Best Accounting Software for Small Business in Australia

Choosing the Right Accounting Software Isn’t Easy

As accountants, we work with a wide range of accounting programs—and just as often, we work with business owners who are confused or frustrated by them.

One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is:

"What’s the best accounting software for small business in Australia?"

It’s a valid question—because most small business owners are not trained accountants. The technical language used in software documentation often leaves them feeling overwhelmed. Add to that the pressure of managing compliance deadlines, like quarterly BAS lodgements, and the whole process can feel like a minefield.

Common Problems Business Owners Face with Accounting Software

1. Lack of Accounting Knowledge: Most small business owners haven’t studied accounting. Many guides and software support documents are packed with jargon and complex definitions that only make things worse.

2. Bookkeeping Queries Dominate: Instead of focusing on strategy, growth or tax planning, many business owners spend the bulk of their accountant interactions trying to fix bookkeeping errors.

3. Reactive, Not Proactive: Because bookkeeping is often postponed until it’s absolutely necessary (usually BAS time), the resulting accounts are historical—not a real-time reflection of the business. This severely limits the value an accountant can add.

4. Clunky Desktop Software: Traditional desktop-based software creates a communication bottleneck. To fix even a simple error, clients would have to send large data files to their accountant—often by post—slowing the process and increasing costs.

5. Delayed Financial Advice: Without current data, accountants are forced to provide tax and business advice based on outdated figures. This puts the business at a disadvantage.

Our Top Pick: Xero

After working with countless platforms, our choice for Best Small Business Accounting Software in Australia is clear.

The Winner: Xero

Here’s why we recommend it to all our clients:

1. Cloud-Based & Multi-User

Xero runs in your browser, meaning you can access your accounts anywhere, anytime—from your office, your home, or on the go. More importantly, both you and your accountant can be logged in at the same time, looking at the same screen. That means no more back-and-forth over the phone or long delays waiting for file transfers. We can fix problems in real-time.

2. Daily Bank & PayPal Feeds

Bank transactions are automatically pulled into Xero each day. You no longer have to manually enter your statements. Xero learns from your previous entries and suggests account codes to save time.

3. Real-Time Accounting

Large corporations invest millions in real-time financial systems. With Xero, small businesses can now access this same level of financial insight at a fraction of the cost. Real-time data allows us to give you up-to-date advice that helps you make informed decisions and avoid nasty surprises.

The Bottom Line

At Dolman Bateman, we don’t just recommend Xero because it’s convenient, we recommend it because it empowers our clients. It transforms your accounting from a reactive compliance task to a proactive tool for business growth.

If you’re ready to modernise your accounting and get more value from your numbers, we can help set up or optimise your Xero file and show you how to use it effectively.

Need help with Xero or cloud bookkeeping?📞

Contact us today or book a free consultation.

Meeting with Gavin Bateman

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this content at the time of publication, tax laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of acting on or relying upon any of the information contained herein. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial or tax decision.