Accounting & Bookkeeping
SaaS Products

Accounting SaaS Buyer Guide

What is accounting SaaS?

Accounting SaaS delivers your core financial tools through a secure, web-based platform. Instead of installing software on individual computers, you and your team access everything via a browser, with your data hosted and maintained by the provider. This model means fewer IT headaches, instant updates, and anywhere, anytime access—perfect for growing businesses and distributed teams. Accounting SaaS helps all types of businesses, from nonprofits and small businesses to global enterprises.

What are the key features of accounting SaaS?

• Real-Time Data Sync: Automatically connect bank feeds and payment gateways so your books stay current without manual uploads.
• Automated Workflows: Schedule recurring invoices, auto-reconcile transactions, and set up approval workflows to cut down on repetitive tasks.
• Multi-User Access & Permissions: Grant role-based access to accountants, managers, and external advisors, ensuring everyone sees exactly what they need.
• Rich Integrations: Plug into CRM, payroll, e-commerce, and payment tools to keep information flowing seamlessly across your tech stack.
• Custom Reporting & Dashboards: Build and share tailored reports—cash flow, P&L, balance sheet—with interactive dashboards for instant insights.
• Mobile & Remote Access: Manage expenses, send invoices, and view dashboard metrics from your smartphone or tablet, wherever you are.
• Security & Compliance Controls: Look for end-to-end encryption, automated backups, audit logs, and compliance certifications to protect your financial data.

What are the benefits of accounting SaaS tools?

• Time Savings: Automate routine bookkeeping and reconciliation, freeing finance teams to focus on analysis and strategy.
• Better Visibility: Live dashboards and alerts help you catch cash-flow issues before they become problems.
• Reduced IT Overhead: No server maintenance or manual upgrades—your provider handles updates, patches, and hosting.
• Scalability: Subscription tiers let you add users or advanced modules as you grow, without large upfront costs.
• Collaboration & Control: Invite external accountants or advisors, set granular permissions, and track changes via audit trails.
• Predictable Costs: Monthly or annual billing lets you budget easily, with clear pricing for additional users or features.

Are Accounting SaaS tools secure?

Yes, reputable Accounting SaaS providers prioritize data security and implement robust measures to protect sensitive financial information. This includes encryption, secure user authentication, regular security audits, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. It is essential to choose a provider with a strong track record in data security.

What Is Xero and Who Is It For?

Xero is a cloud-based accounting SaaS platform offering features like invoicing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting for startups, small businesses, and growing companies. Although it’s not a full-scale ERP, its extensibility via third-party add-ons makes it suitable for businesses that need scalable bookkeeping and basic financial management

Does Xero Integrate with Other Apps?

Yes—As one of the top accounting SaaS for small businesses, Xero connects with more than 1,000 apps, allowing data to flow seamlessly between Xero and third-party systems such as payment processors, CRM platforms, and inventory tools. You can browse, install, and manage these integrations directly from the Xero App Store, tailoring your accounting environment to your business needs.

How Do Taxes Work with Pilot?

Pilot offers a dedicated add-on called Pilot Tax, which covers federal, state, and city income tax preparation, Form 1099-NEC e-filing, and email support for deliverables. If you prefer, you can engage your own tax firm, and Pilot will hand off your cleaned-up books at no additional cost. The 1099 vendor information request form streamlines e-filing of contractor payments when you have Pilot Tax. Note that personal income tax returns are outside Pilot’s scope; the service focuses on business filings only.

Can I run payroll and handle tax filings through QuickBooks?

Yes—QuickBooks offers an integrated Payroll add-on (Core, Premium, or Elite tiers) that automates payroll runs, tax calculations, and filings. After subscribing, you enter employee and contractor information, choose your pay schedule, and QuickBooks calculates withholdings. It can automatically deposit paychecks, file federal and state payroll taxes, and generate year-end forms (W-2s, 1099s). You’ll get reminders for upcoming deadlines and access to a dedicated payroll support team if questions arise.

What third-party apps and integrations does QuickBooks support?

QuickBooks Online connects to a vast ecosystem of over 750 apps in categories like payments, time tracking, CRM, e-commerce, inventory, and more. From Square and Shopify to T-Sheets and Salesforce, you can install integrations directly from the QuickBooks App Store. These connectors sync data—such as sales receipts, hours worked, or inventory levels—in real time, keeping your books up to date and reducing double-entry across systems.

How does Zoho Books handle taxes and compliance?

Zoho Books simplifies tax management by:

• Automated Tax Calculations: Define tax rates (GST, VAT, sales tax) at the item or customer level, and let the system apply them automatically on every transaction.
• Tax Reports & Filings: Generate ready-to-file reports—like returns, 1099s, and TDS statements—in a few clicks, then export them in your jurisdiction’s preferred format.
• Audit Trail & Controls: Every change is logged with a timestamp and user details, helping you maintain transparent records for audits or compliance reviews.
• Multi-Jurisdiction Support: Manage different tax rules across states or countries, and set up tax-exempt customers where applicable.
• Integration with Zoho Tax & Third-Party Services: For deeper tax-filing capabilities, connect to Zoho Tax or export data to your preferred tax-preparation software.

How much can you save on accounting SaaS with NachoNacho?

Businesses using NachoNacho to subscribe to top bookkeeping and accounting SaaS tools can unlock both big up-front discounts and steady, ongoing rebates. Here’s what you can save, tool by tool:

Pilot

• 20% off every month for the first six months
• Up to $3,000 off your total spend during that period

Xero

• 75% off all plans for six months
• Up to $696 in upfront savings on Premium (and proportionally on Standard)

QuickBooks

• 10% cashback on your subscription—every single billing cycle, forever
• That can amount to up to $960 back each year

Zoho Books

• 15% cashback on your plan—every billing cycle, forever
• Which can translate into as much as $495 returned annually

These are just a few of the SaaS tools available on NachoNacho with huge discounts.