Mark Calatrava

When evaluating spend management software, I focused on solutions that allow users to set customizable spending limits, implement card controls, and pay for transactions easily. I also considered card-specific features, such as whether users can issue debit and prepaid cards, create special cards for specific uses or transactions, and issue physical or virtual cards. Additionally,…

QuickBooks Enterprise is desktop-based accounting software that provides powerful tools to manage complex accounting needs, like advanced inventory management, job costing, and customizable reporting. I find it an excellent choice for small to midsized companies—especially those with large inventories—but it’s too expensive and complex for very small businesses keeping their own books. It contains all…

Wave is cloud-based accounting software that allows you to manage your bookkeeping, invoicing, and payment processes in one place. What I like most about it is that it is easy to set up and that it has a free plan with all the basic features that many businesses need. However, I wish it had more…

GnuCash is open-source small business accounting software that helps you manage and track your bank accounts, stocks, income, and expenses. Its features include statement reconciliation, scheduled transactions, double-entry accounting, and a checkbook-style register for tracking cash flow. It is free and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. I’m impressed with its banking features, but I…

Zoho Expense is an expense tracking app designed to automate travel and expense management for businesses. It is part of the Zoho suite and integrates with other Zoho products, including Zoho Books and Zoho CRM. I find Zoho Expense useful for business expense tracking, but it excludes advanced expense management features like issuing company spending…

AccountEdge is locally installed accounting software that lets you create and send invoices to your customers, manage purchases and expenses, and track inventory. Starting at $20 per month, it offers strong value compared with other desktop options I’ve reviewed. I appreciate its robust banking and inventory features, but it uses a more traditional approach with…

Xero Practice Manager (XPM) is a cloud-based practice management program designed for accounting firms and professionals with clients using Xero. It lets you create jobs and assign them to your staff, track time worked and convert them into invoices, and manage your practice on the go via its mobile app. I like that it has…

Sage 100 Contractor is a locally installed construction management and accounting software that helps you handle projects, service operations, and accounting workflows in one place. I selected it as the best construction software for estimation because it uses easy-to-use Microsoft-based features—such as cut, copy, and paste—for creating project bids. I find Sage 100 Contractors valuable…

Hurdlr is a cloud-based expense and mileage-tracking mobile app designed for freelancers and small business owners. It provides tax tracking to assist with reporting correct taxable income, including allowable expenses, on tax returns. The free plan includes unlimited manual mileage tracking, income and expense tracking, and a tax calculations summary. Paid tiers start at $9.99…

QuickBooks Bill Pay is an accounts payable (A/P) automation tool within QuickBooks Online. It allows you to send checks and ACH payments to vendors, and your vendors can accept the payments without enrolling in QuickBooks Bill Pay. I find it similar to other online bill pay services like BILL and Melio, but QuickBooks Bill Pay…

When evaluating the best accounting practice management software, I recommend looking into essential features like client management, project and task management, and invoicing. Additionally, some software programs offer advanced features, like customer relationship management (CRM), capacity management, and document management. It’s even better when the software integrates with various business tools, like accounting and tax…

MileIQ is a cloud-based mileage tracking software that tracks your drive and mileage automatically and then classifies your trips as personal or business. It is accessible through a mobile app and web dashboard. For individuals, the platform is free for the first 40 drives each month, and you can upgrade to the Unlimited plan ($7.50…