6 best general ledger software in 2025

Every business runs on financial data. General ledger software keeps that data organized, accurate, and audit-ready. It tracks every transaction, maps them to your chart of accounts, and forms the basis of financial reporting.

You can’t close the books, file taxes, or build accurate reports without a reliable general ledger. Modern general ledger tools automate journal entries, connect directly to your bank feeds and AP systems, and give you a real-time view of your finances.

What is general ledger software?

General ledger (GL) software is the system you use to track every financial transaction in your business. It records what you spend and earn and how each transaction affects your accounts, such as cash, expenses, revenue, assets, and liabilities.

Every entry runs through the general ledger. You rely on it to keep your books accurate and balanced. When you pay a vendor or invoice a customer, GL software automatically creates the necessary business accounting entries using double-entry bookkeeping. That means it records every transaction's debit and credit sides to ensure nothing falls out of balance.

This software also timestamps each transaction, assigns it to the right category, and maintains a clear audit trail. It ensures your financial data stays organized and accessible when preparing statements or responding to compliance requirements.

Top general ledger software

Not all general ledger software works the same. Each tool is built for different business needs. Some platforms focus on automation and ease of use. Others are built for audit-ready reporting, complex entity structures, or deep ERP integrations. Your business size, transaction volume, and reporting needs will shape what “best” looks like for you.

You might need a system that simplifies your month-end close. Or one that supports multi-entity general ledger accounting and real-time visibility across departments. That’s why top general ledger tools vary in design, features, and cost.

1. Ramp: Best for automating general ledger workflows

Ramp offers a finance platform that brings your general ledger, expenses, and approvals into one dashboard. Instead of juggling disconnected tools, you manage transactions, track spending, and sync data to your general ledger. Ramp eliminates manual steps in your close process and helps your team focus on strategy, not bank reconciliation.

Key benefits

• Automatically categorizes transactions using AI-based rules
• Syncs directly with GL accounts in real-time
• Flags uncategorized or duplicate entries to prevent errors
• Supports bulk edits for faster close and cleaner books
• Links transactions to receipts and memos for audit-ready records
• Integrates with major ERPs like NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks

Drawbacks

• Limited custom configuration for niche accounting needs
• It may require onboarding support for teams used to manual processes

Ramp is a strong fit for mid-sized and growing finance teams that want to automate manual GL tasks, reduce close time, and maintain full visibility into spend. If your team manages high transaction volumes or needs to move faster without sacrificing accuracy, Ramp delivers.

2. Zoho Books: Best for self-managed general ledger reporting

Zoho Books gives you a simple, structured way to manage your general ledger without the overhead of a complex accounting system. It’s built for small businesses that need control over their finances, without spending hours tracking journal entries or reconciling books. The platform combines usability with core accounting logic, making it easier to stay compliant and close books on time, even with a lean team.

Key benefits

• Provides a customizable chart of accounts to align with your business structure
• Automates journal entries, reducing manual data entry and associated errors
• Facilitates real-time bank feeds and transaction matching for accurate reconciliations
• Offers audit trails to maintain transparency and support compliance requirements
• Integrates seamlessly with other Zoho applications, enhancing overall business workflow

Drawbacks

• Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
• Advanced features may require a learning curve for users unfamiliar with accounting software

Zoho Books is ideal for small businesses looking for an affordable, integrated accounting solution that simplifies general ledger management. Its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities make it suitable for companies aiming to enhance financial accuracy and efficiency without investing in complex systems.

3. Softledger: Best for businesses needing real-time general ledger consolidation

SoftLedger is a cloud-native accounting platform for businesses managing complex financial operations. It’s designed to handle multi-entity structures, real-time reporting, and global accounting requirements without the delays or limitations of traditional systems. You get a flexible general ledger system that adapts to your organization’s setup. Unlike legacy tools that batch updates or require manual consolidation, SoftLedger keeps your books updated in real-time.

Key benefits

• Facilitates real-time consolidation across multiple entities and currencies
• Offers a customizable chart of accounts to fit diverse business needs
• Supports detailed tagging and dimensions for granular financial tracking
• Provides audit trails to ensure transparency and compliance
• Integrates with various systems through a developer-friendly API

Drawbacks

• Requires the purchase of a minimum number of entities, which may not suit smaller businesses
• Lacks the ability to open a full fiscal year at once, potentially complicating period adjustments
• Limits bulk journal entry postings, which can affect efficiency for high-volume transactions

SoftLedger is ideal for mid-sized to large businesses that operate multiple entities and require real-time financial consolidation. It's particularly beneficial for organizations dealing with complex structures and seeking a flexible, cloud-based general ledger solution.

4. Acumatica: Best for multi-entity general ledger management

Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP platform designed to streamline financial operations for mid-sized businesses. Its general ledger module offers a centralized system to manage financial data across multiple entities and currencies, facilitating accurate and timely financial reporting. The platform's flexibility allows businesses to customize their chart of accounts and financial periods to align with specific operational needs.

Key benefits

• Supports multi-entity and multi-currency consolidation for comprehensive financial oversight
• Provides customizable chart of accounts and sub-account structures for tailored financial tracking
• Offers advanced financial reporting tools with multi-dimensional analysis capabilities
• Enables real-time data access and drill-down functionality for detailed transaction insights
• Integrates seamlessly with other Acumatica modules, ensuring consistent data flow across the organization

Drawbacks

• Implementation and customization can be complex, requiring dedicated IT resources
• The pricing model, based on transaction volume, may be cost-prohibitive for smaller businesses
• Users may encounter a learning curve due to the system's extensive features and capabilities

Acumatica is ideal for mid-sized businesses that require a robust and flexible general ledger system capable of handling complex financial structures. It's particularly beneficial for organizations operating across multiple entities and currencies, seeking real-time financial visibility and streamlined reporting processes.

5. Sage: Best for companies needing audit-ready records

Sage offers a cloud-based accounting platform designed to simplify business management for small businesses. Its general ledger module provides a centralized system to record and track all financial transactions, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial records. With an intuitive interface, Sage allows you to manage your chart of accounts efficiently, facilitating better financial oversight and decision-making.

Key benefits

• Streamlines chart of accounts management for organized financial tracking
• Centralizes transaction recording, aiding in accurate cash flow monitoring
• Provides a range of customizable reports, including balance sheets and income statements
• Automates accounting processes, reducing manual workload and errors
• Offers real-time financial data access, enhancing decision-making capabilities

Drawbacks

• Lacks advanced features like recurring invoices and automatic payment reminders
• Does not support time-tracking or billable hours, which may limit service-based businesses
• Customer support responsiveness may vary, affecting issue resolution times

Sage is ideal for small businesses that require a straightforward and dependable general ledger system. Its user-friendly design and essential features make it suitable for companies looking to maintain accurate financial records without the complexity of more advanced accounting software.

6. Xero: Best for small businesses needing GL automation

Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed to streamline financial management for small businesses. Its general ledger module offers a centralized system to record and track all financial transactions, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial records. With an intuitive interface, Xero allows you to manage your chart of accounts efficiently, facilitating better financial oversight and decision-making.

Key benefits

• Provides a structured chart of accounts for organized financial tracking.
• Offers real-time financial reporting, including balance sheets and income statements.
• Integrates with over 1,000 third-party applications, enhancing functionality.
• Supports unlimited users without additional costs, aiding team collaboration.
• Includes automated bank feeds and reconciliation, reducing manual data entry.

Drawbacks

• Entry-level plans have limitations on the number of invoices and bills.
• Customer support is primarily email-based, which may delay issue resolution.
• Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to competitors.

Xero is ideal for small businesses seeking a scalable general ledger solution that grows with their operations. Its comprehensive features and integration capabilities make it suitable for companies aiming to maintain accurate financial records without the complexity of more advanced accounting software.

How to choose the right GL software for your team

Most companies don’t switch general ledger software often. For many teams, that moment comes every 5 to 7 years. This is why choosing the right general ledger software becomes crucial. CFOs, controllers, and heads of finance usually lead the selection process, but operations, IT, and accounting teams often weigh in.

• Identify the problems you are trying to solve. Start by looking at what slows down your current accounting process. Choose a general ledger software solution that addresses your most pressing pain points.
• Match features to your business complexity. Not every finance team needs advanced consolidation or multi-currency support. But if you operate across entities, need intercompany eliminations, or track multiple cost centers, your GL must support that structure. If you operate globally, look for flexible account hierarchies, entity-level reporting, and support for currency conversions.
• Make sure it integrates with your existing systems. Your GL should not work in isolation. It should connect with accounts payable, payroll, expense management tools, and your bank feeds. Manual imports create delays and errors. Poor integration is the top reason for financial officers replacing their accounting system. Ask vendors about native integrations and API access.
• Check how the chart of accounts is structured. Your chart of accounts should reflect how you want to see your business. If you need department-level tracking, project-level tagging, or custom account groupings, make sure the GL supports those setups. A rigid chart of accounts can limit how you report and analyze data.
• Confirm audit trails and permissions are built in. You need to know who made each journal entry when they made it, and what changed. Choose a system that logs every action and supports role-based permissions so only the right users can make changes. This helps with internal controls and keeps you prepared for audits or compliance reviews.
• Evaluate how easy it is to use. If your team struggles to use the software, they will fall back on spreadsheets. Review the user interface, navigation, and learning curve. Ease of use is critical for accuracy and adoption.
• Understand the full cost. Subscription pricing doesn’t show the whole picture. Add up implementation costs, training time, and how long it takes to go live. Also, consider how much time the tool saves when it is closed. A solution that costs more but helps you close books in half the time can pay for itself quickly.
• Use real workflows during demos. Don’t settle for a canned product tour. Ask vendors to walk through your actual use cases like booking accruals, handling classes, or running consolidated reports. See how the software performs with the kind of work your team does every month.

Why the right general ledger is more than just accounting software

A general ledger system shapes how your finance team operates. The right GL software gives you clean data, faster closes, and the visibility to act on financial signals before they become problems.

It also supports your broader goals. Whether you're preparing for an audit, expanding into new markets, or closing books across entities, your GL sits at the center. If it’s slow or disconnected, everything downstream suffers.

Platforms like Ramp combine general ledger automation with spend controls, real-time visibility, and accounting integrations. That means fewer manual steps between transactions and your books, so your team can close faster and focus on strategy, not data cleanup.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a general ledger and a journal entry system?

A journal records individual transactions as they occur. The general ledger compiles those entries across accounts, giving you a full financial view. A strong GL system automates entries while maintaining account-level accuracy.

How secure is cloud-based general ledger software?

Most cloud providers offer encryption, role-based access controls, and audit logs. Still, before choosing a platform, you should confirm data storage policies, SOC 2 compliance, and integration security.

Do all GL tools support multi-currency accounting?

Some tools only offer basic support or require upgrades for multi-currency features. If you operate internationally, look for real-time currency conversion, localized tax settings, and consolidated reporting across currencies.