Do bookkeeping for a small business
Bottom line
Wave is our pick for do bookkeeping for a small business. Free plan available. Catch: we haven't hand-tested it for this task.
Use Wave to do bookkeeping for a small business.
- Start cost
- See pricing ↗
ⓘ How we picked this
Basis Matched to catalog uses, then popularity. Basis: catalog order, not hands-on testing. Phone support: catalog claims.
Tested No hands-on test record.
Money Sponsors never change your pick. We may earn affiliate fees.
DisclosureWave
Why it fits: Records business income and expenses in the books for accounting review.
Watch out for: Free-tier usage limits apply.
Cost: See pricing ↗
Your task, in 3 steps
Bring the statement and receipts together
Gather the bank statement and receipts for September; mark any purchase paid from your personal account.
Match receipts to transactions
Set up expense categories and import a small approved sample of transactions. Match receipts and flag uncertain categories for review.
Use in: Wave
Sort [expense records] into [approved categories]. Flag unclear entries.
Reconcile the month and list the exceptions
Match the statement ending balance to the ledger; send your bookkeeper the unmatched parts receipt and any suspected duplicate charge.
Prices not recorded
Compare tools for this task
Matched to this task
| Tool | Best for | Price | Free tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave | Records business income and expenses in the books for accounting review. | Price not recorded | Yes · limits apply |
 Ramp | Pick this if you need a tool that reviews business expenses before approval. | Price not recorded | Yes · limits apply |
What we didn’t pick
Recorded task fit and selection limits for other catalog tools:
- QuickBooks (Intuit Assist), Xero, Gusto, FreshBooks, Square Invoices: Does not meet the selected filters with recorded catalog evidence.
- Ramp: Pick this if you need a tool that reviews business expenses before approval. No recorded comparative decision factor explains why it was not selected over Wave.
- Expensify: Not assessed for this task.