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A big part of the companies founded in Switzerland is obliged to double-entry bookkeeping according to the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR). Therefore, both at the time of company formation and in general accounting, it should be questioned at regular intervals which accounting program is best suited for one's own needs. We are pleased to present in this article some of the best known and best rated accounting software in Switzerland.
1. Abacus
Abacus was the pioneer in the Swiss business software market. Today, the software is available as a cloud solution. For smaller companies, AbaNinja was developed, which is relatively inexpensive at CHF 21.- per month for the advanced version. AbaWeb on the other hand offers more possibilities, the basic package also costs from CHF 21.- per month. However, modules such as payroll accounting, orders or e-banking must be purchased separately. The standard package of AbaNinja already includes accounting, banking, time recording and debit and credit cards. With AbaWeb, the basic package also includes the cash flow statement. Extensions are available for a large number of functions, so the CRM can also be integrated into Abacus, the fixed asset accounting can be managed and also the internal communication and work planning can be regulated in the software. AbaNinja is functionally limited and the navigation is simple and understandable, which makes it suitable for beginners. AbaWeb, on the other hand, has several modules and has many automated processes, which makes it rather difficult for inexperienced users.
2. Accounto
Accounto is a rather young software and was developed in 2016 by a trustee for autonomous accounting. The core service of this software is fully automated accounting. At CHF 49 per month for SMEs and CHF 200 for trustees, the fees of this innovative accounting software are relatively high. Accounto offers a cloud solution that is based on artificial intelligence and automates manual work such as document processing, posting and transaction reconciliation. Other features of the software include invoicing, payroll, an expense module and a mobile app. The design of Accounto is kept relatively modern and is thus well suited for inexperienced users. Already on the start page, one has a good overview of all documents. Thanks to the option to vote on the next improvements, end users can also participate in the constant optimization themselves. However, there is no free version and also no cost centers.
3. Banana
Banana has a long history and has been known on the Swiss market since 1990. The software was developed especially for small companies, associations and private individuals and is therefore very easy and clear to use. The design is similar to Excel, which is why the design is rather minimalistic. The manual bookings are entered in a table-like manner and detailed support documentation helps even beginners to use the software. Another big advantage is that the program can be easily adapted to one's own needs, if one knows how accounting works. A disadvantage is certainly that Banana does not offer payroll accounting. Banana is a software that lets you choose between three annual subscriptions; Free, Professional and Advanced. The basic version is free, but has certain limitations such as the number of bookings. The Professional version costs CHF 69.- and the Advanced CHF 149.- per year. In 2021, Banana has launched a major update: The software provider has introduced new features and a new pricing plan. There are now even more import options, better protection and higher security, and many other small and large refinements that make work more efficient and organized. In addition, there is still the possibility to customize the display to your own taste.
4. Bexio
Bexio has been on the Swiss market since 2013 and is one of the most popular cloud-based accounting software for SMEs in Switzerland and relatively inexpensive at CHF 29.- to CHF 99.- per month. In addition to accounting including accounts receivable and accounts payable, the starter package also includes functions for contact management, quotes, banking and product management. Additional functionalities such as payroll accounting or an online store can be licensed as an option. The Pro versions then also include modules for time recording, payroll accounting, warehouse management and a telephone legal information service. Bexio has a minimalistic but very modern look. The good structuring of the software as well as the easy possibility to collaborate with fiduciaries allow for efficient work and transparency. In addition to free support via phone and chatbot as well as Teamviewer, there are always free as well as paid seminars. Currently Bexio does not yet offer cost centers.
5. CashCtrl
CashCtrl is a Swiss cloud software, which is also suitable for beginners in accounting. The program has been on the market since 2012 and the focus is on intuitive and hassle-free operation. It was developed for smaller companies and makes it easy for inexperienced users to use thanks to its modern design and simple functionality. The free version includes financial accounting, accounts receivable, master data, VAT and various reports. In the Pro version, which costs CHF 295 per year, API connections, file managers, cost centers, order processing and backups can also be used as additional functions. Unfortunately, however, payroll accounting cannot be integrated and online banking is only partially available and only in the Pro version.
6. Accounto
Accounto is a rather young software and was developed in 2016 by a fiduciary for autonomous accounting. The core service of this software is fully automated accounting. At CHF 49 per month for SMEs and CHF 200 for trustees, the fees of this innovative accounting software are relatively high. Accounto offers a cloud solution that is based on artificial intelligence and automates manual work such as document processing, posting and transaction reconciliation. Other features of the software include invoicing, payroll, an expense module and a mobile app. The design of Accounto is kept relatively modern and is thus well suited for inexperienced users. Already on the start page, one has a good overview of all documents. Thanks to the option to vote on the next improvements, end users can also participate in the constant optimization themselves. However, there is no free version and no cost centers.
7. Proffix
Proffix is also a software developed in Switzerland. Its focus is on modularity, ease of use as well as standardization, which is tailored to Swiss SMEs. In addition to standard packages, it is also possible to rent the software customized to your personal needs. Such a module is available from as little as CHF 4. The basic accounting package is available from CHF 47 per month. This includes financial accounting, accounts payable and receivable as well as e-banking. There are ready-made solutions for various sectors such as service, trade, industry and food companies. The extended search fields as well as the display and similarity to other databases make it easy to use. With the right settings, many accounting processes can also be automated and the connection of web-based third-party systems and apps is also possible. Unfortunately, however, detailed instructions for beginners are missing and the support hotline is not free of charge either.
8. Sage (new Infoniqa)
Sage has actually been around since 1981 and was developed in the UK. The program is also widely used in Switzerland to this day. There are various business solutions for every need, with prices ranging from CHF 25 to CHF 345 per month. Only the demo version is available free of charge to try out the software. The design is classic and rather minimalistic, the clear structure makes it easy to use even for beginners. For example, there is a dashboard, which is used for clarity and prioritization. In addition, tasks can also be automated, which reduces the workload. The functionality differs between the individual packages. Basically, all classic modules such as financial accounting, accounts receivable and accounts payable, payroll accounting and VAT are included. Even the least expensive package includes functions such as bank reconciliation and e-banking. Thanks to the industry-specific customizability, the software is suitable for both smaller and larger companies. Sage is a hybrid solution where cloud and desktop features are intertwined. Sage Group sold its Swiss business, including local products Sage Start, Sage 50 Extra and Sage 200 Extra, to Austria's Infoniqa in 2021. In April 2022, the rebranding of the products under Infoniqa took place.
Are you in the middle of setting up a company and need expert support? Or are you in the process of evaluating your accounting software? We will be happy to provide you with competent support, both in the start-up process and in general in the areas of accounting, payroll, taxes, insurances as well as in various special topics and areas. Contact us now!
