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Top Rated Payroll Software with General Ledger in 2026

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All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: April 2026

A general ledger tracks all financial transactions, ensuring accurate records and detailed reporting. It simplifies financial statement creation, helps manage cash flow, and supports tax preparation, making overall financial management more efficient. Our reviewers in payroll software rated this feature as highly important.

5 Best Payroll Software with General Ledger

Product
User rating
Starting price
FreshBooks logo
4.5
(4.5K)
21
flat rate/per month
NetSuite logo
4.2
(1.9K)
Empty state illustration for "No pricing info"

No pricing info

Xero logo
4.4
(3.2K)
25
flat rate/per month
Wave logo
4.4
(1.7K)
19
flat rate/per month
QuickBooks Online logo
4.3
(8.3K)
38
flat rate/per month

See other top Payroll products with general ledger

How we picked the 5 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the Payroll software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about general ledger, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for up to three products based on our proprietary ratings and reviews: Highest rated, Highly rated for general ledger, and Highly rated for free version. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 5 best products

FreshBooks logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(82)
3-4(1,768)
5(2,656)
Key Features
Payroll Management4.4
Direct Deposit4.0

User insights about the general ledger feature

Reviewers indicate that FreshBooks' general ledger is user-friendly and efficient, providing a centralized repository for financial transactions. They appreciate its real-time updates, ease of generating financial reports, and the ability to categorize transactions. Users find it helpful for small businesses and beginners, though some mention that it lacks traditional general ledger features and can be cumbersome for journal entries.

See related user reviews

“The General Ledger section gives you a clear overview of your books and provides information about invoices, expenses, and incomes. You can also use it to reconcile your bank account.”
JJ

Juliet J.

Blogger

“One thing I like about general ledger is, it simplifies tracking finances, generates reports easily, and ensures accuracy in bookkeeping.”
CV

Charles V.

Designer

Starting price
21flat rate /
per month
Pros and Cons based on 4,506 verified reviews

Cloud accounting accessibility

Efficient invoicing capabilities

Tailored for small businesses

Minimal learning curve

Effective freelancer tools

Reliance on internet connection

Limited bank integration

High costs for larger teams

Frequent technical issues

See pros and cons details
NetSuite logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(92)
3-4(983)
5(916)
Key Features
Payroll Management3.7
Direct Deposit4.2

User insights about the general ledger feature

Users report that NetSuite's general ledger offers comprehensive financial management capabilities, real-time visibility, and ease of use. They highlight its flexibility, detailed reporting, and integration with multiple data sources. Reviewers find it beneficial for tracking and analyzing financial information, though some note issues with multiple subsidiaries and currencies, and the need for better data validation tools.
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“I like that General Ledger in NetSuite provides a comprehensive view of all financial transactions. This allows me to easily track and analyze financial information and identify trends. Additionally, it makes it easy to generate financial reports to help me make more informed business decisions.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Devendra K.

Manager

“NetSuite is flexible and can grow with your company, in addition to the standard GL accounts there are additional classifications which can be used to better track your business.”
GB

Gailyn B.

Director of Accounting Systems

Starting price
Empty state illustration for "No pricing info"

No pricing info

Pros and Cons based on 1,991 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

Cloud-based accessibility

Efficient inventory management

Flexible customization options

Customizable and informative dashboards

Convenient web access

Slow performance speed

Prohibitive pricing for small businesses

Challenging implementation process

Inadequate customer support

Inefficient sales management

See pros and cons details
Xero logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(159)
3-4(1,155)
5(1,955)
Key Features
Payroll Management4.3
Direct Deposit4.3

User insights about the general ledger feature

Reviewers feel that Xero's general ledger is clear, user-friendly, and effective for tracking financial transactions. They appreciate its real-time updates, customizable reports, and ease of navigation. Users find it helpful for managing expenses, generating financial reports, and ensuring financial accuracy, though some mention limitations in expense categorization and the need for more flexibility in corrections.
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“Xero's "General Ledger" is a user- friendly solution, which offer transparency, accuracy, and analytical capabilities, empowering busineses to make informed decision. ”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Anna F.

Administrator

“Automated transactions posting from bank feeds, bills, invoices etc.Customizable chart of accounts - add or modify accounts to suit business needs.Journals for manual adjustments and accruals.Robust accounting controls, permissions and audit trails.Real time reporting on demand for up-to-date financial status.Drill down into transactions for any account.Inter-company accounting capabilities.Multiple currencies handled seamlessly.Easy reconciliation of accounts.Attach notes and files to any transaction.Automatic reversal of journal entries.Overall, Xero provides a complete general ledger system for centralized and automated accounting. The flexibility to customize reporting and accounting structure is beneficial for small businesses. The automation reduces data entry while still maintaining accuracy.”
RN

Ra N.

programmer

Starting price
25flat rate /
per month
Pros and Cons based on 3,269 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

Cloud accounting accessibility

Customizable dashboard

Effective bookkeeping tools

Accessible learning resources

User-friendly interface

Slow issue resolution

Poor customer support

Limited inventory management

Lack of live support

Underdeveloped mobile access

See pros and cons details
Wave logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(109)
3-4(558)
5(1,052)
Key Features
Payroll Management3.6
Direct Deposit3.3

User insights about the general ledger feature

Reviewers highlight Wave's general ledger for its simplicity, ease of use, and automatic recording of expenses and income. They find it suitable for users with minimal bookkeeping experience and appreciate its integration with bank accounts. However, some users mention the need for better organization and filtering of transactions, and the lack of advanced features for more complex accounting needs.
Verified reviewer profile picture
Verified reviewer profile picture

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“Wave accounting automatically records your expenses and income and one can say bye to bookkeeping ”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Kirti G.

Analyst

“Need to be able to organize and filter transactions easily”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Olakunle O.

Data & Operations

Starting price
19flat rate /
per month
Pros and Cons based on 1,719 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture
Verified reviewer profile picture

Affordable for small businesses

Intuitive and modern interface

Excellent value for small businesses

Comprehensive invoicing features

Effective bookkeeping solution

Slow performance and load times

Ineffective email communication

Limited customer support options

Unresolved software issues

Challenging bank reconciliation

See pros and cons details
QuickBooks Online logo
Reviews Sentiment
 
 
 
1-2(456)
3-4(3,151)
5(4,778)
Key Features
Payroll Management4.3
Direct Deposit4.7

User insights about the general ledger feature

Reviewers appreciate QuickBooks Online's general ledger for its ease of use, clear organization, and comprehensive tracking of financial transactions. They find it helpful for managing income and expenses, generating detailed reports, and facilitating tax preparation. Users also value its integration with bank accounts and the ability to customize reports, though some mention a steep learning curve and occasional difficulty in editing entries.
Verified reviewer profile picture

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“The general ledger is very intuitive, and includes all of the receivables and payables information in one place from which I can easily navigate to any other section including banking, invoicing, etc.”
ED

Eugene D.

Project Manager

“The general ledger is the central accounting record where all financial transactions are recorded. QuickBooks Online provides a user-friendly general ledger that allows businesses to track their transactions, reconcile accounts, and generate financial reports.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Elisabetta B.

Ecommerce Manager

Starting price
38flat rate /
per month
Pros and Cons based on 8,385 verified reviews
Verified reviewer profile picture

Cloud-based accessibility

Ideal for small businesses

Seamless integrations

Comprehensive accounting features

Efficient tax management

Frequent bugs and crashes

Limited desktop features

Recurring costs and price increases

Inadequate customer support

Complicated transaction management

See pros and cons details

Other Top Rated Payroll Software with General Ledger in 2026

QuickBooks Enterprise logo

Enterprise accounting, FSM and inventory management solution

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is an accounting software for small businesses which provides users with real-time access to customer, employee, and vendor information. The software includes tools for managing inventory, shipping, sales orders, pricing, tasks, invoicing, reporting, and more.

Read more about QuickBooks Enterprise

Users also considered
QuickBooks Online logo

Accounting and business management software

QuickBooks Online is a complete payroll solution which allows users to manage all their financial data in one platform, with real-time dashboards and reports.

Read more about QuickBooks Online

Users also considered
FreshBooks logo

Invoice and accounting software tailored to small businesses

FreshBooks is accounting software that helps small business perform accounting tasks, conduct invoicing, manage expenses, and more.

Read more about FreshBooks

Users also considered
Xero logo

Cloud-based accounting software for small businesses

Xero's payroll tool enables you to track employee payroll information, generate payslips and reports, automatically update the general ledger, and more.

Read more about Xero

Users also considered
Wave logo

Accounting, invoicing, and payroll management platform

Wave is an integrated solution designed for small businesses. With our automatic bank connections, information flows into Wave, without manual entry. Users can collaborate with accountants or bookkeepers in real-time.

Read more about Wave

Users also considered
NetSuite logo

AI-powered cloud-based business management suite

NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite. It helps organizations streamline their operations and gain real-time insights into their performance. The suite caters to a range of industries such as manufacturing, retail, and professional services.

Read more about NetSuite

Users also considered
Bright logo

Brilliant people use Bright software

Bright offers a suite of industry-leading software solutions for accountants, bookkeepers and SMEs across the UK and Ireland.

Read more about Bright

Users also considered
Acumatica Cloud ERP logo

Cloud-based enterprise resource planning software

Acumatica Cloud ERP simplifies payroll with Payroll Management, Tax Compliance, and W-2 Preparation. It offers an Employee Database, Self-Service Portal, and Direct Deposit for efficiency. Benefits Management and Vacation Tracking enhance HR, while reports provide key insights.

Read more about Acumatica Cloud ERP

Users also considered
Deltek Vision logo

Project management tool for professional services managers.

Deltek Vision is a project management solution, which helps businesses in the professional services sector manage customer relationship management (CRM), project planning, document tracking, resource planning, payroll processes, and more. It improves project profitability and streamlines client relationships by managing the complete lifecycle of a project, from identifying opportunities to estimating costs.

Read more about Deltek Vision

Users also considered
FreeAgent logo

FreeAgent has been voted the UK's #1 accounting software.

FreeAgent’s award-winning online accounting software is designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers. Over 100,000 customers use FreeAgent to keep their business admin on track.

Read more about FreeAgent

Users also considered
WinTeam logo

ERP software for janitorial and security contractors

WinTeam is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software designed to help janitorial and security service contractors manage their workforce and automate financial operations. Features include performance tracking, job costing, timekeeping, benefits planning, analytics and reporting.

Read more about WinTeam

Users also considered
ActivityHD logo

ERP software for accounting and business management

ActivityHD is a flexible and comprehensive ERP system that offers customizable tools and management for various complex processes. The software assists businesses of all sizes with payroll processing, accounting, business management and more.

Read more about ActivityHD

Users also considered
AccountEdge logo

Desktop accounting software for small businesses

AccountEdge is a powerful, easy-to-use, small-business
accounting software for the Mac and Windows desktop in the United States and Canada.

Read more about AccountEdge

Users also considered
MYOB Business logo

Online accounting & payroll for every business

Cloud based accounting software to automate all your payroll requirements, plus client management, tax and all your accounting needs.

Read more about MYOB Business

Users also considered
MYOB Acumatica logo

Australia & New Zealand's #1 all-in-one cloud ERP software.

Reduce errors, stay compliant and automate staff pay processing with cloud-based payroll software built for mid-market ANZ businesses.

Add Workforce Management for an integrated payroll and employee management solution.

Read more about MYOB Acumatica

Users also considered
MIP Accounting logo

Fund accounting for government organizations and nonprofits

MIP Fund Accounting is a comprehensive, configurable fund accounting solution. With its end-to-end suite of functionality and multi-segmented chart of accounts MIP is designed to meet and handle the complex financial management and fund accounting needs of nonprofit and government organizations.

Read more about MIP Accounting

Users also considered
PBS Accounting logo

Ge more done with Passport Business Solutions

Passport Business Solutions (PBS) Accounting software is designed for growing small to mid-sized US companies ranging from 6 to 100 million in annual sales. Fully integrated professional level accounting software that fits a wide range of businesses. On-premise.

Read more about PBS Accounting

Users also considered
Open logo

Banking and financial operations management platform

Open is a cloud-based software designed to help startups and small to midsize enterprises manage payments, virtual accounts, cash, invoices, taxes, expenses, and more via a unified portal. The platform includes payroll management functionality, which enables businesses to track employees’ attendance and leaves, create payslips, and analyze reports for reference.

Read more about Open

Users also considered
ECOUNT logo

100% Cloud-based ERP for small & mid-sized businesses.

Ecount ERP is a fully integrated, web-based accounting, inventory, sales, purchasing and production management software for small and mid-sized businesses. The enterprise resource planning (ERP) tool allows users to manage all aspects of their business, both front and back office, from one platform.

Read more about ECOUNT

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Plus & Minus logo

Accounting and ERP accounting in real-time

Real-time accounting and ERP accounting software in the cloud or on-premises offering automated processes and transaction recording, reporting, and analysis

Read more about Plus & Minus

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Smartly logo

Cloud-based payroll software with a self-service portal

Smartly is cloud-based payroll software that helps businesses pay employees on time in accordance with legislation. It includes a self-service portal that allows employees to access their payroll details, approvals, payslips, timesheets, and more.

Read more about Smartly

Users also considered
FINSYNC logo

Powerful Partnerships Simplified Finances Stronger Business

Cloud-Based Payroll Software That's Easy, Reliable & Affordable. Get everything you need to pay your employees, contractors, contributions and taxes online. Managing your payroll, timesheets & taxes has never been easier.

Read more about FINSYNC

Users also considered
AFAS Software logo

Human resources, payroll, and finance management

AFAS Software is a suite of tools that automates processes for human resources, payroll, & finance management, providing personalized access to the platform for both employees & managers. AFAS features include automated invoice reconciliation, leave and absence registration, payroll analysis & more.

Read more about AFAS Software

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Big Red Cloud logo

Accounts Made Simple

Cloud accounting software for small businesses. It offers secure and easy setup, along with training, telephone and chat support. Features include VAT reports, invoicing, purchase tracking, cash book, bank feed, analytics, and more.

Read more about Big Red Cloud

Users also considered
Wafeq logo

All-in-one accounting software for SMEs

Wafeq is a software application that makes it easy for businesses to manage invoicing, value-added tax (VAT), purchasing, payroll, employee expense claims, fixed assets, and other business-related activities. It is used by companies of all sizes, from small businesses to startups and everything in b

Read more about Wafeq

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Key features for Payroll software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Payroll Management: Reviewers appreciate the ability to manage all aspects of payroll, including tax calculations, real-time tracking, PDF generation, and compliance with local laws. 97% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Direct Deposit: Users value direct deposit for its convenience, security, and time-saving benefits, allowing automatic, accurate, and timely payments directly into bank accounts. 96% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Payroll Reporting: Reviewers highlight the detailed, customizable reports that assist in tracking payroll expenses, taxes, employee earnings, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. 94% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • W-2 Preparation: Users find W-2 preparation efficient and accurate, simplifying year-end tax reporting and ensuring compliance with IRS requirements. 93% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Tax Compliance: Reviewers appreciate automated tax calculations, filings, and alerts for compliance, helping businesses avoid penalties and manage tax obligations effectively. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Employee Database: Users find the centralized storage of employee information beneficial for managing records, tracking performance, and ensuring data accuracy for payroll and HR tasks. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.