FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a cloud accounting application originally built around invoicing and time tracking for freelancers and small service businesses. It has expanded to include double-entry bookkeeping, expense management, project profitability tracking, and financial reporting.

Accounting firms encounter FreshBooks primarily when onboarding clients who already use it. The platform offers an accountant access feature that lets firms log into client accounts, review transactions, and run reports without needing separate credentials. FreshBooks also provides an accounting partner program with dedicated support and client referrals.

The invoicing experience is a notable strength — it supports automated payment reminders, online payment acceptance, recurring invoices, and multi-currency billing. Time tracking is built in, making it a natural fit for service-based businesses that bill by the hour.

FreshBooks is best suited for freelancers, consultants, and small service businesses. Firms working with product-based businesses or clients needing inventory management, payroll, or complex reporting typically recommend alternatives like QuickBooks Online or Xero.