# Best General Ledger Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing

> Find the best General Ledger Software for your organization. Compare top General Ledger Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos.

Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison

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# Best General Ledger Software of 2026

Updated June 11, 2026

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide
4.  Related Software

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163 results

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Showing 1 - 25 of 163 products

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**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
**Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least.  
  
**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

[Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/)

Sage Intacct operates within the Sage Business Cloud portfolio as a comprehensive cloud-based financial management software, exp...[Read more about Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/)

**4.3**

([687 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/reviews/))

**494**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Microsoft Excel

+112 more

+111 more

+110 more

Sage Intacct's Best Rated Features

4.83Third-Party Integrations

See All

Sage Intacct's Worst Rated Features

3.17Expense Claims

See All

[Xledger](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/)

Xledger, True Cloud Finance Software Built For Modern, Multi-entity Organisations Xledger is a true-cloud finance management pl...[Read more about Xledger](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/)

**4.5**

([12 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/reviews/))

**233**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dynamics 365

GoldFinch ERP

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

[Sage 50 Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/)

Sage 50 Accounting is an accounting solution designed to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a su...[Read more about Sage 50 Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/)

**3.9**

([467 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/reviews/))

**219**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

+15 more

+14 more

+13 more

Sage 50 Accounting's Best Rated Features

4.61Accounting

See All

Sage 50 Accounting's Worst Rated Features

3.63Customizable Invoices

See All

[NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)

**4.2**

([2045 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/))

**196**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Docusign

+18 more

+17 more

+16 more

NetSuite's Best Rated Features

4.75Check Writing

See All

NetSuite's Worst Rated Features

2.71Dashboard

See All

[AccountMate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/)

AccountMate is a hybrid accounting solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and offers them tools and functionalitie...[Read more about AccountMate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/)

**4.3**

([25 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/reviews/))

**132**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Shopify

HubSpot CRM

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

[Connected](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/)

Connected is a hybrid integrated accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) that caters to small and midsize businesses a...[Read more about Connected](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/)

**5.0**

([3 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/#reviews))

**104**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SurePayroll

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

[Striven](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/)

Striven is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management ERP platform built for small and midsize companies tired of duct-taping...[Read more about Striven](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/)

**4.8**

([129 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/reviews/))

**81**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Gmail

Shopify

+13 more

+12 more

+11 more

Striven's Best Rated Features

5.0Order Management

See All

Striven's Worst Rated Features

4.20Sales Pipeline Management

See All

[Deltek Costpoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/)

Deltek Costpoint is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) and management solution designed to meet the requirements of midsize a...[Read more about Deltek Costpoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/)

**3.9**

([215 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/reviews/))

**73**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Deltek GovWin IQ

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

Deltek Costpoint's Best Rated Features

4.67Approval Process Control

See All

Deltek Costpoint's Worst Rated Features

3.71Expense Tracking

See All

[Aplos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/aplos-profile/)

Aplos is a dedicated accounting solution engineered specifically for the unique financial demands of nonprofit organizations. We...[Read more about Aplos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/aplos-profile/)

**4.5**

([186 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/aplos-profile/reviews/))

**58**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Gusto

Bloomerang

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

Aplos's Best Rated Features

4.63Income & Balance Sheet

See All

Aplos's Worst Rated Features

3.67Member Database

See All

[Beyond Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/beyond-profile/)

Beyond Software is a project accounting and management software system available for small to mid-size companies. The system all...[Read more about Beyond Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/beyond-profile/)

**4.7**

([7 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/beyond-profile/#reviews))

**33**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[Versa Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/versaccounts-profile/)

Versa is Modern all-in-one Cloud ERP software created for fast growing inventory heavy manufacturing, distribution, and e-commer...[Read more about Versa Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/versaccounts-profile/)

**4.8**

([22 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/versaccounts-profile/reviews/))

**27**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+9 more

+8 more

+7 more

[M3 Accounting Core](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/m3-profile/)

M3 Accounting Core Software is a cloud-based accounting solution that helps streamline financial operations for small to large b...[Read more about M3 Accounting Core](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/m3-profile/)

**4.7**

([11 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/m3-profile/reviews/))

**26**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

WebRezPro

AvidXchange

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

[Sage Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/)

Sage Accounting is a cloud-based accounting and invoice management solution for small to midsize businesses. It offers accountin...[Read more about Sage Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/)

**4.1**

([614 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/reviews/))

**9**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Stripe

Zapier

+38 more

+37 more

+36 more

Sage Accounting's Best Rated Features

4.74Invoice History

See All

Sage Accounting's Worst Rated Features

3.38Budgeting/Forecasting

See All

[Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/)

Sage X3 is a powerful ERP software solution designed for midsized national and global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sal...[Read more about Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/)

**4.3**

([118 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/reviews/))

**9**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SPS Commerce

Boomi

+19 more

+18 more

+17 more

Sage X3's Best Rated Features

4.60Income & Balance Sheet

See All

Sage X3's Worst Rated Features

2.85Document Management

See All

[MIP Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/)

MIP is the leading accounting software designed for mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, schools, healthcare, ass...[Read more about MIP Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/)

**4.1**

([69 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/reviews/))

**7**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

AvidXchange

TripLog Mileage Tracker

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

[SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)

SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a cloud-based and on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small, midsize...[Read more about SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)

**4.3**

([358 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/reviews/))

**5**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

SAP Concur

SAP SuccessFactors HCM

+15 more

+14 more

+13 more

SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Best Rated Features

4.75Supply Chain Management

See All

SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Worst Rated Features

4.14Audit Trail

See All

[Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/)

Focus X is an all-inclusive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that helps you connect every aspect of your business opera...[Read more about Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/)

**3.8**

([119 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/reviews/))

**5**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Focus X's Best Rated Features

4.50Approval Process Control

See All

Focus X's Worst Rated Features

3.17Purchase Order Management

See All

[TimeSolv Legal Billing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/)

TimeSolv is a cloud-based legal time tracking and billing solution that caters to law firms, accountants, consultants, architect...[Read more about TimeSolv Legal Billing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/)

**4.7**

([647 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/reviews/))

**3**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dropbox Business

Microsoft 365

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

TimeSolv Legal Billing's Best Rated Features

4.86Automatic Billing

See All

TimeSolv Legal Billing's Worst Rated Features

3.67Calendar Management

See All

[Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/)

Blackbaud’s cloud fund accounting software Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT provides transparency across teams, security, and compli...[Read more about Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/)

**4.2**

([164 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/reviews/))

**3**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Paycor

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT's Best Rated Features

4.50Bank Reconciliation

See All

Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT's Worst Rated Features

4.0Financial Reporting

See All

[Deltek Vantagepoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/reporting-tools/deltek-vantagepoint-profile/)

Deltek Vantagepoint is a solution that helps your people manage your projects from start to finish. Vantagepoint is built specif...[Read more about Deltek Vantagepoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/reporting-tools/deltek-vantagepoint-profile/)

**3.6**

([17 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/reporting-tools/deltek-vantagepoint-profile/reviews/))

**2**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

Microsoft Outlook

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

Deltek Vantagepoint's Best Rated Features

4.50Time & Expense Tracking

See All

Deltek Vantagepoint's Worst Rated Features

4.50Time & Expense Tracking

See All

[R4 Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/royal4-enterprise-manufacturing-profile/)

Royal 4 Enterprise is an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution with built-in modules for distribution, manufact...[Read more about R4 Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/royal4-enterprise-manufacturing-profile/)

**4.5**

([4 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/royal4-enterprise-manufacturing-profile/#reviews))

**1**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

[Dynamics 365](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/)

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based CRM ecosystem for small, medium and enterprise organizations, with a focus on Sales, Fie...[Read more about Dynamics 365](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/)

**4.4**

([5825 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/reviews/))

**1**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Excel

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+23 more

+22 more

+21 more

Dynamics 365's Best Rated Features

4.89Dispatch Management

See All

Dynamics 365's Worst Rated Features

3.75Sales Trend Analysis

See All

[Dynamics 365 Business Central](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/dynamics-365-business-central-profile/)

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution designed for midsi...[Read more about Dynamics 365 Business Central](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/dynamics-365-business-central-profile/)

**4.1**

([205 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/dynamics-365-business-central-profile/reviews/))

**1**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

PayPal

Microsoft Excel

+68 more

+67 more

+66 more

Dynamics 365 Business Central's Best Rated Features

4.73Order Management

See All

Dynamics 365 Business Central's Worst Rated Features

3.85Bank Reconciliation

See All

[RealPage](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/realpage-accounting-profile/)

RealPage is a cloud-based property management solution suitable for businesses of any size. Key features include accounting, bud...[Read more about RealPage](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/realpage-accounting-profile/)

**4.0**

([130 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/realpage-accounting-profile/reviews/))

**1**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Docusign

Happy Property

+1 more

+0 more

+0 more

RealPage's Best Rated Features

4.83Work Order Management

See All

RealPage's Worst Rated Features

3.0Maintenance Management

See All

[Zoho Invoice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/)

Zoho Invoice is a 100% free cloud-based invoicing solution designed to help small businesses with invoicing, tracking expenses a...[Read more about Zoho Invoice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/)

**4.7**

([823 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Google Workspace

+10 more

+9 more

+8 more

Zoho Invoice's Best Rated Features

5.0Reporting & Statistics

See All

Zoho Invoice's Worst Rated Features

4.17Time & Expense Tracking

See All

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/?page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/?page=6)[7](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/?page=7)

## Popular Comparisons

[

Xero vs QuickBooks Enterprise

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/vs/xero/)[

NetSuite vs Dynamics 365

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/25483-netsuite-financials-accounting-software/vs/106335-Dynamics-365/)[

Sage Intacct vs QuickBooks Desktop

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/quickbooks-pro/)[

Zoho Invoice vs Wave

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/18767-Wave-Apps/vs/435103-zoho-invoice/)[

Odoo vs Cin7 Core

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dear-systems-profile/vs/odoo/)[

QuickBooks Online Advanced vs Sage 50 Accounting

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/49805-QuickBooks-Online/vs/423487-sage-50cloud/)[

Sage Accounting vs Sage 100

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/sage-100cloud-profile/vs/sage-business-cloud-accounting/)

## Your Guide to Top General Ledger Software, January 2025

Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated General Ledger products in North America.

[Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/)

#### Explore FrontRunners

-   [Accounting Seed](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accounting-seed-profile/)
-   [BQE CORE Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/)
-   [Dynamics 365](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/)
-   [Dynamics 365 Business Central](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/dynamics-365-business-central-profile/)
-   [LivePlan](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/liveplan-profile/)
-   [Multiview ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/multiview-enterprise-profile/)
-   [MYOB Business](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/myob-essentials-profile/)
-   [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/)
-   [Odoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/)
-   [Patriot Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/patriot-profile/)
-   [QuickBooks Desktop](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/quickbooks-pro-profile/)
-   [QuickBooks Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/)
-   [QuickBooks Online Advanced](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/49805-QuickBooks-Online/)
-   [Sage 100](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/sage-100cloud-profile/)
-   [Sage Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/)
-   [Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/)
-   [Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/)
-   [SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/)
-   [Striven](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/)
-   [TallyPrime](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/tally-profile/)
-   [Wave](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/18767-Wave-Apps/)
-   [Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/)
-   [ZarMoney](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/zarmoney-profile/)
-   [Zoho Books](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/zoho-books-profile/)

“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.

“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.

Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.

## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox

### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you.

The general ledger is a core financial tool for any business, as it contains all accounts for a company’s assets, revenue, equity and expenses. The importance of a well-kept general ledger cannot be overstated.

Because of this, a general ledger is a key feature of any [accounting software solution](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/). However, due to regulations and standards placed on company’s financial practices and the large and ever-evolving landscape of software, it can be challenging to find the accounting suite that delivers the results you need.

This buyer’s guide is designed to help alleviate any potential frustration and aid you in your search for a system that will help keep your general ledger balanced and organized.

We’ll cover the following topics:

-   [What is general ledger software?](#Whatisgeneralledgersoftware)
    
-   [What are common features of general ledger solutions?](#Whatarecommonfeaturesofgeneralledgersolutions)
    
-   [What are the trends among small business accounting software buyers?](#Whatarethetrendsamongsmallbusinessaccountingsoftwarebuyers)
    
-   [How are general ledger systems priced and deployed?](#Howaregeneralledgersystemspricedanddeployed)
    

## What is general ledger software?

A general ledger is a core feature of most accounting software, and serves as a repository for all financial data from other subledgers and modules, such as:

-   Accounts receivable
    
-   Accounts payable
    
-   Project accounting
    
-   Cash management
    
-   Purchasing
    
-   Fixed assets
    

Organizations, such as law firms or nonprofits, must keep separate ledgers for each client or account to comply with regulations. These will have to be reconciled monthly to ensure accounts match between the bank and the organization.

The general ledger is also the place where users can derive important reports, such as income statements and reports on overall financial health.

In many modern accounting systems, the general ledger contains the data that fuels a graphical dashboard, showing users the top key performance indicators (KPIs), such as profits, total revenue and expenses and revenues for individual business units, in charts and graphs. This is all the more reason the software you choose should have easy-to-use and accurate general ledger functionality.

_The customized dashboard view of_ [Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/)

## What are common features of general ledger solutions?

The general ledger is a functional area of a larger accounting suite, and many features assist with the daily tasks associated with the ledger. Here are some common ones:

**Bank reconciliation**

Allows companies to match the balances of records in the general ledger to bank accounts to identify any discrepancies. Some accounting systems can automatically import and export changes to the numbers, such as credit card transactions, to save time.

**Tax preparation**

Depending on the state and federal regulations you are subject to, accounting software vendors stay up-to-date and ensure compliance by updating tax law details in the system.

**Customizations**

Accounting software vendors serve a wide range of industries, so most offer highly customizable systems to ensure each client has the functionality they need. In addition, most systems can integrate with other software, so all your company’s financial data can flow seamlessly from module to module.

**Reporting and dashboards**

Any data used to generate reports or populate KPI dashboards will pull from the general ledger. It’s important to keep the ledger accurate and up to date so that the information you use in reports and dashboards reflect the true financial standing.

Mobile applications

When emergency situations occur, mobile apps give users the ability to perform most tasks with a smartphone or tablet anywhere. Mobile users can send invoices, reconcile accounts, log expenses and more. Many apps also take advantage of native mobile device hardware, such as a camera, to capture paper receipts, for example.

## What are the trends among small business accounting software buyers?

Software Advice is in contact with hundreds of small business software buyers each day, so we gain unique insight into their preferences. In a 2016 survey about accounting software, buyers revealed the most important features to them:

-   Ninety-seven percent of buyers request a system with accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger
    
-   Three percent request a system with accounts payable and general ledger
    

**Therefore, we can say that 100 percent of accounting software buyers want the functionality of a general ledger system.**

This highlights the importance of choosing a system with the ledger capabilities you need. The survey went on to uncover the other top accounting features:

### Top-Requested Accounting Software Functionality

Financial reporting led the results for features that aren’t included in core accounting capabilities with 82 percent; this is a leap from 56 percent in 2015, and a sign that the general ledger is critical to several other functions in an accounting system.

## How are general ledger systems priced and deployed? General Ledger Systems Pricing and Deployment

Accounting software, like many other types of systems, is commonly offered in two ways:

-   **As a perpetual license.** Users pay an upfront cost for the right to use the software forever. Usually, buyers will also pay fees for ongoing support and software updates.
    
-   **As a monthly subscription.** Users pay a monthly subscription fee based on the number of users, features included or other factors. This may also include an additional upfront, one-time cost.
    

Costs for software will increase as features or add-on modules are integrated into the system, and vendors are often able to customize a set of features into a package that works for a specific industry or business.

Secondly, the system can be deployed in a of couple ways:

-   **Hosted or on-premise** means the software is downloaded to the computers at your business, and all the data on that system is local. Some users prefer this model to keep their data close by.
    
-   **Cloud or web-based** typically means the software is accessible via a web browser, anywhere the user needs it. In the overall software industry, there is a movement toward cloud-based systems, as their flexibility is a significant benefit for many types of companies.
    

In a recent survey, Software Advice asked small businesses about their confidence in cloud-based accounting systems. The results showed that while about 43 percent used on-premise software in 2014, the following year, the number of cloud software users nearly doubled, with an increase from 16 to 30 percent.

The notion that cloud-based software is less secure than on-premise is changing, and 28 percent of respondents from the same survey cite increased safety and security as a top benefit.

### Related General Ledger Software

-   [Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/)
-   [Accounts Payable Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accounts-payable-comparison/)
-   [Accounts Receivable Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accounts-receivable-comparison/)
-   [Billing and Provisioning Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/billing-and-provisioning/)
-   [Bookkeeper Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/bookkeeping-comparison/)
-   [Financial Close Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/financial-close/)
-   [Financial Reporting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/financial-reporting-comparison/)
-   [Project Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/project-accounting-software-comparison/)
-   [Revenue Recognition Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/revenue-recognition/)