Top Accounting Software Providers in the UK – Reviews & 2026 Guide
Quick Answer
If you’re a UK business looking to streamline your finances, move away from spreadsheets and manual bookkeeping, an accounting software platform is typically worth investing in. Entry-level plans now start from around £10-£20 per month, with expanded features costing £30-£50+ per month. Choosing software that’s UK-compliant (HMRC/MTD ready), integrates with your banking and business tools, and scales with you is key.
Key Takeaways
-
Modern accounting software helps with invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, VAT/MTD compliance and reporting.
-
For UK users, pricing starts from around £10/month for micro-businesses.
-
Key selection criteria: core functionality, reporting & compliance, integration & scalability, support & security, pricing transparency.
-
Even small businesses should check whether a solution supports Making Tax Digital (MTD), integrates bank accounts, handles VAT, offers multi-user access and gives good dashboards.
-
Outsourcing accounting services is different to buying accounting software and software empowers you to manage it in-house or semi in-house, and reduces reliance on expensive outsourced firms.
-
While accounting software saves time and money, the right choice depends on your business size, transaction volume, growth plans, number of users and budget.
UK Payroll Providers
Our Top 3 Accounting Software Providers in January 2026:
- Gorilla Accounting– 4.9 stars for being the best all-rounder
- Brookson One– 4.6 stars for their great range of features and excellent functionality
- Topsource Global Solutions – 4.7 stars for their comprehensive reporting and compliance features
How have we selected these providers?
We evaluated each solution using the following criteria (out of five stars each):
-
Accounting Features & Functionality – invoicing, billing, expenses, inventory, core ledger.
-
Reporting & Compliance – ability to produce tax-reports, audit trails, MTD-compliant returns.
-
Integration & Scalability – how well the platform integrates with other tools and grows with your business.
-
Customer Support & Security – responsiveness of support, data protection, user access controls.
-
Pricing & Transparency – clear monthly/annual plans, no hidden fees, flexible contract terms.
Our team of experts brings years of experience analysing UK business software, so you get a practical, independent view ,not marketing hype.
Why listen to our reviews?
Gone are the days of juggling spreadsheets and struggling with manual calculations. In today’s digital age, robust accounting software can be your secret weapon for streamlined finances and effortless bookkeeping.
Our team of experts has spent years meticulously analysing the UK accounting software landscape. We understand the intricacies of each platform, from core functionalities to advanced features. This in-depth knowledge empowers us to deliver unbiased reviews and guide you towards the perfect software solution for your business needs and budget.
The UK market offers a diverse array of accounting software providers, each catering to specific requirements. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a multi-employee enterprise, we’ll help you navigate the options and find the ideal partner to simplify your accounting tasks and free up valuable time to focus on growth.
Ready to say goodbye to financial complexities? Explore our comprehensive comparison tool today and discover the top accounting software solutions waiting to transform your business!
How do we work?
Transparent, impartial, and data‑driven reviews made by a team of expert humans, never AI generated – here’s exactly how Compare Your Business Costs helps you find the best deals from trusted UK providers: click here
Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: January 2026
Contents
What Are Accounting Services
Accounting software is a cloud-based (or on-premise) platform that lets businesses manage core finance tasks, invoicing, billing, expense capture, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, tax submissions (including VAT), and sometimes payroll.
The software replaces manual spreadsheets and fragmented tools, bringing transparency, automation and compliance. In the UK, such platforms must increasingly support HMRC’s digital-filing and “Making Tax Digital” rules, and as businesses scale, accounting software also helps integrate with other systems (CRM, e-commerce, inventory) and gives real-time insight into cash flow and financial health.
Benefits of Accounting Services
-
Efficiency & accuracy: Automates routine tasks (bank feeds, reconciliation, invoicing), reducing human error.
-
Real-time insight: Dashboards show cash flow, expenses, profit & loss, enabling faster decisions.
-
Compliance: UK-compliant software supports VAT returns, self-assessment, Making Tax Digital, audit trails.
-
Scalability: Cloud platforms can grow with your business – you can add users, integrate systems, expand modules.
-
Cost-saving: Especially compared to hiring full-time accountants or reverting to manual systems.
-
Better collaboration: Many platforms allow accountant or bookkeeper access, enabling more effective support.
-
Integration: Connects banking, CRM, e-commerce, payroll which helps to reduce data silos.
-
Peace of mind: Up-to-date accounting means fewer surprises at year end, fewer compliance risks.
Disadvantages of Accounting Software
-
Subscription cost: even the starter plans add a monthly cost that must be justified by usage.
-
Learning curve: Some software requires setup, training and change in workflow.
-
Over-feature set: For very small businesses the advanced modules may be overkill and add cost.
-
Dependence on integrations: If your bank feed or third-party app isn’t supported you may still face manual work.
-
Data migration/lock-in: Switching later may be complex if you have large data or lots of customisation.
-
Security and access: Cloud means your data is online; you must ensure strong security, backups and reputable provider.
Cost of Accounting Services
Here’s a summary of typical pricing for UK accounting software in 2026:
-
Starter plans: £10-£20/month for sole-traders or micro-businesses.
-
Mid-tier plans: £25-£35+ per month for small businesses needing multiple users, VAT and more features.
-
Larger-business/enterprise plans: Pricing often bespoke or £50+ per month; average entry for full systems noted at ~ £105/month.
-
Additional costs: onboarding/training, integrations, custom reports, payroll modules or add-ons may raise cost.
Important! When comparing software providers, check for hidden fees (user seats, add-on modules, integrations) and contract commitments.
| Accounting Services Cost Considerations |
| Consideration |
Reason |
| Bookkeeping |
Basic bookkeeping services, such as recording transactions, preparing financial statements, and managing payroll, can range from £100 to £500 or more per month, depending on the volume of transactions and the complexity of your business. |
| Annual Account Preparation: |
The cost of preparing annual accounts can vary depending on the size of your business, the complexity of your financial records, and the level of detail required. Prices typically range from £500 to several thousand pounds, with smaller businesses generally paying less than larger corporations. |
| Tax Returns: |
The cost of preparing and filing tax returns will depend on various factors, including the type of tax return (e.g., self-assessment, corporation tax), the complexity of your tax affairs, and the number of sources of income. Prices for tax return services can range from £100 to £1,000 or more. |
| VAT Returns: |
If your business is VAT registered, the cost of preparing and filing VAT returns will depend on the frequency of returns (e.g., monthly, quarterly) and the complexity of your VAT obligations. Prices for VAT return services can range from £50 to £500 or more per return. |
| Additional Services |
If you require additional services beyond basic bookkeeping and tax return preparation, such as management accounting, financial analysis, tax planning, or business advisory services, the costs will typically be higher. These services are often customised based on your specific business needs, and prices can vary significantly depending on the complexity and depth of the service provided. |
| Hourly Rates or Fixed Fees: |
Accounting firms may charge on an hourly basis or provide fixed fee packages for specific services. Hourly rates for qualified accountants can range from £50 to £200 or more, depending on their experience and expertise. Fixed fee packages are often offered for specific services, providing a predetermined cost for a defined scope of work. |
Should You Use Accounting Services?
If your business:
-
Sends invoices, receives payments, manages expenses and tracks cash flow
-
Is VAT-registered or plans to be
-
Wants to reduce time spent on bookkeeping
-
Wants better financial visibility and planning
-
Wants to collaborate with an accountant or bookkeeper
Then yes, we think that accounting software is strongly recommended. If you’re a one-person business with minimal transactions and you’re comfortable with spreadsheets and paperwork, you may consider delaying… but the barrier to entry is low and the upside is significant, especially in the UK, where digital filing requirements (e.g., MTD) are growing, software can help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Accounting Software Providers
To help you make an informed decision on what accounting provider is right for your business, we’ve delved into the realm of accounting software to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top providers in the UK. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large enterprise, join us as we explore the leading contenders that are transforming the way businesses handle their accounting.
Gorilla Accounting
Our performance rating of Gorilla Accounting out of 5 stars:
| Our Overall Rating |
4.9 out of 5 stars |
| Accounting Features & Functionality |
5 out of 5 stars |
| Reporting & Compliance |
5 out of 5 stars |
| Integration & Scalability |
4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Customer Support & Security |
5 out of 5 stars |
| Pricing & Transparency |
4.8 out of 5 stars |
What other people think:
Real Customer Reviews:
Summary of Gorilla Accounting:
Gorilla Accounting stands out to us through their fantastic reviews as a user-friendly and reliable accounting solution, boasting exceptional functionality. They prioritise accurate and compliant financial management with top-notch reporting. Integration with existing software is very good, allowing for scalability as your business grows, and their customer support receives top marks for both availability and expertise.
Positive customer reviews:
Negative customer reviews:
Gorilla Accounting: Video from a user’s perspective:
Gorilla Accounting: Visual from a user’s perspective:
Gorilla Accounting: The design & how it affects users:
If you choose Gorilla Accounting, you’ll receive FreeAgent accounting software at no additional cost as part of their competitively priced fixed-fee accounting packages. FreeAgent is a widely acclaimed online accounting software, recognised as the industry standard and a multiple award winner. FreeAgent is tailored for small businesses operating as a limited company or sole trader with up to 10 employees.
Gorilla Accounting: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Gorilla Accounting was created for sole traders and small businesses, which sets it apart from the big four accounting companies. As expert accountants for the self-employed, they’ve tailored their service to ensure a dedicated accountant is readily available to answer their customer’s queries via email or phone.
They offer unlimited support and guidance, handling all accounting needs with a transparent fixed monthly fee that is free from hidden charges, and their proactive approach ensures compliance and optimises your tax efficiency.
Features of Gorilla Accounting
Expert accountancy packages that are tailored for the self-employed and small business owners.
Customers will receive a dedicated accountant for personalised support and advice.
Transparent pricing with a fixed monthly fee and no hidden charges.
Assistance with preparing and submitting financial statements, corporation tax returns, quarterly VAT returns and preparation and submission of one basic self-assessment tax return.
They provide ongoing Support and advice on tax payment reminders, quarterly reviews of bookkeeping data, as well as unlimited support and advice, including tax planning to maximise take-home pay.
Pros and Cons of Gorilla Accounting
| Gorilla Accounting Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
Cons |
- Outstanding customer reviews
- Excellent Free Agent software
- Affordable prices
- Same day response under client service guarantee
|
- Not suitable for large businesses
|
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Gorilla Accounting:
Gorilla Accounting is the best all-rounder in our opinion, with packages suited at any sized business, including sole traders (starting at £50 per month). They are a team of accountants with vast experience across various sectors. They offer a huge range of accounting services, with a great selection of additional features.
The evolution of Gorilla Accounting over the years:
Improvements:
We think Gorilla offer great value for a fixed monthly fee, covering all accounting needs. They offer an exceptionally fast turnaround for queries as you’ll be paired with a dedicated accountant from our team who handles most of your queries and tasks. However, there’s always another team member available should your assigned accountant be unavailable.
Issues:
While Gorilla states on their website that all of their staff are either qualified or working towards a qualification, there are some reports (less than 1%) that some junior staff are not able to help or advise, leading customers to seek advice elsewhere. Regardless, Gorilla are by far the most positively reviewed provider from our list!
How can I purchase Gorilla Accounting?
Our concluding thoughts on Gorilla Accounting:
Whether you’re setting up your own Limited Company or aiming to optimise your tax efficiency, Gorilla Accounting takes care of the financial details, letting you concentrate on your business operations and growth. With Gorilla, you’ll benefit from unlimited support from a dedicated accountant via phone, email, video call, and in-person meetings.
Their commitment to client service ensures that any query received before 3 p.m. will be addressed the same day, or you’ll be compensated with £50. Additionally, all Gorilla Accounting clients get complimentary access to FreeAgent, an industry-standard, cloud-based accounting software that enables you to manage your finances on the move and saves time by automating tasks.
Brookson One
Our performance rating of Brookson One out of 5 stars:
| Our Overall Rating |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Accounting Features & Functionality |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Reporting & Compliance |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Integration & Scalability |
4.5out of 5 stars |
| Customer Support & Security |
4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Pricing & Transparency |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
What other people think:
Real Customer Reviews:
Summary of Brookson One:
Brookson One shines with robust accounting features and functionality, scoring nearly perfect in this area. They prioritise accurate and compliant financial management with reliable reporting tools. Integration with other software is possible, and their system is designed to scale alongside your business growth. Customer support is dependable, and data security measures are a strong point. However, transparency exists in their pricing structure; its not as flexible as Gorilla accounting.
Positive customer reviews:
Negative customer reviews:
Brookson One: Video from a user’s perspective:
Brookson One: Visual from a user’s perspective:
Brookson One: The design & how it affects users:
With a range of services, including specialist contractor accountancy, payroll, legal, and financial advice, all available under one roof, Brookson One provide a seamless way for you to access and manage your financial information. Their expert advisors offer proactive tax advice, giving you peace of mind that you’re optimising your tax efficiencies and maximising your take-home pay, no matter your working arrangement.
Brookson One: What sets it apart from its competitors?
If you’re a contractor, freelancer, or self-employed professional seeking comprehensive support for managing your Limited Company or getting paid through an Umbrella solution, Brookson has got you covered. They are the only specialist contractor services firm offering an all-in-one solution to streamline both your business and personal finances, ensuring you make the most of your career.
Features of Brookson One
With Brookson One, you can get started in as little as 24 hours, and receive an immediate earnings boost, and maximise your earnings right from the start.
Flexible contracts with no minimum tie-in period or exit fees.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or restrictions
Specialist advice on IR35 compliance.
Consistent tax updates – you can even receive daily updates on your tax position
6-day-a-week expert support team and 24/7 online access via their portal
Top of Form
Pros and Cons of Brookson One
| Brookson One Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
Cons |
- Expert advice
- Contractor-friendly online portal
- Excellent customer reviews
- Expert IR35 Guidance
|
- More expensive than some competitors
|
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Brookson One:
We’ve found that Brookson One excel at offering expert advice and specialist IR35 guidance, which can be invaluable to sole traders. Their contractor-friendly online portal is convenient and easy to use, and it’s clear to see why they receive excellent customer reviews. However, it’s worth noting that their services can be more expensive compared to some competitors from our list.
The evolution of Brookson One over the years:
Improvements:
As part of their all-inclusive service, you also get access to their financial experts, Brookson Financial. With this you can utilise various financial & tax planning services such as pensions, mortgage advice and income protection.
Issues:
While most of Brookson One’s customer reviews are positive, there are occasional comments regarding slow responses from the customer support team. However, these reviews are few and far between.
How can I purchase Brookson One?
Our concluding thoughts on Brookson One:
We think Brookson One offers flexible solutions and tailored packages. Their all-inclusive fee covers everything you need from an accountant. With over 20 years of expertise in providing tailored financial advice and support, Brookson Financial offers a comprehensive range of services for contractors, sole traders, umbrella company workers, and self-employed individuals. Their dedicated team of advisors is committed to understanding self-employment’s unique opportunities and challenges.
Their financial services are customised to meet your specific needs, ensuring peace of mind about your financial future. In addition, they offer a complimentary Financial Health Check to gain insight into your short-, medium-, and long-term goals, setting the foundation for personalised financial solutions.
TopSource Global Solutions
Our performance rating of Topsource Global Solutions out of 5 stars:
| Our Overall Rating |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Payroll Features & Functionality |
4.5out of 5 stars |
| Reporting & Compliance |
4.9 out of 5 stars |
| Integration & Stability |
4.9 out of 5 stars |
| Customer Support & Security |
4 out of 5 stars |
| Pricing & Transparency |
3.5 out of 5 stars |
What other people think:
Real Customer Reviews:
Summary of TopSource Global Solutions:
TopSource impresses us with exceptional reporting and compliance results, ensuring accurate tax filings and adherence to regulations. Their system boasts high stability and seamlessly integrates with existing software. While data security measures are in place and satisfactory, we are not impressed with their lack of UK-based reviews.
Positive customer reviews:
TopSource Global Solutions: Visual from a user’s perspective:
TopSource Global Solutions: The design & how it affects users:
The way TopSource works is that they handle all of your business accounting needs. To get started, you simply need to sign up, and will soon receive a dedicated account manager who will onboard your team and handle all of your business accounting needs.
TopSource Global Solutions: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Their diverse team spans over 180 countries, covering 24 time zones, and they promise to deliver the right solutions for your company’s growth.
Features of TopSource Global Solutions
- TopSource Worldwide provides global accounting, payroll and HR expertise in over 150 countries, simplifying global expansion for growth-oriented businesses.
- Users benefit from a dedicated account manager and team, ensuring you always have a direct point of contact for all your payroll-related queries and needs.
- TopSource Worldwide’s in-country compliance experts ensure customers stay compliant with local regulations, minimising risks and penalties for businesses.
- TopSource Worldwide offers tailored solutions to ensure accounting services align perfectly with your needs.
Pros and Cons of TopSource Global Solutions
| TopSource Global Solutions Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
Cons |
- Reliable and flexible reporting
- Specialised UK support centres
- Guaranteed compliance
|
- Not many UK-based reviews
|
Our own experience with the pros & cons of TopSource Global Solutions:
From serving as Employer of Record (EoR) to providing accounting support across single or multiple countries, TopSource offers a comprehensive range of services and a dedicated team to assist businesses. Catering to small and medium-sized businesses and large multinational corporations across various industries, they can handle all your in-country payroll and HR requirements, whether hiring one international worker or thousands, ensuring you can focus on your core business.
The evolution of TopSource Global Solutions over the years:
Improvements:
Top Source’s solutions allow businesses to save money compared to traditional SaaS payroll offerings. With their products, users can access their data at anytime through their secure systems.
Issues:
There are hardly any UK based reviews online, and most of the global reviews they have are quite dated. We think they would benefit greatly from having more recent testimonials from happy customers.
How can I purchase TopSource Global Solutions?
Our concluding thoughts on TopSource Global Solutions:
TopSource Global Solutions stands out for its exceptional reporting and compliance, ensuring accurate tax filings and regulatory adherence. Working with them is straightforward, you sign up, meet your account manager, and the rest is up to them. They then handle all your accounting, HR and payroll needs, ensuring your staff are paid correctly, on time, and in compliance with current UK laws and legislation.
Our only real concern is the limited number of UK-based reviews, which can be detrimental to potential customers who may prefer to choose a local company with extensive and more recent reviews. Overall, we think TopSource offers a comprehensive range of services to assist businesses of all sizes with their in-country payroll and HR requirements, and they are a great choice for companies that span across multiple countries.
PWC
Our performance rating of PWC out of 5 stars:
| Our Overall Rating |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
| Accounting Features & Functionality |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Reporting & Compliance |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Integration & Scalability |
3 out of 5 stars |
| Customer Support & Security |
2 out of 5 stars |
| Pricing & Transparency |
3 out of 5 stars |
What other people think:
Real Customer Reviews:
Summary of PWC:
Despite being a globally recognised leader in accounting, PWC’s accounting software offers mixed results. They excel in core accounting features and functionality, ensuring powerful tools to manage your finances. Compliance is also a strength with solid reporting capabilities. However, areas for improvement include integration with existing software and scalability to accommodate future growth. Customer support and data security received lower ratings, and while pricing is transparent, it may not be the most flexible option.
Positive customer reviews:
Negative customer reviews:
PWC: Video from a user’s perspective:
PWC: Visual from a user’s perspective:
PWC: The design & how it affects users:
PwC is renowned for its detailed and insightful analysis. The detailed data it provides enhances overall interaction, and its infographic representations are both accurate and informative.
PWC: What sets it apart from its competitors?
PwC offers its clients a range of services through three main divisions: Assurance for audit and related services, Tax & Legal for tax and legal advice, and Advisory for deals and consulting. Experts across these divisions collaborate to deliver comprehensive and long-term client support, always adhering strictly to legal requirements when providing advice and auditing services.
Features of PWC
PwC offers a broad spectrum of services, including audit and assurance, tax consulting, advisory, and consulting services.
PwC also has dedicated industry teams with deep knowledge and experience across various sectors, such as financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.
PwC places a strong emphasis on leveraging technology and embracing innovation. They offer advanced data analytics, digital solutions, automation, and emerging technologies to drive operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and transform business processes.
PwC has extensive experience in risk management, internal control, and compliance services.
PwC provides strategic advisory and consulting services that go beyond traditional accounting.
They produce thought leadership content, research reports, and industry insights to give clients valuable perspectives on market trends, emerging risks, regulatory changes, and business strategies.
PwC upholds high ethical standards and a commitment to quality. It adheres to professional standards, regulatory requirements, and ethical guidelines, ensuring that its services are of the highest quality and integrity.
Pros and Cons of PWC
| PWC Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
Cons |
- Hands-on support
- Sufficient resource allocation
- Great for strategic planning
- Global management
|
- Not affordable or suitable for small companies
|
Our own experience with the pros & cons of PWC:
PwC, short for PricewaterhouseCoopers, is one of the largest professional services firms in the world. It operates as a global network of member firms, providing a wide range of services, including accounting, auditing, tax consulting, and advisory services.
The evolution of PWC over the years:
Improvements:
The standout feature of PwC is the exceptional services and professionalism they offer. They have a team of top professionals worldwide dedicated to understanding and addressing your core needs to the best of their knowledge.
Issues:
Their pricing is higher than others from our list, making them quite expensive compared to some competitors. Occasionally, there can be delays in processing their inputs, and on rare occasions, the outputs may seem less impressive and more like the information we already know.
How can I purchase?
Our concluding thoughts on PWC:
PwC claims that their work is built on principles of integrity, objectivity, and a professional approach.
PwC serves clients from various sectors, including business, government, and non-profit organisations. The firm has a strong presence in the UK and is known for its expertise, industry knowledge, and commitment to delivering high-quality professional services to its clients.
It should be noted, though, that PwC’s accounting software has received mixed reviews. While it provides detailed and insightful analysis with accurate infographic representations, there are areas for improvement. Integration with existing software and scalability for future growth could be better.
Overall, we think that PwC strongly emphasises quality, adhering to professional standards, regulatory requirements, and ethical guidelines to ensure its services are of the highest quality and integrity.
Deloitte
Our performance rating of Deloitte out of 5 stars:
| Our Overall Rating |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Accounting Features & Functionality |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Reporting & Compliance |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Integration & Scalability |
4 out of 5 stars |
| Customer Support & Security |
2.5 out of 5 stars |
| Pricing & Transparency |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
What other people think:
Real Customer Reviews:
Summary of Deloitte:
Deloitte’s accounting software presents a well-rounded solution with robust core functionalities, offering a powerful toolbox to manage your finances. Like PWC, they excel in reporting and compliance, ensuring accurate financial records). We think integration with other software is possible, but it may require more effort than some competitors. While scalability is decent, their solutions are not the most seamless for rapidly growing businesses. Areas we think need improvement include customer support and data security, which received lower ratings.
Positive customer reviews:
Negative customer reviews:
Deloitte: Video from a user’s perspective:
Deloitte: Visual from a user’s perspective:
Deloitte: The design & how it affects users:
Deloitte offers a wide range of applications and web portals to suit all accounting needs, from small businesses to enterprise-level. Their systems are generally well received by their customers, who like that you can scan documents directly to their web portal and receive almost instant feedback from their knowledgeable team.
Deloitte: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Deloitte is a multinational professional services firm and one of the largest accounting firms globally. It operates as a network of member firms, providing services in areas such as audit and assurance, tax consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and consulting services.
Features of Deloitte
Deloitte operates in numerous countries and has a vast global network of member firms. This global presence allows Deloitte to serve clients worldwide and leverage local market insights and expertise to address complex business challenges.
Deloitte provides a comprehensive suite of services, including audit and assurance, tax consulting, advisory, risk management, and consulting services.
Deloitte has developed deep industry expertise in multiple sectors, such as financial services, technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and manufacturing. This industry specialisation enables Deloitte professionals to understand each sector’s unique dynamics and challenges and deliver industry-specific insights and solutions.
Deloitte strongly emphasises innovation and technology, recognising their transformative potential.
Deloitte also produces thought leadership content, research reports, and industry insights to give clients valuable perspectives on market trends, regulatory changes, and business strategies.
Deloitte has extensive experience in risk management and compliance services, assisting clients in identifying and managing risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing internal control frameworks.
They offer various consulting and advisory services, including strategy, operations, financial advisory, human capital, and digital transformation.
Deloitte follows rigorous quality control procedures, adheres to global professional standards, and maintains a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour.
Pros and Cons of Deloitte
| Deloitte Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
Cons |
- Wide range of services which allows you to consolidate your accounting needs
- Experts in their field
- Strict security procedures
- Strong history of innovation
|
- Higher prices than other providers from our list
- Some customers report of slow reporting
|
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Deloitte:
We appreciate PwC’s reliability as a significant and trustworthy company capable of delivering comprehensive audit results that accurately reflect our performance. Their well-organised website effectively tracks all relevant information. However, there are occasional challenges with outsourcing to other countries, leading to confusion due to unclear questions and navigating different time zones. Additionally, based on their recent reviews we think it would benefit the auditors to engage with their clients more frequently to strengthen working relationships.
The evolution of Deloitte over the years:
Improvements:
We have been quite impressed by Deloitte’s comprehensive and holistic approach to business transformation. They present various innovative ideas and strategies to their customers to find the best solution. Deloitte can also manage other contractors, which is an effective way for businesses to save time and streamline processes.
Issues:
While Deloitte is generally known for being an innovator in its field, some users report compatibility issues with its mobile app and frustration that the reporting systems can be quite limited (only dating back one month). In addition, some customers feel they do not get a personalised experience as Deloitte is such a big company; however, this does not seem to impact the level of professionalism they receive.
How can I purchase?
Our concluding thoughts on Deloitte:
Deloitte serves many clients, including multinational corporations, governments, and non-profit organisations. The firm is known for its extensive industry knowledge, technical expertise, and innovative solutions to help clients navigate complex business challenges and achieve their goals.
Deloitte has a significant presence in the UK and is recognised as one of the leading providers of professional services in the country.
EY (Ernst Young)
Our performance rating of EY out of 5 stars:
| Our Overall Rating |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
| Accounting Features & Functionality |
4 out of 5 stars |
| Reporting & Compliance |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Integration & Scalability |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Customer Support & Security |
2 out of 5 stars |
| Pricing & Transparency |
2.5 out of 5 stars |
What other people think:
Real Customer Reviews:
Summary of EY:
EY’s accounting software offering comes in with a slightly lower overall rating than its industry peers. While core accounting features are still robust, allowing you to manage your finances effectively, other aspects require consideration. Compliance is perhaps their best strength with dependable reporting tools. However, significant areas for improvement lie with their customer support. Reviews show us limitations in responsiveness and expertise. In addition, pricing transparency is also lower and is quite restrictive.
Positive customer reviews:
Negative customer reviews:
EY: Video from a user’s perspective:
EY: Visual from a user’s perspective:
EY: What sets it apart from its competitors?
EY recognises the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in business decision-making, and they provide ESG advisory services to help clients integrate sustainability practices, manage ESG risks, and drive long-term value creation.
Features of EY
EY operates in over 150 countries, making it one of the largest professional services firms globally and giving it a strong global presence, and they offer a broad range of services, including audit and assurance, tax consulting, transaction advisory, advisory services, and consulting.
EY has developed deep industry knowledge and specialisation across various sectors, such as financial services, technology, healthcare, energy, consumer products, and more, and they embrace innovative technology.
They have extensive experience in risk management, internal control, and compliance services. EY also produces thought leadership content, research reports, and industry insights to provide clients with valuable perspectives on market trends, emerging risks, regulatory changes, and business strategies.
Lastly, we like that EY fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture, working closely with clients to understand their unique needs, goals, and challenges
Pros and Cons of EY
| EY Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
Cons |
- Flexible team that is always available for support
- Great reporting structure
- Suitable solution for tax management
- Experts in international tax
|
- 97% 1 star Trustpilot reviews
- Some customers find the reports to be unclear
- Not a very cost-effective solution for small businesses
|
Our own experience with the pros & cons of EY:
Ernst & Young offers a user-friendly payroll management system that allows employees to submit Cost to Company (CTC) details and tax declarations. Employees can also easily download payslips and tax reports, simplifying payroll and tax management. This streamlined process saves time and energy, enabling employees to focus on their core responsibilities without the stress of managing tax savings regularly.
The evolution of EY over the years:
Improvements:
The senior partners that we’ve engaged with at Ernst & Young are highly experienced and exceptionally knowledgeable, particularly in areas such as corporate valuation and international tax, and their expertise is evident and invaluable.
Issues:
A lot of users report that most of their dealings with EY have been with junior staff who do not have the experience, expertise or knowledge that would come from a certified accountant. In addition, the authentication option is not integrated with Active Directory, requiring a separate username and password for the standalone portal. This adds an extra set of credentials for users to remember and can cause delays in the user experience, necessitating more clicks to complete tasks.
How can I purchase?
Our concluding thoughts on EY:
EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young, is a multinational professional services firm. It operates as a network of member firms offering various services, including audit, tax consulting, advisory, and transaction advisory services.
EY serves clients from various industries, including financial services, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. The firm is known for its global reach, deep industry expertise, and commitment to helping clients address complex business issues and drive sustainable growth.
We appreciate their friendly approach and trustworthiness, which are reported by their customers, who seem confident they won’t make errors during audits. While they are a bit pricey, this is mainly due to their quality assurance.
KPMG
Our performance rating of KPMG out of 5 stars:
| Our Overall Rating |
3.7 out of 5 stars |
| Accounting Features & Functionality |
4 out of 5 stars |
| Reporting & Compliance |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Integration & Scalability |
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Customer Support & Security |
2 out of 5 stars |
| Pricing & Transparency |
2.5 out of 5 stars |
What other people think:
Real Customer Reviews:
Summary of KPMG:
KPMG’s accounting software lands in the middle of the pack of our providers, with an overall rating of 3.7 stars. They do show a strong showing in core accounting features, allowing you to manage your finances effectively. Their major strength, however, lies in integration and scalability. Their system excels at connecting with existing software and adapts well to accommodate business growth. Here’s the caveat: customer support and data security received lower marks in our review, and pricing transparency is also lower, and users often report of how expensive their services are.
Negative customer reviews:
KPMG: Video from a user’s perspective:
KPMG: The design & how it affects users:
KPMG excels in capturing and delivering key insights that are highly relevant. Their reports are precise, visually appealing, and focus on what truly matters.
KPMG: What sets it apart from its competitors?
What sets KPMG apart from its competitors is its comprehensive range of services, including tax, auditing, and advisory services, coupled with their expertise in ERP implementation. KPMG’s strong suit is their ability to offer top-notch advisory services, drawing on their vast and versatile industry knowledge, as the firm is known for its expertise in financial reporting, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
Features of KPMG
KPMG operates in numerous countries and has a vast global network of member firms.
KPMG offers various services, including audit and assurance, tax consulting, advisory, and consulting services.
KPMG has industry-focused professionals with deep knowledge and expertise in specific sectors, such as financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and more.
KPMG has extensive experience in risk management, internal control, and compliance services.
KPMG places a strong emphasis on leveraging technology and embracing innovation.
They also offer advisory and consulting services that go beyond traditional accounting.
KPMG produces thought leadership content, research reports, and industry insights to provide clients with valuable perspectives on market trends, emerging risks, regulatory changes, and business strategies.
KPMG upholds a strong commitment to quality, professionalism, and ethical behaviour. It adheres to strict quality control standards, regulatory requirements, and ethical principles, ensuring that its services are of the highest standard.
Pros and Cons of KPMG
| KPMG Pros and Cons |
| Pros |
Cons |
- One of the big four accounting companies, so experts in their field
- Offer consulting services which are highly rated
- Experts at cyber security
|
- Only have 10 Trustpilot reviews, 100% of which are 1 star
- Reports of high costs
|
Our own experience with the pros & cons of KPMG:
KPMG is one of the leading providers of professional accounting services in the UK. In addition to their well-known tax and auditing services, KPMG also offers advisory and implementation services for ERP products. Leveraging their extensive and versatile industry knowledge, their ERP services are top-notch.
The evolution of KPMG over the years:
Improvements:
We have seen that KPMG conducts research to identify the key business functions that need transformation to achieve profitability in the market, such as leveraging the right technology.
Issues:
While KPMG’s services may come at a premium compared to some competitors, this is to be expected from one of the big four accounting companies.
How can I purchase?
Our concluding thoughts on KPMG:
KPMG operates as a network of member firms, providing a range of services, including audit, tax consulting, advisory, and risk management services. They serve clients across various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and government. While they demonstrate strength in core accounting features and stand out in terms of integration and scalability, there are certainly areas for improvement, just take a look at their Trustpilot! Customer support has been noted as lacking, and pricing transparency leaves something to be desired. Despite these drawbacks, KPMG’s comprehensive service offering, encompassing tax, auditing, advisory, and ERP implementation services, sets them apart from competitors. Their industry-focused professionals, with deep expertise across various sectors, contribute to their ability to offer valuable insights and strategic advisory services. Although they may be on the pricier side, their reputation as one of the ‘big four’ accounting firms assures a level of expertise and quality that many businesses find worth the investment.
Accounting Services FAQS
-
What is accounting software?
Accounting software is a digital platform which helps businesses record, manage and report on their financial transactions, invoicing, expenses, bank reconciliations, tax submission and reporting.
-
Why do UK businesses need accounting software?
UK businesses benefit from accounting software because it supports Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance, automates manual tasks, improves accuracy, delivers insights and reduces admin.
-
How much does accounting software cost in the UK?
Entry-level plans often start from £10-£20 per month, with more advanced plans reaching £25-£35+ per month. Enterprise solutions may cost significantly more.
-
What features should I look for in accounting software?
Look for invoicing, expense tracking, bank feeds, reconciliation, VAT/MTD support, multi-user access, reporting dashboards, integrations (CRM/e-commerce), user access control.
-
What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) and do I need software for it?
MTD is an HMRC initiative requiring certain businesses to keep digital records and submit VAT (and later income tax) digitally. Quality accounting software will support MTD-compliant submissions.
-
Can accounting software integrate with my bank account or e-commerce platform?
Yes, many platforms support bank feeds, automated reconciliation and integrations with e-commerce, CRM and other tools. Good integration reduces manual data entry.
-
Should I choose software that’s UK-based or global?
UK-based or UK-compliance-focused software often ensures VAT, MTD, HMRC integrations and UK regulations are handled. Global platforms can work too, just check UK compliance features.
-
Is accounting software better than hiring an accountant?
Software and accountants serve different roles. Software helps manage the day-to-day financial operations; an accountant provides strategic advice, tax planning and compliance support. Many businesses use both.
-
Can sole traders use accounting software?
Yes, many platforms offer entry-level plans tailored to sole traders and small businesses. For example, platforms start at ~£10/month.
-
What’s the difference between cloud-based and desktop accounting software?
Cloud-based software is accessed via the internet, offers automatic updates, accessibility on the go and often integrates easily. Desktop software is installed locally and may require manual updates and backups.
-
How do I know if a platform is good value?
Calculate: Annual subscription cost + add-ons vs time saved, accuracy improved, features gained. Check how many hours of bookkeeping you’ll save and how many errors you’ll avoid.
-
What happens if I switch accounting software later?
Migration is possible and most platforms support exports. But switching may involve time, cost and learning curve. Consider choosing a scalable platform early.
-
How many users can I have on an accounting software plan?
It varies, some starter plans may allow 1-2 users; mid plans more. Always check user seat limits, add-on costs and whether your accountant/bookkeeper access is included.
-
Do I need a full suite of features if I’m just starting?
Not necessarily. For a micro business you may only need basic features (invoicing, expense tracking, bank feed). Avoid paying for modules you don’t use, and you can upgrade later as you grow.
-
How secure is cloud accounting software?
Most reputable platforms use encryption, frequent backups, multi-factor authentication and UK-based data centres or compliant standards. Always check their security credentials and backup policy.
-
Is there a learning curve?
Yes, but many platforms offer free trials or onboarding support. Aim to choose software with good user experience, clear documentation and decent customer support.
-
Will accounting software handle payroll?
Some platforms include payroll modules or integrate with payroll systems; others require separate payroll software. If you have employees, check payroll support or integration.
-
What about VAT and tax submissions?
Good UK accounting software supports VAT submission, self-assessment, corporation tax data export and audit trails. Vital for UK compliance.
-
Can I access my data on mobile?
Yes, many modern platforms provide mobile apps for invoicing, expense capture, bank feeds and reporting, enabling you to manage finances on the go.
-
How do I choose the right plan for my business?
Consider: number of transactions, number of users, need for VAT/MTD compliance, integrations required, budget. Match your current needs but leave headroom for growth.
-
What if I only invoice a few clients each month?
Choose a lean plan suited to low-volume usage. Avoid paying for modules or seats you don’t need. Many entry plans suffice for micro businesses.
-
Does accounting software replace an accountant?
Not entirely, it removes many manual tasks and enhances control, but an accountant still provides valuable tax and strategic advice. Software + accountant often works best.
-
Are there hidden costs?
Possibly, watch for add-ons (multi-currency, inventory, extra users), training/onboarding fees, integrations, bank feed costs, support level changes. Transparency matters.
-
Will the software grow with my business?
A good platform offers upgrades, more users, integrations, modules. Evaluate scalability and if you grow, you don’t want to switch software again.
-
What if I only need very simple bookkeeping?
Some software offers very basic or free tiers, but check if they comply with UK standards (MTD, VAT) and offer export ability in case your needs ramp up.
James Ward is the CEO & Founder of Compare Your Business Costs — a UK-verified comparison platform helping SMEs save money on business broadband, leased lines, phone systems, mobile telecoms, managed services and IT support. With over 10 years of experience in telecoms and technology procurement, James is a trusted UK business expert featured in national media and verified on Companies House.
