Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses in Australia (2026 Review)

Introduction

Managing finances is one of the biggest challenges for small business owners in Australia. From tracking expenses and issuing invoices to managing GST and preparing for tax time, having the right accounting software can save hours of work — and costly mistakes.

Australian small businesses also need software that complies with local tax laws, supports GST reporting, and integrates smoothly with banks, payroll systems, and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

In this 2026 review, we compare the best accounting software for small businesses in Australia, focusing on ease of use, features, pricing in AUD, and compliance with Australian requirements. If you also work remotely, this guide may help: Tax Deductions for Remote Workers in Australia .

Quick Comparison: Best Accounting Software (Australia, 2026)

Software	Starting Price (AUD)	GST Support	Best For	Rating
Xero	~$35 / month	Yes	Growing small businesses	⭐ 4.9 / 5
MYOB	~$30 / month	Yes	Australian compliance	⭐ 4.7 / 5
QuickBooks Online	~$25 / month	Yes	Simple accounting needs	⭐ 4.6 / 5

Best Accounting Software for Australian Small Businesses

1) Xero — Best Overall Accounting Software in Australia

Xero is the most popular accounting software among Australian small businesses. It offers powerful features, a clean interface, and strong integration with Australian banks, payroll systems, and the ATO.

Why Australian businesses choose Xero:

• Excellent GST and BAS reporting
• Real-time bank feeds
• Large ecosystem of add-ons

Pros:

• Very user-friendly
• Highly scalable

Cons:

• Higher monthly cost

2) MYOB — Best for Australian Compliance

MYOB has been serving Australian businesses for decades. It is well-known for its strong local compliance features, including payroll, superannuation, and ATO reporting.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for Australia
• Strong payroll and tax features

Cons:

• Interface feels dated to some users

3) QuickBooks Online — Best for Simplicity

QuickBooks Online is a solid option for sole traders and small businesses with simple accounting needs. It offers easy invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting at a lower cost.

Pros:

• Affordable entry-level plans
• Easy to learn

Cons:

• Fewer advanced features

How to Choose Accounting Software in Australia

When choosing accounting software, Australian small businesses should consider:

• GST and BAS reporting support
• Integration with Australian banks
• Payroll and superannuation features
• Scalability as the business grows

For official guidance on business tax and record keeping, refer to: business.gov.au.

FAQ: Accounting Software in Australia (Schema)

Conclusion: Best Accounting Software for Australia in 2026

For Australian small businesses in 2026, Xero remains the best all-around accounting solution. MYOB is ideal for businesses prioritising Australian compliance, while QuickBooks Online suits sole traders and simpler operations.

Choosing the right accounting software can save time, reduce stress, and help your business stay compliant and profitable.

👉 Compare the Best Accounting Software for Australia

Suggested Internal Links:

• Tax Deductions for Remote Workers in Australia
• Best Remote Work Tools for Australians