Free and low-cost accounting and invoicing software for your business

Actif by GEM-BOOKS, provides an online solution for bookkeeping and general accounting. You can start with the free basic functions and then consider other add-on modules such as advanced accounting, payroll, secure document sharing, or project management. Developed by a company based in Terrebonne, Quebec, Actif is accessible via a web browser or on the go with Android and iOS apps.

Connected Core Accounting meets the accounting needs of small businesses that prefer to host their solution locally on either a PC or Mac. Growing businesses have the option to upgrade to Connected Enterprise, which includes inventory management and job costing features. Both versions can be hosted in a private cloud. Accountek is a Canadian owned and operated business based in Ontario.

Dynacom Accounting SMB Edition is an accounting solution with payroll processing that can grow with you. The product family also includes the Lite edition and the Enterprise+ edition, which is more suitable for the needs of medium and growing businesses. The company is headquartered in Laval, Quebec.

FreshBooks is an entry-level online solution, developed by a Toronto-based company. It is particularly suitable for service-based businesses to create and track projects, timesheets, invoices and expenses, all in one place. iPhone and iPad apps are pretty handy for scanning receipts and tracking expenses. Invoices can be sent in both English and French, but the interface is available in English only. The company also has payroll partners in Canada and the United States.

Gestion PME offers an accounting software suite with various editions for freelancers, incorporated businesses, PoS and more. Developed by Winfly Informatique Inc. in Quebec, the software requires Microsoft Windows or Parallel Desktop. Pricing is a one-time fee for a five-year licence including software updates and support. The free trial will help you determine if the solution fits your needs.

Kashoo makes small business accounting easy. Developed by Canadian firm based in Vancouver, BC, it offers two solutions to accompany your business as you grow. TrulySmall Accounting lets businesses that are just starting out automate data entry. Kashoo, on the other hand, offers more advanced features, personalization, and deeper reporting for established businesses. The iOS apps are very popular and allow you to switch to a French interface via device settings on either an iPhone or iPad.

Momenteo meets the accounting needs of freelancers. Specifically, it allows them to issue quotes and personalized invoices, travel expenses and get a clear portrait of their financial health. Designed by a company based in Quebec City, it also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android.

QuickBooks Online is a line of accounting software products designed for self-employed people and small business owners who don’t have any accounting training. There is also a QuickBooks Online Accountant version. These solutions are offered in several versions for varying monthly subscription fees. The iPad and iPhone apps offer some interesting features such as the ability to record sales and payments using a sales receipt, and to add all the customers and vendors stored as phone contacts right into QuickBooks.

Sage Accounting offers a line of online accounting software that can evolve with your needs. It automates billing and invoicing and seamlessly tracks GST/HST and PST/QST. It comes with a 30-day free trial.

Square Invoices is a cloud-based invoicing solution designed to help merchants save time and get paid faster. Estimates and invoices can be sent directly from a computer, tablet/iPad or smartphone. Square Invoices is part of a larger family of products, which includes point-of-sale and payment solutions, a customer relationship management tool, and other business software. All of Square’s products work together.

Wave is a free, Canadian-made online software suite for managing small business finances. The free tools include accounting, invoicing, receipt scanning and personal finance, with features like unlimited bank connections, estimates/quotes, recurring invoices and accountant-approved (double-entry) reports. Customers can use its mobile invoicing app to invoice clients and accept credit cards on the go. One of its standout features is the ability to set up your accountant, bookkeeper or business partner as a “guest collaborator.” Regrettably, the payroll system cannot accommodate the needs of Quebec businesses.

Xero is a cloud-based accounting package that allows small businesses to keep track of their numbers with receivables and payables, along with sales tax and financial reporting. You can also create cashflow forecasts and calculate depreciation for fixed assets. The data of Canadian customers is stored on servers located either in Canada or the United States.

ZarMoney is an affordable cloud-based software suite that goes beyond accounting software. Not only can you track expenses, issue professional invoices and create customizable reports, but you can also gain visibility into your inventory, accept online payments, and set permissions to restrict access based on user roles. It comes with a free trial.