Imagine having the ability to transform chaotic spreadsheets and unwieldy data into clear, actionable financial insights at the click of a button. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality offered by financial reporting software.
In today’s fast-paced business world, mastering financial reporting is not just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. The software solutions we’ll explore in this article streamline everything from budgeting and compliance reporting to real-time financial data visualization, ensuring you stay ahead.
By reading on, you’ll uncover the tools that simplify financial analysis, improve expense tracking, and support robust cash flow management. Whether you’re seeking insights on automated invoice management or advanced multi-currency support, you’re in the right place.
Packed with expert tips and actionable advice, you’ll learn how to choose and utilize the best financial reporting software to boost your business’s efficiency and accuracy.
Table of Contents
The Best Financial Reporting Software
NetSuite ERP
One of the favorite options is NetSuite ERP. It is a complete reporting solution.
It includes end-to-end functionality, topped up with marketing analysis and business contact information. It can instantly generate the desired financial statement.
The great thing is that it does not require any knowledge or understanding of how to make statements. The software prepares them with the information that it receives.
This is a one-stop solution for anyone that needs support in financial management.
It was one of the first companies to explore the possibilities of cloud-based accounting. That was in 1998.
Now, NetSuite is a market leader with more than 24,000 clients in every part of the world. Their financials, Enterprise Resource Planning, and commerce software suite are among the best.
NetSuite contains the following five modules:
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP). This brings together planning, office operations, production, procurement, supply chain management, and warehouse.
- Customer relationship management (CRM). This module features commission management, marketing and sales automation, and partner relationship management.
- SuiteCommerce. An e-commerce platform combined with an in-store point of sale application that supports B2B and B2C.
- Professional services automation (PSA). This module offers OpenAir and NetSuite PSA. These enable the management of project expenses and times, accounting, and staff.
- Enterprise performance management (EPM). This module aids in optimizing and forecasting budgets. These features are backed up with analyses and reports.
wpDataTables
wpDataTables is a handy plugin that allows you to seamlessly import data from a wide range of sources, including Google Sheets and Excel, as well as CSV, XML, and JSON files. You can also create fully customizable tables that use sorting technology.
In addition, this WordPress table plugin includes a number of other common useful features that are frequently found within spreadsheet applications. It offers both premium and free plugin options.
A few of the best features include:
- Responsive tables in the premium version
- Shortcodes for embedding tables
- Useful add-ons like the Report Builder
- Highlighting and charts available in the premium version
- Ability to create large tables
When using external sources with wpDataTables there are two options:
- Importing data as a one-time process, editing it in WordPress afterward
- Synchronizing the table so the plugin loads the latest version of the external source after every new page load
You’ll need your data and table codes to use the plugin to insert tables on your chosen editor. You can insert the shortcode, using commas to represent columns and spaces to represent rows, then, you can sort.
You can also choose to import CSV or use custom CSS and apply the MySQL query feature. This feature helps you build a query using a visual editor, eliminating the need to have extensive knowledge of SQL.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks focuses on the automation of everyday accounting tasks, making it the best accounting software available.
It makes it easy to create invoices, accept payments, and track expenses and billable time. It automatically generates various financial reports.
The use of FreshBooks requires a subscription. Apart from the features listed above, it includes:
- Invoicing
- Retainers
- Fixed asset depreciation
- Payroll integration
- Double-entry accounting
- Industry-standard management and business reporting.
FreshBooks is also a cloud-based software solution. The cloud contains a unified ledger so that all users have access to the same information.
They can work from any location, and from any kind of device.
It’s possible to expand the FreshBooks software by integrating third-party applications. The FreshBooks API was especially designed for this purpose.
Understanding organizational finances goes beyond just software; it’s also about staying compliant with tax regulations.
For freelancers, managing their taxes can often become complicated without a clear understanding of obligations like “requesting a 1099 form“, which is pivotal for accurate tax submissions.
Integrating tax compliance into financial reporting efforts ensures both clarity and accuracy in the freelancers’ financial landscapes.
This software can handle different currencies and tax rates. It is set up to handle tax calculations specifically for Britain, Canada, and the US.
In addition, it calculates the HST and GST in Canada, MTD in the United Kingdom, and sales taxes in the US. Besides these many features, it has a payroll and a project feature.
The subscription to access these tools is based on an individual, monthly price.
Freshbook is a top option to streamline invoicing and expense tracking. Its main clientele is in the service industry.
Hence, its design keeps clients mobile and holds all the administration in one place. It even has a feature for estimating projects.
Forward these estimates straight to potential clients and wait for their reply!
Wave Accounting
Wave is a free financial reporting software solution. It is well-suited for small businesses.
It focuses on the need for better control of financial administration.
It covers the basic needs of any small company. This includes invoicing, payments, payroll, and receipts.
Wave Accounting opens with a dashboard that gives an overview. It shows the monthly cash flow, overdue bills and invoices, balances, and profits and losses.
The user can get a more detailed view of each of these items by going deeper into each section.
Getting started with Wave is easy and fast. It only requires creating an account by entering an email address and password.
With this account, the user can manage the finances of more than one small business. After signing up, the user can link Wave with the business bank details.
After linking Wave the software will take care of making transactions.
Wave has various financial reporting abilities. These include aged payables and receivables, balance sheet, income statement, and sales tax report. Users can export the financial reports to CSV for later processing, and to PDF.
Sage Intacct
Sage took over Intacct in 2017. This was part of a Sage program to transform itself into a world-leading SaaS company.
Already in 1999, Intacct had established itself at the forefront of cloud-based accounting. Their software and financial management solutions are for small- and medium-sized businesses.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) named Intacct as one of the preferred providers of financial reporting apps. The AICPA is the world’s biggest accounting association.
Sage Intacct continues to be a leading provider of cloud-based accounting applications. The software still focuses on the reporting needs of small- and medium-sized businesses.
It helps them to gain insight into critical financial processes and enables them to take control of them. Importantly, it provides the necessary reporting abilities.
This cloud financial management solution handles all the most important financials. It gives the needed support for implementing Sage Intacct software.
Sage Intacct provides a range of financial reporting and accounting products in one suite.
The accounting products are available on subscription. The products are web-based, which makes them very easy to access.
Collaborating is possible due to the internally developed system. The main applications include:
- Account payable
- Accounts receivable
- Cash management
- Collaborate
- Dashboards
- General ledger
- Order management
- Purchasing
- Reporting
Addons are available for:
- Contract and subscription billing
- Contract revenue management
- Fixed assets
- Inventory tracking software
- Multi-entity and global consolidations
- Project accounting
- Project billing
- Sales and use tax
- Time and expense management
- Vendor payment services
Third-party applications like ADP, Certify, Salesforce, and SAP can integrate with Sage.
Financial Cents
Financial Cents is a financial reporting solution specifically for accounting firms. It is an accounting practice management software that allows the accounting firm to run smoothly by managing the firm projects and tasks, monitoring its employees, workflow automation, client management, and document management.
Since this software was specifically for the accounting firm, it is easier for an accounting firm to manage many accounting projects so that their accounting team could focus on providing excellent accounting services.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks is a financial reporting software package by Intuit. Its main focus is on smaller and medium-sized businesses.
QuickBooks offers a cloud and an on-premise version. Both accept payments, send payments, and have a payroll feature.
Many of the QuickBook features have web integrations:
- Access capabilities
- Assistance and outsourcing
- Electronic payment functions
- Improved email functionality through Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express
- Mapping features through integration with Google Maps
- Marketing options through Google
- Online banking
- Reconciliation
- Remote payroll
Now, QuickBooks has the option to import information directly from Excel. Since 2008, it includes employee time tracking, pre-approval of electronic funds, and an updated Help.
Older versions ran on Windows servers. But newer editions require Linux servers to operate.
Whether for personal use or to provide financial services for others, it’s best to take a course on how to use QuickBooks. An online QuickBooks certificate is free and includes the test study material.
Zoho Books
Zoho Books won the Great User Experience Award in 2017. Small businesses can better manage their finances and have closer control over cash flow.
It is easy to use, has a clear and simple design, and offers a practical and efficient set of financial tools.
There are many financial reporting software options available for small businesses. But Zoho Books stands out from the competition.
The software’s infrastructure is great, yet Zoho continues to add new, improved features.
With all the extra functionalities it is becoming more useful for larger organizations. It is even starting to compete with big names in the industry, like Sage Intacct and NetSuite.
The main drawback for organizations with more employees is the limited payroll functions. Currently, it only works fully in California, Texas, and New York.
This makes it less useful for most companies. Other reporting software, like QuickBooks, is more suited for these purposes.
Adaptive Planning
In 2003 Adaptive Insights was launched from Palo Alto in California. The reporting software solution was then renamed Adaptive Planning.
Recently, in 2018, the mother company merged with Workday, Inc.
Workday Adaptive Planning offers a cloud solution, called Business Planning Cloud. It brings analytics, consolidation, planning, and reporting features to the customer.
Further, the company offers the following:
- Adaptive Insights for Finance
- Adaptive Insights for Sales
- Adaptive Insights for Workforce planning
- Capability to model any kind of functional use, such as project, capacity, and operational planning.
An in-memory database forms the core of the software. Because it is cloud-based, information is accessible from any browser.
It presents the data in a format that mimics a regular spreadsheet. The spreadsheet features combine with drag-and-drop features.
Data consolidation and integration from other applications are possible through Adaptive Insights. Co-workers can collaborate in real-time via the on-demand SaaS model.
Billdu
Billdu is a cloud-based invoicing software for small and medium-sized businesses. It is designed to help companies automate their invoicing processes, streamline their workflows, and increase their productivity. Billdu offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features, such as customizable invoice templates, payment tracking, recurring invoices, creating reports and analysis.
The software is accessible from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to manage your billing on the go. Billdu has also a smart mobile app for iOS and Android devices, making it easy for users to access and manage their billing anywhere. Additionally, Billdu helps businesses save time and reduce errors by automating repetitive tasks.
Billdu integrates with popular payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe, allowing businesses to easily receive payments from their clients.
Say goodbye to manual invoicing and hello to increased productivity and profitability. Sign up for a free trial today.
Spreadsheet Server
Spreadsheet Server aims at small businesses, like logistics and real estate.
Its interface is Excel-based and works for reporting and automating financial data. Spreadsheet Server works with ERP and various other data sources
It enables users to make real-time reports and dashboards. These give a clear insight into the meaning behind the data and help to extract answers to business problems.
Accurate and detailed reports can cut costs by 50%.
All the information is available in one place and goes to prepare reports. The reports are formatted in Word, PDF, or HTML files.
There is no need for re-entering, exporting, or reformatting data. It does not take a steep learning curve to get used to the Excel-like layout.
Some of Spreadsheet Server features are:
- Charting
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Consolidation and Roll-Up
- Cash Management
- Audit Trail
Some of Spreadsheet Server’s features include charting, budgeting and forecasting, consolidation and roll-up, cash management, and audit trail. If you’re looking for a small business tax preparation checklist, Spreadsheet Server may be the solution you need.
Wrike
More than 20,000 companies worldwide are using Wrike for generating financial reports. This financial software solution helps customers to track their finances and stay in the black.
Its features allow users to:
- Keep track of time and monitor team workloads.
- Prepare accurate reports and use graphs, charts, and tables to present data.
- Make customized analytics dashboards to keep track of project portfolios and share results.
The user interface is simple and consists of multiple panes. The tools are divided into two categories:
- Project Management. This section includes all the features that are necessary to manage a project. Teams can track dates and everything related to the project.
This is where users assign tasks and resources and track time.
Overviews are provided through interactive Gantt diagrams. Workload charts, and tables for storing project data complete the picture.
- Collaboration. This section contains tools that allow teams to communicate and make decisions.
Wrike includes a co-editor and chats where team members can discuss a project. In this area, team members can also upload documents, edit them, and track changes.
Users receive alerts of changes and updates via an inbox feature and browser notifications. A dashboard provides an overview of pending tasks.
Wrike also comes as Android and iOS apps, which contain similar functions.
A special feature, Wrike for Marketers, has various tools for managing marketing workflows. These tools include proofing and approval, document versioning, and intake forms.
Xero
Founded in New Zealand, Xero has been on the market since 2006.
This is one of the most popular and fastest-growing options. Many service-oriented companies are already making use of it.
Xero employs more than 3,000 people. Forbes named Xero as the World’s Most Innovative Growth Company, both in 2014 and 2015.
According to Xero’s business philosophy, their focus is on small businesses. They design their tools, connections, and information to improve small business organizations.
To achieve this, they work closely together with partners, customers, and others.
A2X
A2X is another world leader in the production of financial reporting software. It focuses on automatic accounting for e-commerce businesses around the world.
There are different platforms for selling online, like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart. For those using these platforms, A2X provides insight into how to run their business more efficiently.
A2X used the highest standards according to professional e-commerce accounting. It is ideal for use by accounting firms and bookkeepers, as well as smaller businesses.
Anyone can subscribe immediately.
Commerce Studio
1440 produced Commerce Studio.
Its focus is towards retailers that use various avenues to sell their products. It brings all data together into one login to maximize productivity.
Among others, it offers tools to manage:
- 3PL
- Customer Support
- Dropshipping
- Exchanges
- Inventory
- Orders
- PIM
- Returns
- Suppliers
The reporting and analysis are robust and can save a lot of time.
Float Cash Flow
This financial management solution is an award winner. It is useful for cash flow forecasting, budgeting, management, and many other things.
It integrates with FreeAgent, QuickBooks Online, and Xero.
It gives daily, weekly, or monthly insight into the business’s cash flow. This allows for future planning of up to three years.
Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics offers a series of adaptable business management solutions in one suite. It allows an organization to make more informed decisions.
Dynamics works with the well-known Microsoft environment. This familiarity makes implementing this financial reporting software easier and less risky.
Expensify
Expensify’s use is straightforward and it has provisions for mobile use.
One feature allows users to take a picture of a receipt. The software then transcribes and organizes the information.
It further categorizes and codes each receipt. It also automates the submission of expenses for approval and reimbursement.
Other features are useful for any type of business. These include multi-level approval workflows, card reconciliation, and syncing with other accounting platforms.
Divvy
Divvy is free.
This accounting platform unites the power of people, software, and card technology. This perfect blend results in a great finance management experience.
It takes many of the routine accounting tasks and performs them automatically. There is no need to make expense reports, capture receipts, or reimburse employees by hand.
Kashoo
Kashoo 2.0 is a real time-saver. This financial reporting application takes care of many bookkeeping tasks.
This especially benefits owners of small companies.
Machine learning is what drives this application. This allows it to organize and reconcile expenses, matching them with credit card and bank transactions.
This results in accurate and up-to-date financial information. Kashoo also includes receipt-matching and OCR.
BOARD
BOARD is an automated environment for generating financial reports. Drag and drop functionalities allow the user to customize the reports to their needs.
This modern platform facilitates reporting but also drives decision-making throughout an entire organization. It gives clear insight into financial performance by uniting business, finance, and operations.
TimeSolv
An accounting solution on a budget, Timesolv costs about half of most other options. Yet, it is a powerful platform that helps with billing, leaving out most of the unnecessary fluff.
With TimeSolv, the user can perform hundreds of payments in only a few moments, at the moment they want. This means, no more overdue payments.
TimeSolv has provided web-based finance solutions for more than twenty years. They promise that businesses can improve billable time and get money faster.
It adds the flexibility of working from any place, at any time. In addition, to control the payments for salaries and other costs, a pay stub is super handy and profitable for the companies.
CCH Tagetik
CCH Tagetik is mostly used for reporting and financial analytics. It makes reporting easy.
Users can also share, access and distribute documents with ease. The publishing options include via the web, or Word, Excel, Powerpoint, or Sharepoint.
Keynote: for many businesses, Sharepoint is a pricy tool for their needs, so exploring other alternatives might be interesting for a more straightforward implementation of a team collaboration software.
FAQ about financial reporting software
How does financial reporting software improve business efficiency?
Financial reporting software uses automated financial reporting to streamline processes, reducing manual effort. By providing real-time financial data, it enhances accuracy and saves time, allowing the team to focus on analysis instead of data entry. Tools like expense tracking and cash flow management optimize your operations seamlessly.
What features should I look for in financial reporting software?
Seek features like budgeting tools, compliance reporting, and general ledger software. Ensure it supports multi-currency transactions, integrates with your current systems, and offers robust financial dashboards. Look for cloud-based financial software that allows real-time collaboration and access from anywhere.
Can financial reporting software handle multi-currency support?
Yes, most leading financial reporting solutions offer multi-currency support, facilitating seamless transactions and reporting for businesses operating globally. They ensure accurate financial statements and comply with international standards, making financial management more straightforward and less error-prone.
How does financial reporting software help with compliance?
Financial reporting software ensures adherence to regulatory compliance standards by automating processes and offering precise tax reporting tools. It generates reports that comply with the required regulations, reducing the risk of errors and penalties. Compliance reporting features are a key asset for any financial department.
Can I integrate financial reporting software with other business tools?
Absolutely. Most financial reporting software solutions integrate seamlessly with accounting software, bookkeeping software, and ERP systems like SAP or QuickBooks. This integration ensures that your financial planning apps and other tools work harmoniously, enabling smoother data flow and comprehensive financial analysis.
How expensive is financial reporting software?
Costs vary based on features, scale, and whether it is cloud-based or on-premises. SaaS financial solutions often offer subscription models, making them scalable whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise. Always consider the long-term ROI rather than just the upfront cost.
What are the security features of financial reporting software?
Leading financial reporting software comes with robust security features such as data encryption, compliance reporting, and role-based access controls. They ensure your financial data remains protected against unauthorized access, providing peace of mind and meeting regulatory security standards.
How user-friendly is financial reporting software?
Modern financial reporting software is designed with user experience (UX) in mind. Features like intuitive financial dashboards, customizable reports, and automated invoicing make it user-friendly. Even those with limited technical skills can quickly learn to navigate and utilize the software effectively.
How can financial reporting software benefit my company’s financial health?
By providing accurate, real-time financial data, the software aids in better decision-making and strategic planning. It simplifies financial forecasting, revenue tracking, and KPI tracking, helping you manage your resources wisely. Automated financial reporting reduces errors and ensures consistent financial health monitoring.
What kinds of businesses benefit the most from financial reporting software?
Businesses of all sizes and industries benefit from financial reporting software. From startups managing expense tracking to large enterprises needing comprehensive regulatory compliance and financial performance management, this software caters to diverse needs, ensuring more accurate and efficient financial operations.
Conclusion
Embracing advanced solutions like financial reporting software is crucial. This isn’t just about automating tasks; it’s about evolving your entire financial strategy.
Financial reporting software empowers your organization with:
- Accuracy: No more manual errors; exact numbers right when you need them.
- Efficiency: Streamline processes, save time, and focus on what truly matters.
- Compliance: Stay aligned with regulatory standards effortlessly.
- Insights: Gain real-time visibility into your financial health.
The tools provided—ranging from expense tracking to revenue recognition software—transform chaotic data into actionable insights.
Additionally, integrating this software with existing systems like ERP or accounting tools bridges gaps, ensuring seamless operations. From automated invoicing to comprehensive financial dashboards, your business stands to gain substantial advantages.
As you leverage these capabilities, you’re not just managing finances; you’re driving growth, ensuring compliance, and enhancing performance. Make your financial reporting a catalyst for success.
Accounting softwares automates everyday tasks and makes compliance easy.
There are many financial reporting software solutions available on the market. A good number of them offer special functionalities, like inventory and fixed assets.
Well, there are many tools for assets in the market. You should use it on your requirement.
The support of a certified public accountant is often advisable. Still, these solutions give additional control and understanding over the financial situation. Working with an finance executive search firm can also optimize your recruitment of financial experts.
If you enjoyed reading this article on financial reporting software, you should check out this one about how to create weather tables.
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