Accounting software can help computer users easily record and process accounting transactions. It usually integrates the functional modules of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, billing, stock management, inventory control, purchase order management, sales order management, and cash book. Sometimes a fully-featured accounting software solution may also include the functions of debt and bills collection, credit card payment processing, business expenses control, manufacturing accounting, payroll and tax accounting, accounting reports creation, and employee timesheet tracking management.
Prices of Commercial Accounting Software and Open Source Accounting Software
A commercial accounting software application is usually fully-featured but costs hundreds or thousands of US dollars. Sometimes this could be too expensive to a small business owner or a personal user. Under this circumstance, the user can choose free or open source accounting software applications. They are available for free download online.
Types of Free or Open Source Accounting Software Applications
There are two types of free or open source Accounting software applications:
- Accounting software that is an independent system for a company's financial management.
- Accounting software that is part of a company's enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Best Free Open Source Accounting Software Download and Comparison
The best free or open source independent accounting software applications include:
- GnuCash is a free and open source double-entry accounting software program for personal users and small business owners. It is a stand-alone desktop program running on GNU/Linux, BSD, Solaris, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. GnuCash provides multi-language versions for international users, including German, Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, etc.
- Grisbi is a free and open source accounting application for personal users. It is a stand-alone desktop program running on GNU/Linux and Windows.
- HomeBank is a free and open source financial accounting software program for personal users. It is a stand-alone desktop program running on GNU/Linux, BSD, Solaris, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
- Other free or open source independent accounting software applications include JGnash, KMyMoney, LedgerSMB, PhreeBooks, Skrooge, and TurboCASH.
Best Free Open Source ERP Accounting Software Download and Review
The top free and open source accounting software programs that are part of the ERP systems include:
- Adempiere is a free and open source ERP software application. It provides accounting functions such as general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, cash Management Budgeting, and VAT/TAX/IVA. For details, please see Download and Install ADempiere.
- Other free or open source ERP accounting software applications include BlueErp, Compiere, Dolibarr,JFire, Apache OFBiz, Openbravo, OpenERP, PhreeBooks, Postbooks, Tryton, GNU Enterprise, and webERP.
Details about Free Accounting Software Applications for Different Sectors
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