AS)QuickBooks Online (QB)
CRM IntegrationBuilt on Salesforce so all the data of your organization lives within a single platformRequires third-party connectors for CRM integration; data synchronization may be needed
User LimitationsPermission-based licenses—enabling businesses to easily add and update as teams scaleUser-based pricing; limits vary by plan
CustomizationExtensive no-code customization via Salesforce platformLimited customization options; may require third-party apps for extended functionality
Multi-CurrencyAdvanced multi-currency and multi-entity supportBasic multi-currency support in higher-tier plans
ReportingMulti-dimensional reporting without the need for spreadsheetsStandard reports; advanced reporting may require exports to Excel
Platform TypePlatform-based (Salesforce); unified data environmentIntegration-dependent; operates as a standalone financial system
Market FitIdeal for growing businesses using Salesforce needing complex accounting requirementsSuitable for small to medium businesses with general accounting needs

What makes Accounting Seed stand out?

As we've seen in the comparisons above, as a platform-based solution Accounting Seed offers several key advantages:

Moving beyond QuickBooks

When choosing your next accounting system, start with what bothers you most about QuickBooks right now:


What's breaking your daily workflow?

Is it the constant data juggling between systems? The Excel export marathons every month? Multiple currencies giving you headaches? Let your biggest frustrations guide your choice.

What CRM do you use?

If Salesforce is already part of your business, Accounting Seed offers the smoothest experience. Using Zoho for other things? Their Books solution might click into place naturally. Living in Microsoft's world? Dynamics 365 Business Central could feel more familiar, but like many former users report, you may find it clunky and outdated.

What other systems need to connect?

Make a quick list of everything your accounting needs to talk to—online stores, payment processors, inventory systems, industry tools. How easy or painful will those connections be with each option?

Who's going to handle the switch?

Be honest about your team's bandwidth. Some solutions demand serious time and expertise to set up. Do you have the people and skills in-house, or will you need help?

What's the real price tag?

Monthly subscription fees are just the start. You also need to factor in setup costs, adding users later, extra features you might need, the hidden expense of fixing broken integrations, and ongoing configuration needs as your business changes. With solutions like NetSuite, you often need an engineer when you want to make adjustments. No-code tools like Accounting Seed let you make changes yourself easily with clicks, not code.

Choose for tomorrow, not today

AI and automation are changing how accounting works, and having your customer and financial data in one place (instead of scattered across different systems) makes a huge difference in what you can do with these new tools. Whether you’re planning to expand overseas, launching new divisions, or expecting your transaction volume to double or triple, our biggest piece of advice is to pick software that can handle where you're headed, not just where you are today.

See Accounting Seed in action

Get a close-up view of how accounting on Salesforce can eliminate the need for costly integrations—and silos of mismatched information—by sharing the same database as your CRM.

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