With these software, you can digitize your accounting

Carolin Puls 1/19/2024

We show you how you can digitize your accounting step-by-step and which accounting software can support you in this process.

GIF: Buchhaltung digitalisieren
Table of contents
  1. What does it mean to digitalise your accounting?
  2. These are the advantages of digital accounting
  3. Are there also disadvantages to digital accounting?
  4. This is how digital accounting works: Your step-by-step guide
  5. GetMyInvoices is an invoice management program where you can collect and store your invoices and other documents. You can then share these with tax advisors at the click of a button so that they can prepare the receipts for the tax office.
  6. GetMyInvoices Alternatives
  7. Schnell und einfach – digital buchen

The receipts of the business trip are piling up on the desk, the bill for the last big marketing campaign still needs to be checked and the invoices to your clients still need to be written. In such a paper chaos, you can easily lose track. Digitalizing your accounting can help you keep track and automate various processes. But what does it mean to digitalise accounting? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this conversion and what steps do you need to consider? Are there tax guidelines that you must observe when digitizing? And which software is suitable as an electronic accounting system? We will provide the answers to these in this post.

What does it mean to digitalise your accounting?

Digitalisation in accounting primarily means the step from paper-based to paperless processes. This affects the digital creation and dispatch of your outgoing invoices to your clients, scanning and digital archiving of your incoming invoices and other documents, as well as various automations through the accounting software you have chosen. This helps you avoid the piles of paper previously mentioned on your desks, through which you no longer see the accounting forest for the flood of papers. Often, the opportunities of digitalisation processes in companies are initially only seen in IT or marketing. However, the digitalisation of your accounting can have a positive impact on many processes in your business and thereby quickly pay off.

These are the advantages of digital accounting

But what characteristics make the digitalization of receipts in an accounting software indispensable in your job? The first big and visible advantage is that it saves space. By digitalizing the receipts with a document scanner, you create space on your desks, cabinets and offices, which you can now use more sensibly. Although the purchase of a “digital accountant” will cost you a few euros a month, in the medium term you will be able to offset the costs with this investment, as you will have to put less money into copy paper, printers, filing cabinets or additional premises. Since your accounting software can automate the processes you have defined, you also save time because you no longer have to manually record invoices or manually transfer hours worked. On the one hand, digital work reduces the risk of transmission errors, and on the other hand, you can devote yourself to other tasks in the saved time.

An additional advantage is the availability of the data. Your colleagues can access incoming invoices, outgoing invoices, reminders or other receipts from anywhere and edit these. This in turn saves time and costs, as you and your team can work simultaneously on a task or a project without having to duplicate the information, as it is stored in a central location. The fact that the information is always transparently available to all participating colleagues makes it possible to trace previous work steps and continue processing them in the event of absence. This can be useful if, for example, a complaint is made, colleagues are on holiday or mobile working, or if queries from clients arise. This increased response time will strengthen the business partners' reputation and relationship.

Your accounting system also supports you in keeping all technically and tax-law relevant accounting components up to date. The resulting legal certainty reduces the workload for your colleagues. Furthermore, you can grant third parties, such as your tax advisors, access to the electronic accounting system, allowing them to also carry out their orders digitally, which is fed directly from the system without manual transfer of data.

Are there also disadvantages to digital accounting?

Where there are advantages, there must be disadvantages, you may be thinking right now. In the area of bookkeeping with digital receipts, the disadvantage lies in the additional effort you have to put in at the beginning to implement the digital bookkeeping software. You must convince your colleagues that the new processes are better than what you “have always done”. You can achieve this by defining the new processes together beforehand. This will avoid presenting colleagues with a fait accompli and then perhaps not picking them up. Involvement can help to take away their fears. In addition, you may want to aim for a phase of adjustment in which your colleagues can familiarize themselves with the new system before it is “switched on”.

Recommended accounting and invoicing programs

On our comparison platform OMR Reviews you can find more recommended Accounting- and invoicing programs. More than 120 different systems are available. Our platform offers comprehensive support in all areas of accounting and invoicing. Take the opportunity to compare different accounting programs and take real user reviews into account to find the ideal solution for your individual requirements:

This is how digital accounting works: Your step-by-step guide

You probably can't wait to digitise your accounting by this point. We have put together a specific step-by-step guide for you that will support you in this.

Step 1: Get an overview

First of all, you should get an overview of which paper-based processes exist in your company and how they affect accounting. You have to understand the different workflows in order to be able to display these digitally afterwards without negatively affecting the quality of work. It's best to create a list or flowchart where you capture all departments, people and work steps.

Step 2: Involve your tax advisor early

The involvement of your tax advisor is an important step in the switch to digital receipts. After all, these are the experts who know exactly how to implement the guidelines of the GoBD and what you have to consider when changing. Perhaps your contact person has already had positive experiences with various accounting software companies for freelancers, small businesses and larger corporations and can recommend one of these to you or even train you in it.

Step 3: Involve the right peopleTo make the switch from paper-based to paperless accounting quickly and reliably, you should rely on digitally savvy colleagues who supervise the changeover. These do not have to be the specialists from accounting – this work step is about restructuring the processes. But the people in charge should definitely liaise with the departments involved, get feedback and inform about the current status. These colleagues are also responsible for setting up and adhering to a timetable and coordinating a suitable digital folder structure for you.Step 4: Purchase the necessary hardwareSince you want to transform your paper documents into digital ones, you will need the right tool for this. In addition to your computer, you also need a document scanner with which you can scan invoices, travel receipts or other documents and store them in your previously defined folder structure. At the same time, already existing receipts must be archived online so that you don't have to search again in the filing cabinets for information.

Step 5: Decide on accounting software

Then it is already the turn of selecting and installing your accounting software. You can read which are suitable in the next section. We have also put together an overview of the best accounting software for you.

Step 6: Set up interfaces to other systems

If you are already using software for your payroll accounting, your ERP system, your CRM or for invoicing, you should couple these with your digital accounting system in the next step. This way, you save yourself manual transfers and can guarantee a faultless transfer without information loss.

Step 7: Start the test phase

In order for all colleagues to benefit from and accept the new system, you should carry out various tests before the conversion date. During this time, you can gather experiences and adjust processes once again so that they fit the company and you are looking forward to starting with the digital accounting.This step-by-step guide will help you to switch to digital accountingYou have to observe these tax regulations

If a tax auditor wants to check the accounting in your company, he will check whether the accounting software meets the tax principles of proper accounting, briefly GoBD. For this, it is important that the digital receipts can no longer be changed or changes made are logged and are therefore traceable. The GoBD also emphasizes the truth, clarity and ongoing recording of accounting as well as its completeness and correctness. Make sure that you carry out your bookings in a timely manner and document them. If you choose an accounting software that fulfils these requirements according to the GoBD, you do not have to worry about an audit by the tax office.

These software are suitable for digitising your accounting

You will need suitable accounting software to establish digital accounting in your business. You can select the accounting tool that suits you based on user reviews at OMR Reviews. We will introduce some of them to you in more detail below. If you would like to know more about free accounting tools and Enterprise Accounting software afterwards, just visit OMR Reviews.

Attention: This ranking is based on the status of 19.01.2024

1. GetMyInvoices

GetMyInvoices is an invoice management program where you can collect and store your invoices and other documents. You can then share these with tax advisors at the click of a button so that they can prepare the receipts for the tax office.

GetMyInvoices costsIn the Essential package, which can serve a maximum of two users, you can deposit up to 5 portal connections and up to 50 documents per month. You have access to a central mailbox and a scanning app for iOS and Android. The monthly costs for this are € 11 The Small package costs € 19 per month and can be used by three users. It has up to 10 portal connections and 150 documents per month. You can synchronise three additional accounts with the Small version. GetMyInvoices Standard offers access for five users, 25 portal connections and up to 250 documents per month and charges € 25 monthly for this. You can use five e-mail accounts, three bank accounts and five synchronization accounts.You can find more information about the prices of GetMyInvoices at OMR Reviews.

GetMyInvoices Alternatives

At OMR Reviews you can find an overview of the alternatives to GetMyInvoices. Here you can decide for the accounting tool that fits best to your company with the help of user experiences and ratings.2. orgaMaxAnother software that can assist you in your digital accounting is orgaMAX. With this tool, you can write offers and invoices, organise orders, manage your accounting and finances and map your inventory management. orgaMAX also has a built-in inventory management system and a POS system as well as e-commerce connectivity.orgaMAX costsorgaMAX is available in various functional dimensions. The basic version is available for € 8.00 per month. The other pricing models comprise different functions and cost up to € 30.00 per month.You can find more information about the prices of orgaMAX at OMR Reviews.orgaMAX AlternativesAt OMR Reviews, you'll find an overview of orgaMAX alternatives. Here you can decide for the accounting tool that fits best to your company with the help of user experiences and ratings.3. sevDesk

With the accounting software sevDesk, you can create offers and invoices, digitise receipts, record times for clients projects and carry out the pre-registration of sales tax with the tax office. Furthermore, you can book cancellations and credit notes, keep a proper cash book and claim the export for your tax advisor. With sevDesk, you can also create your income surplus calculation, do inventory and use various interfaces.

 
 

sevDesk costs

sevDesk is divided into the packages Invoice, Accounting and Inventory Management. The Invoice module costs € 8.90 per month, the accounting module € 17.90 per month and the inventory management module is € 43.00 per month.

You can find more information about the prices of sevDesk at OMR Reviews.

sevDesk Alternatives

At OMR Reviews, you'll find an overview of Sevdesk alternatives. Here you can decide for the accounting tool that fits best to your company with the help of user experiences and ratings.4. LexofficeThe Lexoffice accounting programme combines the functions of accounting, invoice management and banking. In the software, you can create individual and serial invoices, write offers, manage client data and carry out the pre-registration of sales tax with the tax office. You always have an overview of the payments and incoming payments and can quickly and easily record your receipts via the Lexoffice Scan App.

Lexoffice costs

The Lexoffice software can be put together individually. The small package costs € 6.90 per month, the M package is € 11.90 per month and the L package is at € 19.90 per month.You can find more information about the prices of Lexoffice at OMR Reviews.Lexoffice Alternatives

 
 

At OMR Reviews you can find an overview of the alternatives to Lexoffice. Here you can decide for the accounting tool that fits best to your company with the help of user experiences and ratings.

5. Zervant

The next accounting tool we want to introduce to you is Zervant. It helps you in the creation of invoices, receipts and offers. In addition, you can create partial and recurring invoices and send payment reminders. Zervant has an integrated client and product database as well as time recording for customers' projects.

Zervant costs

In the free Zervant version, you can create five clients and generate an unlimited number of offers and invoices for these. The Mobile App and the time recording are included. The Starter programme costs € 9 per month and covers 30 clients. With this, you can send reminders and payment reminders. The Pro version costs € 17 per month and the growth version is available from € 40 per month.You can find more information about the prices of Zervant at OMR Reviews.Zervant Alternatives

At OMR Reviews, you'll find an overview of the Zervant alternatives. Here you can decide for the accounting tool that fits best to your company with the help of user experiences and ratings.

6. DATEVDATEV is an accounting software that you can use for payroll, personnel, accounting and IT. You can use it at various workplaces, write invoices and offers, initiate payments and control incoming payments.DATEV costs

 
 

DATEV does not communicate prices for the software publicly. If you are interested in the costs, you can get in touch with the provider directly.

DATEV Alternatives

At OMR Reviews you can find an overview of the alternatives to DATEV. Here you can decide for the accounting tool that fits best to your company with the help of user experiences and ratings.

7. Sage Payroll

With Sage payroll accounting, users without prior knowledge can carry out the payroll accounting flawlessly and automatically if necessary. All necessary documents for statutory reports are created at the push of a button and sent to the tax office and health insurance company. The online software is always up-to-date and requires no installation or paid updates.Sage Payroll costsSage payroll accounting can be tested free of charge and without obligation for 30 days without having to provide payment data. New clients also benefit from the free customer service for product setup and reporting procedures. Subsequent packages for this tool are already available from € 6 per month.

Sage Payroll Alternatives

At OMR Reviews you can find an overview of the Sage payroll alternatives. Here you can decide for the accounting tool that fits best to your company with the help of user experiences and ratings.Quick and easy – digital bookingSwitching from paper to digital has many advantages for accounting and your company that you should use. Although the introduction will require a little patience and finesse to learn digital accounting – but this will quickly pay off.

 
 

4. Lexoffice


Das Buchhaltungsprogramm Lexoffice vereint die Funktionen der Buchhaltung, des Rechnungsmanagements und des Bankings miteinander. Du kannst in der Software Einzel- und Serienrechnungen erstellen, Angebote schreiben, Kund*innen-Daten verwalten und deine Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung beim Finanzamt machen. Du hast stets eine Übersicht über die Zahlungen und Geldeingänge und kannst deine Belege schnell und einfach über die Lexoffice Scan App erfassen.

Lexoffice Kosten 

Die Lexoffice-Software kannst du dir individuell zusammenstellen. Das kleine Paket kostet 6,90 € pro Monat, das M Paket liegt bei 11,90 € monatlich und das L Paket bei 19,90 € monatlich.

Mehr Informationen zu den Preisen von Lexoffice findest du auf OMR Reviews.

Lexoffice Alternativen

Auf OMR Reviews findet du eine Übersicht zu den Lexoffice-Alternativen. Hier kannst dich mithilfe von Nutzerfahrungen und -bewertungen für das Buchhaltungsstool entscheiden, welches am besten zu deinem Unternehmen passt.

 
 

5. Zervant


Das nächste Buchhaltungstool das wir dir vorstellen möchten, ist Zervant. Es hilft dir bei der Erstellung von Rechnungen, Belegen und Angeboten. Außerdem kannst du Teil- und wiederkehrende Rechnungen anlegen sowie Zahlungserinnerungen versenden. Zervant verfügt über eine integrierte Kunden- und Produktdatenbank sowie eine Zeiterfassung für Kund*innen-Projekte.

Zervant Kosten

In der kostenlosen Zervant Version kannst du fünf Kund*innen anlegen und für diese unbegrenzt viele Angebote und Rechnungen erstellen. Die Mobile App sowie die Zeiterfassung sind hierin inkludiert. Das Starter-Programm kostet 9 € monatlich und umfasst 30 Kund*innen. Mit diesem kannst du Mahnungen und Zahlungserinnerungen versenden. Die Pro-Version kostet 17 € pro Monat und die Wachstums-Version ist ab 40 € monatlich erhältlich.

Mehr Informationen zu den Preisen von Zervant findest du auf OMR Reviews.

Zervant Alternativen

Auf OMR Reviews findet Ihr eine Übersicht zu den Zervant-Alternativen. Hier kannst dich mithilfe von Nutzerfahrungen und -bewertungen für das Buchhaltungsstool entscheiden, welches am besten zu deinem Unternehmen passt.

 
 

6. DATEV

DATEV ist eine Buchführungssoftware, die du für die Bereiche Lohn, Personal, Rechnungswesen und IT nutzen kannst. Du kannst diese an verschiedenen Arbeitsplätzen nutzen, Rechnungen und Angebote schreiben sowie Zahlungen anstoßen und Geldeingänge kontrollieren.

DATEV Kosten

DATEV kommuniziert Preise für die Software nicht öffentlich. Sollten dich die Kosten interessieren, kannst du direkt in Kontakt mit dem Anbieter treten.

DATEV Alternativen

Auf OMR Reviews findest du eine Übersicht zu den DATEV-Alternativen. Hier kannst dich mithilfe von Nutzerfahrungen und -bewertungen für das Buchhaltungsstool entscheiden, welches am besten zu deinem Unternehmen passt.

 
 


7. Sage Lohnabrechnung

Mit Sage Lohnabrechnung können Anwender*innen ohne Vorkenntnisse die Gehaltsabrechnungen fehlerfrei und bei Bedarf automatisiert erledigen. Alle notwendigen Dokumente für gesetzliche Meldungen werden auf Knopfdruck erstellt und an Finanzamt und Krankenkasse versendet. Die Online-Software ist immer aktuell und erfordert keine Installation oder kostenpflichtigen Updates.

Sage Lohnabrechnung Kosten

Sage Lohnabrechnung kann 30 Tage kostenlos und unverbindlich getestet werden, ohne dass Zahlungsdaten angegeben werden müssen. Darüber hinaus profitieren Neukund*innen von dem kostenlosen Kundenservice bei der Produkteinrichtung und den Meldeverfahren. Anschließende Pakete für dieses Tool gibt es schon ab 6 € pro Monat.

Sage Lohnabrechnung Alternativen

Auf OMR Reviews findest du eine Übersicht zu den Sage Lohnrechnung Alternativen. Hier kannst dich mithilfe von Nutzerfahrungen und -bewertungen für das Buchhaltungsstool entscheiden, welches am besten zu deinem Unternehmen passt.

Schnell und einfach – digital buchen

Die Umstellung von Papier auf Digital hat für die Buchhaltung und dein Unternehmen viele Vorteile, die du nutzen solltest. Die Einführung wird zwar ein bisschen Geduld und Fingerspitzengefühl benötigen, um die digitale Buchhaltung zu lernen – dieses wird sich aber im Handumdrehen bezahlt machen.

Carolin Puls
Author
Carolin Puls

Carolin ist freie Redakteurin bei OMR und mit ganzem Herzen Autorin. Als Brand Managerin war sie bereits bei verschiedenen Unternehmen aus der FMCG-Branche für das Marketing zuständig. Währenddessen hat Carolin berufsbegleitend Ihr Studium zur Marketing-Betriebswirtin abgeschlossen.

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