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

Avantage Progression SE is a bilingual, multi-company accounting management package that can support several users at once. You can either pay a one-time fee to install the solution on one computer at your company, or pay a monthly fee for the cloud version, which is hosted in Canada. The cloud-based solution includes online backup, software updates and technical support. To help you decide whether it suits your needs, the company offers a free trial.

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 offers scalable accounting and financial solutions that can grow with you. The product family includes the Dynacom SMB edition (for start-ups) and the ERP edition, which is more suitable to the needs of medium and growing businesses. Both editions are available on a SaaS platform, and the Enterprise can integrate a shopping cart.

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 is a cloud-based accounting application that was developed in Vancouver. It is particularly affordable if you have multiple users and if you use multiple currencies. It also allows you to track your personal and business accounts separately for a small additional fee. A free version is available, although it is very basic. The iOS apps are very popular and allow you to switch to a French interface via device settings on either an iPhone or iPad.

Actif combines accounting, bookkeeping and business management in one easy to use solution. Basic functionalities are offered for free and add-on modules such as advanced accounting, payroll, secure document sharing, project management and P.O.S. are offered with a monthly subscription plan. Developed by a company based in Terrebonne, Quebec, Actif is accessible via a web browser or on the go with Android and iOS apps.

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 Business Cloud Accounting is an affordable online accounting and invoicing solution that seamlessly tracks GST/HST and PST/QST. It offers a 30-day free trial version and a line of accounting software that can evolve with your needs.

SlickPie has been designed to meet the accounting needs of small businesses. You can send online quotes or invoices, enter bills and reconcile bank accounts, which may be enough for businesses that are just starting off. Their MagicBot can save you precious time by automating the data entry for bills and receipts.

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.