Harvest

Pros 

Superior online, desktop and mobile time-tracking tools make Harvest ideal for those who bill by time. It includes start/stop timers for tracking time, desktop time-entry widgets for Windows and Mac, and timesheet-management features.

Cons 

Although each account type supports more than one user, Harvest does not offer free access for collaborators, clients and time-entry-only users. There is no automatic logout feature, which means you will have to remember to log out if you step away from your computer.

The Verdict:

Good-looking, reasonably priced accounting solution for solo operations, freelancers or contract workers, Harvest is especially adept at tracking time, converting estimates and tracking expenses on the road. The first-tier account includes unlimited clients, projects and invoices.

It does not matter where you run your small business from or where you work on your projects; Harvest can track every minute of billable time easily and help you invoice your clients accurately. All Harvest accounts support unlimited clients, projects and invoices and can track time and expenses on most mobile devices. This accounting solution is compatible with a long list of business productivity apps, creates invoices in seconds and tracks timesheets, for which it earns our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award.

Harvest boasts a 99.9-percent uptime and 24/7 monitoring, which was recently put to the test. The Harvest data center is located in an area of New York that was hit by storm Sandy. Data center staff worked around the clock, employing backup generators to keep Harvest customers in business. They also had plans in place to run Harvest from a different data center should it become necessary. It is not too often that data centers have to face a real-world disaster, but Harvest did this year. They kept their customers informed via their company blog, Twitter and Facebook. With the exception of a few minor outages, Harvest kept running and kept its customers in business.

Invoicing & Billing:

Without much training, you can create your first invoice using Harvest within minutes and future invoices within seconds using saved customer and item information. Harvest will calculate taxes and discounts as well as create invoices in any currency. You can send invoices to an email address from Harvest or save them as PDF files. Invoices can be set to recurring or duplicated. This is one of the few services we reviewed that has a tool for specifically managing retainer payments. One-click reports show invoice statuses, and you can export reports to Excel or save them as CSV files. Harvest does not provide a long list of invoice template options, but you can add your own logo, contract information, payment terms and notes to invoices.

To increase what you can do with Harvest, it is compatible with a wide range of add-ons. Harvest also provides API wrappers for developers. Add-ons that can assist you with invoicing and billing include Outright online accounting, Zendesk for tracking time spent on support tickets, QuickBooks, Cling for sharing Harvest time-tracking reports with customers and BillFLO for creating machine-readable invoices. Harvest APIs are available for Ruby, Python and PHP.

Project Tracking:

Harvest helps you track projects, including project budgets, tasks, team members and invoice methods. It can track billable and non-billable hours and budgets by total fees, project hours, hours per task and hours per person. It also manages related expenses such as mileage, meals and transportation. If you perform routine projects, you can save time by duplicating them. To help keep your projects on target, you can configure the services to notify you by email once the project reaches a certain percentage of the overall budget. For example, if you have a project that you have limited to 50 billable hours, you could set up the software to send you an alert when the billable hours reach 80 percent (or 40 hours). That way, you know as soon as possible when you may need to intervene to keep the project on target.

Though Harvest provides the tools you need for basic project tracking, time and expense tracking, and task management, it is compatible with a range of third-party services to help you utilize more complex project management tools. Other project management tools it works with include Basecamp, Trello, Do, Apollo, ScrumDo, Planscope, Redmine and activeCollab. Some compatible apps are even free, such as Google Apps and Co-op.

Mobility:

Harvest provides free apps for iPhone, Android and Windows 7 mobile phones. The mobile apps are designed to track time and expenses on the road. The mobile versions manage expense receipts easily. Using a mobile phone's camera, you can capture receipt images and attach them to an expense record. If you use an Android phone, you can utilize an app called CallTab to track time spent on billable phone calls related to specific Harvest projects. In addition, since Harvest is an online product, you can access your account from any internet-connected PC or Mac.

Summary:

Harvest is an ideal solution for those who need to track and invoice billable time spent on projects. It can track time on PCs, Macs and most mobile devices, and track expenses incurred while traveling. All paid accounting includes unlimited clients, projects and invoices, plus the option to add low-priced additional users. If you need to bill by time, Harvest is one of the best.

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FreshBooks

Pros 

FreshBooks is liberating. With it, you can create invoices, manage projects and accept payments online from anywhere. This accounting software also provides free client portals, iPad and iPhone apps, and encrypted data backup.

Cons 

FreshBooks does not provide an Android App. To get Android compatibility, you have to purchase GoBooks from a third-party software developer. FreshBooks accounts do not support free additional users.

The Verdict

The VerdictIf you want freedom to work across platforms, on mobile devices or by utilizing other apps, FreshBooks is generously obliging. With FreshBook's mobile tools and compatible apps, you can do everything from accepting credit card payments and tracking paper receipts to generating leads.

Invoicing & Billing:FreshBooks understands that most sole proprietors and small business owners are not accountants. In fact, they may dread every second of keeping their books. Some report that FreshBooks actually makes accounting enjoyable. This online accounting system is simple to use, accessible anywhere and comes with free customer support. While testing this invoicing service, we acquired a free account, branded our account with our logo and color scheme, and saved our first customer, project and invoice in less than 10 minutes. You do not need to know formal accounting terminology to use FreshBooks, yet it can provide the reports and data needed by your accountant to prepare your taxes. This service can help you receive payments online using gateways such as PayPal, Authorize.net, Braintree and 2CO. Compatible eCommerce tools include Shopify, osCommerce, Magento and Zen Cart.

When creating client accounts, FreshBooks will save the clients' default currency and language preference. When the invoice is created, it will automatically use the stored client data, calculate taxes and discounts, and associate the related PO# with the new invoice. Invoices can be saved as PDF files or emailed directly from your account, or FreshBooks will send invoices by snail mail. It can manage multiple tax rates and more than one tax per item. This accounting software can also manage recurring invoices and manage partial payments. Although this service is not ideal for managing large volumes of diverse inventory, it can save inventory items including descriptions, unit costs and tax rates.

Project Tracking:

FreshBooks can manage projects including billing methods, budgets, tasks and team members. This online business tool allows you to manage account access. For example, you can set permission levels for administrators, staff members and clients. It will even permit you to assign specific clients to staff members so that they can only access the assigned client information.

This service also tracks time, expenses and timesheets. Time can be captured using the built-in timer, and you can track unbilled time. FreshBooks can manage multiple billing rates and assign expenses. Receipt images can be stored with expense files, and you can filter expenses by type. It can also manage recurring expenses and import bank files to help with reconciling accounts.

Compatible add-ons that can assist with project management include Basecamp, DeskAway, Braintree, Gmail, Shoeboxed, ExpenseCloud, Toggl and many more. It also works with sales apps such as Salesforce, Quote Roller and Formstack as well as marketing tools such as MailChimp and ActiveCampaign.

Mobility:FreshBooks provides an iPhone and iPad app in the iTunes App Store that is free to subscribers. This mobile version tracks time and expenses, generates invoices and manages receipts. While away from the office, you can easily track time with the mobile timer and capture receipts using your mobile camera. Image files can be attached to expense requests. The mobile version can also display timesheets and invite staff and other users to projects. The iPad version also has the ability to display a full account overview.

Summary:Using FreshBooks, you can easily keep your books current, get paid faster, be ready for tax time and spend less time at your desk. It can manage clients no matter where they are located, what language they prefer or what tax rate they are required to pay. FreshBooks can free you from stodgy, traditional accounting software and release you to spend more time creating and increasing your business' success.

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Sage One

Pros 

Sage One is efficient, easy-to-use accounting software bundled with project tracking, task management, collaboration and payment processing. It is an online solution, so it is always up to date, backed up, encrypted and accessible via any web connection.

Cons 

If you are looking for traditional accounting software such as products similar to Sage 50 or QuickBooks Pro, this is not it. Sage One is designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers and startups, not companies that need to manage a lot of inventory or many employees.

The Verdict

The VerdictCreate invoices and get paid quickly with Sage One. You can manage projects, track tasks, track time and accept payments using this one solution. In addition, Sage One accounts support unlimited collaborators, projects, tasks and invoicing without any additional fees.

Sage set a new precedent with Sage One. This accounting solution is not limited to traditional, stodgy accounting tools. Sage One resides online, works on all devices, includes project management and collaboration tools, and processes online payments. It does not require installation, and it is always up to date. You don't need formal accounting training to use it either, because it is simple and streamlined, which makes it ideal for sole proprietors, freelancers and independent contractors. Sage One is new to the market, yet it is backed by more than 30 years of accounting software experience. Our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award winner for online accounting software can easily help you invoice and track projects with style.

More than 90 percent of businesses registered in the U.S. are comprised of a single person. Although big companies require complex accounting solutions, freelancers, contractors and sole proprietors do not. Sage One is the perfect solution for managing your small business and collaborating on projects. This online accounting solution easily creates invoices, tracks tasks, manages projects and performs general accounting duties to help you manage the details of your business.

Sage One accounts support unlimited collaborators, unlimited customers and unlimited invoicing. An account also supports two administrators with full access rights so that you can work with a business partner or accountant without an additional charge. You can add additional administrators for another $10 each per month. Each account comes with 5GB of free storage for your documents and projects.

Sage offers free support to all users. Sage provides full support that includes direct support by email, telephone and instant chat. Because Sage One is still a relatively new product, the company gives you the opportunity to comment on the product and offer feedback via an email link. To keep abreast of the new features and uses for this accounting solution, you can follow Sage on Facebook and Twitter, or read the Sage One Blog.

Invoicing & Billing:      

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Using Sage One, you can easily create, send and track invoices. You can customize your invoices using your own logo, send invoices by email and save them as PDF files. To ensure accuracy, you can preview invoices before you send them to your clients. Sage One can manage multiple sales tax rates, associated purchase orders, invoice comments and even partial payments. Once you have stored information such as client data, Sage One can automatically insert that information into invoices to help you create them in seconds.

This online accounting software tracks payment statuses, so you always know who owes you money. Clients can also make payments directly from the invoice using PayPal or via Sage payment solutions. Sage payment solutions charges a low percentage rate plus a small 20-cent fee per credit card transaction.

Project Tracking:      

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The ability to collaborate and manage projects sets this small business tool apart from basic accounting software. While most freelancers do not need complicated accounting software, they do need to manage projects, and they often work on projects with other people. Using Sage One, you can create and manage tasks and projects for your team and clients. You can easily view assigned tasks, track progress, view estimated costs, control time spent on tasks and manage activities. Sage One also tracks messages, file notes, client feedback and file changes. This project tracker freely supports unlimited collaborators, including employees, contractors, clients and accountants. Sage One also provides up to 5GB of storage for file sharing and storage. To help keep team members on task and informed, it will send out email notifications and reminders. All data is continually backed up and secured using SSL data encryption, and it always accessible via a web connection.

To give you an informed, top-down view of what is going on with your projects, Sage One includes a Smart Dashboard. The dashboard includes infographics, recent activities, tasks, outstanding invoices and project statuses. Straight from the dashboard, you can send out payment reminders, create and assign tasks, create projects and create invoices.

Mobility:      

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Sage One will display on any web-enabled device. Although device-specific apps are not yet available, the interface is optimized to run on PCs, Macs and iPads. Mobile-specific apps are scheduled to be rolled out sometime in 2013. Because Sage One is cloud based, it works across platforms and does not require a download. We asked a representative whether it works on other mobile devices, and they said they had seen it work on other devices, but that it is not officially supported on all of them at this time.

Summary:

Sage has drawn more than 30 years of accounting software experience into one efficient product – Sage One. This online accounting software in not muddled with tools that freelancers and micro companies do not need. It is simple accounting software bundled with project tracking, task management, collaboration and payment processing. Sage One is clever, adept and proficient, just like you want your company to be.

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Accounting Software Review

Is Online Accounting Software Right for Me?

If you want to be able to easily track the projects you are working on and send professional invoices to your clients, online accounting software with project tracking is for you. Not everyone needs full-fledged, bloated bookkeeping software. Many entrepreneurs and freelancers work alone or in small groups and do not need to track volumes of inventory or process payroll. Online accounting services create invoices, process payments, provide collaboration tools and track expenses easily online or via a mobile device.

Although most of the products we reviewed are not full-blown, traditional accounting products, they do create the reports and records you need to prepare your taxes. They track all transactions and generate reports that your accountant can use to prepare your business' taxes. In addition, these online services are secure. They use industry-approved online security practices such as password protection, SSL-encrypted connections and redundant data backup.

To discover more about these accounting services, see our articles on online accounting software. If you are ready to start invoicing today, check out our top choice, Sage One, which is affordably priced and simple to use. For more reporting options and cloud accounting, see FreshBooks. On the other hand, if you are interested in a service that you can easily customize with add-ons and modules, see Harvest.Accounting Software: What to Look for

These online business productivity tools are simple. They are designed to help you track projects and get paid. However, there are a few things to consider before you select accounting software to help run your small business. The first is whether you work alone or with a team. Some services charge extra for additional users, and collaboration tools vary among services. A second consideration is whether you need payment processing or not. Many of these online accounting services support credit card processing via PayPal or other payment processor so your clients can submit payments through a payment link included with the invoice.

All online accounting and project tracking services we reviewed can create invoices you can print, save as a PDF file or email to your clients. Accounting software also tracks overdue invoices and balances. While reviewing these services, we compared invoicing tools, project trackers and mobile platforms to help you make an informed choice on the best accounting system for your business.

When comparing accounting software, TopTenREVIEWS considered the following:

Invoicing & Billing

The best accounting software can easily create professional-looking, personalized invoices to help you get paid quickly and track payment information for tax purposes. Accounting programs provide invoicing tools that can configure sales tax, track clients' billing information, monitor balances and track overdue payments. You can create personalized invoices with your company logo with a choice of templates. Many of these services let you alter template themes, layouts and fonts. Using online services, you can also email invoices to clients directly through the software and save them as PDF files. The best companies also help you examine trends using helpful reports. Although most do not directly connect to your bank account, you can use them to track balances and monitor transactions.

Project Tracking

Top accounting software track projects, budgets, tasks, time and expenses to help you bill clients accurately and meet project goals. The most budget-friendly services also allow you to add users or permission-controlled visitors without charging additional fees. This allows you to collaborate with other project stakeholders online. The best accounting systems also allow collaborators to share files and attach files and notes to tasks and projects. For the most part, these services are not suited to track complex inventory scenarios. Though most will allow you to save common items that you sell, these online bookkeeping services are best for those who bill by time or project.

Mobility

Many entrepreneurs started their own businesses to alleviate the burden of going to the office. Mobility is crucial for giving business owners the freedom they want while providing the required level of professionalism. These services are hosted online, which means that they are compatible with PCs and Macs, as well as a variety of browsers. Therefore, you can log in from anywhere and access your account. The best and most modern online accounting also provide tools for mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones and Android phones. Some provide full access with any web-enabled device, whereas others provide mobile apps that can perform tasks such as logging expenses and time. These services offer a range of mobile tools, and we will explain each company's offering in our reviews.

The best accounting software should help you become more efficient and less burdened with tedious tasks. Most small business owners and freelancers report that these services reduce the amount of time they spend performing accounting tasks to just a few hours per month. More free time means that you can spend more time growing your business.

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