Finding the right accounting software for Mac is challenging in today's market. However, selecting the perfect accounting solution is crucial, as it can lead to significant benefits, enabling you to operate more efficiently, reduce errors, and minimize manual tasks.

The right accounting software offers a range of advantages irrespective of the business size. It enhances efficiency and boosts accuracy by automating activities such as billing and monitoring expenses.

This blog will walk you through the five best accounting software for Mac, including its pricing and features.

5 Best Accounting Software for Mac

The best accounting software for Mac is chosen because of its user-friendliness, customer support, and Mac-compatible accounting functionalities. Beyond standard features like project accounting, inventory management, and invoicing, premier software options must also provide Mac-specific enhancements, including Quick Notes and Lock Screen widgets.

QuickBooks Online – Cloud-Based Accounting Software

QuickBooks Online offers cloud-based accounting solutions customized for small businesses to keep track of their financial activities, such as tracking income, expenses, payroll, and more. It easily connects with various payment processors and eCommerce platforms through third-party apps like SaasAnt Transactions and PayTraQer, which streamline bookkeeping and financial reporting processes. 

Additionally, QuickBooks has a robust accounting solution specifically for Mac users which is ‘QuickBooks Mac Plus.’ It offers a seamless financial management experience tailored to the macOS environment. QuickBooks Mac Plus has a user-friendly interface of Mac, enabling small businesses to easily track their finances, manage invoices, and process payroll. 

Key Features:

• Extensive integrations for a smooth workflow

• Expense tracking capabilities for both personal and business finances

• Tailorable reports for user convenience

• Built-in QuickBooks payroll for straightforward billing

• Mobile application that enables receipt capture and mileage tracking

Pricing: 

Quickbooks Online pricing plans include:

• Simple- $15/month

• Essentials- $30/month

• Plus- $45/month

• Advanced- $100/month

FreshBooks

FreshBooks allows small business owners and freelancers to generate polished invoices, making it a top choice for Mac accounting software. This platform supports the creation and dispatch of professional invoices through its web interface and mobile application, with the option for users to choose their preferred currency.

This software is designed specifically for freelancers and small and medium-sized businesses, as it streamlines operations and saves users ample time and money.

Features:

• ACH payment processing for better cash flow predictions

• Project management tools for clear goal-setting

• Contact management to strengthen customer relations

• Performance analytics for informed decision-making

• Timesheet management for streamlined billing

Pricing: 

FreshBooks offers four pricing plans:

• Lite- $7.60/month

• Plus-$13.20/month

• Premium-$24/month

Xero

Xero offers a cloud-based accounting solution tailored for Apple devices, with mobile applications accessible on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, enabling users to handle their business finances anywhere. This software streamlines bookkeeping, invoicing, and payroll tasks, allowing for straightforward bank connections and account reconciliation. 

Xero also offers seamless integration with various business applications, featuring an extensive app marketplace. It provides users with numerous options to enhance Xero's capabilities whenever needed.

Features: 

• 401(k) Tracking: Offers insights into tax credits and exclusions.

• Bank Reconciliations: Helps detect fraudulent transactions.

• Financial Reporting: Aids in enhancing relationships with business partners.

• Client Management: Contributes to increased revenue and enhanced productivity.

• Dunning Management: Assists in recuperating unsuccessful payments.

Pricing: 

Xero offers four pricing plans:

• Starter- $32/month

• Standard- $65/month

• Premium- $85/month

• Ultimate - $115/month

Wave

Wave accounting provides essential accounting functionalities, including tracking expenses, managing a chart of accounts, preparing estimates, and offering built-in lending for eligible buyers.

Users can make journal entries as well. Wave, a desktop accounting solution for Mac users, is free until additional services like payroll processing or payment acceptance are utilized.

Wave stands out for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, among other accounting software options.

Features:

• Invoice and Transaction Management: Helps reduce processing expenses.

• Integrated Payroll: Available in tax service states.

• Multi-Currency Support: Enhances relationships with international suppliers.

• Cash Flow Management: Aids in avoiding immobilizing cash in physical assets.

• Spend Management: Provides insight into expense data.

Pricing: 

• Starter plan - Free

• Pro Plan - $16/ month

Sage

Sage Business Cloud Accounting caters to small businesses using Mac, offering essential accounting features like core and project accounting, cost management, and compliance oversight. 

Users can monitor cash flow and pending payments through a unified dashboard. Tax management capabilities utilize transaction data for tax assessments. Additionally, Sage includes cash flow forecasting, empowering users to anticipate future financial requirements based on historical transactions.

Features:

• Improve sales and productivity by presenting data in an easily understandable format.

• It helps in minimizing risks and refining processes through forecasting.

• Helps in streamlining vendor interactions, leading to cost reductions.

• Simplifies financial planning by keeping track of expenditures.

• Evaluates risks across various domains, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Pricing: 

Sage offers three pricing plans:

• Pro Accounting- $58.92/month

• Premium Accounting- $96.58/month

• Quantum Accounting- $160/month

Key Features To Look For In Accounting Software For Mac

Choosing accounting software for Mac is beyond your preference. It's essential to understand the variety of solutions available in the market, their offerings, and how they align with your business needs. This understanding builds the foundation for selecting the right features and the best accounting software for your small business. 

When looking for accounting software for your business, consider the below-mentioned features; 

Robust Security: Choose the software with strong security measures to protect sensitive financial data. Look out for user-based access control to ensure that only authorized persons, like your finance team, can access specific information necessary for their roles.

User-Friendly: The software should be user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those without proper tech or accounting knowledge. It should also offer customizable reporting features to meet your business's needs.

Error Detection: Choose software with automatic error-checking capabilities to enhance accuracy and reduce mistakes, such as alerting you to orders for out-of-stock items.

Stakeholder Communication: The software should support seamless communication with stakeholders, including tracking payments and monitoring accounts with suppliers and customers.

Integrated Functions: Look for software that combines billing, invoicing, and inventory management to streamline data management and save time. 

Mac Compatibility with Other Accounting Software

Is Mac compatible with every accounting software? It is a common question to most of the users. To summarize, ‘No,’ not all accounting software is compatible with Mac. While many leading accounting software providers offer versions that work on Mac, some versions may not always include the full range of features available on their Windows counterparts. So, exploring various options and comparing their features is advisable to find the best fit.

Moreover, if you need access to your accounting software while on the move, some companies offer iOS apps for mobile devices; remember that these mobile versions might not have all the functionalities of their desktop versions, so it's essential to review the app descriptions to understand their capabilities thoroughly.

SaasAnt Transactions - Accounting Automation Software

Accounting automation software like SaasAnt Transactions plays a vital role in enhancing the functionality and efficiency of accounting software in several ways:

Streamlining Data Entry: SaasAnt Transactions automates the data entry process, significantly reducing the time and effort required to input financial transactions manually. It leads to increased accuracy and minimizes the risk of human errors.

Bulk Transactions: It allows for the bulk import, export, and deletion of transactions, particularly useful for businesses with a high volume of financial data. This capability streamlines complex accounting tasks and improves productivity.

Integration: SaasAnt Transactions seamlessly integrates with accounting software platforms, such as QuickBooks/Xero, enabling users to extend the software's capabilities. This integration ensures that all financial data is synchronized and up-to-date across systems.

Time and Cost Efficiency: By automating routine accounting tasks, SaasAnt Transactions saves businesses significant time and money. This efficiency allows firms to allocate resources to other critical areas, such as growth and development.

Choosing The Best Accounting Software

Running a small business on a Mac allows you to choose accounting software. The market offers various cloud and web-based accounting solutions for Mac that work with other computer systems. 

Consider reviewing all the options on the list before finalizing your choice. They may align better with your work preferences or offer features that closely match your business needs. While accounting software is crucial for any business, deciding which solution best meets your company's specific needs is equally important.

FAQs

Are Mac computers good for accounting?

Yes, Mac computers are well-suited for accounting tasks. They offer robust performance, a stable operating system, and compatibility with various accounting software options.

Can Mac run QuickBooks?

Yes, QuickBooks offers a version specifically designed for Mac users, QuickBooks for Mac, and QuickBooks Online, which can be accessed via a web browser on a Mac.

What is an alternative to QuickBooks for Mac?

There are several alternatives to QuickBooks for Mac users, including Xero, FreshBooks, and Sage These platforms offer various features that cater to different business needs and can be excellent choices depending on your specific accounting requirements.