The 5 best accounting software & tools for startups in 2026

With Brex, enterprise finance teams gain centralized control with department-level insights, customizable approval workflows, and policy enforcement that works consistently across all locations and business units. Large companies need to monitor spend across numerous departments and projects, requiring customized reporting capabilities like cost-per-department analysis or project profitability calculations after expenses. This article will walk you through the most important features to evaluate when selecting an expense management system. Ensure that your Brex expense management, accounting system, and Brex business account integrate seamlessly. This creates a holistic financial management ecosystem within the Brex platform, providing real-time visibility into https://www.citybiz.co/article/785736/the-real-value-of-accounting-services-for-startups/ your company’s financial health. Transactions from your Brex business account can automatically feed into your accounting software, reducing manual data entry and providing a more accurate and up-to-date financial picture.

• The Brex Credit Card has successfully positioned itself as a valuable financial tool tailored to the needs of modern startups and growing companies.
• Without transparent pricing information available upfront, businesses have to invest time in the sales process just to understand if Concur fits their budget.
• It’s been several weeks just for an application review—completely unacceptable for a financial institution.
• If something is off (like a receipt is missing or a policy was violated), the system flags it for the manager.
• A fractional CFO allows organizations to scale up or down based on their unique needs and growth trajectories.
• Your choice of business bank account affects other financial aspects of running your company.

How to earn higher yields on your cash

These improvements reduce the time finance teams spend on expense management from days to hours, accelerating the close process while improving accuracy and control. Advanced global corporate card programs allow companies to issue physical and virtual cards in multiple currencies and directly reimburse employees in their local bank accounts and currencies. This approach not only simplifies expense management for international teams but also provides a better experience for employees. A robust expense management platform, powerful corporate card, and advanced automations help make Brex the best expense management software.

Make your future CFO proud.

It will help you organize the expense management process, from receipts to reimbursement. With expense report automation, Zoho Expense will add expenses to a report and submit it for you. Mobile applications have shifted from convenience features to essential tools for expense compliance. Employees can photograph receipts immediately after purchases, eliminating lost documentation. They can submit expenses while traveling, complete memos with transaction details The Real Value of Accounting Services for Startups fresh in memory, and approve team expenses without returning to their desks. The mobile experience should match desktop functionality, not offer a stripped-down subset that forces users to wait for computer access.

• You’ll set your fractional CFO up for success when they have real-time visibility into every transaction, automated expense tracking, and powerful reporting tools at their fingertips.
• They should demonstrate strong presentation skills, the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly, and a track record of influencing strategic decisions.
• A banking account with unlimited transactions would eliminate this expense entirely.
• Moreover, fractional CFOs are adept at aligning financial plans with business objectives.
• When evaluating potential fractional CFO candidates, their educational background and professional certifications serve as foundational qualifications.

Use AI to automate approvals and expense reports. Track in real time.

For admins and bookkeepers using Brex, dedicated support is available with paid plans. Both platforms offer extensive resources for additional support requirements, including help centers, guides, and demos. Both Mercury and Brex offer accounting software integrations with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and NetSuite.

Instead of reconciling separate card statements with your bank account, you see all your financial activity in a single view, often in real time. Businesses can apply for a Brex credit card, which offers high credit limits, rewards, and zero personal guarantees. Unlike traditional banks, Brex determines your creditworthiness based on your business’s financials, not your personal credit score, making it perfect for startups and fast-growing businesses.

Save time with AI-powered invoice entry and payment automation.

This division of responsibilities enhances overall efficiency and allows internal resources to focus on growth strategies, customer service, and operational excellence. By alleviating the burden of financial management from your executives, a fractional CFO empowers your team to innovate and excel in their respective roles without getting into the weeds of intricate financial tasks. During the interview process, evaluate expertise and cultural alignment by presenting real business scenarios and asking candidates to share their approach to similar challenges they’ve encountered.