5 Best Sole Trader Accounting Software in Australia
TL;DR
The right sole trader accounting software in Australia simplifies bookkeeping, improves compliance, and saves time for solo business owners like you. Outsourced support can further maximise efficiency and insights.
- Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Rounded, and FreshBooks lead the market
- Outsourcing bookkeeping frees up time for core work
- Automating invoicing and payroll reduces errors
- Custom reports help track profitability and cash flow
Managing finances as a sole trader in Australia can feel like juggling multiple balls at once: tracking income, issuing invoices, and staying on top of tax obligations. You’re not alone; Over 60% of Australian businesses are self-employed or non-employing and handle their finances independently.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all manually. Leveraging the right sole trader accounting software in Australia can simplify these tasks and let you focus on growing your business. Many sole traders are already doing so, leading to a boom in the small business accounting software market in the Asia-Pacific region.
It’s projected to grow from AU$2.4 billion (US$1.5 billion) in 2023 to AU$4.4 billion by 2032. Globally, accounting software is expected to reach AU$51.7 billion (US$33.5 billion) by 2030 from AU$33.3 billion in 2025.
This article explores the best accounting software for sole traders in Australia. You can compare key features, pricing, and usability while learning how outsourced support can further optimise efficiency.
5 Best Sole Trader Accounting Software in Australia
Choosing the best sole trader accounting software in Australia can streamline your finances, improve compliance, and save you hours each week. Here are some top options you can consider:
1. Xero
Pricing: Starts at AU$35/month
Xero offers full cloud-based accessibility so that you can manage your finances anytime, anywhere, with real-time updates. Its robust integration capabilities connect with over 800 business apps for payroll, inventory, and CRM, making it easy to scale your tools as your business grows.
For example, a Melbourne-based freelance designer uses Xero to automate invoicing and reconcile bank transactions in minutes.
2. MYOB Business Lite
Pricing: Starts at AU$12/year
MYOB Business Lite is designed specifically for sole traders, providing GST tracking, invoicing, and payroll in a single platform. Its local compliance support ensures your accounts align with Australian tax and superannuation regulations to reduce the risk of errors. It’s an ideal choice if you’re starting or looking for an affordable solution.
3. QuickBooks Online
Pricing: Starts at AU$8.70/month
QuickBooks Online features an intuitive interface that makes it easy for you to manage finances, even without an accounting background. It automates BAS preparation to minimise errors and save time, while integrations with PayPal and Stripe allow faster payment processing. These features are beneficial if you run a service-based business.
4. Rounded
Pricing: Starts at AU$23.95/month
Rounded caters to freelancers and creatives who need simple yet effective accounting tools. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, and time logging efficiently, with a mobile-first design that makes accounting on the go seamless.
5. FreshBooks
Pricing: Starts at AU$12/month
FreshBooks focuses on client management; it lets you track billable hours, project costs, and expenses in one place. Automated reminders help improve payment rates and maintain healthy cash flow. For instance, an Adelaide-based photographer can reduce admin work by 40% using this platform.
How to Maximize Your Accounting Software with Outsourced Support
Pairing your sole trader accounting software with professional outsourced support can free up your time, reduce errors, and improve overall business efficiency. Here are some ways to outsource effectively:
1. Delegate bookkeeping and data entry
Offshore professionals can handle daily bookkeeping and data entry tasks, ensuring your records stay accurate and up to date. This approach removes the administrative burden from your plate, giving you more time to focus on growing your business.
2. Automate payroll and invoicing tasks
An outsourcing solutions team can set up and manage automated payroll and invoicing processes within your accounting software. Reducing manual work helps you minimise errors, speed up payment cycles, and pay employees and contractors on time.
3. Customise reports and dashboards
Outsourced professionals can help tailor your software’s reports and dashboards to track profitability, monitor cash flow, and visualise business performance clearly. This level of insight allows you to make more informed financial decisions without spending hours analysing data manually.
4. Ensure tax compliance
Offshore teams experienced in Australian accounting standards can reconcile accounts and prepare BAS/IAS lodgments in line with ATO requirements. Their expertise can help you avoid compliance risks and costly mistakes during tax season.
5. Access skilled accounting and administrative staff
Through services like optiBPO, you can access offshore accounting and offshore administrative solutions that can integrate seamlessly with your business processes. Outsourced teams provide reliable support for your specific operational needs, maximising the value of your accounting software.
Smart Accounting for Smarter Growth
Investing in the right accounting software is only part of the puzzle. When you pair it with skilled outsourced support, managing your finances becomes simpler, more accurate, and far less stressful.
Outsourcing—whether for accounting, admin work, or even lead generation services—lets you focus on growing your business while experts handle the repetitive aspects of your operations.
From administrative tasks to BAS preparation, optiBPO helps Australian sole traders like you build and manage offshore teams that integrate seamlessly with your operations. With access to trained professionals and tailored offshore accounting services, you can maximise your software’s potential and gain more billable hours.
Book a discovery call today to explore how optiBPO can help streamline your accounting processes and support your growth.
