Top 5 Bench Accounting alternatives for small business owners

What’s the first thing you do when your bookkeeping service shuts down with no warning?

Panic about tax season? Fight to get your charges reversed? Pray that Bench honors the promise to have your accounting data available so that you can transfer it all to a new accounting firm?

That’s exactly the kind of questions over 11 thousand Bench customers asked when the platform suddenly announced its closure, leaving them in the lurch. The timing couldn’t have been worse for customers and employees alike—during the holiday season and just as year-end and tax deadlines loomed.

Business owners scrambled to access critical financial data, left with little time to plan. While it’s since been restored under new ownership, the disruption left its mark—raising questions about trust, stability, and the way forward.

So, where do you go from here? “We’re at the crossroads, my dear”, like Alicia Keys rightly put it. Seriously, though, how do you find a reliable bookkeeping service after the whole Bench shutdown drama?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through five top Bench Accounting alternatives, backed by real customer reviews, to help you find the perfect fit for your bookkeeping needs.

Why Bench customers should reconsider their options and find Bench alternatives

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re already aware of the disruption Bench’s sudden shutdown caused for over 11,000 small business owners. Even with its recent revival under new ownership, the incident left lingering doubts about stability, trust, and preparedness—especially since the platform’s reliance on a proprietary system means vendor lock-in is likely to remain an issue—leaving customers vulnerable to similar risks in the future, such as restricted data access or sudden disruptions.

For many customers, the shutdown has served as a wake-up call for American small business owners to reassess their bookkeeping needs and find solutions that are more secure, flexible, and capable of growing alongside their businesses.

Data access and ownership

The shutdown revealed a harsh reality—when your financial records are tied exclusively to one platform, access can disappear overnight. While Bench later enabled data downloads, the initial uncertainty left businesses vulnerable and highlighted the importance of controlling your own financial information.

As one customer put it, “I was a customer, and I am just praying that Bench honors the promise to have our accounting data available so that we can transfer it all to a new CPA firm.”

Timing of the shutdown

The abrupt closure came at a critical time—right between the holidays and tax season. For small businesses, these periods demand stability and reliable support. The disruption forced many to confront the risks of relying on a platform without safeguards for unpredictable events.

A frustrated business owner shared, “Bench shutting down without warning during tax season? That’s just unforgivable. Customers deserve better.”

Adapting to growth

As small businesses scale, their financial management needs often surpass the capabilities of basic bookkeeping solutions. Bench’s focus on cash-basis accounting and limited integrations left many business owners feeling constrained. The shutdown became a turning point for customers seeking solutions that could grow with them.

What does this mean for you?

If recent events have you questioning your bookkeeping setup, this is your chance to prioritize what truly matters: stability, access to your data, and a service provider that is equipped to scale alongside your business. 

Also read: How to choose a reliable bookkeeping service

Top 5 alternatives to Bench Accounting

1. Pilot

Pilot ^[1] is an online bookkeeping service tailored for startups and small businesses. Known for its focus on supporting growing companies, Pilot offers additional services like tax preparation and CFO advisory.

What Pilot offers

• Broad range of services
  Pilot combines bookkeeping with services like tax preparation and CFO advisory, which can be helpful for businesses seeking more comprehensive financial management..
• Accrual-basis accounting
  For businesses requiring accrual-basis accounting—where revenue and expenses are recorded as they occur—Pilot provides a more detailed view of financial performance compared to cash-basis bookkeeping. This can be particularly useful for companies managing growth or working with investors.
• Tool integration and automation
  Pilot integrates with platforms like Stripe, Shopify, and Gusto, streamlining data management by syncing information across tools. This automation reduces manual input and can help save time for businesses with high transaction volumes.

What customers are saying

“Overall, I am very happy with the service that Pilot provides. I like the software that they offer and I’m excited to see how they continue to iterate and set an even higher bar.“

“I’m someone that appreciates human interaction and Pilot makes it easy to engage with the team when I wanted to. I also love, love the dashboard it’s easy to use and interactive.”

“This is a minor inconvenience, though; we simply upload the statement manually once a month when Pilot sends a notification reminding us it’s time to do so.”

“Customer support outside of bookkeeping is terrible.”

“The only thing that I’d complain about is that the categories are sometimes difficult to navigate, and especially as a startup, we have some random expenses so adding a catch-all could be useful.”

—Pilot Customers, via Capterra

Pricing

Pilot’s tiered pricing ensures flexibility for businesses at every stage:

• Bookkeeping: Starting at $349/month
• CFO advisory: $1,750/month
• Tax preparation: $2,450/year

What to consider:

While Pilot offers advanced features and services, these come at a premium price point compared to other bookkeeping options. Businesses with simpler needs or tighter budgets may find more cost-effective solutions elsewhere. Additionally, Pilot’s heavy reliance on automation may not provide the personalized service some businesses prefer.

2. QuickBooks Live

QuickBooks Live ^[2] , an add-on service from Intuit, complements QuickBooks Online by offering professional bookkeeping support. It’s a practical choice for small business owners who already use QuickBooks Online and need help managing their books.

What QuickBooks Live offers

• Easy integration with Quickbooks Online
  If your business already uses QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Live integrates seamlessly with your existing setup. This can save time compared to migrating data to a new platform.
• Support for basic bookkeeping tasks
  QuickBooks Live bookkeepers can assist with tasks like account setup, reconciliation, and managing accounts payable or receivable. For businesses with straightforward bookkeeping needs, this can help keep your finances organized.
• Access to a dedicated ProAdvisor
  QuickBooks Live connects you with a dedicated bookkeeper who’s available via chat, email, or video call to answer questions or provide guidance. This support is particularly useful for businesses seeking occasional expert input.
• Flexiblity without long-term commitments
  With no long-term contracts, QuickBooks Live allows you to opt in or out as needed, making it a flexible option for businesses with fluctuating demands.

What customers are saying

“I’m currently using it. The bookkeepers are very helpful and it’s great having access to a vetted team during turnover – for example, my primary bookkeeper retired and there as an absolutely seamless transition to a new primary.

One problem I’ve had is with their categorization of transactions, at a point their team would categorize regular transactions as ‘PAYEE’ instead of a vendor already listed for similar transactions in the past. That has been frustrating.”

—QuickBooks Live Customer, via Reddit

Pricing

QuickBooks Live offers transparent, straightforward pricing:

• Live expert full-service bookkeeping: Starts at $300/month.
• One-time cleanup fee: Applied after the first month, ensuring your books are in order before ongoing services begin.

What to consider:

While QuickBooks Live offers a straightforward solution for basic bookkeeping needs, it may not be the best fit for businesses with more complex requirements, such as accrual accounting, industry-specific expertise, or strategic financial planning. If your business is scaling or requires a more hands-on approach, it’s worth exploring other alternatives that provide these capabilities.

3. CoCountant

While some providers focus solely on basic bookkeeping or transactional tasks, CoCountant handles your financial operations end-to-end. Businesses can choose between cash-basis or accrual-basis accounting, with services customized to meet their specific needs. Services include bookkeeping (cash or accrual), payroll, invoicing, bill payments, and detailed financial reporting. For businesses seeking a single partner to manage their entire back office, CoCountant provides a streamlined solution as its all-in-one approach ensures businesses can manage their books efficiently without the need for multiple vendors.

What CoCountant offers

• End-to-end financial management
  CoCountant covers every aspect of accounting and bookkeeping, from documenting daily transactions, preparing financial statements, handling payroll, invoicing, bill payments, and managing cash flow.
• Expert team, dedicated human support
  Unlike platforms that rely heavily on AI or rotate clients between multiple bookkeepers, CoCountant assigns each client a dedicated team of certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors. You’ll work with a dedicated bookkeeper who understands your business from day one, eliminating the frustration of switching bookkeepers or re-explaining your needs to a new bookkeeper every now and then.
• Seamless technology integration and migration
  CoCountant integrates effortlessly with tools like QuickBooks, Gusto, Shopify, and other major platforms to streamline your financial workflows. For businesses transitioning from providers like Bench, CoCountant offers free Bench migration to securely transfer financial data and set up operations with minimal disruption.
• Control over your data
  CoCountant uses QuickBooks Online, which means your financial data is always accessible and portable. This eliminates the vendor lock-in risks similar to what customers experiences after the recent Bench shutdown, allowing you to retain full ownership and control of your records.
• Scalable for growth
  CoCountant adapts to your needs as your business evolves. Whether you’re managing a small operation or scaling rapidly, their range of services—including CFO-level advisory—ensures you always have the right level of financial support. For growing businesses, CoCountant provides the option to hire back-office teams that work directly under your CFO to expand capacity.

What customers are saying

“I am the CEO and founder of Coast to Coast HR, servicing all of North America. We have been working with CoCountant for several months now, and after some hiccups with other organisations, I settled on CoCountant because they have done a fantastic job. They’re very service-focused and great to work with! They’re also extremely friendly to small businesses and our tight budgets. The monthly calls we get to go over the books help me immensely. It has saved me money, and I cannot recommend them more.”

—Oscar J. Muro, Founder, Rhino Web Group

“We’re a 17-year-old marketing agency and have managed our books internally. Hiring CoCountant in 2024 was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Our Quickbooks account needed a lot of cleanup which they did as a 1st step while providing sound accounting recommendations. Each month they do a great job of managing our books and reporting. As they get familiar with our business, they’re handling my time-consuming tasks like payroll. I would highly recommend CoCountant.”

—Edwin Goutier, CEO, LaunchPath Innovation

Pricing

CoCountant offers full-service bookkeeping starting at just $160/month. With no hidden fees or hourly rates, their transparent, fixed pricing gives you the confidence to plan your finances without surprises.

What to consider:

CoCountant bridges the gap between technology-driven platforms like Kick and human-centered services like 1-800 Accountant. By combining advanced technology with personalized support from certified experts, CoCountant offers small businesses the perfect balance of efficiency and expertise.

If your priority is reliable, scalable financial management without compromising control or transparency, CoCountant is an excellent choice.

4. Kick

Kick ^[3] offers an AI-powered bookkeeping solution designed for business owners who prioritize efficiency and automation. By focusing on technology rather than human bookkeepers, Kick streamlines tasks like transaction categorization and financial reporting, making it a potential option for those comfortable with a hands-off approach to bookkeeping.

What Kick offers

• AI-driven bookkeeping
  Kick’s reliance on artificial intelligence allows it to handle tasks like bank reconciliation, transaction categorization, and generating financial reports. This automation can save time for businesses with straightforward bookkeeping needs and reduce the risk of manual errors.
• Real-time financial updates
  Kick provides real-time financial updates through customizable dashboards, offering a clear snapshot of your business’s performance. These features may appeal to owners who want actionable data without delving into the complexities of traditional bookkeeping.
• Support on demand
  While Kick emphasizes self-service and automation, accounting experts are available for periodic reviews and advice, particularly during critical times like tax season or financial planning.

What customers are saying

“Honestly just starting from scratch was a nonissue — 95%+ of transactions categorized correctly with zero effort. Super responsive customer service too (shout out to Jared). I do wish some accounting basics like journal entries and custom categories/accounts were available in basic plan at least….”

“Sounds like a dream come true! Hate dealing with accounting.

I have some concerns about trusting AI for official tax docs, especially in the EU. Might be cool for basic bookkeeping, but I’d probably still run things by a real accountant before submitting anything to the government. Those fines are no joke.”

“Sorry but as an accountant I just don’t get it. $4000 in tax saving? How exactly? By recategorising personal expense as business expense? Listen, bookkeeping is not something you want to mess around with . Maximise write offs? As in, you went out for a dinner with your mate but recorded it in your books as a dinner with your client ? Still not qualified as a business write off for tax purposes. Why? Because it’s illegal! If I said I bought a kitchen table for my house, would your tool recategorise that expense and record it as an office desk? How exactly are you saving money for people? By lying what the expense was for?”

—via Product Hunt

Pricing

Kick offers flexible plans based on your business size:

• Free: For businesses with annual expenses up to $25,000.
• Basic ($35/month): For businesses with annual expenses between $25,000 and $250,000.
• Plus ($125/month): For businesses with annual expenses between $25,000 and $250,000, offering additional features.
• Custom Pricing: Tailored plans for businesses with annual expenses exceeding $250,000.

What to consider:

Kick’s automation-first model may not be ideal for businesses seeking personalized support or a more traditional bookkeeping experience. Its focus on technology makes it better suited for businesses comfortable managing their books independently with minimal human interaction. Additionally, some users may find limitations in handling complex financial scenarios or industry-specific needs.

5. 1-800 Accountant

1-800 Accountant ^[4] offers a full suite of financial services tailored to small businesses and entrepreneurs, blending human expertise with technology to simplify financial management. With over 20 years of experience, they position themselves as a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, and more.

What makes 1-800 Accountant a great fit?

• Wide range of services
  From tax advisory and payroll to bookkeeping and even business formation, 1-800 Accountant provides a variety of services designed to centralize financial management. This approach can appeal to businesses looking for an all-in-one solution to reduce complexity and streamline their operations.
• ClientBooks Software
  Their proprietary ClientBooks software integrates with financial tools to automate tasks like transaction categorization and reporting. While helpful for automation, the reliance on a proprietary system may raise concerns for businesses wanting greater flexibility or control over their financial data.
• Mobile app for flexibility
  The 1-800 Accountant mobile app includes features like mileage tracking, document uploads, and direct communication with accountants, providing on-the-go convenience for busy business owners.
• Year-round support
  Unlike seasonal tax services, 1-800 Accountant emphasizes ongoing assistance with tax planning, compliance, and business strategy, making it a potential choice for those seeking year-round guidance.

What customers are saying

“One of the best accounting firms in the United States. They are quick, knowledgeable, and my assigned accountant is very helpful!”

“I’ve used 1-800Accountant for two of my businesses now. Since 2007 I believe. I love how they are structured, how beyond tax prep there is advisor services you can add on etc.

But from time to time the wheels come off and execution simply isn’t there. This happened once before and it wasn’t until I filed a complaint with Trustpilot that they jumped on it to resolve it. So here we go again.

1-800 filed my business taxes. In Nov I submitted by personal information. We have gone back and fourth them asking basically the same questions over and over, with reference to my business tax return (which they prepared, the answers they should have) and keeping my file on suspense with we are waiting on you to upload more information. I have called, emailed everyone on my team. Even scheduled a call with my “new” advisor (yeah, turn over is an issue here). The purpose of the call and the emails anticipating the call was to discuss the stalled tax return. He shows up unaware, unprepared. So my apologies, here is a bad review, which i will be more than happy to update with better information once 800 does the right thing.“

—1-800 Accountant Customers, via TrustPilot

Pricing

1-800 Accountant plans start at $179/month for the Business Plan, which includes essential accounting

What to consider:

While 1-800 Accountant offers a comprehensive service range, the reliance on proprietary software like ClientBooks poses significant risks, as demonstrated by the recent Bench shutdown. When financial data is locked into a proprietary system, businesses are left vulnerable during sudden disruptions, risking data inaccessibility at critical times like tax season.

Businesses seeking a long-term partner may want to carefully evaluate whether relying on a platform like ClientBooks aligns with their need for independence and access to their financial information. Proprietary systems might simplify day-to-day operations but could limit flexibility and create challenges if a transition to another provider becomes necessary.

The bottom line

In light of the Bench shutdown — which has revealed critical gaps not just in Bench’s service but across many other online bookkeeping services in the market – it has become clear that small businesses need to go beyond ticking basic feature-related boxes when they migrate to a reliable Bench Accounting alternative: they also need to ensure they don’t sign up for proprietary systems that lock them in.

CoCountant is designed to address these shortcomings and provide exactly what small businesses require: a dedicated, human-first approach paired with smart automation that supports your business, not hinders it. Every client is supported by a team of certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors who take the time to understand your business and deliver direct, personalized service. From managing your books today to scaling with you tomorrow, CoCountant ensures you’re supported at every step—reliably and transparently.

Crucially, your financial data remains in your hands, stored securely in widely trusted platforms like QuickBooks Online. This means no vendor lock-in, no data accessibility concerns, and no unpleasant surprises.

It’s time to move beyond the uncertainty and find a bookkeeping partner you can trust. Let CoCountant show you what dependable, personalized financial management looks like.

In just 30 minutes, our experts will:

• Learn about your business needs and priorities.
• Show you how CoCountant integrates seamlessly with your existing processes, minimizing disruption.
• Answer all your questions to help you make an informed decision.