The 5 Best Alternatives to Accounting Departments in 2024

Accounting departments are responsible for managing a company's financial transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing accurate financial reports. However, traditional accounting departments might not always be the best fit for your business needs, especially if you're a startup or a small business. That's why we've compiled a list of alternatives below to help you find the right solution for your financial management.

1. Pilot

At Pilot, we provide a comprehensive suite of accounting, CFO, and tax services tailored to the unique needs of startups and growing businesses. Our team of experts, combined with our advanced software, delivers accurate monthly financial reports, allowing you to focus on what matters most - growing your business.

What We Do

At Pilot, we offer tailored financial services for startups and small businesses across various industries, providing specialized expertise. Our dedicated team ensures personalized solutions that align with our clients' unique business needs:

• Industries: We specialize in working with high-growth technology startups, ecommerce providers, professional services, non–profits and more.
• Services: Bookkeeping, Tax, CFO Services, R&D Credit.

We cater to clients at different stages, from pre-seed to Series C, and pride ourselves on being the largest startup-focused accounting firm in the US. Our team of over 250 US-based employees delivers triple-checked financial statements for peace of mind, expert tax preparation support, and CFO services for budgeting, KPI tracking, board decks, and fundraising. Trust Pilot to be the most tech-forward, experienced, and scalable accounting partner for your growing business.

Why Use Pilot?

As a content strategist at Pilot, I'd like to share some key advantages of using our services for your startup or growing business:

• Improved accuracy: Our innovative workflows and advanced software ensure that your financial reports are accurate, giving you confidence in your financial data.
• Enhanced communication and collaboration: We prioritize clear communication with our clients, making it easy for you to stay informed and collaborate with our team of experts.
• Extensive experience: We have helped scale thousands of companies from the earliest pre-seed stages through raising nine-figure Series C rounds, giving us the expertise to support your business at every stage of growth.
• Comprehensive services: We offer a wide range of financial services, including bookkeeping, tax services, CFO services, R&D tax credit, and AP/AR, making us a one-stop-shop for your financial needs.
• Industry-specific expertise: Our team has experience working with various industries, allowing us to provide tailored solutions that align with your unique business requirements.

By choosing Pilot, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of your financial management needs.

Our Pricing

Pilot offers various pricing options for their services:

• Bookkeeping: Starter $499/month, Core $699/month, and Plus custom pricing.
• Tax: Essentials (starting at $2,450/year) and Standard (starting at $5,400/year).
• CFO Services: Basic ($1,875/month), Essential ($3,375/month), and Custom ($5,625/month).
• R&D Tax Credit: 20% of total credit received.

For custom pricing plans, visit the Pilot pricing page and contact sales for a quote.

2. Zeni

Zeni is an AI-powered bookkeeping and accounting platform designed specifically for tech startups. The platform offers daily bookkeeping and real-time financial insights, enabling founders to make informed decisions and stay up-to-date with their financials.

• Industries: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, eCommerce, Financial Services, Media, Non-Profit and Religious, Professional Services, and Software Accounting.
• Services: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Bookkeeping, Financial Planning & Reporting, Outsourced CFO, and Tax Preparation.
• Pricing Plans: Starter ($549/month, billed annually), Growth ($799/month, billed annually), and Enterprise (custom pricing, billed annually).

3. Graphite

Graphite is a finance department-as-a-service provider for early-stage and growing technology, e-commerce/CPG, and web3 startups. They operate like an in-house accounting and finance team, offering a fractional model to help startups scale from pre-seed to exit at a fraction of the cost of hiring full-time.

• Industries: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, eCommerce, Food & Beverage, Media, Retail, Software, Technology Hardware & Equipment Accounting.
• Services: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Advisory, Auditing, Bookkeeping, Financial Planning & Reporting, Outsourced CFO, Payroll, Tax Preparation, Technology Implementation & Consulting.
• Pricing Plans: Tier 1: Accounting (starting at $850/month), Tier 2: Strategic Finance (contact for pricing), and Tax & Compliance (contact for pricing). For more details or to get a quote, visit the Graphite pricing page.

4. Acuity

Acuity is an online bookkeeping service provider that specializes in catering to the needs of entrepreneurs. They offer a range of accounting services designed to serve as the financial backbone for businesses, helping them select the right accounting technologies and establish sustainable financial processes.

• Industries: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, eCommerce, Professional Services, Software, Technology Hardware & Equipment Accounting.
• Services: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Advisory, Bookkeeping, Outsourced CFO, Payroll, Tax Preparation, Technology Implementation & Consulting.
• Pricing Plans: Bookkeeping ($479/month), Bookkeeping Plus ($1,029/month), and Bookkeeping Plus + Accounting ($2,179/month).

5. Fondo

Fondo is a Y Combinator-backed all-in-one accounting platform designed to simplify bookkeeping, tax, and tax credits for startups.

• Industries: Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Consumer Services, eCommerce, Energy, Financial Services, Healthcare Care Equipment & Services, Insurance & Brokerage, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences, Professional Services, Real Estate & Development, Software, Technology Hardware & Equipment, Telecommunications Accounting.
• Services: Bookkeeping, Financial Planning & Reporting, Outsourced CFO, Tax Preparation.
• Pricing Plans: Fondo offers various pricing plans for their services, including monthly, quarterly, and annual options.

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