Are you a bookkeeper looking for affordable and efficient tools to streamline your business operations? In today’s digital age, there are numerous free and low-cost apps available that can help you manage your bookkeeping business effectively. Let’s go over the best free and low cost apps for bookkeepers.
Accounting Software
My number 1 app is QuickBooks online accountant. This free app is designed for accountants and bookkeepers to manage clients’ QuickBooks files, collaborate, and streamline various accounting tasks. It includes free QuickBooks online training, including the free QuickBooks Pro advisor certification. In my opinion, QuickBooks Online Accountant is a must for every bookkeeper.
A second option is Wave Accounting. This is a free accounting software and is a great fit for microbusinesses. It’s easy to use with much less setup than QuickBooks.
Productivity
Google Workspace is a suite of productivity applications. This includes email, contacts, document storage, spreadsheets, slides, Google Meet, and more. Google Workspace starts at $6 per user per month. It’s a perfect option if you’re starting out.
Workflow Management
My favorite workflow management app is Asana. With free and paid versions, it is a project management and collaboration tool. It helps you organize and manage client projects, track tasks, and manage due dates. Asana is a game-changer.
Screen Recording
Loom allows you to easily make and send short video messages to clients. With the free version, you can record up to 25 minutes of content. The maximum video duration is 5 minutes per message, ensuring your messages stay brief and to the point.
Video Conferencing
The best video conferencing app is the free version of Zoom. Zoom is a video conferencing app you can use to communicate with clients and it’s my favorite app for discovery calls. The free version of Zoom limits your calls to 40 minutes per call.
Video Editing
Capcut is a free video recording and editing software. You can use it to record short-form videos and YouTube videos. It’s a great app for using videos to promote your business.
Calendar
My favorite calendar app is Calendly. Clients and perspective clients can easily set appointments with you. Just give them a link to your Calendly and they can book an appointment based on your set availability.
Graphic Design
My all time favorite app is Canva. Canva has a free and paid version. It’s a graphic design software with lots of additional functionality. This includes creating short-form videos, brochures, small websites, and more. Did I mention? Canva is my favorite app!
Payments
Melio simplifies and streamlines payments; both paying vendors and getting paid by customers. Even better? It’s free if you use ACH transfer as a form of payment.
Proposals & Payments
For proposals, engagement letters, and client payments I recommend Anchor. You can use it to create unlimited proposals and engagement letters. You only pay when you use it to invoice at $5 per client payment. But it can take up to 10 days to receive your payment.
CRM
A fantastic all-in-one CRM is Honeybook. Honeybook is not free, but it is an inexpensive app when you consider all of the features that you get. It offers tools for contact management, client communication, contract and invoice management, project organization, and automating repetitive tasks. You can start at $96 for the started version or $192 for the essentials version for the first year if paid annually.
Closing and Resources
And there you have my list of the best free and low cost apps for bookkeepers. These apps are cost effective and essential for virtual bookkeepers. To get helpful resources for you and your business, sign up for my free Virtual Bookkeeper’s Toolbox. Join my Facebook community of accountants, bookkeepers, and business owners. You can also check out the 5MB Academy, my online academy for virtual bookkeepers, offering both free and paid resources and courses.