An accounting CRM is software that helps accountants and bookkeepers organize financial data. The top CRMs for accountants use automation to reduce paperwork and minimize human error while also offering real-time revenue reports, billing and invoicing modules, and security features to protect clients’ sensitive financial data. To help you find the best accounting CRM for your needs, we've compiled six programs that we recommend based on our independent review.
Here are the six best CRMs for accountants:
- Freshsales: Best accounting CRM overall for cost and usability (free starting price)
- Zoho CRM: Best accounting CRM for multinational businesses (free starting price)
- HubSpot CRM: Best free accounting CRM with premium upgrades (free starting price)
- EngageBay CRM: Best CRM for easy-to-use accounting features (free starting price)
- Method:CRM: Best accounting CRM for native accounting features (14-day free trial)
- Salesforce: Best software for advanced features and data security (30-day free trial)
Salesforce emerged victorious in advanced features and customization, while Method:CRM scored highest for key accounting CRM features. Our overall winner, Freshsales, won the cost category and ranked second in ease of use. No matter what you’re looking for, we trust any of our top six CRMs for accountants will have what you need. Here’s a breakdown of how each entry scored in key features, price, and usability — you can also jump down to see the evaluation criteria and process.
Note: All per-user prices are with a one-year commitment unless noted.
Top 5 Accounting CRM Features
Below are the top tools the best CRM for accountants should have:
Generate and send invoices using CRM data, then automatically update client profiles with current payment status.
How We Evaluated the Best CRMs for Accountants
To find the best CRM software for accountants, we created a rubric with six weighted categories plus multiple subcriteria. We sought out software with a balanced combination of essential CRM features, accounting-specific tools, and robust data security. After scoring 10 options, we shortlisted the top six with a rating of 3.9 or higher. In addition to an overall winner, we assigned five runners-up and distinguished them based on how they scored in specific categories.
Evaluation Criteria
Cost, core features, and ease of use carry the most weight in our ratings since we believe those are the most crucial factors to consider when choosing an accounting CRM. That’s followed by advanced features, which also include data security and compliance. Rounding out our rubric are customization options (such as third-party app integrations) and quality of user support.
This factors in a CRM’s starting costs, billing options, and availability of a free trial and/or free-for-life version.
We considered each CRM’s range of general CRM tools (e.g. reports and contact management) and accounting tools (e.g. billing and invoicing).
This is based on a CRM's UI design plus feedback on setup and usability from past and current users.
This includes higher-tier features like artificial intelligence, self-serve client portals, data compliance standards, and security permissions.
We gauged every CRM’s level of personalization, from third-party app integrations to custom reporting and workflows.
This takes into account the availability of support channels plus customer reputation regarding the quality of service.
Bottom Line: Best CRM for Accountants
The top accounting CRMs streamline accounting tasks, monitor revenue and expenses, and ensure compliance with tax codes. Our list features general software rather than industry-specific CRMs — every entry here can aid accountants in multiple aspects of their business. However, if you’re a certified financial planner, you’ll need additional features like householding and milestone tracking, so check out the best CRMs for financial advisors.
