Best Accounting Software for Self-Employed Professionals
For many self-employed professionals, managing the financial side of a business can quickly become one of the most challenging tasks. You likely started your business to provide a unique service or product—not to spend hours sending invoices, tracking expenses, and filing taxes. Yet, these administrative tasks are essential for long-term success.
Fortunately, technology offers solutions. Modern accounting software can help you stay organized, save time, and ensure compliance without overwhelming your schedule. The right tool will allow you to focus on growing your business while staying on top of your finances.
What Makes Great Accounting Software?
- Cost: If you’re just starting out, budget is critical. Some platforms offer free plans, while others have premium subscriptions. The key is to find one that includes the features you need without unnecessary extras.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface can make bookkeeping far less intimidating. Look for a platform you can navigate without relying on long video tutorials for basic tasks.
- Features: For self-employed professionals, essential features often include invoicing, expense tracking, tax support, and customer management. Additional capabilities can be chosen based on your business goals.
Our Top Picks for Self-Employed Accounting Software
1. Xero – Our Top Choice for Freelancers
Xero is an outstanding choice for freelancers and self-employed professionals, offering a powerful yet intuitive platform. Popular among small and mid-sized businesses worldwide, Xero supports multi-currency operations and is ideal for those working with global clients.
- Custom invoicing
- Bill payment capabilities
- Bank account connectivity
- Inventory management
- Project budgeting tools
- Transaction reconciliation
- Apps for Android and iOS
One of Xero’s biggest strengths is its ability to integrate with over 700 third-party apps, giving you flexibility across categories like CRM, payroll, and analytics. You can start with a free 30-day trial, and paid plans begin at just $20 per month, limited promo: 50% Off for 3 Months, with pricing scaling based on the features and number of users you need.
2. QuickBooks
QuickBooks remains one of the most recognized names in accounting software, offering tailored packages for self-employed users. Its clean, intuitive dashboard makes it easy to track expenses, send invoices, and even identify potential tax deductions—all from one place.
- Budgeting tools
- Tax support
- Contact management
- Customer estimates
- Time tracking
- Inventory management
- Tailored invoicing
- Apps for Android and iOS
QuickBooks integrates with over 600 apps and offers customizable reporting that can be exported to Excel or PDF. Pricing starts at $38/month for the Simple Start plan, with a free 30-day trial available, limited promo: 50% Off for 3 Months.
3. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is known for its user-friendly design and scalability, making it a strong fit for entrepreneurs with limited accounting experience. It also offers flexible payment options for different clients, making it ideal if you work with diverse vendors or customers.
- Payment reminders
- Bank connectivity
- Time tracking with a desktop timer
- Project management tools
- Payment management
- Live customer support
- Integration with 100+ apps
- Apps for Android and iOS
FreshBooks offers detailed reporting at a glance and has four pricing tiers starting at $21/month for up to five clients, limited Promo: 90% off for 3 months. Plans can be customized as your business grows.
4. Zoho Books
Zoho Books is an excellent option for online sellers, offering seamless integration with multiple payment gateways. It works smoothly with other Zoho tools like CRM and customer service modules, enabling you to manage multiple aspects of your business from a single dashboard.
- Bank connectivity
- Financial reconciliation
- Timesheets
- Custom invoicing
- Exceptional customer support
- Inventory management
- Client portal
- Apps for Android and iOS
Zoho provides a free plan for one user plus one accountant, with paid plans starting at $20/month. Comprehensive tutorials and strong reporting features make it friendly for accounting beginners.
5. Sage
Sage is a trusted, long-standing accounting solution developed by a UK-based company that has been serving businesses since 1981. Today, Sage operates in 23 countries and continues to evolve with technology, offering both traditional desktop software and a modern cloud-enabled platform—Sage 50cloud.
Sage Accounting (Desktop Version) delivers robust features for managing core financial operations from your computer. Sage 50cloud Accounting builds on this foundation by providing secure, cloud-based access, allowing you to manage your finances from anywhere, on virtually any device, while still maintaining the depth and reliability of the desktop experience.
Key Features of Sage
- Invoice Tracking: Create, send, and monitor invoices from a centralized dashboard.
- Tax Compliance: Fully recognized by HMRC and compliant with the UK’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, enabling seamless VAT calculation and submission.
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels, manage purchase orders, and maintain precise control over your inventory.
- Payroll Processing: Efficiently manage payroll operations alongside your accounting needs.
- Advanced Reporting: Access detailed financial reports and drill down into data for deeper insights.
Sage also allows for real-time collaboration with your accountant and provides instant bank feeds so you can view your company’s cash flow at any time.
Sage 50cloud Accounting Pricing
- Pro Accounting: $567/year — Single-user access with all the core features of Sage 50cloud.
- Premium Accounting: Pricing varies based on features and user count.
- Quantum Accounting: $924/year — Supports up to 11+ users, multiple companies, and advanced capabilities beyond the Pro plan.
Whether you prefer a traditional desktop setup or the flexibility of a cloud-based platform, Sage offers scalable solutions suitable for self-employed professionals and expanding businesses alike.
Choosing the Right Accounting Software
The right bookkeeping software helps you stay financially organized, automate repetitive tasks, and remain compliant for long-term success. Each of the above solutions can manage your business finances effectively—the choice ultimately depends on your budget, the complexity of your operations, and the features you value most.
