Tired of juggling finance spreadsheets, manually entering data, and wasting time on repetitive tasks? You’re not alone! Many small business owners in the UK struggle with these challenges. But what if your accounting software could seamlessly connect with your other essential business tools, automating those tedious tasks and freeing you up to focus on what really matters?

That’s where the magic of integration comes in. The right accounting software can be the central hub of your business, connecting with your CRM, e-commerce platform, payment gateways and more. This means less manual data entry, fewer errors and more time to grow your business.

But with so many options, how do you choose the right one that integrates best with your business? At Pipeline Digital, we’ve tried and tested a bunch of them over the years and we’re here to share our expert insights.

We’ve chosen 4 accounting software options for small businesses in the UK with a focus on how they can integrate with your existing tools and automate your workflows:

Here at Pipeline Digital, we’re big fans of Xero. It’s our go-to accounting software, and for good reason. Xero is cloud-based, which means you can access your accounts anytime, anywhere, from any device. We’re also able to integrate it with our other tools, which is awesome because it saves us from doing things manually.

Xero’s Key Strengths for Integration and Automation:

• Effortless Connections: Xero integrates with hundreds of third-party apps, from CRM and e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce to payment gateways like Stripe and GoCardless. This means your data flows seamlessly between systems, eliminating manual entry and reducing errors.
• Automated Bank Feeds: No more manual bank reconciliations! Xero automatically imports and categorises your bank transactions, saving you hours of time and ensuring accuracy.
• Invoicing Made Easy: Create professional invoices in a flash and automate payment reminders. Xero also integrates with popular payment gateways, allowing your customers to pay online with ease.

Other Xero features worth mentioning:

• Incredibly user-friendly: Xero’s design prioritises simplicity, making it very easy to use. Its dashboard is clean and intuitive, making it easy to find what you need, even if you’re a complete beginner. Think of it like online banking, but specifically for your business.
• Expense tracking on the fly: No more lost receipts. With Xero’s mobile app, you can snap a photo of your receipt on the go and automatically record it as a business expense.
• Powerful reporting: Get a crystal-clear picture of your business’s financial health with Xero’s comprehensive reporting features. Generate profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports with just a few clicks.

Wanna hear more about Xero? You’re in the right place, let’s set up a time to chat.

We’re adding QuickBooks Online to the list because it’s another popular cloud-based accounting software. Its platform comes packed with features, making it a strong contender for growing businesses. It’s similar to Xero and has our stamp of approval.

Check out how we helped a publishing company integrate QuickBooks into their business: Custom API Development for Publishing Company.

QuickBooks Online’s Key Strengths for Integration and Automation:

• Smooth Data Sync: Connect QuickBooks Online with your bank accounts, payment processors, and other business apps to automate data entry and keep everything in sync.
• Streamlined Payroll: Integrate payroll directly with QuickBooks Online to automate calculations, deductions, and filings, saving you time and reducing errors.
• Industry-Specific Solutions: QuickBooks Online offers tailored versions for specific industries, including integrations with industry-specific tools.
• Integration station: QuickBooks integrates with over 750 popular business apps.

Other QuickBooks features worth mentioning:

• Scalability: QuickBooks Online grows with your business. Start with a simple plan and easily upgrade as your needs evolve, adding features like advanced reporting, inventory management, and payroll as you go.
• Strong inventory management: If your business deals with physical products, QuickBooks Online excels at inventory tracking. Monitor stock levels, track costs, and manage orders efficiently.

QuickBooks looking like an ideal option for your business? Set up some time to chat with us and we can answer questions you may have.

Sage has been a trusted name in accounting software for decades (and that’s why we’ve added it to the list), particularly in the UK. Sage Business Cloud Accounting is their online offering, bringing their expertise and reliability to the cloud. A few years back, Sage wasn’t as easy to integrate into tech stacks as it is now, but nowadays, it’s pretty easy to integrate into popular business apps (like HubSpot) using Zapier.

Sage Business Cloud Accounting’s Key Strengths for Integration and Automation:

• Unified Business Management: If you already use other Sage software, such as payroll or CRM, Sage Business Cloud Accounting integrates seamlessly, creating a centralised hub for your business data.
• Automated Receipt Capture: Eliminate paper clutter and manual data entry by automatically capturing receipts with Sage Business Cloud Accounting.
• Compliance Confidence: Sage integrates with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital system, automating VAT submissions and ensuring compliance.
  
  

Other Sage features worth mentioning:

• Compliance confidence: Sage has a deep understanding of UK tax regulations.
• Dedicated support: Need help? Sage offers excellent support from their UK-based team. Get answers to your questions quickly and efficiently via phone, email, or online chat.

Want to learn more about Sage? Pop us a message here and let’s chat! 

Zoho Books is a fantastic choice for small businesses, especially those on a tight budget. It offers a comprehensive set of features at a competitive price point, making it a great value option.

Zoho Books’ Key Strengths for Integration and Automation:

• Zoho Ecosystem Integration: Zoho Books seamlessly integrates with other Zoho apps, such as Zoho CRM and Zoho Inventory, allowing you to manage various aspects of your business from a central platform.
• API Access: Zoho Books offers API access, allowing developers to build custom integrations and connect with other business applications.
• Connect with popular apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and more.
• Integrate with various payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Square.
• Automated Bank Feeds: Connect your bank accounts to automatically import and categorise transactions, simplifying reconciliation.
  
  

Other Zoho Books features worth mentioning:

• Value for money: Zoho Books offers a surprising number of features for its price, making it a budget-friendly option for startups and small businesses. You get essential accounting tools without breaking the bank.
• Simple and intuitive interface: Zoho Books has a clean and user-friendly interface. Navigating the software is a breeze, even for those new to accounting software.
• Project management features: Go beyond basic accounting with Zoho Books’ project management features. Track time and expenses for specific projects, giving you valuable insights into profitability and resource allocation.

Zoho sounding good? Great! We can help you with the setup. Book a call in with us.

Ultimately, the best accounting software for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like the size of your business, your industry, and the specific integrations that are most important to you.

Ready to ditch the manual work and streamline your business processes? Contact Pipeline Digital today for a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the right accounting software and integrations to automate your workflows and boost your productivity.

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