Choosing the best accounting software for the 2025/26 tax year

The dawn of a new tax year is on the horizon, and for accountants across the UK, it’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate whether your current solutions are the best accounting software to fit your needs. Whether your practice is large or small, the software you use plays a pivotal role in optimising your workflow, improving client satisfaction, and staying ahead of the competition.

From insights into why cloud-based solutions are now essential to exploring the features that make accounting platforms stand out, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know when choosing the best accounting software for the 2025/26 tax year.

Why assess and switch software at the start of the tax year?

The beginning of a new tax year marks a clean slate for businesses, making it the ideal time to make major operational changes, such as switching accounting platforms. But why is this timing so strategic?

1. Sync with a fresh financial cycle

When you switch software at the start of the tax year, you align the implementation process with the beginning of a new financial cycle. This significantly reduces the risk of errors or omissions when transferring data, as there’s no need to segment mid-year financial records.

2. Minimise disruptions

By adopting new tools at the start of the tax year, your team can take the time to learn the software during a period that typically involves lower activity compared to a busy tax season. This ensures a smoother transition with minimal impact on your current operations.

3. Stay competitive

Tax laws, compliance requirements, and client expectations evolve every year. By assessing and upgrading your software now, you ensure that your practice stays equipped to handle these changes efficiently while maintaining your competitive edge.

*To help you evaluate your current software, check our guide which outlines how to do a practice software audit.

The best accounting software is cloud-based

The days of desktop accounting software are numbered (pun intended). Cloud solutions are quickly becoming the industry gold standard, delivering unmatched flexibility and scalability. With 43% of firms actively shrinking their physical footprint by either downsizing brick-and-mortar locations or going fully virtual, cloud accounting software isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a necessity for accountants in 2025 and beyond.

1. Accessibility anytime, anywhere

Unlike desktop software, cloud solutions allow you and your team to access data securely from any device, whether you’re working in the office, at home, or on the move. This is particularly beneficial as hybrid work continues to be the norm for many accountants.

Plus, the ability to access data quickly from an internet browser can help accountants provide their clients with a better experience. We recently sat down with Valerie Chaplin of Gold Accounting, who concurred this point:

“Working on the cloud helps me provide a more seamless service to my clients. When clients phone, I don’t have to go into a separate building to log in and reply, I can just log in from wherever I am and answer their questions.”

2. Real-time updates

Cloud accounting platforms provide real-time updates, so all team members have access to the most up-to-date financial data. This eliminates the need for constant version upgrades and ensures everyone is working from the same page.

3. Improved data security

94% of companies saw their online security improve as a result of switching to cloud software. This is largely due to the security investments and protocols in place by cloud server providers like Microsoft Azure, such as data encryption, two factor authentication and additional user permissions and controls.

When speaking with Valerie Chaplin of Gold Accounting, she discussed her experience with data security while operating on the cloud:

“I’ve found cloud software to be more secure than desktop-based software, largely due to the level of investment into data security by larger companies like Bright. My desktop’s biggest defence is anti-virus software, whereas the cloud solutions I use invest heavily into making their users’ data secure.”

4. Integration and automation

Modern cloud solutions harness automation to streamline workflows, minimise manual data entry, and significantly reduce errors. By automating tasks like bank reconciliations, invoicing, and tax calculations, cloud accounting frees up valuable time for higher-level financial analysis and client advisory services.

What’s more, cloud platforms are continuously evolving, with accounting software providers like Bright prioritising developing integrations between solutions designed to ease the lives of accountants by reducing manual data entry with seamless data flow between products and enhancing efficiency.

The best accounting software leverages automation and integrations

When selecting the best accounting software, prioritise platforms with advanced automation and integration capabilities. These features aren’t just nice-to-haves — they are must-haves in boosting productivity and accuracy.

Save time with automation

Repetitive tasks like data entry, invoice generation, and client reminders consume valuable time that could be better spent on strategic work. Automation streamlines these processes, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. By leveraging automated workflows, accountants can schedule invoices, reconcile transactions, and send payment reminders without constant manual intervention. This not only boosts productivity but also enhances client service by ensuring accuracy and timeliness. With automation handling routine tasks, accountants can focus on advisory roles, financial planning, and business growth.

*Pro tip: Use practice management software to automate how to run your practice.

Seamless integrations

Integrations enable accountants to work more efficiently by automating data transfers and ensuring seamless communication between different systems. By eliminating the need for manual data entry, integrations help reduce errors, improve accuracy, and save valuable time. As businesses increasingly rely on multiple digital tools, having accounting software that integrates effortlessly with other platforms is essential for maintaining efficiency and accuracy.

Why choose Bright’s accounting solutions?

Bright aims to power “the digital practice of tomorrow – today” by delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences. While proud of our current offerings and strong customer feedback, we remain committed to continuous improvement.

Since formation, Bright has expanded its product suite to include practice management, compliance, and collaboration tools, with the goal of seamless integration across all solutions. By providing a comprehensive, automated, and affordable platform, Bright strives to be the go-to partner for accountants in the digital era.

Here’s some of our accounting products which can help you:

• BrightManager helps you onboard clients effortlessly, manage tasks, and track profitability. Its automated client emails and task tracking features are designed to save time, making your practice significantly more efficient.

• BrightTax is your all-in-one solution for Self-Assessment, Corporation Tax, Annual Accounts and VAT. The software keeps you compliant with the latest regulations while safeguarding client data with advanced cybersecurity technology.

• BrightAccountsProduction simplifies annual account preparation by leveraging automation to streamline workflows and ensure full compliance, making the process faster and more efficient.

• BrightBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based bookkeeping software ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.

• BrightPropose is helps you grow your business with professional, branded proposals that impress clients, price your services accurately and save you critical time on this non-billable, but necessary activity.

• Inform Direct is an easy to use but immensely powerful company secretarial software that will save you time and help you grow your business

• And MyWorkPapers empowers you to enhance your accountancy, tax and audit processes by using cloud-based, paperless working papers for accountants and auditors.

The growing importance of payroll software for accountants

Payroll was once a service many accountants steered clear of, largely due to its perceived lack of profitability. The administrative workload, with frequent client requests to update employee details and resend past payslips, made it time-consuming and cumbersome. However, with tools like BrightPay’s cloud payroll software, payroll has transformed into a profitable service that many accountants now offer.

BrightPay’s advanced automation simplifies the payroll process, with features like batch processing allowing accountants to finalise multiple payrolls at once. Additionally, its client-focused features, such as the employee self-service portal, empower employees to request annual leave, update personal information, and access past payslips. These capabilities significantly reduce the tedious requests and administrative burden that once overwhelmed accountants, making payroll both efficient and profitable.

*Unsure about how to price BrightPay to your clients and leverage its client-focused features? Read our guide to find out more.

Key tips to select the best accounting software

Choosing the best accounting software requires careful consideration. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the right choice for your practice.

1. Identify your needs

Start by evaluating your current workflows and pinpointing pain points. Are automation and integrations high on your priority list? Do you need built-in payroll processing, advanced reporting, or multi-user access? Clearly defining your requirements will help you narrow down your options and choose software that aligns with your practice’s goals.

2. Look for scalability

Your accounting software should be able to grow with your business. Consider whether it can handle an increasing client base, evolving compliance requirements, and expanding service offerings. Scalable solutions prevent the hassle of switching platforms as your firm grows.

3. Prioritise user-friendly interfaces

A platform that’s intuitive and easy to navigate will make adoption smoother for your team. Look for software with a clean interface, accessible customer support, and comprehensive training resources to ensure a seamless transition.

*Did you know Bright provides free customer support for all our solutions?

4. Ensure security and compliance

Handling sensitive financial data means security should be a top priority. Verify that your chosen software includes encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular updates. It should also comply with GDPR and other relevant industry regulations to safeguard client data.

5. Take it for a test drive

Most software providers offer free trials or demos — take advantage of these! Testing the platform firsthand allows you to explore its features, assess usability, and ensure it meets your specific needs before committing to a purchase. But keep in mind, free trials are often short-lived — so make the most of them by following our guide on maximising free trials.

*If you would like to test out some Bright solutions, we offer free trials of our:

• Cloud payroll software, BrightPay

• Cloud practice management software, BrightManager

• Cloud bookkeeping software, BrightBooks

• Cloud working papers software, MyWorkPapers

• And cloud proposal software, BrightPropose

Don’t settle: Get the best accounting software today

Choosing the best accounting software isn’t just about the features — it’s an investment in your practice’s future. By adopting industry-leading solutions, you streamline workflows, improve client satisfaction, and set your practice up for success.

Bright’s suite of accounting and payroll solutions is specifically designed to empower UK accountants. Discover how Bright can revolutionise your practice in 2025/26 by exploring our solutions today.

This content may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools. Content is reviewed by a member of the Bright team before publication. Guidance on legislation can be obtained from your industry body.