Quick Answer
The 16 essential features every accounting practice management software must have include: client management, workflow automation, task management, secure file sharing, client portal, e-signatures, time tracking, invoicing, team collaboration, communication tools, dashboards, recurring tasks, document management, role-based permissions, mobile access, and human-centered AI.
These features help accountants, bookkeepers, and solo accountants centralize work, streamline processes, automate repetitive tasks, improve client experience, and scale their practice more efficiently. Tools like Basil offer all 16+ features in one platform, making it a complete system for modern accounting firms.
Introduction
Accounting today is no longer about calculators and spreadsheets. Firms now manage dozens of client relationships, compliance deadlines, digital documents, and remote teams—all at the same time. To operate smoothly, they need accounting practice management software that centralizes their workflows and eliminates chaos.
But not all tools are built the same. Some offer limited features, others lack automation, and many feel overwhelming for solo accountants and small firms.
To help you make the right choice, we break down the 16 essential features every accounting practice management software must have—and how Basil, an all-in-one practice management software, delivers each feature to support accountants, bookkeepers, and solo practitioners.
A practice cannot function without an organized client database. Your software must store client information, contacts, tasks, documents, and communication history in one location.
Basil lets you store everything about every client—notes, tasks, signed files, documents, invoices—in one place.
Benefits for:
Manual workflows drain productivity. Your software must automate repetitive steps like data collection, follow-ups, onboarding, and reminders.
Basil automates onboarding, assigns tasks automatically, sends reminders, and tracks progress.
Benefits: fewer delays, faster turnaround, fewer missed deadlines.
Your software should make it easy to create tasks, assign them, monitor progress, and hit deadlines consistently.
Create tasks, attach documents, assign team members, set due dates, add instructions, and track status—all inside Basil. Perfect for tax season, payroll runs, and monthly bookkeeping cycles.
Accountants handle sensitive data. Your software must offer encrypted file sharing.
Basil lets clients upload documents directly through a secure portal. All files stay organized with advanced permissions.
Clients want convenience. Modern software must provide a portal for uploading files, signing documents, accessing forms, and responding quickly.
Clients get a beautifully simple portal where they upload files, complete tasks, sign documents, and communicate with ease. No email chains. No confusion.
Fast approvals keep accounting workflows on track.
Whether it's engagement letters or tax forms, clients sign securely in minutes.
Benefits : Bookkeepers and solo accountants save enormous time during busy seasons.
Billing accurately requires accurate time tracking.
Basil tracks billable and non-billable hours automatically. Export time logs, generate invoices, and get paid faster.
Your practice management software should help you generate invoices, send reminders, and manage payments.
Create and send invoices directly from Basil. Automated reminders help you maintain smooth cash flow.
Accounting firms rely on collaboration—even small teams.
Basil includes internal chat, team messaging, and task comments.
Benefits : Your team stays aligned without switching tools.
Communication must be quick, organized, and trackable.
Replace scattered emails with centralized communication channels.
Benefits : Every client message is linked to the correct file or task.
You need visibility into your firm’s operations.
Basil’s dashboards show:
This helps firms make informed business decisions.
Accounting is cyclical: monthly, quarterly, annual work.
Create recurring tasks for payroll, bank reconciliations, tax filings, onboarding, and bookkeeping.
Benefits : Templates help maintain consistency.
Document chaos is one of the biggest pain points for accountants.
Basil organizes documents by client, task, date, and category. You can search, tag, upload, sort, preview, and track versions easily.
Not all team members need access to every file.
Admins can restrict access to sensitive data like financial statements or payroll documents. Essential for firms with interns, juniors, or contractors.
Accounting work doesn’t stop when you leave the office.
Basil is mobile-friendly so you can manage clients, tasks, and communication from anywhere.
AI should support accounting—not replace it.
Basil includes human-centered AI that helps:
It keeps accountants in control while improving efficiency.
Why Basil Is the Best Choice for Accountants, Bookkeepers & Solo Practitioners
With 16+ core features, Basil is built for:
At only $30/user per month, Basil offers the best value in the industry. Sign Up Today
It should include client management, workflows, task tracking, automation, secure file sharing, client portal, e-signatures, billing, analytics, and role-based permissions.
Automation reduces manual work, prevents missed deadlines, and increases productivity for accountants and bookkeepers.
Basil includes 16+ essential features, human-centered AI, built-in client portal, e-signatures, invoicing, and collaboration tools—all at an affordable price.
Yes. Solo accountants benefit from Basil’s automation, file sharing, templates, client portal, and simplified workflows.
Yes. Basil uses encrypted file sharing and stores all documents securely.
They speed up approvals for tax forms, engagement letters, payroll documents, and compliance paperwork.