This page provides details about QuickBooks (product,organization) which was ranked #1 out of 166 in the list of brands (68 mentions (100% share)) in answers from AI models (Perplexity Sonar (with search) (latest), Anthropic Claude Sonnet (latest), OpenAI ChatGPT Latest, Google Gemini Flash (latest), X.AI Grok (latest)) when they were asked the following 3 questions: "What are the best Accounting options available today? Please provide a comprehensive overview including: the leading brands and products, top companies and service providers, recognized experts and thought leaders, promising startups and new market entrants, major industry events and conferences, active communities and forums, and influential publications and media covering this space.", "If I'm looking to get into Accounting, who and what should I know about? Include the most trusted brands, recommended products and services, reputable companies and providers, influential experts and reviewers to follow, helpful communities and resources, important events and conferences, notable startups disrupting the space, and key publications and media channels to stay informed.", "What does the Accounting industry look like right now? Identify the dominant market leaders and brands, best products and services, key companies and providers, influential figures and thought leaders, emerging startups and trends, major conferences and events, active professional communities, and the top publications and media that cover this industry." on Dec 30, 2025 by AI Chat Watch.
What are the best Accounting options available today? Please provide a comprehensive overview including: the leading brands and products, top companies and service providers, recognized experts and thought leaders, promising startups and new market entrants, major industry events and conferences, active communities and forums, and influential publications and media covering this space.
### Leading Brands and Products
The top accounting software brands in 2025 include **QuickBooks Online** (Intuit), **Xero**, **Sage Intacct**, **Oracle NetSuite**, and **Workday**, dominating across small businesses, enterprises, and specialized needs like e-commerce, financial planning, and HR integration[20 Best Enterprise Accounting Software Reviewed in 2025](https://thecfoclub.com/tools/b [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] og-posts/accounting-software-for-small-businesses)[20+ Best Bookkeeping Software for Businesses (2025 Tool Guide)](https://pilot.com/blog/bookkeeping-software-for-business).
| Category | Top Products | Best For | Key Sources |
|----------|--------------|----------|-------------|
| Small Business | QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Books, Sage 50 | Invoicing, payroll, automation | [Top 5 Accounting Software for Small Businesses 2025 - Haven Tax](https://www.usehaven.com/blog-posts/accounting-software-for-small-businesses)[20+ Best Bookkeeping Software for Businesses (2025 Tool Guide)](https://pilot.com/blog [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] esses 2025 - Haven Tax](https://www.usehaven.com/blog-posts/accounting-software-for-small-businesses)[20+ Best Bookkeeping Software for Businesses (2025 Tool Guide)](https://pilot.com/blog/bookkeeping-software-for-business).
### Top Companies and Service Providers
Leading providers are **Intuit** (QuickBooks), **Xero Ltd.**, **Oracle** (NetSuite), **Sage Group**, **Workday Inc.**, and **SAP**[Top 10 Accounting Software in World for Large Companies in 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM-TgPF3V44)[Top 5 Accounting Software for Small Businesses 2025 - Haven Tax](https://www.usehaven.com/blog-posts/ac [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] -business)[7 Best Cloud Accounting Software in 2025 (Reviewed and Compared)](https://www.runeleven.com/blog/best-cloud-accounting-software)[Best Accounting Software 2025 - Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/). Service-oriented platforms like **Link My Books** integrate with Xero/QuickBooks for e-commerce[Top 10 Accounting Software in World for Large Companies in 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM-TgPF3V44). Aggregators such as **G2** (https://www.g2.com/best-software-companies/top-accounting-and-finance) and **Capterra** (https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/) rank thes [...]
December 30, 2025
If I'm looking to get into Accounting, who and what should I know about? Include the most trusted brands, recommended products and services, reputable companies and providers, influential experts and reviewers to follow, helpful communities and resources, important events and conferences, notable startups disrupting the space, and key publications and media channels to stay informed.
[...] kkeeping Software for Businesses (2025 Tool Guide)](https://pilot.com/blog/bookkeeping-software-for-business)[10 Best Bookkeeping Software for 2025](https://www.runeleven.com/blog/best-bookkeeping-software)[Best Accounting Software 2025 - Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/)
- **QuickBooks** (https://quickbooks.intuit.com): Widely used for small businesses, offering automation, payroll, forecasting, and e-commerce integrations.[Top 10 Accounting Software in World for Large Companies in 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM-TgPF3V44)[Top 5 Accounting Software for Small Businesses 2 [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] Businesses (2025 Tool Guide)](https://pilot.com/blog/bookkeeping-software-for-business)[10 Best Bookkeeping Software for 2025](https://www.runeleven.com/blog/best-bookkeeping-software)[Best Accounting Software 2025 - Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/)
- **QuickBooks** (https://quickbooks.intuit.com): Widely used for small businesses, offering automation, payroll, forecasting, and e-commerce integrations.[Top 10 Accounting Software in World for Large Companies in 2025](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM-TgPF3V44)[Top 5 Accounting Software for Small Businesses 2025 - Haven Tax](https [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] .com/tools/best-enterprise-accounting-software/)[Best Accounting and Finance Products for 2025 - G2](https://www.g2.com/best-software-companies/top-accounting-and-finance)
| Category | Top Picks | Best For | Source Links |
|----------|-----------|----------|--------------|
| Small Business | Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho Books | Invoicing, payroll | [4](https://www.usehaven.com/blog-posts/accounting-software-for-small-businesses), [5](https://pilot.com/blog/bookkeeping-software-for-business) |
| Enterprise | NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Workday | ERP, global ops | [1](https://thecfoclub.com/tools/best-enterprise-a [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] blog/best-bookkeeping-software)
- Reddit (r/accounting, r/Bookkeeping) and LinkedIn groups for peer discussions (common in industry resources).
### Important Events and Conferences
Search results lack specifics on 2025 events; consider major annual ones like AICPA Engage (https://www.aicpa.org) or QuickBooks Connect (https://quickbooks.connectusers.com) based on standard industry calendars.
### Notable Startups Disrupting the Space
- **Eleven**: AI automation for bookkeeping, multi-company/currency support; 4.9/5 on Capterra.[10 Best Bookkeeping Software for 2025](https://www.runeleven.com/blog/best-b [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] re)
- Reddit (r/accounting, r/Bookkeeping) and LinkedIn groups for peer discussions (common in industry resources).
### Important Events and Conferences
Search results lack specifics on 2025 events; consider major annual ones like AICPA Engage (https://www.aicpa.org) or QuickBooks Connect (https://quickbooks.connectusers.com) based on standard industry calendars.
### Notable Startups Disrupting the Space
- **Eleven**: AI automation for bookkeeping, multi-company/currency support; 4.9/5 on Capterra.[10 Best Bookkeeping Software for 2025](https://www.runeleven.com/blog/best-bookkeeping-software)
- **Liv [...]
December 30, 2025
What does the Accounting industry look like right now? Identify the dominant market leaders and brands, best products and services, key companies and providers, influential figures and thought leaders, emerging startups and trends, major conferences and events, active professional communities, and the top publications and media that cover this industry.
[...] stry-leaders/) |
| RSM US | Top 5 (Accounting Today) | N/A | Middle-market focus [2](https://rsmus.com/newsroom/2025/accounting-today-ranks-rsm-no-5-on-list-of-2025-top-100-firms.html) |
### Best Products and Services
Top cloud accounting platforms: **Xero** (real-time bank feeds, integrations), **QuickBooks Online** (advanced reporting, tax compliance), **NetSuite** (AI dashboards, mobile access).[Accounting Industry Statistics 2025 (Trends & New Data) ](https://linkmybooks.com/blog/accounting-industry-statistics) AI tools for tax research, workflow, and compliance are core, with 78% of US firms plan [...]
December 30, 2025
What are the best Accounting options available today? Please provide a comprehensive overview including: the leading brands and products, top companies and service providers, recognized experts and thought leaders, promising startups and new market entrants, major industry events and conferences, active communities and forums, and influential publications and media covering this space.
# Comprehensive Overview of Accounting Options Today
## Leading Accounting Software & Platforms
### Cloud-Based Accounting Solutions
1. **QuickBooks Online** - [https://quickbooks.intuit.com/](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
- Market leader by Intuit for small to medium businesses
- Offers various pricing tiers and extensive integrations
2. **Xero** - [https://www.xero.com/](https://www.xero.com/)
- New Zealand-based cloud accounting [...]
December 30, 2025
# Comprehensive Overview of Accounting Options Today
## Leading Accounting Software & Platforms
### Cloud-Based Accounting Solutions
1. **QuickBooks Online** - [https://quickbooks.intuit.com/](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
- Market leader by Intuit for small to medium businesses
- Offers various pricing tiers and extensive integrations
2. **Xero** - [https://www.xero.com/](https://www.xero.com/)
- New Zealand-based cloud accounting platform
- Strong in interna [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] y Financial Management** - [https://www.workday.com/en-us/products/financial-management/overview.html](https://www.workday.com/en-us/products/financial-management/overview.html)
- Cloud-based enterprise finance solution
- Strong in HR-finance integration
### Desktop Accounting Software
1. **QuickBooks Desktop** - [https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/)
- Traditional desktop version with advanced features
- Preferred by some accountants for complex workflows
2. **Sage 50cloud** - [https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-50cloud/](https://www.sage.c [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] s://www.workday.com/en-us/products/financial-management/overview.html](https://www.workday.com/en-us/products/financial-management/overview.html)
- Cloud-based enterprise finance solution
- Strong in HR-finance integration
### Desktop Accounting Software
1. **QuickBooks Desktop** - [https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/)
- Traditional desktop version with advanced features
- Preferred by some accountants for complex workflows
2. **Sage 50cloud** - [https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-50cloud/](https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-50cloud/) [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] ing Services
1. **Bench** - [https://bench.co/](https://bench.co/)
- Online bookkeeping service with dedicated bookkeepers
- Monthly financial statements
2. **Bookkeeper.com** - [https://www.bookkeeper.com/](https://www.bookkeeper.com/)
- Professional bookkeeping services
- Works with QuickBooks Online
3. **Pilot** - [https://pilot.com/](https://pilot.com/)
- Bookkeeping and CFO services for startups
- Backed by venture capital
## Recognized Experts & Thought Leaders
### Accounting Educators & Authors
1. **Blake Oliver** - [https://www.earmarkapp.com/](https://www.earmarkapp.com/ [...]
December 30, 2025
If I'm looking to get into Accounting, who and what should I know about? Include the most trusted brands, recommended products and services, reputable companies and providers, influential experts and reviewers to follow, helpful communities and resources, important events and conferences, notable startups disrupting the space, and key publications and media channels to stay informed.
[...] //www.grantthornton.com/)** - Major mid-tier firm
- **[RSM](https://rsmus.com/)** - Leading provider of audit, tax, and consulting services
- **[Crowe](https://www.crowe.com/)** - Public accounting and consulting firm
## 💻 Essential Accounting Software & Tools
### Cloud Accounting Platforms
- **[QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)** - Most popular small business accounting software
- **[Xero](https://www.xero.com/)** - Cloud-based accounting platform
- **[FreshBooks](https://www.freshbooks.com/)** - Invoicing and accounting for small businesses
- **[Wave](https://www.waveapps.com/)** - [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] rsity of Southern California - Leventhal](https://www.marshall.usc.edu/programs/specialized-masters-programs/master-accounting)** - Top accounting school
## 🎪 Important Events & Conferences
### Major Conferences
- **[AICPA ENGAGE](https://www.aicpa.org/engage)** - Annual flagship conference
- **[QuickBooks Connect](https://quickbooksconnect.com/)** - Intuit's annual conference
- **[Xerocon](https://www.xero.com/xerocon/)** - Xero's global event
- **[Accounting & Finance Show](https://www.accountingandfinanceshow.com/)** - UK/North America events
- **[IMA Annual Conference](https://www.imanet.org/even [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] nse Management
- **[Expensify](https://www.expensify.com/)** - Expense management platform
- **[Ramp](https://ramp.com/)** - Corporate cards and expense management
- **[Brex](https://www.brex.com/)** - Financial services for growing businesses
## 📱 Apps & Tools for Daily Use
### Mobile Apps
- **[QuickBooks Mobile](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/mobile/)** - Mobile accounting
- **[Xero Mobile](https://www.xero.com/mobile/)** - On-the-go accounting
- **[Receipt Bank (now Dext)](https://dext.com/)** - Receipt capture and processing
### Productivity Tools
- **[Excel](https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-3 [...]
December 30, 2025
What does the Accounting industry look like right now? Identify the dominant market leaders and brands, best products and services, key companies and providers, influential figures and thought leaders, emerging startups and trends, major conferences and events, active professional communities, and the top publications and media that cover this industry.
[...] ence** - [https://www.aicpastore.com/conference/edge](https://www.aicpastore.com/conference/edge) - Digital tools and technology
**Technology-Focused:**
- **Accounting & Finance Show** - [https://www.accountingnfinanceshow.com](https://www.accountingnfinanceshow.com) - North America and London
- **QuickBooks Connect** - [https://quickbooks.intuit.com/connect/](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/connect/) - Intuit's annual conference
- **Xerocon** - [https://www.xero.com/xerocon/](https://www.xero.com/xerocon/) - Xero's global conference
- **Sage Transform** - [https://www.sage.com/en-us/sage-transform/](htt [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] .com/conference/edge](https://www.aicpastore.com/conference/edge) - Digital tools and technology
**Technology-Focused:**
- **Accounting & Finance Show** - [https://www.accountingnfinanceshow.com](https://www.accountingnfinanceshow.com) - North America and London
- **QuickBooks Connect** - [https://quickbooks.intuit.com/connect/](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/connect/) - Intuit's annual conference
- **Xerocon** - [https://www.xero.com/xerocon/](https://www.xero.com/xerocon/) - Xero's global conference
- **Sage Transform** - [https://www.sage.com/en-us/sage-transform/](https://www.sage.com/en-us/sage-tra [...]
December 30, 2025
What are the best Accounting options available today? Please provide a comprehensive overview including: the leading brands and products, top companies and service providers, recognized experts and thought leaders, promising startups and new market entrants, major industry events and conferences, active communities and forums, and influential publications and media covering this space.
## 1) Leading accounting software (by use case)
### A. Small business / startup general ledger + invoicing
- [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) (by [Intuit](https://www.intuit.com/)) — broad ecosystem (bank feeds, payroll/apps), common choice in the US/Canada.
- [Xero](https://www.xero.com/) — strong bank-feed workflows and advisor ecosystem; popular internationally.
- [FreshBooks](https://www.fr [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] //rsmus.com/)
- [Grant Thornton](https://www.grantthornton.com/) (US) / [Grant Thornton International](https://www.grantthornton.global/)
- [Baker Tilly](https://www.bakertilly.com/)
- [Forvis Mazars](https://www.forvismazars.com/)
### Outsourced bookkeeping/accounting for startups & SMBs
- [QuickBooks Live](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/live/) (by [Intuit](https://www.intuit.com/))
- [Pilot](https://pilot.com/) (startup-focused bookkeeping + CFO services)
---
## 4) Recognized “thought-leader” institutions (standards, guidance, and the profession)
If you want the most credible direction on ac [...]
[...] dvice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) (by [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/))
- [TrustRadius](https://www.trustradius.com/)
---
## How to choose quickly (so “best” matches your situation)
- **Solo/freelancer**: [FreshBooks](https://www.freshbooks.com/), [Wave](https://www.waveapps.com/), or [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
- **SMB with payroll + lots of integrations**: [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) or [Xero](https://www.xero.com/) + [BILL](https://www.bill.com/) / [Ramp](https://ramp.com/)
- **Multi-entity, department reporting, audit trail needs**: [S [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] tps://www.trustradius.com/)
---
## How to choose quickly (so “best” matches your situation)
- **Solo/freelancer**: [FreshBooks](https://www.freshbooks.com/), [Wave](https://www.waveapps.com/), or [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
- **SMB with payroll + lots of integrations**: [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) or [Xero](https://www.xero.com/) + [BILL](https://www.bill.com/) / [Ramp](https://ramp.com/)
- **Multi-entity, department reporting, audit trail needs**: [Sage Intacct](https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-intacct/) or [Oracle NetSuite](https://www.nets [...]
December 30, 2025
If I'm looking to get into Accounting, who and what should I know about? Include the most trusted brands, recommended products and services, reputable companies and providers, influential experts and reviewers to follow, helpful communities and resources, important events and conferences, notable startups disrupting the space, and key publications and media channels to stay informed.
[...] Gleim](https://www.gleim.com/)
- [UWorld Roger CPA Review](https://www.uworld.com/cpa)
- [Surgent CPA Review](https://www.surgentcpareview.com/)
---
## 3) “Trusted stack” of accounting products and services (what you’ll run into in real jobs)
### Core accounting/ERP systems (SMB → enterprise)
- [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) (very common in small business)
- [Xero](https://www.xero.com/) (SMB + accounting-firm ecosystem)
- [Sage Intacct](https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-intacct/) (mid-market cloud financials)
- [Oracle NetSuite](https://www.netsuite.com/) (mid-market ERP) [...]
What does the Accounting industry look like right now? Identify the dominant market leaders and brands, best products and services, key companies and providers, influential figures and thought leaders, emerging startups and trends, major conferences and events, active professional communities, and the top publications and media that cover this industry.
[...] (US GAAP)](https://www.fasb.org/) and the [IFRS Foundation (IFRS)](https://www.ifrs.org/).
2) **Cloud, automation, and “continuous” finance ops** (outsourced bookkeeping/CAS, close automation, AP/AR automation, payroll, embedded tax, real-time reporting), driven by software platforms like [Intuit QuickBooks](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/), [Xero](https://www.xero.com/), [Sage](https://www.sage.com/), [NetSuite](https://www.netsuite.com/), [SAP](https://www.sap.com/), and [Microsoft Dynamics 365](https://dynamics.microsoft.com/).
Across both lanes, the biggest forces are: **AI-assisted workflows, con [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] (often within large firms) and standards shaping via the [IFRS/ISSB](https://www.ifrs.org/) ecosystem
---
## Best-known / leading products & services (software + platforms)
(“Best” varies by segment; these are widely adopted market leaders by category.)
### Small business accounting (core GL)
- [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
- [Xero](https://www.xero.com/)
- [Sage Accounting](https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-accounting/)
- Open-source/SME ERP alternatives: [Odoo](https://www.odoo.com/), [ERPNext](https://erpnext.com/)
### Mid-market & enterprise ERP / finance suites
- [O [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] ttps://www.microsoft.com/), [Oracle](https://www.oracle.com/), and specialist vendors like [BlackLine](https://www.blackline.com/) and [MindBridge](https://www.mindbridge.ai/).
- **Client Advisory Services (CAS)** expansion by firms (recurring revenue + systems implementation around platforms like [QuickBooks](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) and [Xero](https://www.xero.com/)).
- **Close & controllership modernization** (standardization, reconciliation automation, better controls) led by tools like [BlackLine](https://www.blackline.com/) and [Workiva](https://www.workiva.com/).
- **ESG/sustainability rep [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] onal networks: [AICPA](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/), [ACCA](https://www.accaglobal.com/), [ICAEW](https://www.icaew.com/), [IFAC](https://www.ifac.org/), [IMA](https://www.imanet.org/)
- Practitioner media + forums: [AccountingWEB](https://www.accountingweb.com/)
- Platform communities:
- [Intuit QuickBooks Community](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/community)
- [Xero Central](https://central.xero.com/)
- [Sage City](https://www.sagecity.com/)
- Large public discussion forum: [r/Accounting](https://www.reddit.com/r/Accounting/) (Reddit)
---
## Top publications & media covering [...]
December 30, 2025
What are the best Accounting options available today? Please provide a comprehensive overview including: the leading brands and products, top companies and service providers, recognized experts and thought leaders, promising startups and new market entrants, major industry events and conferences, active communities and forums, and influential publications and media covering this space.
[...] ensive overview of the key players, platforms, and resources in the industry today.
### **1. Leading Brands and Products (Software)**
The market is divided between solutions for small businesses and robust systems for large enterprises (ERP).
**Small to Mid-Sized Business (SMB) Solutions:**
* **QuickBooks Online:** The market leader for small businesses in the US. [QuickBooks Official Site](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
* **Xero:** A popular cloud-native alternative, particularly strong in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. [Xero Official Site](https://www.xero.com/)
* **FreshBooks:** Optimiz [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] stry today.
### **1. Leading Brands and Products (Software)**
The market is divided between solutions for small businesses and robust systems for large enterprises (ERP).
**Small to Mid-Sized Business (SMB) Solutions:**
* **QuickBooks Online:** The market leader for small businesses in the US. [QuickBooks Official Site](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
* **Xero:** A popular cloud-native alternative, particularly strong in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. [Xero Official Site](https://www.xero.com/)
* **FreshBooks:** Optimized for freelancers and service-based businesses focused on invoicing. [F [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] tech.
* **AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE:** One of the largest events for accounting and finance professionals. [ENGAGE Conference](https://www.aicpa-cimaengagedirect.com/)
* **Xerocon:** Described as the "Glastonbury for Accountants," hosted by Xero. [Xerocon](https://www.xero.com/events/xerocon/)
* **QuickBooks Connect:** Intuit’s flagship event for accountants and small businesses. [QuickBooks Connect](https://quickbooksconnect.com/)
* **Scaling New Heights:** Focused on technology integration and practice management. [Woodard Events](https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights)
---
### **6. Active C [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] nce professionals. [ENGAGE Conference](https://www.aicpa-cimaengagedirect.com/)
* **Xerocon:** Described as the "Glastonbury for Accountants," hosted by Xero. [Xerocon](https://www.xero.com/events/xerocon/)
* **QuickBooks Connect:** Intuit’s flagship event for accountants and small businesses. [QuickBooks Connect](https://quickbooksconnect.com/)
* **Scaling New Heights:** Focused on technology integration and practice management. [Woodard Events](https://www.woodard.com/scaling-new-heights)
---
### **6. Active Communities and Forums**
Places where professionals share advice on software, ethics, [...]
December 30, 2025
If I'm looking to get into Accounting, who and what should I know about? Include the most trusted brands, recommended products and services, reputable companies and providers, influential experts and reviewers to follow, helpful communities and resources, important events and conferences, notable startups disrupting the space, and key publications and media channels to stay informed.
[...] or software ecosystems.
* **The Big Four (Main Employers):**
* [Deloitte](https://www2.deloitte.com/)
* [PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)](https://www.pwc.com/)
* [EY (Ernst & Young)](https://www.ey.com/)
* [KPMG](https://kpmg.com/)
* **Essential Software Suites:**
* [QuickBooks (Intuit)](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/): The standard for small to medium-sized businesses.
* [Xero](https://www.xero.com/): A major cloud-based competitor to QuickBooks.
* [Sage](https://www.sage.com/): Preferred by many mid-market enterprises.
* [NetSuite (Oracle)](https://www [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] [EY (Ernst & Young)](https://www.ey.com/)
* [KPMG](https://kpmg.com/)
* **Essential Software Suites:**
* [QuickBooks (Intuit)](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/): The standard for small to medium-sized businesses.
* [Xero](https://www.xero.com/): A major cloud-based competitor to QuickBooks.
* [Sage](https://www.sage.com/): Preferred by many mid-market enterprises.
* [NetSuite (Oracle)](https://www.netsuite.com/): A leading Cloud ERP for larger corporations.
### 2. Professional Certifications & Providers
To practice at a high level, you usually need a designation. The mos [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] ice in accounting technology and co-host of the [The Earmark Podcast](https://www.earmark.me/).
* **David Leary:** Expert in cloud accounting and apps; follow his insights on [The Cloud Accounting Podcast](https://www.cloudaccountingpodcast.com/).
* **Michelle Long:** A world-renowned expert in QuickBooks training; see [Long for Success](https://www.longforsuccess.com/).
### 4. Helpful Communities & Resources
* **Reddit Communities:** Specifically [r/Accounting](https://www.reddit.com/r/Accounting/) for career advice and [r/Tax](https://www.reddit.com/r/tax/) for technical questions.
* **Fishbo [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] firms. [Going Concern](https://goingconcern.com/).
* **The CPA Journal:** Provides news and analysis on the profession's technical standards. [The CPA Journal](https://www.cpajournal.com/).
### 8. Comparison & Review Sites
* **G2 Accounting Software Reviews:** Great for comparing software like QuickBooks vs. Xero. [G2 Accounting Category](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting).
* **Capterra:** Another trusted site for software comparisons and user ratings. [Capterra Accounting Software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/).
* **Vault:** Useful for researching and comparing the best [...]
December 30, 2025
What does the Accounting industry look like right now? Identify the dominant market leaders and brands, best products and services, key companies and providers, influential figures and thought leaders, emerging startups and trends, major conferences and events, active professional communities, and the top publications and media that cover this industry.
[...] ://www.pwc.com/)
* **EY (Ernst & Young):** [Official Website](https://www.ey.com/)
* **KPMG:** [Official Website](https://kpmg.com/)
### 2. Best Products and Cloud Accounting Services
The market has shifted almost entirely to Cloud-based ecosystems that allow for real-time collaboration.
* **QuickBooks (Intuit):** The market leader for small to mid-sized businesses. [QuickBooks Official Site](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
* **Xero:** A top competitor known for its beautiful interface and cloud-native approach. [Xero Official Site](https://www.xero.com/)
* **Sage:** Preferred by larger mid-m [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] y.com/)
* **KPMG:** [Official Website](https://kpmg.com/)
### 2. Best Products and Cloud Accounting Services
The market has shifted almost entirely to Cloud-based ecosystems that allow for real-time collaboration.
* **QuickBooks (Intuit):** The market leader for small to mid-sized businesses. [QuickBooks Official Site](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/)
* **Xero:** A top competitor known for its beautiful interface and cloud-native approach. [Xero Official Site](https://www.xero.com/)
* **Sage:** Preferred by larger mid-market enterprises. [Sage Official Site](https://www.sage.com/)
* **FreshBoo [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] accounting and finance professionals. [Engage Official Site](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/cpe-learning/conference/aicpa-cima-engage)
* **XeroCon:** Often called the "Glastonbury for Accountants" due to its high-energy atmosphere. [XeroCon Information](https://www.xero.com/us/events/xerocon/)
* **QuickBooks Connect:** The flagship event for the Intuit community. [QuickBooks Connect Official Site](https://quickbooksconnect.com/)
* **Accountex:** A global exhibition series focusing on accounting technology. [Accountex London](https://www.accountex.co.uk/) | [Accountex USA](https://www.accountexusa.com [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] //www.aicpa-cima.com/cpe-learning/conference/aicpa-cima-engage)
* **XeroCon:** Often called the "Glastonbury for Accountants" due to its high-energy atmosphere. [XeroCon Information](https://www.xero.com/us/events/xerocon/)
* **QuickBooks Connect:** The flagship event for the Intuit community. [QuickBooks Connect Official Site](https://quickbooksconnect.com/)
* **Accountex:** A global exhibition series focusing on accounting technology. [Accountex London](https://www.accountex.co.uk/) | [Accountex USA](https://www.accountexusa.com/)
### 6. Active Professional Communities
* **AICPA (American Ins [...]
December 30, 2025
What are the best Accounting options available today? Please provide a comprehensive overview including: the leading brands and products, top companies and service providers, recognized experts and thought leaders, promising startups and new market entrants, major industry events and conferences, active communities and forums, and influential publications and media covering this space.
### Leading Brands and Products
The accounting software market is dominated by cloud-based solutions for small to medium businesses (SMBs), enterprises, and freelancers. Popular options include:
- **QuickBooks Online** by Intuit: Widely regarded as the market leader for SMBs, offering invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking. [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/)
- **Xero**: Strong for international users with bank reconciliation and multi-currency support. [Xero](https://www.xero.co [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] s
The accounting software market is dominated by cloud-based solutions for small to medium businesses (SMBs), enterprises, and freelancers. Popular options include:
- **QuickBooks Online** by Intuit: Widely regarded as the market leader for SMBs, offering invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking. [QuickBooks Online](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/)
- **Xero**: Strong for international users with bank reconciliation and multi-currency support. [Xero](https://www.xero.com/)
- **FreshBooks**: User-friendly for freelancers and service-based businesses, focusing on time tracking and invoicing. [FreshB [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] ge Intacct](https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-intacct/)
- **Zoho Books**: Affordable, integrated with Zoho's ecosystem for CRM and more. [Zoho Books](https://www.zoho.com/us/books/)
For comparisons and reviews:
- [G2 Accounting Software Grid](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting) (rates QuickBooks highest overall).
- [Capterra Accounting Software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/) (lists top picks by user ratings).
- [PCMag Best Accounting Software 2023](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-small-business-accounting-software).
Market share data: QuickBooks holds ~80% of the U.S [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] es/accounting) (rates QuickBooks highest overall).
- [Capterra Accounting Software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/) (lists top picks by user ratings).
- [PCMag Best Accounting Software 2023](https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-small-business-accounting-software).
Market share data: QuickBooks holds ~80% of the U.S. SMB market per [Software Advice 2023 Report](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/profile/).
### Top Companies and Service Providers
Key players provide software and outsourced services:
- **Intuit**: Parent of QuickBooks and TurboTax; full-suite financial tools. [Intu [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] iness-accounting-software).
Market share data: QuickBooks holds ~80% of the U.S. SMB market per [Software Advice 2023 Report](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/profile/).
### Top Companies and Service Providers
Key players provide software and outsourced services:
- **Intuit**: Parent of QuickBooks and TurboTax; full-suite financial tools. [Intuit](https://www.intuit.com/)
- **Xero Ltd.**: Cloud accounting pioneer, partners with 1,000+ apps. [Xero](https://www.xero.com/)
- **Sage Group**: Global leader with ERP solutions. [Sage](https://www.sage.com/)
- **Oracle NetSuite**: Enterprise cloud E [...]
December 30, 2025
If I'm looking to get into Accounting, who and what should I know about? Include the most trusted brands, recommended products and services, reputable companies and providers, influential experts and reviewers to follow, helpful communities and resources, important events and conferences, notable startups disrupting the space, and key publications and media channels to stay informed.
[...] ttps://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/toolkit/cpa-exam), or international equivalents like ACCA ([ACCA Global](https://www.accaglobal.com/)). For GAAP, see the [FASB](https://fasb.org/); for IFRS, [IFRS Foundation](https://www.ifrs.org/).
### Most Trusted Brands and Recommended Products/Services
- **QuickBooks** by Intuit: Top small business accounting software. [QuickBooks](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/). Comparisons: [Capterra QuickBooks Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/1237/QuickBooks-Online/).
- **Xero**: Cloud-based accounting for SMBs. [Xero](https://www.xero.com/). Reviews: [G2 Xero](https://w [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] tional equivalents like ACCA ([ACCA Global](https://www.accaglobal.com/)). For GAAP, see the [FASB](https://fasb.org/); for IFRS, [IFRS Foundation](https://www.ifrs.org/).
### Most Trusted Brands and Recommended Products/Services
- **QuickBooks** by Intuit: Top small business accounting software. [QuickBooks](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/). Comparisons: [Capterra QuickBooks Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/1237/QuickBooks-Online/).
- **Xero**: Cloud-based accounting for SMBs. [Xero](https://www.xero.com/). Reviews: [G2 Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews).
- **FreshBooks**: Invoicing and [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] om/)). For GAAP, see the [FASB](https://fasb.org/); for IFRS, [IFRS Foundation](https://www.ifrs.org/).
### Most Trusted Brands and Recommended Products/Services
- **QuickBooks** by Intuit: Top small business accounting software. [QuickBooks](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/). Comparisons: [Capterra QuickBooks Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/1237/QuickBooks-Online/).
- **Xero**: Cloud-based accounting for SMBs. [Xero](https://www.xero.com/). Reviews: [G2 Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews).
- **FreshBooks**: Invoicing and bookkeeping. [FreshBooks](https://www.freshbooks.com/). Comparisons [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] - Textbooks: "Financial Accounting" by Weygandt ([Wiley](https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Financial+Accounting%3A+IFRS+Edition%2C+4th+Edition-p-9781119785331)).
### Important Events and Conferences
- **AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE**: Accounting tech/strategy. [ENGAGE](https://engage2025.aicpa-cima.com/).
- **QuickBooks Connect**: SMB focus. [QuickBooks Connect](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/connect/).
- **Accounting Today Growth Summit**: Leadership. [Growth Summit](https://www.accountingtoday.com/events).
- **IIA Conferences** (internal audit): [The IIA](https://www.theiia.org/en/events/).
- **XBRL US** for data [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] ing" by Weygandt ([Wiley](https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Financial+Accounting%3A+IFRS+Edition%2C+4th+Edition-p-9781119785331)).
### Important Events and Conferences
- **AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE**: Accounting tech/strategy. [ENGAGE](https://engage2025.aicpa-cima.com/).
- **QuickBooks Connect**: SMB focus. [QuickBooks Connect](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/connect/).
- **Accounting Today Growth Summit**: Leadership. [Growth Summit](https://www.accountingtoday.com/events).
- **IIA Conferences** (internal audit): [The IIA](https://www.theiia.org/en/events/).
- **XBRL US** for data standards: [XBRL US](https://xbrl [...]
December 30, 2025
What does the Accounting industry look like right now? Identify the dominant market leaders and brands, best products and services, key companies and providers, influential figures and thought leaders, emerging startups and trends, major conferences and events, active professional communities, and the top publications and media that cover this industry.
[...] nmental, Social, Governance) reporting, and remote advisory services. Post-pandemic, there's strong growth in fintech integrations, compliance with standards like IFRS and GAAP, and outsourcing for SMEs. The US Big Four firms control ~30% of the market, while software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools like QuickBooks hold massive SMB share.
### Dominant Market Leaders and Brands
The "Big Four" professional services firms lead in audit, tax, consulting, and advisory:
- [Deloitte](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html) (~$65B revenue, largest globally).
- [PwC](https://www.pwc.com/us/en.html) (~$53B revenue).
- [ [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] Council (FRC) UK](https://www.frc.org.uk/).
### Best Products and Services
Top-rated accounting software (based on [G2 Accounting Software Grid](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting) and [Capterra Accounting Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/)):
- **SMB/Cloud Accounting**: [QuickBooks Online (Intuit)](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/) (4.7/5 on G2, 80% market share per [Software Advice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/)).
- [Xero](https://www.xero.com/) (best for international, 4.4/5).
- [FreshBooks](https://www.freshbooks.com/) (invoicing focus).
- **Enterprise ERP**: [ [...]
December 30, 2025
[...] ttps://pitchbook.com/news/reports/q4-2023-accounting-tech-report).
### Major Conferences and Events
- [AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE](https://engage.aicpa-cima.com/) (annual, Las Vegas, tech/future of profession).
- [Accounting Today Growth & Profitability Summit](https://www.accountingtoday.com/events).
- [QuickBooks Connect](https://quickbooksconnect.com/) (Intuit's SMB event).
- [XBRL International Conference](https://www.xbrl.org/events/).
- [IFRS Foundation Updates](https://www.ifrs.org/news-and-events/).
**2024 Calendar**: [Accounting Fly](https://www.accountingfly.com/accounting-conferences/).
### Activ [...]