We Tried 3 Best Keeper Bookkeeping Alternatives For Year End Close: Here's our insights

Hey there, accounting and bookkeeping pros!

Have you ever felt like Keeper isn’t working as well as you’d like for your firm? You’re not alone, and I’m here to help.

In this blog, I’m going to talk about the top 3 alternatives to Keeper that might be just what your firm needs.

If you’re wondering why you should look at these alternatives, I’ve got a few good reasons for you.

But before we get into that, here’s what we’ll cover today:

⭐ What is Keeper?
⭐ Who Should Use Keeper?
⭐ What is Keeper Used For?
⭐ Keeper’s Pricing.
⭐ Where Does Keeper Fall Short?
⭐ And the Top 3 Keeper Alternatives in 2024.

If you skip this, you might miss out on a tool that could make your year-end close easier! Think of this as your quick guide to finding a better bookkeeping system.

Curious about which tools could make things simpler for you? Here’s a quick list:

• Xenett
• TaxDome
• Canopy

I promise it’s easy to understand—no tech jargon here. Whether you’re looking for more features, better pricing, or just a smoother way to work, there’s something for everyone.

Ready to find the right tool for you? Let’s go through your options together.

What is Keeper?

Keeper is a tool that's designed to make life easier for bookkeeping and accounting firms. 

You can take it as your all-in-one solution for managing clients and tasks, specifically tailored to the unique needs of these firms. 

If you’re managing multiple clients and trying to keep everything running smoothly, Keeper steps in to help simplify key processes like the month-end close, client communication, and task management. 

One of the good things about Keeper is how well it integrates with popular accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks Online. 

This means that instead of juggling different platforms, you can centralize everything in one place. 

Keeper helps you keep track of client interactions, monitor tasks, and maintain quality control, which is essential when accuracy is key. 

The goal here is to simplify your workflow and boost your productivity.

But, and this is important to note, while Keeper has many strengths, it might not be perfect for everyone. 

It’s not uncommon to find firms looking for alternatives that better suit their specific needs or preferences.

Who Should Use Keeper?

So, who is Keeper really for? Let’s break it down:

• Small to Mid-Sized Accounting Firms: 

If you’re running a firm where you need to manage multiple clients and ensure that all tasks are completed accurately, Keeper could be a valuable tool. 

It helps you stay on top of everything, making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Bookkeepers: 

If you’re a bookkeeper handling several clients, Keeper helps you simplify your monthly close processes, which can save you a lot of time and stress.

• CPA Firms: 

For CPA firms that need a centralized system for client communication, task assignments, and quality control, Keeper offers a way to keep everything in one place.

 This can help you maintain a high level of accuracy in your work.

What is Keeper Used For?

Now, let’s talk about what you can actually do with Keeper:

• Month-End Close: 

This is a big one. Keeper simplifies the month-end close process by helping you organize all your tasks. 

It ensures that every step is completed accurately, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything important.

If you need tips on streamlining this process, consider checking out our Complete Month End Close Checklist in 10 Easy Steps.

• Client Communication: 

Managing client communication can be a hassle, especially if you’re juggling emails, phone calls, and other forms of contact. 

Keeper centralizes all these interactions, making it easier to keep track of everything without the usual chaos.

• Task Management: 

Keeping track of tasks is crucial in bookkeeping and accounting. With Keeper, you can create customizable checklists, monitor progress, and assign tasks to team members. 

This helps you stay organized and ensures that everything gets done on time.

To further enhance your task management, you might want to explore The Crucial Role of Workflow Automation for Accountants.

• Quality Control: 

Accuracy is everything in financial reporting. 

Keeper offers quality control features that help you ensure that all your reports are accurate and error-free.

If you're aiming for a stress-free year-end close, you might find these 7 Ways to Make the Year-End Close Stress-Free helpful.

In short, Keeper is a tool designed to help you manage the complexities of bookkeeping and accounting more efficiently. 

But, like any tool, it’s important to consider whether it’s the right fit for your specific needs.

How Much Does Keeper Cost?

Keeper offers three pricing tiers:

Standard Plan: $8 per client/month, offering basic features.

The Standard plan is designed for those who are just getting started or managing a smaller number of clients. At $8 per client per month, you get access to a robust set of features that can help you streamline your operations without breaking the bank. Here’s what you get:

• Client Portal: An easy-to-use portal where your clients can securely access and manage their information.
• File Review Reports: Tools to help you review and manage client files efficiently.
• Management Reporting: Generate reports that provide insights into your business operations.
• Task Management: Keep track of all your tasks and ensure everything gets done on time.
• Unlimited Users: No need to worry about adding team members—this plan includes unlimited users.

This plan is ideal if you’re looking for essential features to get your practice up and running smoothly.

Premium Plan: $10 per client/month, with advanced features like a custom-branded client portal and integrated email.

As your practice grows, you might need more advanced tools to manage the increased workload and client interactions. The Premium plan is priced at $10 per client per month and builds on the Standard plan by adding several additional features:

• Custom-Branded Client Portal: Personalize the client experience with a portal that reflects your brand.
• Integrated Email: Manage client communications directly within Keeper, streamlining your workflow.
• Time Tracking: Keep track of the time spent on tasks, making billing and project management easier.

You can also learn more about QuickBooks Time Tracking for Accountants for a deeper understanding of time management features.

• Texting Your Clients: Communicate with clients via text directly from the platform.
• Vendor W9 Requests: Simplify the process of requesting W9 forms from vendors.

The Premium plan is perfect for growing practices that need more advanced features to manage an increasing number of clients and tasks.

Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for larger firms with additional features.

While Keeper’s pricing might seem reasonable, some users find it a bit steep considering the limitations they encounter, especially for smaller firms.

If you have more than 50 clients, the Enterprise plan offers a flexible package tailored to your specific needs. Pricing is customized, so you’ll need to contact Keeper’s sales team for a quote. This plan includes everything in the Premium plan, plus:

• Pricing Agreements: Customizable pricing structures to fit your business model.
• Dedicated CSM (Customer Success Manager): A dedicated point of contact to help you get the most out of Keeper.
• Advanced User Permissions: More granular control over who can access what within the platform.

The Enterprise plan is ideal for larger firms that need a customized solution with dedicated support.

Why look for Keeper alternatives? 

Keeper might seem like a great choice at first glance, but there are a few reasons why you might want to explore other options. Let’s walk through some of the main concerns that could lead you to consider alternatives:

Complex Implementation

One of the first things you’ll notice with Keeper is that the setup process isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. 

If your firm doesn’t have dedicated IT support, getting everything up and running can be a real challenge. 

The tutorials provided by Keeper are often too brief, leaving out many of the complexities involved in the setup. 

This can lead to frustration, especially if you’re trying to implement the system quickly.

Limited Customization in Financial Reporting

While Keeper does offer customizable financial reports, some users find these options to be a bit limiting, particularly if you’re outside the U.S. 

For firms that need very specific, tailored reports, this lack of flexibility can be a serious drawback. 

You might find yourself unable to adjust the reports to meet your exact needs, which can be frustrating when accuracy and customization are crucial.

Clunky File Storage and Organization

Another area where Keeper falls short is in its file storage and organization. 

Many users have pointed out that the system isn’t as intuitive as they would like. Finding and organizing client files can sometimes feel like more work than it should be. 

Plus, the absence of a mobile app makes it difficult to access client data when you’re on the go. 

If you need to pull up information quickly while out of the office, you might find Keeper lacking in this department.

Dependence on Specific Web Builders

If you ever decide to change your website platform, Keeper might give you a bit of trouble. 

The tool can be somewhat finicky when it comes to integrating with different web builders. 

This means that if you switch platforms, you might encounter issues that require additional support, and possibly some downtime while things get sorted out. 

For firms that need to keep everything running smoothly without interruptions, this can be a significant concern.

Cost Considerations

Finally, let’s talk about cost. While Keeper offers a wide range of features, some users feel that the price tag is a bit steep, especially given the complexities involved in implementation. 

If you’re running a smaller firm, you might find that Keeper’s pricing doesn’t quite match up with your budget or needs. 

There might be other tools out there that offer similar features at a lower cost, making them a more cost-effective solution for your practice.

If you're on the lookout for cost-effective alternatives, you can check out the 3 Best Financial Cents Alternatives.

In summary, while Keeper has its strengths, it’s not perfect for everyone. 

The complexity of the setup, limited customization in reporting, clunky file management, dependence on specific web builders, and cost can all be reasons to look into alternatives. 

Exploring other options could help you find a tool that better fits your specific needs, making your day-to-day operations smoother and more efficient.

Here are the top 3 Keeper alternatives: 

• Xenett 
• TaxDome
• Canopy

Keeper Alternative #1: Xenett if you want a simplified close process with better client engagement (+ real-time error detection + interactive reports)

Xenett is an advanced bookkeeping and accounting tool designed to make the month-end close process faster, more accurate, and more collaborative. 

If you're searching for an alternative to Keeper that not only makes the month-end close process faster but also boosts client engagement, Xenett might just be the solution you're looking for.

Xenett is designed with modern bookkeeping and accounting firms in mind, offering advanced features that simplify your workflows and make your life easier. 

Let me walk you through why Xenett stands out as a strong contender and how it can make your bookkeeping and accounting tasks more efficient and collaborative.

Real-Time Error Detection

One of the standout features of Xenett is its real-time error detection. 

Xenett is a tool that can automatically scan your books for errors and correct them on the spot. 

This not only saves you time but also ensures that your financial records are always accurate. 

You won’t have to worry about mistakes slipping through the cracks, which is a huge relief during the hectic month-end close process.

Faster Close Process

Speaking of the month-end close, Xenett is built to make this process much faster. 

With organized workflows and comprehensive review checklists, you can complete your close up to three times faster than before. 

This means less stress and more time to focus on other important tasks. 

Everything is simplified, so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute.

Interactive Reports

Unlike traditional static PDF reports, Xenett offers interactive reports that your clients can actually engage with. 

This feature significantly improves collaboration and helps clients understand their financial data better. 

Instead of just handing over a report, you’re giving them a tool they can interact with, making the whole process more engaging and transparent.

Task and Workflow Management

Xenett also excels in task and workflow management. 

It helps you stay organized by providing robust task management features that ensure no steps are missed during the month-end close. 

You can easily track what needs to be done and who’s responsible for each task, reducing the chances of anything slipping through the cracks.

Seamless Integration

Integration is key when it comes to managing your accounting processes efficiently. 

Like Keeper, Xenett too integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero, allowing you to manage everything in one place. This is like an add on feature similar to Keeper with other great features offered. 

This smooth integration helps reduce the hassle of switching between different platforms and keeps your workflow smooth and efficient.

Comprehensive Support

Getting started with a new tool can sometimes be overwhelming, but Xenett makes it easy. 

They offer 24/7 customer support, a dedicated relationship manager, and free onboarding and training. 

This means you’ll have all the help you need to get the most out of Xenett, right from the start.

For more insights, you can explore how Xenett can help you scale up your accounting business.

Xenett Pricing 

When it comes to pricing, Xenett offers competitive options that can fit different needs and budgets:

• Quality Check Plan: Priced at $6 per client/month, this plan includes essential features for error detection and task management, making it a cost-effective choice for firms that need basic but powerful tools.
• Comprehensive Close Plan: For $9 per client/month, this plan includes all the features of the Quality Check Plan plus additional tools for closing tasks and reconciliation. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more complete solution.
• Add-Ons: If you need additional features, Xenett offers customizable add-ons like the Client Portal for $1.5 per client/month, allowing you to tailor the platform to your specific needs without paying for unnecessary extras.

Xenett vs Keeper: Which Tool Should You Choose?

So, how do you decide between Xenett and Keeper? If your priority is to enhance efficiency, improve client engagement, and get better value for your money, Xenett is a strong choice. 

While Keeper has its strengths, Xenett’s real-time error detection and interactive reports give it a distinct edge, especially if you’re looking to streamline your workflows and make your month-end close process as smooth as possible.

In short, Xenett offers the tools you need to manage your accounting processes more effectively, making it a worthy alternative to Keeper. 

Whether you’re a small firm or a growing practice, Xenett provides a combination of advanced features, ease of use, and flexible pricing that could make a significant difference in how you operate.

Keeper Alternative #2: TaxDome if you need a robust all-in-one solution for tax professionals (+ AI-powered reporting + mobile app)

TaxDome is an all-in-one practice management software designed for tax professionals, accountants, and bookkeepers looking for a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just bookkeeping. 

Let’s dive into why TaxDome could be a powerful alternative to Keeper, especially if you’re looking for something that covers more ground.

Here’s how TaxDome stands out:

Firm Management with Automated Reporting

One of the first things you’ll appreciate about TaxDome is how it centralizes your entire business operation. 

Everything from managing client data to overseeing your team’s tasks can be done in one place. 

What’s really impressive is the automated reporting feature, which helps you make data-driven decisions. 

Instead of sifting through endless reports manually, you can rely on AI to highlight key insights, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.

Client Management with Mobile Access

TaxDome takes client management to the next level by offering a powerful CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. 

This isn’t just a basic tool—it’s packed with features that make managing your clients’ information easier and more organized. 

You’ll also get a document management system that keeps all your files in order, and a mobile app that allows you to manage everything on the go. 

Whether you’re in the office or out meeting clients, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.

Workflow and Automation

One of the biggest challenges in any firm is managing repetitive tasks and workflows. TaxDome helps you tackle this with its automation features. 

You can automate those mundane, repetitive tasks that eat up your time, allowing you to focus on more strategic aspects of your business. 

This efficiency boost can make a big difference in how smoothly your operations run day to day.

Revenue Operations Simplified

When it comes to billing and invoicing, TaxDome simplifies the process with tools for proposals, engagement letters, and time tracking. 

You won’t have to worry about the headache of managing invoices manually. 

Everything is streamlined, making it easier for you to manage your firm’s revenue operations without getting bogged down in administrative details.

Enhanced Client Experience

TaxDome doesn’t just make your life easier—it also improves the experience for your clients. 

With a user-friendly client portal and a mobile app, your clients can easily interact with you, access their documents, and stay updated on their projects. 

This kind of accessibility can greatly enhance client satisfaction and make your firm more attractive to potential clients.

Seamless Integrations

Another area where TaxDome has the ability to integrate seamlessly with other tools you’re probably already using. 

Whether it’s IRS transcripts, QuickBooks Online, or various tax software programs, TaxDome connects with them effortlessly. 

This means you won’t have to switch between different platforms to get your work done, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.

TaxDome Pricing

Now, let’s talk about what it costs to get all these features:

• 1-Year Subscription: 

This plan is priced at $800 per user per year, which breaks down to about $66 per month. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution that covers everything you need in one place.

• 2-Year Subscription: 

If you’re planning to stick with TaxDome for the long haul, the 2-year subscription offers a slight discount at $750 per user per year (around $63 per month).

• 3-Year Subscription: 

For even more savings, the 3-year plan costs $700 per user per year, equivalent to about $58 per month. This is ideal if you’re committed to using TaxDome as your go-to platform.

• Seasonal Staff: 

If you have seasonal staff who only need access during peak times, TaxDome offers a flexible option at $85 per user per month.

TaxDome vs Keeper: Which Tool Should You Choose?

So, should you go with TaxDome or stick with Keeper? It really comes down to what your firm needs. If you’re primarily focused on bookkeeping, Keeper is a strong choice. 

However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that can handle everything from client management to revenue operations, TaxDome is the clear winner.

Its broader feature set, combined with AI-powered reporting and seamless integrations, makes it a better fit for firms that want to enhance their overall efficiency and offer a better experience for their clients.

Keeper Alternative #3: Canopy if you need a customizable solution for accounting firms (+ modular pricing + advanced document management)

If you’re running an accounting firm and need a practice management software that can be tailored to your specific needs, Canopy might be the perfect alternative to Keeper. 

Canopy is designed with flexibility in mind, offering a wide range of features that can be customized to fit the unique requirements of your firm. 

Let’s explore how Canopy stands out and why it might be the right choice for you.

Canopy is all about giving you control over your tools. 

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Canopy allows you to pick and choose the features you need, making it highly customizable. 

Here’s how Canopy can help your firm become more efficient and organized:

Client Engagement Platform

One of the key strengths of Canopy is its comprehensive client engagement platform. It’s not just a basic CRM—Canopy offers a complete suite of tools to manage your client relationships effectively. 

This includes a client portal where your clients can access their information securely, a mobile app that lets you stay connected on the go, and email management to keep all your communications organized. 

Everything you need to keep your clients engaged and happy is in one place, making it easier to provide top-notch service.

Advanced Document Management

If managing documents is a significant part of your daily work, you’ll appreciate Canopy’s advanced document management system. 

This feature allows you to securely share files with clients, store an unlimited number of documents, and set up customizable folder permissions to control who can access what. 

Canopy also includes e-signature capabilities, so you can get important documents signed without the hassle of printing and scanning. 

This makes document organization and management seamless, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.

Workflow Automation

Managing projects and tasks can be overwhelming, but Canopy’s workflow automation features help streamline these processes. 

With project and task management tools, workflow templates, and the ability to create custom statuses, you can ensure that tasks are completed on time and nothing falls through the cracks. 

This level of organization can significantly boost your firm’s efficiency, allowing you to handle more work with less effort.

Time & Billing Management

Billing and tracking time are crucial for any accounting firm, and Canopy makes these tasks easier with its Time & Billing module. 

You can generate and send invoices, track the time spent on each task, manage work in progress (WIP), and collect payments via credit card and ACH. 

Canopy also offers pre-built reports and profitability tracking, giving you clear insights into your firm’s financial performance. 

This module helps you stay on top of your revenue operations, ensuring that you’re getting paid for all the work you do.

Specialized Tax Resolution Module

For firms that offer tax resolution services, Canopy includes a specialized module that’s designed to handle tax cases efficiently. 

This module allows you to manage tax transcripts and notices, making it particularly useful if your firm deals with complex tax issues. 

It’s a feature that can set Canopy apart if tax resolution is a key part of your services.

Customizable Modules with Modular Pricing

One of the biggest advantages of Canopy is its modular pricing structure. You don’t have to pay for features you don’t need. 

Instead, you can mix and match modules like Document Management, Workflow, and Time & Billing to create a solution that fits your specific needs. 

This means you’re only paying for what you actually use, making Canopy a cost-effective option if you’re looking to tailor your software to your firm’s exact requirements.

Canopy Pricing

Canopy’s pricing is as flexible as its features, allowing you to build a package that fits your budget and needs:

• Client Engagement Platform: $150 per month for unlimited users. This is a great option if you need a robust CRM and client portal.
• Document Management: $36 per user/month. Perfect for firms that handle a lot of documents and need advanced management tools.
• Workflow: $31 per user/month. Ideal if you want to streamline your project and task management processes.
• Time & Billing: $22 per user/month. This module is essential for managing your firm’s billing and time tracking efficiently.
• Tax Resolution: $50 per user/month. A specialised option for firms that deal with tax resolution services.

With these options, you can create a custom solution that fits your firm’s specific needs, making Canopy a highly customizable and versatile tool.

Canopy vs. Keeper: Which Tool Should You Choose?

So, how do you decide between Canopy and Keeper? If your firm has complex needs and requires a tool that can be tailored specifically to those needs, Canopy is likely the better choice. 

Its modular approach allows you to pick and choose the features that are most relevant to your work, which can be a significant advantage over Keeper’s more rigid structure. 

Canopy also excels in client management, workflow automation, and document management—areas where Keeper might not fully meet your expectations.

However, it’s important to note that Canopy comes at a higher price point, so you’ll need to weigh the benefits against your budget. 

If you’re looking for a powerful, customizable solution that can grow with your firm and handle a wide range of tasks, Canopy is definitely worth considering. 

It offers the flexibility and advanced features that larger firms or those with specialized needs might find essential for their practice management.

Keeper Vs alternatives: Let’s summarize this 

Here are some key points to help you decide:

Keeper

✅️ Good for basic bookkeeping and task management.

✅️ Simple and straightforward to use.

❌️ Limited customization and reporting options.

❌️ No real-time error detection or interactive reports.

Xenett

✅️ Real-time error detection ensures your records are always accurate.

✅️ Interactive reports that improve client communication.

✅️ Streamlined month-end close process to save time.

 ✅️ Advanced document management like Canopy.

✅️  Also an all-in-one tool like TaxDome.

TaxDome

✅️ All-in-one solution with AI-powered reporting.

✅️ Strong client management system.

❌️ Higher cost compared to other tools.

❌️ More complex setup.

Canopy

✅️ Customizable modules with flexible pricing.

✅️ Advanced document management and workflow automation.

❌️ Can be expensive.

❌️ Complexity in managing multiple modules.

Hope this helps!

When choosing the right tool, focus on these key factors:

👉 Efficiency: Does the tool save you time with features like real-time error detection?

👉 Client Engagement: Does it help you communicate better with clients?

👉 Customization: Can you tailor it to fit your firm’s specific needs?

👉 Pricing: Does it offer good value for the price?

Xenett checks all these boxes and offers a streamlined, efficient way to manage your bookkeeping and accounting tasks. It’s designed to make your work easier and more accurate, without unnecessary complexity.

And the best part? You can try Xenett free for 14 days with no commitment. No credit card needed, and no spam—just a chance to see how it fits your needs.

That’s it for this guide.

Take care!