
Find the best accounting software that integrates with Salesforce to streamline your financial operations and enhance data accuracy across your business.
For businesses with subscriptions, usage-based billing, or complex contracts, revenue recognition is a major headache. Manually applying accounting rules like ASC 606 to sales data from your CRM is tedious, prone to error, and a huge drain on your finance team's time. An upcoming audit can feel like a nightmare. The solution lies in finding an accounting software that integrates with Salesforce and has built-in automation for these complex rules. When a contract is signed in Salesforce, the integration can trigger the correct revenue recognition schedule automatically. This ensures you remain compliant without spending hours buried in spreadsheets, providing the accuracy you need to pass audits and make confident financial plans.
If your sales team lives in Salesforce and your finance team works out of a separate accounting system, you’re likely familiar with the friction that comes from disconnected data. Manually moving information between the two is not only time-consuming but also opens the door to costly errors. Connecting Salesforce directly to your accounting software isn't just about convenience; it's a strategic move to create a single, reliable source of information for your entire business.
This integration breaks down the walls between your front-office and back-office teams. When sales, finance, and operations are all looking at the same numbers, you can make faster decisions, streamline your workflows, and get a much clearer picture of your company's financial health. It’s the foundation for scaling your operations without the growing pains of manual reconciliation and data discrepancies.
When your Salesforce and accounting platforms don't talk to each other, you end up with two different versions of reality. Your sales team might see a deal as "closed-won," but finance is still waiting on the details to create an invoice. Integrating them creates a single source of truth where customer, sales, and financial data live in harmony. This means everyone from sales reps to the CFO is working with the same real-time information. It eliminates the endless back-and-forth and ensures that strategic decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date numbers. With seamless integrations, you can trust that your data is consistent across every department.
How long does it take you to get a clear answer on your company's cash flow or revenue performance? If you’re waiting for month-end reports, you’re making decisions based on outdated information. Connecting Salesforce to your accounting software gives you real-time visibility into your finances. As deals are closed in Salesforce, the data automatically flows into your accounting system, updating your financial reports instantly. This allows you to monitor key metrics, forecast revenue more accurately, and understand the immediate financial impact of your sales activities. You can find more insights on how to leverage this data to drive your business forward.
For businesses with subscriptions, usage-based billing, or high transaction volumes, revenue recognition is a major headache. Manually applying complex accounting rules like ASC 606 to sales data is tedious and prone to error. An integrated system automates this entire process. When a contract is signed in Salesforce, the integration can trigger the correct revenue recognition schedule in your accounting software. This ensures you remain compliant without spending hours buried in spreadsheets. Automating revenue recognition not only saves time but also provides the accuracy you need to pass audits and make confident financial plans. You can schedule a demo to see how HubiFi can automate this for your business.
Few things cause more stress for a finance team than an upcoming audit. Gathering documentation and proving that your numbers are accurate can be a monumental task if your data is scattered across different systems. An integrated Salesforce and accounting solution creates a clean, traceable audit trail for every single transaction—from the initial customer interaction in the CRM to the final revenue entry in the general ledger. This makes it incredibly simple to pull detailed reports and provide auditors with the exact information they need. It demonstrates strong internal controls and helps you confidently prove ASC 606 compliance, turning a stressful process into a straightforward one.
Choosing the right accounting software to pair with Salesforce is a big decision. It’s not just about syncing invoices; it’s about creating a single, reliable source of truth for your entire business. The best solution for you will depend on your company’s size, industry, and how you recognize revenue. Some accounting platforms are built directly on Salesforce, which is known as a “native” application. This offers the tightest possible integration, as both systems essentially speak the same language from the start. Your data lives in one place, which simplifies reporting and day-to-day workflows.
Other options involve connecting two separate, best-in-class systems, like linking QuickBooks to Salesforce. This is done using a third-party integration tool or a custom-built API connection. These connectors act as a bridge, translating and moving information between the platforms automatically. This approach gives you the flexibility to use the accounting software you already know and love while still getting the data you need into Salesforce. As you explore the options below, think about your team’s technical skills, your budget for implementation, and your long-term growth plans. The goal is to find a setup that not only works today but can also scale with you tomorrow.
While not a standalone accounting platform, HubiFi acts as a powerful data integration layer that connects your favorite accounting software directly to Salesforce. If you’re already using a best-in-class system like QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite, you don’t have to switch. Instead, HubiFi ensures all your financial data flows seamlessly into Salesforce in real time.
This approach gives you the best of both worlds: the robust accounting features you rely on and the advanced CRM capabilities of Salesforce. The main advantage is dramatically enhanced reporting and analytics. With a complete financial picture inside your CRM, your sales and finance teams can make smarter, faster decisions. HubiFi specializes in automating complex processes like revenue recognition, making it ideal for high-volume businesses that need accuracy and compliance without the manual work. You can schedule a demo to see how it works.
Accounting Seed is a popular choice because it’s built directly on the Salesforce platform. Being a “native” application means it shares the same data structure as Salesforce, so there’s no need for a separate integration tool. Everything just works together from day one. This instant data sharing allows your teams to manage billing, payables, and financial reporting without ever leaving the Salesforce environment.
Because it’s so deeply connected, you can automate workflows between your sales and accounting processes with ease. For example, you can automatically generate an invoice the moment a deal is marked "Closed-Won" in Salesforce. This tight link makes Accounting Seed a great option for businesses that want a single, unified system to run their entire operation.
Previously known as FinancialForce, Certinia is another robust accounting and ERP solution built natively on Salesforce. This makes it a go-to for businesses that want an all-in-one platform for their professional services operations. Because it’s native, you get a complete, 360-degree view of your customers, from initial sales conversations to final invoicing and revenue recognition.
Certinia is particularly strong for complex, project-based businesses. It offers powerful tools for project management, resource allocation, and services billing that are all connected to its core accounting system. This allows you to manage your finances and your service delivery in one place, giving you clear visibility into project profitability and overall business health. The native connection means you won’t need to manage separate integrations.
Oracle NetSuite is a comprehensive ERP system that can handle everything from accounting to inventory management and ecommerce. While it’s not native to Salesforce, it’s a popular choice for large or rapidly growing companies that need its extensive features. To connect the two platforms, NetSuite offers a Salesforce integration, but it’s important to know how it works.
The integration is often set up and managed by a third-party connector company, like Celigo. This means the implementation can be more complex and costly than with a native app. However, for businesses that need the power of a full ERP like NetSuite, setting up a solid Salesforce integration is a worthwhile investment to keep sales and financial data aligned across the organization.
Sage Intacct is a leading cloud accounting software that offers a pre-built, seamless connection with Salesforce. While not fully native, its integration is listed on the Salesforce AppExchange and is officially maintained by Sage, ensuring reliability and deep functionality. It’s designed to sync data between the two platforms, giving you a clear view of your entire customer lifecycle.
This connection allows you to automate your order-to-cash process and provides both sales and finance teams with access to the same information. However, the source material notes that even with the pre-built connector, some custom work is often needed to tailor the integration to your specific business processes. Sage Intacct is a preferred choice for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), making it a trusted option for financial management.
QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting platforms for small and mid-sized businesses, but it doesn’t have an official, built-in integration with Salesforce. However, don't let that stop you. There are many excellent third-party applications designed specifically to connect QuickBooks Online (QBO) and Salesforce. These tools bridge the gap, syncing customers, invoices, and payments automatically.
This approach is ideal for companies with under 100 employees that don't have highly complex inventory needs. Using a connector allows you to keep the user-friendly accounting software your team already knows while gaining the benefits of connected data. Solutions like HubiFi's integrations can provide this link, ensuring your sales and finance data stays perfectly in sync without manual entry.
Connecting Microsoft Dynamics 365 with Salesforce can be more challenging than with other platforms. This is largely because Dynamics 365 is a direct competitor to Salesforce, and each platform is designed to be the central hub of a business’s operations. Most companies that use Dynamics 365 for finance also use its CRM module, creating a unified Microsoft ecosystem.
For businesses already committed to Salesforce for their CRM, integrating with Dynamics 365 for accounting is possible but often requires significant custom development or a specialized third-party connector. It’s generally a path taken only when a company has a compelling reason to use both systems, such as during a merger or a phased system migration.
Xero is another favorite among small businesses and startups, known for its clean interface and strong core accounting features. Much like QuickBooks, Xero does not have a direct, native integration with Salesforce. Instead, the connection is made through third-party apps available on the Salesforce AppExchange and the Xero App Marketplace.
These connectors are vital for creating a seamless flow of financial information, syncing contacts, invoices, and payment statuses between the two systems. This automation saves time and reduces the risk of manual data entry errors. For a small business using Salesforce, integrating with Xero is a practical way to build a connected and efficient financial workflow without needing a complex or expensive ERP system.
For businesses that already use other products in the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Books can be a natural fit. It offers a comprehensive accounting solution with a straightforward, official integration for Salesforce. This connector is designed to provide a unified view of your sales and finance operations by syncing key data points between the two platforms.
By integrating Zoho Books with Salesforce, you can automatically sync customer information, invoices, payments, and other financial transactions. This ensures that your sales team has visibility into a customer's payment history right within Salesforce, while your finance team gets immediate updates when new deals are closed. The direct integration simplifies setup and provides a reliable connection for managing your entire customer financial lifecycle.
Connecting your accounting software to Salesforce can transform your financial operations, but not all integrations are created equal. The goal is to find a solution that doesn't just move data back and forth but truly unifies your sales and finance teams. A great integration acts as a bridge, creating a seamless flow of information that eliminates manual work, reduces errors, and gives you a complete picture of your business's health.
As you evaluate your options, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and dig into the features that will actually make a difference for your team. Think about how your business operates today and where you want it to be tomorrow. The right tool will not only solve your current challenges but also scale with you as you grow. From real-time data synchronization to advanced reporting, here are the key features to look for in a Salesforce accounting integration.
The most significant benefit of connecting Salesforce to your accounting software is having access to financial data in real time. When your sales team closes a deal, the finance team shouldn't have to wait for a manual handoff to get the information they need. A real-time sync ensures that customer records, sales orders, and payment statuses are instantly updated in both systems. This single, up-to-date view allows for more accurate forecasting, faster invoicing, and better cash flow management. It empowers both teams to make smarter, quicker decisions based on the most current information available.
Integrations generally come in two flavors: native and third-party. Native applications are built directly on the Salesforce platform, meaning they share the same data structure and user interface. This often results in a more seamless experience, as there's no need to switch between different systems. Third-party connections use an API to link two separate platforms. While many third-party tools are incredibly powerful, a native solution can simplify workflows and reduce the learning curve for your team, since everything happens within the familiar Salesforce environment. This unified approach helps create true visibility into your business performance and profitability.
Your business has unique processes, and your software should adapt to them—not the other way around. A rigid, one-size-fits-all integration can create more problems than it solves. Look for a solution that offers deep customization options. This could mean adding custom fields to sync specific data points, creating unique approval workflows, or building reports tailored to your KPIs. A flexible, well-documented API is a great sign, as it indicates the system can be configured to meet your specific needs. The ability to tailor the integration ensures it supports your finance team's most important functions.
One of the biggest wins from an integration is the ability to automate repetitive tasks. Think about all the time your team spends on manual data entry—transferring customer information, creating invoices, or logging payments. An integrated system can automate these workflows, saving countless hours and reducing the risk of human error. For example, you can set up a rule to automatically generate an invoice in your accounting system the moment an opportunity is marked "Closed-Won" in Salesforce. This frees up your team to focus on more strategic work, like financial analysis and planning.
For businesses with subscriptions, multi-year contracts, or usage-based pricing, revenue recognition is a major compliance hurdle. Manually tracking and deferring revenue according to standards like ASC 606 is complex and prone to errors. Look for an integration with built-in revenue recognition tools that can automate this process. A strong solution will sync sales and invoicing data to correctly calculate and recognize revenue over the appropriate period, giving you real-time visibility into cash flow and ensuring your financials are always audit-ready.
Compliance goes beyond just revenue recognition. Your integration must also help you adhere to data privacy and security standards. Since you're handling sensitive customer and financial information, the connection between Salesforce and your accounting software needs to be secure. Look for features that protect data both in transit and at rest, with clear audit trails that show who accessed what and when. A good integration helps you securely share information with trusted partners while ensuring client data remains private and protected, which is essential for building and maintaining trust.
When your sales and financial data live in the same place, you can generate reports that were previously impossible to create. Instead of trying to piece together spreadsheets from different systems, you can build unified dashboards in Salesforce that show the entire customer journey from lead to final payment. This 360-degree view allows you to track key metrics like customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and sales cycle length with incredible accuracy. These advanced analytics provide a much clearer picture of your financial health and make strategic decision-making much easier.
If your business operates internationally, multi-currency support is a must-have. The integration needs to handle transactions in different currencies without a hitch, automatically applying the correct exchange rates and consolidating financials for reporting. A system that struggles with multiple currencies can quickly lead to accounting nightmares, inaccurate reports, and compliance issues. Ensure the tool you choose can manage foreign exchange gains and losses properly and provide a clear financial picture across all the regions you operate in. This feature is critical for any business looking to scale globally.
Just because a tool claims it "integrates" with Salesforce doesn't mean the connection will be seamless or easy to set up. The key to a successful integration lies in its API (Application Programming Interface), which is the technology that allows the two systems to communicate. A powerful and flexible API gives you the freedom to build custom integrations that work exactly how you need them to. It ensures you aren't stuck with a rigid, out-of-the-box solution and can adapt the integration as your business processes evolve over time.
Connecting Salesforce to your accounting software is a game-changer for financial clarity, but it’s a project that requires a thoughtful approach. Think of it less like flipping a switch and more like building a bridge between two of your most critical business systems. The process involves careful planning, moving data correctly, and getting your team comfortable with the new, streamlined workflow. While it might seem like a lot to handle, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it entirely achievable.
The goal is to create a seamless flow of information from your sales team to your finance department, eliminating manual data entry and giving you a real-time picture of your company's health. This setup phase is your opportunity to clean up messy data, define clear processes, and establish security protocols that protect your sensitive financial information. Getting it right from the start saves you countless hours and headaches later on. If you're dealing with complex revenue streams or a high volume of transactions, working with a specialist can make all the difference. An expert can help you handle the technical details and ensure your integration is built to scale with your business. For a personalized look at how this could work for your company, you can always schedule a demo to walk through the specifics.
The setup process generally follows a clear path: discovery, planning, configuration, data migration, testing, and finally, going live. During discovery, you'll map out exactly what you need the integration to do. From there, you’ll create a project plan. The configuration stage is where the technical magic happens, connecting the two systems based on your plan. It’s important to be realistic about the investment here. While some simple integrations are straightforward, more complex projects can have implementation costs ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the systems involved. Thorough testing is the final step before launch to ensure everything works as expected.
Moving your data is one of the most critical parts of the setup. Before you migrate anything, take the time to clean up your existing records in both Salesforce and your accounting software. This means removing duplicates, correcting errors, and standardizing formats. Once your data is clean, you’ll map the fields between the two systems—for example, ensuring the "customer name" in Salesforce correctly populates the "customer name" on an invoice. By integrating your platforms, you can sync sales, invoicing, and financial data to simplify financial operations and get a much clearer view of your cash flow. A smooth migration sets the foundation for reliable reporting and analytics.
A new system is only successful if your team actually uses it. The key to adoption is showing them how the integration makes their work easier, not harder. Start by clearly communicating the benefits. For example, explain that integrating your accounting software with Salesforce provides real-time access to financial data, allowing for faster, more informed decisions without having to switch between apps. Provide hands-on training sessions tailored to different roles—what a sales rep needs to know is different from what an accountant needs. Create simple cheat sheets or video tutorials they can refer to later, and make sure they know who to ask for help. A little support goes a long way in making the transition smooth for everyone.
Connecting systems that handle sensitive customer and financial data means security has to be a top priority. Start by configuring user roles and permissions. Not everyone on your team needs access to everything, so limit access based on what’s necessary for their job. Both Salesforce and leading accounting platforms have strong built-in security features, but you need to use them correctly. Salesforce, for instance, helps firms securely share information and protect sensitive client data. Make sure you enable features like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and data encryption both at rest and in transit. Regularly reviewing these settings helps you stay compliant and keeps your data safe from unauthorized access.
For many businesses, especially those with subscription models or complex contracts, compliance with accounting standards like ASC 606 is a major reason for integrating Salesforce and accounting software. During setup, you need to configure the system to automate revenue recognition rules correctly. This involves defining how the software should handle different types of revenue, deferrals, and expenses over the life of a customer contract. When you choose your accounting software, it's crucial to evaluate whether its features justify the price, especially when it comes to built-in compliance tools. Getting this right ensures your financials are accurate, auditable, and always up to date. For more on this topic, you can find helpful articles on our HubiFi blog.
Figuring out the true cost of accounting software can feel like solving a puzzle. The monthly subscription fee you see on a pricing page is just one piece. To get the full picture, you need to account for implementation, support, extra integrations, and how your transaction volume might change the price. It’s easy to get sticker shock later if you don’t look at the total cost of ownership from the start.
The goal is to find a solution that not only fits your budget today but also supports your business as it grows. Some platforms are transparent about their costs, while others have fees tucked away in the fine print. Before you commit, make sure you understand every potential charge. This means asking direct questions during demos and looking for a partner who offers clear, straightforward pricing information. By digging a little deeper, you can find a tool that delivers real value without unexpected expenses down the road.
Most modern accounting software operates on a subscription model, where you pay a recurring monthly or annual fee. This is great for keeping initial costs down and ensuring you always have the latest version of the software. However, the prices can vary wildly. Some basic plans start at just a few dollars a month, while more advanced solutions can run into the hundreds. A Capterra report on software pricing found that a higher price doesn't always mean higher value, so it's important to compare features. Look closely at what each pricing tier includes—things like the number of users, invoices, or specific automation tools—to find the best fit for your needs.
Getting your new accounting software up and running is rarely as simple as just logging in. Implementation is a critical step that often comes with its own price tag. This process can include migrating your historical data, configuring the system to match your workflows, and training your team. Depending on the complexity of your business and the number of systems you need to connect, these one-time implementation costs can range from a few thousand dollars to over $50,000. When you schedule a demo, be sure to ask for a detailed quote that breaks down all the setup fees so you can budget accordingly.
When your financial data is on the line, you want to know that help is available when you need it. Many software providers offer tiered support packages. A basic plan might only include email or chat support with a 24-hour response time, while premium tiers could offer 24/7 phone support and a dedicated account manager. Think about your team’s technical comfort level and how much you’ll rely on the software for daily operations. When you evaluate a CRM or any integrated tool, consider how its support can help you protect your data and adapt the system to your business needs over time.
Just because a tool claims it "integrates" with Salesforce doesn't mean the connection is free or easy. Some integrations are native, meaning they are built directly into the platform and work seamlessly. Others might require a third-party connector, which often comes with its own subscription fee. It’s also important to understand the depth of the integration. Will it sync all the custom fields you need, or just the basics? Ask for a full list of available integrations with HubiFi and find out if any require additional development or middleware to function exactly how you need them to.
Many accounting software plans are priced based on usage. This means your monthly bill could change depending on your number of transactions, customers, or invoices. While a plan might seem affordable now, it’s crucial to think about scalability. As your business grows, you don't want to be penalized with massive price hikes. Take a look at your historical data to forecast future transaction volume and choose a plan that gives you room to expand. A good cost analysis focuses on finding a solution where the features justify the price at your current scale and for your future growth.
Connecting your accounting software to Salesforce is a game-changer, but let’s be real—it’s not always a simple plug-and-play process. Like any significant upgrade to your tech stack, you might hit a few bumps along the way. The good news is that most of these challenges are well-known, and with a bit of foresight, you can sidestep them entirely. Knowing what to watch for is the first step toward a smooth and successful integration that truly works for your business.
One of the biggest reasons to connect your systems is to get a single, reliable source of truth. So, it’s incredibly frustrating when data doesn't sync correctly or in real time. When information is delayed or mismatched, your team loses trust in the system and might revert to manual spreadsheets—defeating the whole purpose. The key is to prioritize tools that offer seamless, bi-directional data sync. Native Salesforce applications often excel here, as they are built within the same environment, allowing for instant communication between your sales and finance teams. Before you commit, ask for a demo that walks you through exactly how data moves between the platforms.
Your business has unique processes, and it's rare for an off-the-shelf integration to be a perfect fit right out of the box. Many businesses find that even tools that claim to integrate perfectly still require some custom work to align with their specific workflows. Instead of seeing this as a setback, plan for it. Look for a solution with a flexible API and strong customization capabilities. The best approach is to map out your essential, non-negotiable financial processes first. This allows you to ask vendors targeted questions about how their tool can be configured to support the way you actually work, ensuring the software adapts to you, not the other way around.
You can invest in the most powerful tool on the market, but it won't deliver any value if your team doesn't use it. Resistance to change is natural, especially if a new system feels complicated or less efficient than the old way of doing things. To get your team on board, prioritize a user-friendly interface. An intuitive design reduces the learning curve and helps everyone see the benefits faster. Involve your finance and sales teams in the selection process to give them a sense of ownership. Once you've chosen a tool, provide comprehensive training that focuses on how the integration makes their specific tasks easier, like eliminating manual data entry.
A clunky integration can do more than just cause frustration—it can slow down your entire Salesforce instance, impacting productivity for everyone. Just because a tool says it "integrates" doesn't guarantee it will run efficiently. A poorly designed connection can weigh down your system with inefficient API calls, leading to slow load times and lagging performance. When evaluating options, ask vendors about their technical architecture. Opt for solutions built for performance and scale. During a trial period, pay close attention to how responsive Salesforce is with the integration active. Your accounting tool should work quietly in the background, not bring your operations to a crawl.
Connecting your CRM and accounting software means you're linking two of your most critical data sources. Protecting this sensitive customer and financial information is non-negotiable. While Salesforce has powerful built-in security, your chosen integration must uphold those same high standards. Look for a solution that offers robust security features, such as end-to-end encryption, secure authentication methods, and granular user permissions. This ensures you can control exactly who can see and modify financial data. Before making a final decision, have your IT team review the vendor’s security protocols and compliance certifications to ensure they meet your company's standards.
With so many options available, picking the right accounting integration for Salesforce can feel overwhelming. The key is to shift your mindset from "What's the best tool?" to "What's the best tool for my business?" The answer depends entirely on your unique operations, team structure, and goals. By taking a structured approach, you can cut through the noise and find a solution that not only works today but also supports your growth for years to come. Let's walk through the essential steps to make a confident and strategic choice.
Before you even look at a demo, sit down with your team and map out exactly what you need. What are the biggest pain points in your current financial workflow? Are you struggling with manual data entry, complex revenue recognition, or a lack of clear reporting? Make a list of must-have features versus nice-to-haves. Choose a system based on what your finance team needs most. If a tool has a flexible API, it can likely connect to Salesforce, but the core accounting features must solve your primary challenges first. This initial step ensures you’re shopping for a solution, not just for software.
A great accounting tool is only as good as its ability to communicate with your other systems. When you connect your CRM and accounting software, you create a single, reliable source of financial data. Look for a solution that offers a seamless, real-time connection with Salesforce. Does it have a native integration, or will you need a third-party connector? Ask about the tool’s API flexibility. A robust API allows for deeper, more customized connections, ensuring that data flows smoothly between platforms without manual intervention. Check out the provider’s existing library of integrations to see how well it plays with the other software you already use.
Software pricing can be all over the map, with plans ranging from less than ten dollars to hundreds per month. It’s easy to get sticker shock or assume that a higher price tag equals higher value, but that’s not always the case. Instead of focusing only on the monthly subscription fee, consider the total cost of ownership. Factor in potential implementation fees, data migration costs, and any charges for ongoing support. A transparent pricing model that aligns with the value you receive is far more important than just finding the cheapest option. Your goal is to find a tool that delivers a strong return on investment by saving time and preventing costly errors.
Even the most intuitive software can come with a learning curve. That’s why strong customer support is non-negotiable. Before you commit, find out what kind of support is offered. Is it limited to email, or can you get someone on the phone when you have an urgent issue? Are there different support tiers? Positive reviews often highlight excellent customer support as a key strength, so see what current users are saying. The best way to gauge this is to schedule a demo and ask direct questions about their onboarding process and what happens when you need help. A supportive partner can make all the difference during implementation and beyond.
The tool you choose today should be able to handle your business needs tomorrow. As your company expands, your transaction volume will increase, your reporting needs will become more complex, and you might even expand into new markets. Can your accounting software keep up? Look for a scalable solution with features like multi-currency support, advanced automation, and the ability to handle high-volume transactions without slowing down. Choosing a platform that can grow with you saves you from a painful migration process down the road. It’s about finding a long-term partner, not just a short-term fix.
Do I have to get rid of my current accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to connect it with Salesforce? No, you absolutely don't have to abandon the accounting software you already know and use. Many businesses successfully connect systems like QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite to Salesforce using a specialized integration layer. This approach gives you the best of both worlds by letting your finance team work in their preferred environment while ensuring all the critical data flows into Salesforce for a complete view of your business.
What's the real difference between a "native" app and using a "third-party" connector? Think of a native app as living inside the same house as Salesforce—they share the same foundation and speak the same language, which makes for a very seamless experience. A third-party connector is more like a skilled translator that builds a bridge between two separate houses. Both can be incredibly effective, but native apps often feel more unified, while connectors give you the flexibility to link best-in-class systems that weren't originally designed to work together.
Is this kind of integration only for large companies, or can small businesses benefit too? This integration is valuable for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, it establishes good habits early on by automating invoicing and eliminating manual errors, freeing up precious time. For larger, growing companies, it becomes essential for managing complex revenue streams, ensuring compliance, and giving leadership a real-time, accurate view of financial health across all departments.
How long does it typically take to get an integration like this up and running? The timeline really depends on the complexity of your business. A straightforward connection for a small business might take a few weeks. However, for a larger company with custom workflows, historical data to migrate, and complex revenue rules, the setup process could take a couple of months. The key is to invest time in proper planning and testing upfront to ensure a smooth launch.
Besides saving time on data entry, what's the single biggest benefit of this integration? Beyond the time savings, the single biggest benefit is gaining a unified source of truth. When your sales and finance teams are looking at the exact same real-time data, you eliminate guesswork and departmental silos. This alignment allows you to make faster, more strategic decisions about everything from cash flow and budgeting to sales strategy, all based on a clear and complete picture of your company's performance.
Former Root, EVP of Finance/Data at multiple FinTech startups
Jason Kyle Berwanger: An accomplished two-time entrepreneur, polyglot in finance, data & tech with 15 years of expertise. Builder, practitioner, leader—pioneering multiple ERP implementations and data solutions. Catalyst behind a 6% gross margin improvement with a sub-90-day IPO at Root insurance, powered by his vision & platform. Having held virtually every role from accountant to finance systems to finance exec, he brings a rare and noteworthy perspective in rethinking the finance tooling landscape.