Reaping the benefits of an integrated accounting system: what, when and how to integrate

Integrated accounting connects your business systems so they work in unison—improving the flow of data, enhancing visibility, and reducing operational costs. The right integration setup can transform your finance function, streamlining routine tasks and delivering sharper insights.

In this article, we explore the benefits of integrated accounting systems, when to consider integration, and how to approach the process in a way that delivers maximum value.

Features of an integrated accounting system

Integrated accounting enables all your key business systems to work together seamlessly. Traditionally, businesses used separate tools for each function—accounting, invoicing, CRM, sales, payroll—resulting in fragmented data and a heavy reliance on manual work.

Cloud-based systems like AccountsIQ have changed that. Thanks to our Open API, we can connect with a wide range of cloud apps. Integration means you can synchronise data across systems automatically, improving accuracy and efficiency.

Here are some of the most common integrations our customers use:

• Electronic banking systems. Automate bank reconciliation and gain better insight into cash flow and payment planning.
  
  
• OCR tools like Kefron, Lightyear and AutoEntry. Eliminate manual data entry by automating invoice and document capture.
  
  
• CRM systems such as Salesforce. Link customer records, contracts and billing to the finance function for a single source of truth across teams.
  
  
• Sales systems (ePOS, POS). Connect real-time sales data to accounting for a clearer picture of margins and profitability by branch or location.
  
  
• Billing systems like Fusebill. Automate subscription billing, streamline workflows, and respond quickly to customer changes.
  
  
• Payroll software like BrightPay. Simplify payroll processes and reduce admin.
  
  
• Credit control solutions like Chaser. Automate invoice reminders and improve cash collection.
  
  
• FX payment providers such as TransferMate. Make seamless cross-border payments directly from AccountsIQ at preferential rates.
  
  
• Business intelligence tools like Power BI. Visualise data with our OData connector and build customised, real-time dashboards.
  
  
• Any software with an Open API. If your organisation uses bespoke or third-party systems, our API makes integration straightforward and flexible.

When should you consider accounting system integration?

Integrated accounting is especially valuable for businesses managing large volumes of transactions or multiple systems. If your team spends hours on manual data entry, reconciliations or error checks, integration can save significant time and reduce friction.

Ask yourself:

• Are you duplicating effort across systems?
  
  
• Do you manage complex or high-volume data flows?
  
  
• Are manual processes slowing down your finance team or introducing errors?
  
  

If the answer is yes, integrating your systems could deliver immediate and lasting benefits.

But if your business only handles a handful of transactions a month, the return on investment may be lower—at least in the short term.

It’s also important to evaluate whether the system you’re considering for integration is closely aligned with the finance function. The most impactful integrations are those that streamline core processes and improve data quality and decision-making.

What’s involved in accounting system integration?

We support a growing number of pre-built integrations, making it quick and easy to connect with popular software applications. If you're working with a new or custom-built platform, some setup is required to map the relevant data fields and ensure smooth synchronisation with AccountsIQ.

Thanks to our robust API and full technical documentation, connecting to another cloud system is straightforward. Our development team is on hand to support your IT specialists or third-party consultants, and we can provide access to a staging environment for test integrations.

Integrations are a frequent request, and we’re always happy to advise on the best approach and collaborate with whoever is managing the project.

Timing
While it may be tempting to set up integrations during your accounting system implementation, we recommend waiting until the core system is fully embedded. Your team should be comfortable with the platform and internal processes should be stable before layering in integrations. A solid foundation is key.

One example is PortSwigger, who adopted AccountsIQ for its integration capabilities with their in-house CRM and OCR tool, AutoEntry.

“The integration and the API are what we’ve really been happy with. Our in-house developers found it refreshingly easy to work with compared to other accounting vendors. That’s what really sold us.”
– Helen Macdonald, Finance Manager, PortSwigger

Advantages of integrated accounting systems

The adoption of cloud accounting has accelerated in recent years—and integration is now viewed by many businesses as a necessity, not a luxury. Customers across all sectors, including charities and schools with complex reporting needs, are benefiting from streamlined, integrated solutions.

Every time we develop a new integration, it becomes available to the wider AccountsIQ customer base—extending the value and flexibility of our platform.

Maintain data integrity through your inputs and outputs

Integration eliminates the inconsistencies that come from managing data across disconnected systems. With automated input and synchronisation, you’re more likely to get accurate, timely data—improving confidence in reporting and decision-making.

This helps establish the ‘one version of the truth’ every finance team needs.

Scalability through automation

Integrated systems make it easier to scale. Many high-growth companies use AccountsIQ to keep up with increasing transaction volumes or global expansion.

Take Asavie, a fast-scaling connectivity provider. They adopted AccountsIQ when expanding internationally and integrated it with Concur for automated expense management—enabling them to support growth with better business intelligence and more efficient processes.

“AccountsIQ solves so many problems for businesses like ours. It handles complex requirements without the cost or complexity of enterprise-level systems.”

 – Emma Whelan, Financial Controller, Asavie

Free up time for value-added tasks

With automation taking care of repetitive work like invoice capture, bank reconciliation and VAT returns, finance teams can focus on higher-value activities like analysis, strategy and stakeholder reporting.

This shift not only boosts efficiency—it also makes finance roles more rewarding and impactful.

Reduce costs and eliminate bottlenecks

By reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency, integration cuts operational costs. Time saved can be invested in projects that add value, and with scalable systems like AccountsIQ, you don’t need to grow your finance headcount at the same rate as your business.

Want to learn more about how APIs can enhance your finance processes?

Book a demo to see how AccountsIQ can automate everyday tasks, integrate with your wider business systems, and accelerate your finance transformation.

‍