Tools for Accounting

Core Accounting & ERP

Core accounting and ERP systems hold the general ledger and run AP, AR, reporting and close. Most now include built-in AI features, from natural language questions to anomaly detection and AI agents. This category lists the systems themselves; AI add-ons built into them are linked from each listing.

How to choose

  • Match the system to your size: small business ledgers and midmarket or enterprise ERPs are different purchases.
  • Check whether the AI features you want are included or cost extra (AI units, credits or add-on modules).
  • Confirm multi-entity, multi-currency and reporting needs before you choose.
  • Ask about implementation cost, partners and the time it takes to go live.

11 tools

  • NetSuite

    Oracle's cloud ERP with general ledger, AR, AP and close, plus the NetSuite Next AI layer.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Annual license based on core platform, optional modules and number of users, plus a one-time implementation fee; no list prices published. AI Units are included with eligible user licenses, and more can be purchased.

  • Xero

    Cloud accounting for small businesses and their accountants, with the JAX AI agent built in.

    Core Accounting & ERP · US plans: Early $27/mo, Growing $59/mo, Established $97/mo (per Xero's US pricing page). Global USD plans (Starter, Standard, Premium) increase from November 1, 2026.

  • QuickBooks Online

    Intuit's cloud accounting for small businesses, with Intuit Assist AI built in.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Simple Start $38/mo, Essentials $85/mo, Plus $140/mo, Advanced $340/mo (per Intuit's pricing page); Essentials, Plus and Advanced prices changed for renewals on or after August 1, 2026.

  • Sage Intacct

    Cloud financial management for midsize organizations, with built-in AI agents including Sage Copilot.

    Core Accounting & ERP · US pricing is quote-based and modular, on an annual subscription (per Sage's US pricing page). The UK site lists plans from £1,200 per month.

  • SAP Business One

    SAP's ERP for small and midsize businesses, covering financials, inventory and sales, with optional AI.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Pricing not published, contact vendor.

  • Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

    Microsoft's ERP for small and midsize businesses, with Copilot included and paid AI agents.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Essentials $80 per user/month and Premium $110 per user/month, billed annually (per Microsoft's pricing page); agents use Copilot Credits, bought prepaid or pay-as-you-go.

  • Acumatica

    Cloud ERP for midmarket finance, distribution, manufacturing and project businesses, with AI Studio and anomaly detection.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Subscription priced by applications, transaction volume and deployment rather than per user; quotes come through partners (per Acumatica's pricing page).

  • Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP

    Oracle's enterprise cloud ERP and financials, with embedded AI agents for payables, ledger and payments.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Pricing not published, contact vendor.

  • Workday Financial Management

    Workday's cloud finance system, with an Accounting Agent for reconciliation, close and audit evidence.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Pricing not published, contact vendor.

  • FreshBooks

    Cloud invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small service businesses.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Lite $23/mo (up to 5 clients), Plus $43/mo (up to 50), Premium $70/mo (unlimited); 10% off annual billing (per FreshBooks' pricing page).

  • Zoho Books

    Cloud accounting in the Zoho suite, with the Zia AI assistant built in.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Free, Standard $15/mo, Professional $20/mo, Premium $40/mo, Elite $60/mo, Ultimate $150/mo (US, per Zoho's pricing page).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between accounting software and an ERP?

Accounting software covers the ledger, invoicing, bills and reporting. An ERP adds operations such as inventory, purchasing and projects in the same system.

Are AI features included in accounting systems?

It varies. Some vendors include basic AI assistants in the subscription and charge for agents or advanced AI through credits, units or add-on modules.

Can accounting firms work across several of these systems?

Yes. Firms usually serve clients on several ledgers, so check which systems your other tools integrate with.