Best Church Accounting Software of 2024

A closer look at our top church accounting software picks

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.

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.

» MORE: QuickBooks not right for you? Check out these top QuickBooks alternatives

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.

» MORE: Best accounting software for nonprofits

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.

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.

» MORE: Top alternatives to Xero

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.

How to choose church accounting software

To find the best accounting software for your church, consider the following factors:

1. Cost: As a tax-exempt organization, churches are especially accountable for every dollar they spend. That includes how much gets put toward accounting software. If you’re using more generalized accounting software, don’t forget to add in the cost of church-specific integrations (if you need them). You might also factor in credit card processing fees if you accept donations online. 

2. Core bookkeeping tools: These include detailed transaction tracking, reporting, online bank connections for importing transactions and the ability to loop in your accountant. We also recommend having your bookkeeper or accountant look over your chart of accounts setup before getting started. 

3. Industry-specific features: Any church can benefit from software that provides basic support for tax-exempt organizations, like Form 990 filing assistance. But as your ministry grows, you may want access to additional church management tools, such as donor databases, member directories, online event registration, marketing features and fundraising programs. 

4. User interface: Church accounting software should be relatively easy to use, and this is especially true if more than one or two people are going to be working with it. Some industry-specific software products, like PowerChurch, have dated user interfaces that might feel clunky. Universal accounting software is less tailored to churches, but often more streamlined and simpler to navigate. Overall, one type isn’t better than the other, but it’s definitely a tradeoff. 

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