QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

In today’s world, accounting software has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes. However, choosing the right one can be daunting, especially with so many options on the market. Among the most popular software are QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct. In this article, we’ll break down the features, pricing, user reviews and more of each product, so you can decide which one is best suited for your business needs.

Introduction to QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct are two of the most widely used accounting software, used by businesses of all sizes and across a wide range of industries. Quickbooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small business owners, accountants, and bookkeepers while Sage Intacct targets mid-sized and large businesses.

QuickBooks Online offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily manage their finances, track expenses, and create invoices. It also integrates with a wide range of third-party applications, making it a versatile tool for businesses. On the other hand, Sage Intacct offers more advanced features such as multi-entity management, project accounting, and revenue recognition. It is also known for its robust reporting capabilities, making it a popular choice for finance teams.

Both QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct offer mobile apps, allowing users to access their financial data on-the-go. They also provide excellent customer support, with a range of resources available including online tutorials, user forums, and dedicated support teams. Ultimately, the choice between QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct will depend on the specific needs and size of your business.

Key Features of QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online offers features such as invoice creation and payment tracking, income and expense tracking, payroll management, inventory tracking, tax management and more. It also includes a mobile app, which allows business owners to manage their finances on-the-go.

Sage Intacct, on the other hand, offers more advanced features such as accounts payable and receivable, multi-entity accounting, project accounting, revenue management, inventory management, financial consolidation and more. Additionally, Sage Intacct offers customized dashboards and reports, allowing users to easily access their financial information.

Another key feature of QuickBooks Online is its integration with other business tools such as PayPal, Shopify, and Square. This allows for seamless transactions and inventory management across multiple platforms.

On the other hand, Sage Intacct offers a unique feature called “dimensional accounting,” which allows users to track financial data based on specific dimensions such as department, location, or project. This provides a more detailed and customizable view of a company’s financial performance.

Pricing Comparison of QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online offers three pricing plans, starting at $25 per month and maxing out at $150 per month. Each plan offers varying features and limitations.

Sage Intacct does not offer standard pricing since the pricing is dependent on the specific needs and scale of each business. They will provide tailored pricing options upon inquiry.

It is important to note that while QuickBooks Online has set pricing plans, additional fees may apply for certain features or add-ons. Sage Intacct, on the other hand, offers a more customizable pricing structure that can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each business. This can be beneficial for businesses that require specific features or have a larger scale of operations. However, it may also result in a higher overall cost compared to QuickBooks Online’s set pricing plans.

Ease of Use: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface that can be navigated with ease. It offers step-by-step guidance for setup and use, making it an ideal choice for small business owners without accounting backgrounds. Sage Intacct, on the other hand, is more complex and may require an accountant or bookkeeper to operate effectively.

Despite its simplicity, QuickBooks Online still offers a wide range of features and capabilities, including invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management. It also integrates with many other business tools, such as PayPal and Shopify, making it a versatile option for small businesses.

On the other hand, Sage Intacct is a more robust accounting software that is better suited for larger businesses with more complex financial needs. It offers advanced features such as multi-entity management, project accounting, and revenue recognition. It also has a customizable dashboard that allows users to view real-time financial data and create custom reports.

Customer Support: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online offers customer support via phone, email, and chat, seven days a week from 6 am to 6 pm PT. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive help center and community forum where users can seek answers to common questions.

Sage Intacct, on the other hand, offers phone and email support during business hours, with additional support offered through its online community. It also offers a dedicated support team for each account and a service level agreement ensuring quick response times.

Another important aspect to consider when comparing customer support between QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct is the level of expertise of their support teams. QuickBooks Online’s support team is known for being knowledgeable and helpful, with many users reporting positive experiences. Sage Intacct’s support team is also highly skilled, with many team members having backgrounds in accounting and finance.

Furthermore, both QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct offer training and educational resources to help users get the most out of their software. QuickBooks Online provides a variety of webinars, tutorials, and certification programs, while Sage Intacct offers a comprehensive online learning center and a user conference with hands-on training sessions.

Integrations and Add-Ons: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online offers over 650 integrations with popular third-party apps and services, including PayPal, Shopify, TSheets, HubSpot, and more. It also has a marketplace for add-ons, featuring additional features and functions to customize the software.

Sage Intacct also offers many integrations and add-ons, including Salesforce, American Express, and more. However, due to the complexity of the software, integrations may require professional assistance.

One of the key advantages of QuickBooks Online is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for small business owners to manage their finances without needing extensive accounting knowledge. Additionally, QuickBooks Online offers a mobile app that allows users to access their financial data on-the-go, making it a convenient option for busy entrepreneurs.

On the other hand, Sage Intacct is known for its robust reporting capabilities, which allow users to generate detailed financial reports and analyze data in real-time. This makes it a popular choice for larger businesses with more complex financial needs.

Accounting and Financial Reporting: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online offers basic financial reporting functions. However, it falls short on advanced reporting, customization, and automation functionalities. It is best suited for small businesses with basic accounting needs.

Sage Intacct offers a more advanced financial reporting system, with customizable dashboards and reports enabling users to extract even the most intricate financial data.

In addition, Sage Intacct also offers features such as multi-entity management, project accounting, and revenue recognition, making it a more comprehensive solution for mid-sized to large businesses with complex accounting needs. Its cloud-based platform allows for easy collaboration and real-time access to financial data, making it a popular choice for businesses with multiple locations or remote teams.

Inventory Management: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online offers basic inventory management, including features such as tracking quantities, costs, and inventory turnover. However, it does not support multi-location inventory management and is not suited for businesses with extensive inventory tracking needs.

Sage Intacct offers advanced inventory management, including features such as multi-location tracking, backordering, bill of materials, manufacture orders and more.

Another advantage of Sage Intacct’s inventory management is its ability to integrate with other modules such as sales, purchasing, and accounting. This allows for a more streamlined and efficient process, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall accuracy.

Additionally, Sage Intacct offers real-time inventory tracking, providing businesses with up-to-date information on inventory levels and allowing for better decision-making when it comes to purchasing and production planning.

Scalability: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online is an excellent option for small businesses but is limited when it comes to scalability. As businesses expand, the software may begin to buckle under pressure and require a more advanced solution.

Sage Intacct is designed to cater to growing businesses, with the ability to add users and customize their accounting and reporting modules.

Furthermore, Sage Intacct offers more advanced features such as multi-entity management, which allows businesses to manage multiple entities under one system. This is particularly useful for businesses with subsidiaries or franchises. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, does not offer this feature and may require businesses to purchase additional software or use manual processes to manage multiple entities.

Security: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

QuickBooks Online uses advanced encryption and secure servers to safeguard users’ data. It also offers multi-factor authentication, ensuring complete data security.

Sage Intacct offers a more comprehensive security system, with two-factor authentication and role-based permissions. It also offers encryption of data both at rest and in transit, protecting data from unauthorized access.

Additionally, Sage Intacct provides a detailed audit trail, allowing users to track all changes made to their data. This feature ensures accountability and transparency, making it easier to identify and resolve any issues that may arise.

User Reviews: QuickBooks Online vs Sage Intacct

User reviews of QuickBooks Online indicate that the software is easy-to-use, affordable, and versatile. However, some users report that the software is not customizable, and others report issues with its reporting and inventory features.

User reviews of Sage Intacct indicate that the software is robust, highly customizable, and offers excellent financial reporting and analytics. However, some users report that the software is too complex and requires a steep learning curve.

It is important to note that both QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct offer mobile apps for on-the-go accounting. QuickBooks Online’s mobile app is praised for its simplicity and ease-of-use, while Sage Intacct’s mobile app is noted for its comprehensive features and ability to handle complex accounting tasks. Overall, both software options have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to carefully consider your business’s specific needs before making a decision.

Choosing the Best Accounting Software for Your Business Needs

Choosing the right accounting software comes down to understanding your business’s specific needs, size and budget. QuickBooks Online is the ideal software for small businesses with basic accounting needs, while Sage Intacct is better suited for mid-sized and large enterprises with more extensive accounting requirements.

Conclusion: Which is Better – QuickBooks Online or Sage Intacct?

There is no one-size-fits-all accounting software, and choosing between QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct depends on your business’s size, industry, and specific accounting needs. Generally, QuickBooks Online is the best choice for small businesses with accounting needs, while Sage Intacct is best suited for larger organizations.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Accounting Software

Regardless of which software you choose, accounting software can help you manage your finances effectively, automate payments, and streamline your financial reporting. By evaluating your business’s needs and budget, you can make informed decisions on which software best fits your requirements.