Guide on the best accounting software for small Kiwi businesses [2025]

Whether you run a hole-in-the-wall restaurant or a small online store, accounting softwares can be quite handy as they can reconcile transactions, simplify taxes, and manage cash flow. Automating these number-crunching chores frees up time to focus on growing your business.

But not all apps are created equal. In this post, we’re covering some of the best accounting software for small businesses.

Table of contents
Considerations when choosing accounting software Comparison: Accounting software in NZ Xero Intuit QuickBooks Zoho Books MYOB Integrate global business finances FAQs

Considerations when choosing a small business accounting software

Every business is different. Software that suits a busy Auckland discount store might not be ideal for a South Island carpenter. It's wise to think about how the following factors apply to your business.

Pricing

Like most modern apps, accounting software generally entails a monthly subscription fee. Users with basic requirements may get away with a low-cost plan, but complex operations require higher tiers. Compare prices to features and shop around.

It’s hard to say whether software will suit your needs until you’ve given it a go. Look for an accounting program with a free trial or a monthly plan you can cancel at any time. That lets you jump ship without too much hassle if required.

Features

Need to send invoices, reconcile payments, or manage payroll? Ensure your accounting software can handle all your day-to-day financial needs. Most programs limit features by tiers. For example, you might only be able to send 5 invoices per month on the basic plan. While some other solution might not be as flexible when it comes to integration with third-party solutions.

Access management

Higher-tier plans usually support more users, which is excellent for companies planning to scale. Check your chosen tool and browse through different plans to ensure you have an appropriate access management policy, remembering that you can upgrade later if required.

Compatibility

Run your business on the go from your mobile phone? Or do you have a receptionist handling the admin on a desktop PC? Either way, ensure your accounting program is compatible with the relevant operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. But also compatibility with your operational tech stack and internal platform used for crucial business financials.

User interface

As a growing Kiwi company, you probably don’t have a pro bookkeeper on your payroll. The best accounting programs for small businesses offer intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that only require basic computer skills. An easy UI reduces training time and enhances efficiency, allowing staff to prioritize time and effort on other business critical tasks.

Software and bank integrations

From payment processors to CRM systems and e-commerce platforms, small businesses use a myriad of apps to simplify day-to-day operations. Check that your accounting software is compatible.

Good accounting software often come with the capability to integrates with the business accounts in New Zealand to automate tedious tasks, such as reconciliation, expense tracking and invoicing. In addition to enhancing efficiency, automation also reduces human error.

Wise Business, for example, integrates with leading accounting programs, saving companies time by reducing data entry and cross-checks. A step-by-step guide shows you how to link Wise Business with your accounting software.

Sign up for the Wise Business account! 🚀

Best accounting software for small Kiwi businesses

To help you weigh up the options, we’ve compared some of the best bookkeeping software for small businesses in New Zealand.

Xero

As one of the world’s leading accounting apps, Xero¹ is a major player for its accessible cloud-based model and intuitive user interface. The software integrates with most CRMs, inventory management tools, and business accounts, including Wise Business. Unlike most competitors, you can have as many users as you like across all pricing tiers.

Plan	Price /mo	Inclusions
Ignite	NZ$35	20 invoices 5 bills Bank reconciliations Hubdoc bill capture and receipt Short-term cash flow and business snapshot
Grow	NZ$75	Everything in Ignite, plus: Payroll for 1 person Claim expenses for 1 person
Comprehensive	NZ$99	Everything in Grow, plus: payroll for 5 employees, expenses for 5 users multi-currency support advanced cash flow tools.
Ultimate	NZ$113	Everything in Comprehensive, plus payroll for 10 employees expenses for 10 users project tracking for 10 users full reporting/analytics suite

Intuit QuickBooks

Another major player is Intuit QuickBooks², which is popular among small businesses for its affordable, feature-rich plans. The cloud-based service runs seamlessly on any device, is simple to learn, and integrates with a multitude of third-party accounts and apps.

All QuickBooks plans come with unlimited invoices, accountant access, free support, reports, and secure cloud storage. Like Xero, offline use isn’t possible as it’s a cloud-based service.

QuickBooks offers a one-month free trial and regularly runs promotions for the first 3 to 6 months.

Plan	Price/mo	Inclusions
Simple Start	US$19	Track income and expenses Unlimited invoices and quotes Bank integrations Track GST and VAT Reports and invoicing Chart of accounts (up to 250 items) 1 user and 1 accountant
Essentials	US$28	Everything in Simple Start, plus: Bills and payment management Employee time tracking Multi-currency support 3 users and 1 accountant
Plus	US$40	Everything in Essentials, plus: Recurring transactions and bills Inventory tracking Managing budgets Up to 40 locations and classes 5 users and 1 accountant
Advanced	US$76	Everything in Plus, plus: Unlimited classes and locations Excel data sync and customisable role positions Workflow automation, backup and restore Custom reporting and dashboards Revenue recognition

Zoho Books

Zoho Books³ is one of the only big accounting apps to offer a free tier. Specially designed for sole traders, this plan covers the basics without an ongoing subscription fee.

Businesses requiring advanced features, such as reports, multi-currency transactions, and cash flow forecasting, should grab one of the premium plans. However, the prices are competitive, making Zoho an enticing choice for cost-conscious Kiwis.

Plan	Price/mo	Inclusions
Free	USD$0	Invoices, quotes, expenses, receipts, Mileage tracking and online payments Credits and refunds, self-service customer portal Recurring invoices and P&L, balance sheets, reports Tax rates, groups, and summary reports 1 User and 1 Accountant Email Support
Standard	US$12	Everything in Free, plus: Progress invoicing and bank connect feeds Divisional reports and recurring expenses Transaction period locking and early payment discounts Retention payments and custom fields Journal templates and API access 3 users Email, Voice, and Chat Support
Professional	US$24	Everything in Standard, plus: Vendor bills/payments management, and sales/purchase order tracking Multi-currency transactions Timesheet billing and project profitability Retainers and inventory tracking Price listing and sales/purchasing approvals Business workflow and collaboration tools Customised user roles 5 Users
Premium	US$36	Everything in Professional, plus: Budget management tools Fixed asset management and cash flow forecasting Self-service vendor portal and custom domain setup Custom business module, buttons, and validation rules Webpage/app embedding 10 Users

MYOB

Developed in Australia, MYOB⁴ is a popular accounting program targeting small-to-medium-sized businesses in our region. The brand offers four distinct pricing tiers, catering to everyone from sole traders to complex companies with multiple accounts, currencies, and employees.

All MYOB plans come with a 14-day free trial⁵. There’s also a NZD$22 per month Payroll Only⁴ option for Inland Revenue (IR) reporting, tax compliance automation, timesheet management, annual leave, and KiwiSaver calculations.

Plan	Price/mo	Inclusions
Lite	NZ$35 + GST	Unlimited invoices and quotes 2 bank account connections Payroll for 2 employees for NZD$2 per employee
Pro	NZ$56 + GST	Everything in Lite, plus: Unlimited bank account connections Scan and store receipts Payroll for unlimited employees for NZD$2 per employee
AccountRight Plus	NZ$94 +GST	Everything in Pro, plus: Unlimited inventory Priority support Advanced reports Unlimited items Hourly billing Priority phone support
AccountRight Premier	NZ$110 + GST	Everything in AccountRight Plus, plus: Multiple currencies 2 businesses Unlimited locations

Reconcile global business finances with your accounting software

Kiwi companies trading across borders may find accounting software integration especially useful. The best programs offer multi-currency support to streamline foreign exchange transactions and create accurate financial reports. These reports combine both local and international transactions, helping maintain compliance and reducing headaches come tax time–your accountant will thank you.

Wise Business is a solution that offers multi-currency accounts which can also be integrated seamlessly with many leading accounting programs, including Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho Books, FreeAgent, Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics 3, and Bonsai. This allows gives the flexibility to reconcile global business transactions without worrying about fluctuating currency rates and asynchronous data.

A Wise Business account allows users to can send, receive, and hold in multiple currencies. Experience hassle-free global transactions by transacting like a local business. Here's what you get with a Wise Business account:

• Free to register — Hold and convert between 40+ currencies. Send to 140+ countries
• Debit cards for you and your team, which you can use in 150+ countries
• Multi-user access for team members, with ways to control and manage permissions
• Pay up to 1,000 recipients at once with the Wise batch payments feature
• Integrate with your favourite cloud accounting solutions like Xero, QuickBooks, and more
• Get account details to receive in 8+ currencies for a one-time fee of 40 NZD

Sign up for the Wise Business account! 🚀

This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you.

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FAQ

Is free accounting software worthwhile?
Free accounting software may be worthwhile for sole traders with modest requirements. Companies paying staff may find value in a premium subscription.

What are the benefits of using accounting software?
Accounting software benefits include better financial reporting, management, and accuracy. It helps businesses operate more efficiently and make better decisions by providing a real-time, up-to-date view of their financial health. The software automates key tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, which saves a significant amount of time and improves cash flow. By minimizing human error through automation and built-in features, it ensures greater accuracy in financial records. Additionally, it streamlines tax preparation and ensures compliance, reducing the risk of penalties and making audits far more efficient. In essence, it centralizes financial data, giving businesses the tools they need to make informed decisions and maintain financial stability.

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Sources:

1. Xero: Pricing Plans NZ
2. Intuit QuickBooks: Global Pricing
3. Zoho Books: Pricing
4. MYOB: Pricing Payroll Only
5. MYOB: Pricing Accounting