"The future doesn’t just arrive—it’s built by the questions we ask today."
This year at Scaling New Heights, I got to do something totally new- and totally up my alley: App Walking Tours. And friends, let me tell you… I loved it!
If you haven’t heard of these tours yet, they’re curated treasure hunts through the exhibit hall. Focused on apps in a specific category. My assignment? The General Ledger Accounting Platforms. Yes, the heartbeat of our accounting tech stack.
What made this assignment extra exciting for me? After years of helping firms weave AI into their workflows, I was curious to see how these GL platforms are embracing artificial intelligence—not as a shiny buzzword, but as a powerful tool to boost accuracy, speed, and strategic decision-making.
So, I went in with one mission: Ask every booth the same practical, no-fluff questions:
- What core problem do you solve?
- What makes you stand out from other platforms?
- How easy is it to switch from other General Ledgers?
- What costs should firms expect (including the ones not on the brochure)?
- And most importantly: Where is AI embedded, and how does it help?
What follows is a side-by-side recap of what I learned—unfiltered, unbiased, and genuinely meant to help anyone considering a switch or simply trying to stay ahead of the tech curve.
App recap
- Who it’s for: Multi-entity, multi-currency companies that need consolidation without complications.
- Standout: All entities exist in the same instance, and switching between standalone and consolidated reports is incredibly simple. Intercompany transactions are handled natively.
- QBO/Xero switch: Implementation is fast—about 45 days—with a flat $1,500 fee that includes onboarding support and documentation.
- AI in action: Their in-app AI Agent offers real-time help by referencing all platform documentation. It’s like having a GL-savvy assistant on call.
- Who it’s for: Mid-sized to enterprise-level clients who require serious depth in reporting, compliance, and structure.
- Standout: Journaled consolidations, role-based dashboards, and very granular controls.
- QBO/Xero switch: Typically handled through a Sage partner; setup is tailored and project-based.
- AI in action: Sage Copilot flags anomalies and improves forecast accuracy through predictive analytics—powerful for finance teams managing scale and risk.
- Who it’s for: Businesses outgrowing QBO that also need integrated ERP capabilities (like inventory, CRM, and more).
- Standout: Fully customizable and scalable; great for companies that want finance, ops, and reporting all under one roof.
- QBO/Xero switch: Guided by a partner like Siegel, migration includes full implementation and training.
- AI in action: Acumatica is building in AI features for data analysis and workflow triggers, particularly on the operational side.
- Who it’s for: Small and mid-sized businesses (and firms) that want an all-in-one platform to manage their finances—beyond just accounting—without breaking the bank.
- Standout: A unified ecosystem that goes beyond bookkeeping. From invoicing and payments to banking, inventory, and tax compliance, Zoho Books centralizes it all. Its deep integration with other Zoho apps (CRM, Payroll, Inventory) and 500+ third-party tools keeps your business connected in one place.
- QBO/Xero switch: Free migration assistance—yes, free. Whether you're coming from QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave, Zoho’s in-house team or certified partners will transfer your data securely and accurately. Email migrations@zohobooks.com to get started.
- AI in action: AI works quietly in the background—automating invoice reminders, categorizing bank feeds, managing workflows, and sending smart follow-ups. Combined with its 70+ customizable reports and integrations with Zoho Analytics, it gives you actionable insights without the manual grind.
- Who it’s for: Firms that want next-gen automation with less hands-on bookkeeping.
- Standout: Their “Autonomous General Ledger” uses AI agents to do the work—categorizing, reconciling, and reporting. It’s not just automation; it’s AI doing the job for you.
- QBO/Xero switch: Super fast. Connect your banks, sync data, and let the platform take over.
- AI in action: Everywhere. This is probably the most AI-forward GL tool I saw, and they’re not hiding it—it’s built into the DNA.
- Who it’s for: Accounting firms and startups (especially SaaS) who want AI-powered automation without sacrificing control. Perfect for firms looking to scale advisory work and reduce manual bookkeeping.
- Standout: Puzzle’s partnership model is unique: no competing services, revenue sharing for firms, and AI designed with accountants. It enhances, not replaces, what accountants do best, focusing on accuracy, client experience, and efficiency—not just speed.
- QBO/Xero switch: Switching is white-glove and free. Puzzle handles setup, historical migration (full general ledger or trial balance), training, and live support.
- AI in action: Puzzle’s AI is built around five core areas: Categorization, Client Communication, Accuracy Reviews, Automation Suite, and Real-Time Insights
- Who it’s for: Small to mid-sized businesses and firms who want a reliable, beautiful interface with the basics covered.
- Standout: Strong multi-currency, bank feeds, and payroll integrations. Bonus: free conversion from QBO.
- QBO/Xero switch: Very smooth process using Xero’s import tool; great support resources.
- AI in action: Invoice scanning and bank reconciliation assistance—lightweight but helpful.
- Who it’s for: Service-based businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs who prioritize time tracking and invoicing.
- Standout: Incredibly user-friendly and beautiful to navigate. It just feels good to use.
- QBO/Xero switch: Import CSVs or use integrations; FreshBooks support is helpful through the process.
- AI in action: Through integrations like Beam AI and Zapier—automating invoices and expense matching for smoother workflows.
Accounting platform face-off: what I discovered
What I found? There’s no one-size-fits-all winner. Some firms need full ERPs, others want sleek automation and smart AI to close the books faster.
But here’s what lit me up the most: seeing how these platforms are evolving with AI. Some are just starting. Others have built their core value around it.
But one thing is clear, we’re not talking about AI anymore- we’re living it.
Want to talk accounting GLs, AI, or both?
If you’re exploring GL platforms or advising clients who are, my hope is this walkthrough gives you a clear and helpful side-by-side view. Got questions? Want to trade thoughts? I’m happy to connect.💜