Best Church Accounting Software of 2024
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Church accounting software helps you get your church bookkeeping done quickly and accurately, so you and your administrative staff can get back to the things that matter most to your ministry. While industry-specific options may include niche features, like mailing lists and ministry services modules, generalized accounting software often has a more modern user interface.
Here are some of our top church accounting software picks:
Best overall: PowerChurch.
Best for multilingual churches: Zoho Books.
Best free option: Wave Accounting.
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7 best church accounting software solutions
Product | Starting at | Promotion | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|
Xero NerdWallet Rating Learn more on Xero's website | $15/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $42, $78. | 75% off for six months on Business Edition plans. | Learn more on Xero's website |
QuickBooks Online NerdWallet Rating Learn more on QuickBooks' website | $35/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $65, $99, $235. | 50% off for first three months or free 30-day trial. | Learn more on QuickBooks' website |
Zoho Books NerdWallet Rating Learn more on Zoho Books' website | $0 Additional pricing tiers (per month): $20, $50, $70, $150, $275. | 14-day free trial of the Premium plan. | Learn more on Zoho Books' website |
Wave Accounting NerdWallet Rating | $0 Additional pricing tiers (per month): $16 | N/A | |
PowerChurch | $40/month for two users. Additional two users (per month): $25. | N/A | |
Aplos | $79/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $99, $189. | 15-day free trial | |
Realm | N/A Quote-based. | 30-day free trial of Inform plan. |
A closer look at our top church accounting software picks
PowerChurch
PowerChurch
$40
for two users. Additional two users (per month): $25.
Why we like it: Founded in 1984, PowerChurch is one of the most established church accounting software programs on the market. PowerChurch Plus is a desktop-based church accounting software, but the company also has an online option: PowerChurch Online. Unlike QuickBooks where the desktop and online versions of the software differ considerably, PowerChurch Online is an actual installation of PowerChurch Plus on PowerChurch’s servers and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
The PowerChurch user interface isn’t anything fancy, but the software includes many features specific to the accounting and membership management needs of a church. You can create various modules to store contact information, attendance and visitation records for thousands of families within your congregation; record and track pledges and contributions; manage the books with tools for payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable; organize and maintain records of sermons, equipment inventory and library items; and schedule and manage church events. If you need more functionality than the core program offers, you can purchase add-ons to handle attendance and check-ins or mass mailings, for an additional cost. The software assumes a basic understanding of double-entry accounting, so the learning curve may be a bit steep for someone with no prior accounting knowledge.
Both online and desktop versions of the software are available.
Designed specifically for church accounting and membership management needs.
Long list of church-specific features.
Add-on features for attendance and mass mailings are available.
PowerChurch Plus only works on Windows PCs.
User interface is outdated.
Learning curve may be steep if you have no prior accounting knowledge.
QuickBooks Online
Why we like it: With a library of more than 750 app integrations, you may be able to build the full church management system you need around QuickBooks’ reliable and ubiquitous accounting software. If you've already covered the extras — like church attendance tracking, congregation communications and mass mailing capabilities — and just need straightforward accounting software, you can count on QuickBooks to deliver. Unlike some other options on this list, QuickBooks has not built a specific tool for church accounting and management. Rather, the Plus and Advanced QuickBooks Online plans offer features that would be most relevant to your church accounting needs, including automatic bank account syncing to monitor cash flow, fund tracking, customizable reports and tax compliance features. Read our full QuickBooks Online review.
Easy to share information with your accountant and to find QuickBooks experts and online resources if needed.
More than 750 app integrations, including live, in-house bookkeeping.
Robust feature set includes thorough record-keeping, comprehensive reporting, excellent invoicing and inventory management, plus a capable mobile app.
Daily phone support and 24/7 chat support in all plans.
Lacks industry-specific features.
Limited account users with each plan.
» MORE: QuickBooks not right for you? Check out these top QuickBooks alternatives
Aplos
Aplos
$79
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $99, $189.
Why we like it: Aplos is another product built specifically for churches and nonprofits (it was built by a CPA who is also a pastor), and its software contains features that extend far beyond simple accounting. In addition to helping you manage your church finances with tools for fund tracking, bill paying, check printing, invoicing and online payments and more, Aplos also offers features to enhance the giving process, keep your congregation safe and connected, simplify mass communications, streamline event registration and even build a custom website for your church.
Aplos’ software pricing scales as your church grows, meaning you won’t overpay in your church’s infancy or outgrow the platform as your church matures. An Advanced accounting option for larger churches is available starting at $189 per month, but the team will also work with you to create a custom church accounting software solution, which is quote-based. If you’re looking for church accounting software with payroll, Aplos does not include payroll services in its software, but it does integrate with Gusto for seamless and stress-free payroll management.
Aplos is the only all-in-one software on this list that offers a free trial period, so consider taking advantage of that.
Designed for nonprofits and churches.
Tools to build and host your website, plus the ability to accept online donations and tithes.
Donor database collects information like giving history and lets you create groups.
Fund accounting features for tracking how gifts, grants and donations are used.
Accounting features like budgeting and recurring transactions require a plan upgrade.
Realm
Why we like it: Realm, like a few of the other church accounting software solutions on this list, is a platform designed to help you manage all aspects of your church, from events and communications to accounting and administration. Realm has built a robust tool for online giving and offerings that integrates with the rest of its software features, so you can easily encourage donations, give members the freedom to pay online anytime, track and report on donations and more. More tech-savvy church staff may also appreciate Realm’s mobile app, which enables easy online giving and communications between the ministry and congregation.
One of the company’s standout features, however, is the support and assistance it offers to its customers. From a support team that’s available by email and phone to additional training services and webinars, Realm is committed to helping you make the most of its software.
Software is designed specifically for churches.
Customer support is available by phone, email and chat.
24/7 support available (with additional cost).
Includes a free mobile app (iOS and Android) for church staff and full congregation.
Accounting features are considered an add-on to any plan and come at an additional cost.
Plan pricing is not listed on the website.
Xero
Why we like it: If you’re in search of simple, straightforward accounting software but find QuickBooks’ plans and pricing intimidating, Xero is a strong alternative to QuickBooks. Xero’s pricing plans max out at QuickBooks’ entry point, and all plans include the option to add a payroll integration with Gusto (starting at an additional $40 per month). As for accounting features, Xero’s least expensive plan will enable invoicing, daily bank reconciliation, and cash flow tracking. Upgrading to the highest tier plan will give you additional functionality such as expense management and advanced reporting. Read our full Xero Accounting review.
Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
Integrates with more than 1,000 third-party apps.
Feature set includes an excellent mobile app and suite of reports, capable invoicing features, plus automated bill and receipt capture through Hubdoc.
Simple layout and easy to use.
No phone number for customer support listed.
Entry-level plan limits bills and invoices to five and 20 per month, respectively.
» MORE: Top alternatives to Xero
Zoho Books
Why we like it: Zoho Books is another recognizable and reliable brand of accounting software. Its benefits include multiple plan tiers that let you scale your software as your church and congregation grow, along with a suite of Zoho tools for CRM, people management and more that seamlessly integrate with its accounting tool.
The free plan includes accounting basics such as bank reconciliation, a chart of accounts and expense tracking, plus helpful invoicing features. In particular, church staff may appreciate the ability to schedule recurring invoices for donors who give regularly and the ability to send donation receipts and thank yous.
One of the most noteworthy features of Zoho Books, however, is that you can access the software in 10 different languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. Churches with multilingual staff and congregations may find this particularly appealing. Read our full Zoho Books review.
Less expensive than some competitors; free plan available for businesses with less than $50K in annual revenue.
Email support in free plan; phone and chat support in paid plans.
Rich feature set includes excellent invoicing, inventory management, workflow rules and a capable mobile app.
Add accounting widgets to your phone’s home screen; track time using your Apple Watch.
Fewer third-party integrations and reports than some competitors.
No plan includes more than 15 users (can add additional users for a fee).
Wave Accounting
Why we like it: If your church is brand new or working to build back a thinning congregation and therefore light on funding, then you may be interested in free accounting software for your church. Wave offers free accounting and invoicing software (and the option to upgrade to a reasonably priced paid plan for additional functionality). You’ll likely find Wave Accounting is light on some of the features you’d find in paid software like QuickBooks Online, and it certainly won’t offer the bonus tools and features of a complete church management platform like Realm or Aplos. But if you simply want to cover the accounting basics for your church at no cost, Wave may be the right fit for you. Read our full Wave Accounting review.
Free plan available.
Intuitive, customizable invoicing capabilities compete with those of more robust accounting solutions.
Lacks features that quickly growing companies need, like audit trails.
Must subscribe to Wave’s Pro plan or other paid services (payroll, payments, advisor, etc.) to receive customer support from a human
No third-party integrations, mileage tracking feature or ability to accept in-person card payments.
Why your church needs a dedicated bookkeeper
Choosing the right church accounting software is important, but it’s only one part of the equation. Nonprofit accounting differs from general business accounting, and so it’s crucial to work with an accountant or bookkeeper who understands nonprofit accounting in general and church accounting in particular.
Even if a member of your congregation is a nonprofit accountant or bookkeeper, engaging a specialist to help with your church’s bookkeeping will likely be a financial investment. But prioritizing this investment can benefit your church in several ways:
Your church’s leadership team and administrative staff will be able to focus on the church’s mission instead of its bookkeeping.
You'll be able to reassure your congregants that their tithes and donations are being used as intended. When members know their donations are used wisely, they're more likely to continue donating.
Your church will be able to manage the accounting tasks associated with programs like preschools and fundraising, ensuring these programs — and your ministry — are a success.
Billie Anne Grigg contributed to an earlier version of this article, which was first published on Fundera, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.
Methodology
NerdWallet independently reviews accounting software products before determining our top picks. We collect the data for our software ratings from products’ public-facing websites and from company representatives. Information is gathered on a regular basis and reviewed by our editorial team for consistency and accuracy.
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