Is it for individual business owners or corporations?
Many accounting software are offered in separate plans for individual business owners and corporations. When it comes to accounting software, it is important to note that the functions needed by sole proprietors and corporations are very different. There are also differences in pricing.
Cloud type or installed type?
Choose between a cloud type or an installation type according to your company’s environment. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so we recommend choosing one based on your priorities.
If basic accounting tasks are sufficient, or if you would prefer easy operation without specialized knowledge, you may want to choose a cloud-based system. It also has low initial costs and is always updated to the latest version.
The installed version is recommended for medium-sized or larger corporations that need to perform complex accounting operations.
Operability/convenience
It is also important to choose accounting software that is easy to use and convenient. In particular, if the software is to be used by someone who has no experience in accounting and has little knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting, choose accounting software that has a simple UI and can be used intuitively.
Does it work with other apps?
You also need to check whether it can be linked with other apps. If you can link with financial institutions or external payment services, you can automatically make journal entries based on payment information, making bookkeeping more efficient.
Compatible devices and OS types
Also, be careful about compatible devices. There are many accounting software that can be operated not only from a computer but also from a smartphone or tablet.
You also need to be careful about whether it is compatible with the OS you are currently using. Many cloud-based products are compatible with both Windows and macOS, but some installation-based products may only be compatible with Windows.
After-sales support details
Also, check the after-sales support. An important factor is whether they will provide solid support not only during the installation but also for post-installation operations and accounting tasks. You may also want to check how quickly they respond to inquiries.
Some accounting software comes with support from tax accountants and other staff with specialized knowledge. Check to see what kind of after-sales support is provided to ensure smooth accounting operations.
Is there a free trial period?
Some cloud-based accounting software has free plans or trial periods. Although the features and support are limited compared to paid plans, it is recommended for those who want to try out the usability once before considering full-scale implementation.
15 Recommended Accounting Software | Thorough Comparison of Features and Prices
Here, we will explain 15 recommended accounting software. We will also introduce the characteristics of each accounting software, so please use this as a reference when choosing the accounting software that is suitable for your company.
Recommended cloud accounting software
First, we will introduce some recommended cloud-based accounting software.
1. Cloud accounting software free accounting
Cloud accounting software free accounting is an accounting software that centralizes accounting-related tasks and allows you to proceed efficiently. It is compatible with both individuals and corporations, and implementation support is also available.
You can also import receipts, invoices, etc., and automatic journal entry using analysis functions is also possible. It can also be linked with external tools such as Salesforce and Kintone.
provider | freee Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate plan | ・Individual annual payment - Starter: 1,078 yen (tax included)/month, 12,936 yen (tax included)/year
- Standard: 2,178 yen (tax included)/month, 26,136 yen (tax included)/year
- Premium: 43,780 yen (tax included)/year
monthly payment - Starter: 1,628 yen (tax included)/month
- Standard: 2,395 yen (tax included)/month
・Corporations with 20 or fewer people annual payment - Minimum: 2,178 yen (tax included)/month, 26,136 yen (tax included)/year
- Basic: 4,378 yen (tax included)/month, 52,536 yen (tax included)/year
- Professional: 43,780 yen (tax included)/month, 525,360 yen (tax included)/year
monthly payment - Minimum: 1,628 yen (tax included)/month
- Basic: 2,948 yen (tax included)/month
- Professional: 52,536 yen (tax included)/month
・Corporations with 20 or more people: Please inquire |
Implementation results | The number of paid user companies exceeds 330,000 (as of the end of June 2021) |
Functions/Features | - Paper document import function
- Cooperation between human resources, labor,r and accounting functions
- Complete cloud workflow
- Automatic report generation function
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2. Money Forward Cloud
Money Forward Cloud is accounting software that supports the efficiency of the entire back office. Input and journal entries can be automated by linking with various external tools such as banks, credit cards, electronic money, POS registers, attendance management, and personnel and labor procedures.
Since AI suggests account items based on big data, the more you use it, the more accurate automatic entry and automatic journal entries will become, making your accounting work easier. It is compatible with both Windows and Ma and is also multi-device compatible, allowing you to use it from smartphones and tablets, so you can use it anytime, anywhere.
provider | Money Forward Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate plan | ・For individuals Annual plan - Personal Mini: 880 yen (tax included)/month, 10,560 yen (tax included)/year
- Personal: 1,078 yen (tax included)/month, 12,936 yen (tax included)/year
- Personal Plus: 3,278 yen (tax included)/month, 39,336 yen (tax included)/year
monthly plan - Personal Mini: 1,078 yen (tax included)/per month
- Personal: 1,408 yen (tax included)/month
・For small to medium-sized businesses Annual plan - Small business plan: 3,278 yen (tax included)/month
- Business plan: 5,478 yen (tax included)/month
・IPO preparation ・For medium-sized to listed companies: Inquiry required |
Functions/Features | - AI suggests account items based on big data
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
- Multi-device compatible
- Automate entry and journal entry by linking with external services
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3. Yayoi Accounting Online
Yayoi Accounting Online is an accounting software that is easy to use even without bookkeeping knowledge. Daily transaction data is automatically acquired and journalized, and paper receipts can be read with a smartphone or scan.
Another point is that you can automatically create financial statements from registered transactions. If you have any questions regarding the closing period, you can consult our customer center, and we can also introduce you to tax accountants and accounting firms free of charge.
The free trial period is long, and all functions can be used for free during the period, so it is recommended for those who want to try out the usability before considering introducing it.
provider | Yayoi Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate plan | - Self plan: 28,600 yen (tax included)/year
- Basic plan: 38,720 yen (tax included)/year
*There is a trial period where you can try all functions for free. - If within 2 years of starting a business: Free for 2 years
- If more than 2 years have passed since startup: 1 year free
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Implementation results | The number of registered users of the series exceeds 2.8 million (*as of September 2022) |
Functions/Features | - Automatically create financial statements from registered transactions
- Free tax accountant introduction and customer center support are available
- Automatic acquisition and normalization of transaction data
- Cooperation via smartphone/tablet app
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4. Easy cloud accounting
Easy Cloud Accounting is accounting software that can be used in a wide range of industries. As a standard, up to three people can use it at the same time, so you can share the same data with your accounting firm in real time.
It can be easily entered in 5 steps, so it can be operated even without knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping. In addition, not only input information but also bank and credit card transaction details can be automatically imported and journalized, making accounting operations more efficient.
provider | Miroku Information Service Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate plan | ・Basic plan- Monthly plan: 1,980 yen (tax included)/month
- Annual plan: 19,800 yen (tax included)/year
・Plus plan - Monthly plan 2,750 yen (tax included)/month
- Annual plan 27,500 yen (tax included)/year
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Functions/Features | - Automatically import and journalize bank and credit card transaction details
- 5-step “Easy input”
- It is possible to share the same data with accounting firms.
- You can understand the business status through a wealth of reports.
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5. Accounting Bugyo Cloud
Kabuto Bugyo Cloud is accounting software that can improve business accuracy and productivity. It is possible to link with financial institution transaction details data, and further automate the creation of invoices by learning from receipts and Excel. You can also enter data in the form of transfer slips, making it easy to enter transactions manually.
One “expert license” is included free of charge, allowing you to share accounting data in real-time with tax accountants and others. Furthermore, we have thorough security measures such as 24/7 operational monitoring and data encryption.
provider | Obic Business Consultant Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | ・For small businesses- iE system: Free
- iJ system: 50,000 yen
・For small and medium-sized businesses - iA system: 50,000 yen
- iB system: 60,000 yen
- iS system: 70,000 yen
・For medium-sized and growing companies: Inquiry required
・For group companies: Inquiry required
・For global companies: Inquiry required |
Rate plan | ・For small businesses- iE system: 6,000 yen/month
- iJ system: 10,000 yen/month
・For small and medium-sized businesses - iA system: 17,000 yen/month
- iB system: 20,250 yen/month
- iS system: 24,000 yen/month
・For medium-sized and growing companies: Inquiry required
・For group companies: Inquiry required
・For global companies: Inquiry required |
Implementation results | Cumulative implementation record: 690,000 companies (*as of January 2023) |
Functions/Features | - Automation of document creation
- Automatically create documents required for financial statements and consumption tax returns
- Also compatible with electronic tax returns and electronic tax payments.
- One “expert license” is included free of charge.
- Protect all your data with encryption
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6 . HANJO accounting
HANJO Accounting is accounting software that specializes in accounting operations at restaurants. Compatible with computers, smartphones, and tablets, you can easily import and journalize receipt data by using the smartphone app.
Tax return NAVI provides detailed support for tax returns, and even first-time users can prepare their tax returns just by following NAVI. In addition, management NAVI allows you to understand the business status in real-time. It also comes with a variety of NAVI tools that can help you streamline your accounting work.
provider | Casio Computer Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate plan | Free planPaid plan: 1,078 yen (tax included)/month |
Functions/Features | - Compatible with computers, smartphones, and tablets
- Smartphone app cooperation
- Automatically create tax returns and forms related to final tax returns
- Display of business status data
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7 . Cloud development accounting
Cloud Development Accounting is accounting software that is fully equipped with functions useful for business decisions and management. It is equipped with an audit report function that checks abnormal values in financial figures, account balances, journal entries, and consumption tax.
It is also possible to create a budget achievement analysis report, making it easy to understand the business situation. It also has a manager checkpoint function that summarizes items that managers should check, enabling speedy management decisions.
provider | Nippon Bizup Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate planA free | e trial version available1 license usage fee: 5,000 yen/month ~ |
Functions/Features | - Automatic import of online banking transaction details
- Audit report function related to management status and accounting
- Manager checkpoint function that summarizes items that managers should check
- Budget Achievement Analysis Report
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8 . Cloud book
Cloud Enbook is an accounting software that allows you to use all functions for free. Suitable for general affairs, accounting, and managers of small and medium-sized businesses, sole proprietors, and those considering starting their own business.
The screen layout is easy to understand even for accounting beginners, so you can use it even if you do not know bookkeeping. Furthermore, it also provides a function to inform you of subsidy information and provides manuals for accounting work and tax returns, so you can deepen your understanding of accounting work.
provider | Encho Internet Service Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate plan | free |
Functions/Features | - Compatible with both Windows and Mac
- Easy-to-understand screen layout even for accounting beginners
- Immediate response to legal amendments
- Notification of subsidy information
- Accounting affairs/final tax return manual
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9. Jobkan Accounting
Jobkan Accounting is a cloud-based accounting software that is as easy to use as the desktop version. Just by entering data, you will have all the books necessary for corporate accounting, including simple ledgers such as accounts receivable and cash ledgers, as well as various ledgers and journal entries.
It also has extensive reporting and aggregation functions, allowing you to make speedy management decisions. It also has extensive functionality for linking with external tools, such as automatically importing and journalizing data from financial institution usage statements.
provider | DONUTS Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | free |
Rate plan | - Startup: 2,750 yen (tax included)/month
- Business: 5,500 yen (tax included)/month
- Enterprise: 55,000 yen (tax included)/month
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Implementation results | Cumulative implementation record: 150,000 companies (*as of January 2023) |
Functions/Features | - All the books necessary for corporate accounting are available
- Semi-automation of input using library functions
- Automatic aggregation function for accounting data
- Automatic importnormalizationn from financial institution usage details
- Data can be imported from CSV and other companies’ accounting software
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Recommended installed accounting software
Next, we will introduce recommended installed accounting software.
10. Yayoi Accounting Series
The Yayoi Accounting series is accounting software that allows you to perform accounting tasks smoothly. You can easily make initial settings on the question-style setting screen and start using it right away. Another great feature is that it comes with a journal advisor function that allows even beginners to easily create journal entries in 4 steps.
It also has extensive management analysis functions such as five-year comparative financial statements, break-even point analysis, ratio analysis, and ABC analysis. Furthermore, the My Portal data-sharing service function enables seamless data exchange with accounting firms.
provider | Yayoi Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | Yayoi Accounting 23 Standard- Self-plan included: 52,800 yen (tax included)
- With the basic plan: 52,800 yen (tax included)
- With total plan: 82,445 yen (tax included)
Yayoi Accounting 23 Professional - Self-plan included: 88,000 yen (tax included)
- 88,000 yen (tax included) with basic plan
- With total plan: 129,250 yen (tax included)
Yayoi Accounting 23 Professional (2 users) - Self-plan included: 115,500 yen (tax included)
- With the basic plan: 115,500 yen (tax included)
- With total plan: 170,500 yen (tax included)
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Functions/Features | - Initial settings can be made in the form of questions
- Management analysis function
- Compatible with both corporate accounts and personal accounts/reports
- Enables seamless data exchange with accounting firms
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11. Exciting financial accounting 8
Wakuwaku Financial Accounting 8 is an accounting software that features a web-like screen and high operability. Hints for entering subjects that display frequently used subjects and associated subjects will help you complete the entry process more efficiently.
It is also possible to create financial statements and consumption tax returns using automatic aggregation. We also have a wide range of management tools that graphically display business conditions such as sales trends and financial structure.
provider | Collaboration Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | - Suggested retail price: 24,200 yen (tax included)
- Eco package: 19,800 yen (tax included)
- Download sales 18,700 (tax included)
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Functions/Features | - Slip entry support using a standard slip dictionary
- Display hints for inputting subjects such as frequently used subjects and associative subjects
- Create financial statements and consumption tax returns with automatic aggregation
- Graphing business status
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12. Accounting Bugyo 11
Kakaku Bugyo 11 is an accounting software that has high operability and functionality that can be used by a wide range of people, from accounting beginners to professionals. It is equipped with functions that reduce the burden of accounting tasks and support the visualization of business conditions.
Journal entries can be automatically created by reserving vouchers and importing data, making input work more efficient. Additionally, you can drill down from each accounting report to the journal entry, allowing for efficient checking and correction.
provider | Obic Business Consultant Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | Account Bugyo i11 (on-premises): 250,000 yen ~ Account Bugyo i11 (NETWORK Edition) - for Windows: 1,120,000 yen (3 licenses) ~
- for Windows with SQL server: 1.32 million yen (3 licenses) ~
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Implementation results | Cumulative implementation record: 690,000 companies (*as of January 2023) |
Functions/Features | - Automatic creation of journal entries by document reservation and data import
- Form output/accounting report creation
- Settlement processing that can handle semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly settlements
- Drill down function
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13. Accounting King
Accounting King is accounting software for individuals and small and medium-sized businesses. There is a wide range of templates that automatically set standard subjects that are often used by industry. Another point is that the intuitive basic screen, which is arranged in the order of to-dos, makes it easy to understand the priority of tasks.
With a variety of aggregation and analysis functions, you can quickly understand your business status. In addition, it supports both blue tax returns and white tax returns, so if you follow the to-do guide, you can create a tax return without mistakes.
provider | Sorimachi Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | Suggested retail price: 44,000 yen (tax included) |
Functions/Features | - Industry templates
- The basic screen that is arranged in ToDo order and can be used intuitively
- Automatic data backup function to the cloud
- Various aggregation and analysis functions
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14. MJS is easy! accounting
MJS is easy! Accounting is a simple accounting software for small businesses and sole proprietors. Even beginners can do bookkeeping with the simple operation of selecting the subject and entering the amount.
Another point is that it is equipped with various input support functions, such as a summary dictionary, a slip dictionary, and a journal entry wizard that includes journal entry examples.
It automatically imports financial institution transaction details and adds supplementary information such as account titles, so you can register them as journal entries. It also automatically learns similar trading patterns, so the more you use it, the easier the input process will be.
provider | Miroku Information Service Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | 27,500 yen (tax included) |
Functions/Features | - Various input support functions
- Backup function
- Automatically import financial institution transaction details
- A trial balance sheet that allows you to quickly check your cash and deposit balances
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15.Jobkan Desktop Accounting 23
Jobkan Desktop Accounting 23 is accounting software that allows even beginners to easily perform corporate accounting operations. An initial setup with automatic guidance allows you to start using it without hesitation.
In addition to easily entering registered transaction details by selecting them, you can create journal entries from bank and credit card transaction details using financial institution cooperation services. It also has a function that allows you to print out one year’s worth of ledgers that you are required to keep in one operation.
provider | Jobkan Accounting Co., Ltd. |
Initial cost | Package version: 30,800 yen (tax included)Download version: 16,500 yen (tax included/updated every 12 months) |
Functions/Features | - Initial setup with automatic guidance
- Easy transaction book that allows you to input by simply selecting registered transaction details
- Previous year reference function
- Financial institution cooperation service
- Preparation of financial statements
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Points to note when introducing accounting software
Finally, we will explain the things to keep in mind when implementing accounting software.
There is a risk of data loss if you do not manage it thoroughly.
Accounting software carries the risk of data loss. Generally, accounting software is equipped with a backup function, but if the managed hardware itself becomes damaged, the backup data may also be lost. Therefore, make sure to manage backup data in a different location than the original data.
There is also the risk of data loss due to human error, such as accidentally deleting data. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep multiple backups of your data. Additionally, security measures must be taken to prevent data leakage and tampering.
If it is not easy to use, you cannot expect to improve business efficiency.
When introducing accounting software, it is important to introduce a system that is easy to use and matches the skills of the person in charge. If your accounting software is not user-friendly for your employees, you won’t be able to improve your business efficiency even if you install it.
Talk to the person in charge in advance and choose the appropriate accounting software for your company. We also recommend checking out the usability with a free trial before fully implementing it.
Depending on the software, an Internet environment is required.
There are many types of accounting software, such as cloud-based software, that cannot be used without an Internet environment. Additionally, in the event of a network failure, accounting software may become unusable during that time, leading to confusion on-site.
Therefore, it is important to have a stable internet environment.
Streamline your accounting operations by introducing accounting software
By implementing accounting software, you can streamline your accounting operations. Bookkeeping can be done easily without any knowledge of bookkeeping, so it is recommended for individuals who want to reduce the time they spend on accounting work, such as sole proprietorships and small and medium-sized enterprises.
There are two types of accounting software: cloud-based and installed-based, each with its advantages and disadvantages. When introducing accounting software, compare and consider the features and operability of each to choose the most suitable accounting software.