Top Bench Accounting Alternatives — Why Fiskl Leads the Pack

The Bench Accounting shutdown on December 27th left countless small business owners scrambling to replace the software and services Bench once provided. Many entrepreneurs are now looking for a robust alternative they can trust long-term, hoping to avoid another sudden closure. Below is a side-by-side look at today’s most talked-about options—and a clear explanation of why Fiskl, a full double entry accounting platform with multi-currency support, continues to stand out among the competition.

Evaluating Your Options After Bench

Former Bench users typically have five key priorities:

1. Stability and Reliability – No one wants a repeat of Bench’s unexpected closure.
2. Ease of Migration – Getting data moved over quickly, with minimal disruption.
3. Automation – Technology that handles everyday tasks like transaction matching, reconciliation, and invoicing.
4. Flexibility – The ability to choose or swap out accountants as needed, rather than being forced into one model.
5. User-Friendly Design – Intuitive software, ideally with mobile access for busy entrepreneurs.

With these needs in mind, here’s an objective breakdown of the top contenders:

1. Fiskl

Fiskl is a full double entry accounting platform that partners with reputable firms worldwide—so you can choose whichever accountant best fits your style and industry. Because you’re not reliant on a single provider for both software and service, you avoid the risks exposed by Bench’s closure.

• Key Features

  • AI-Driven Automation: Automates transaction categorization, reconciliation, and report generation to reduce manual accounting tasks.
  • Full Double Entry with Multi-Currency: Perfect for businesses dealing with cross-border transactions, providing real-time insights into cash flow for any locale.
  • Flexible Partnership Model: Bring your own accountant or select one from Fiskl’s partner directory. Switch as needed—your platform stays the same.
  • Mobile-First Design: Capture and categorize expenses on the go by snapping photos of receipts, and see real-time financial updates from anywhere.

• Pros

  • Eliminates dependency on a single in-house service provider.
  • Seamless data migration enhanced by AI-driven organization.
  • Full accounting functionality that saves significant time on monthly closes.
  • Intuitive dashboards with global support for multi-currency operations.

• Cons

  • No in-house accountants, which some may prefer if they want a one-stop-shop.
  • AI features are straightforward, but there can be a short learning curve for those new to automated accounting.

2. Pilot

Pilot is known for its “full-service” bookkeeping model—similar to Bench’s original approach, but with more modern technology behind it.

• Pros
  • Hands-off setup: You submit your documents, and Pilot handles your books.
  • Investor-friendly monthly reports, appealing to startups.
  • Higher-tier services include CFO guidance for scaling businesses.
• Cons
  • Tends to cost more than standalone platforms and relies on Quickbooks.
  • Less flexibility if you prefer to manage your own accountant or need specialized methods.

When to Choose Pilot
If you want a do-it-all service that feels familiar to the Bench model (but with deeper features) and have the budget to cover it, Pilot might be your new go-to.

3. Kick.co

Kick.co quickly rolled out marketing materials after Bench’s shutdown, offering a simpler bookkeeping platform and optional service package.

• Pros
  • Focused on ex-Bench customers, promising easy data migration.
  • Basic invoicing, expense tracking, and an optional bookkeeping add-on.
  • Transparent pricing tiers.
• Cons
  • Less established in the market, so fewer integrations and less depth of features.
  • May not meet the needs of businesses that need multi-currency and multi-country tax management.

When to Choose Kick.co
If you want a fast, straightforward switch that looks and feels like Bench, Kick.co’s lower barrier to entry might be a quick fix—though you might outgrow it sooner rather than later.

4. Zeni.ai

Zeni.ai merges AI-driven automation with a fully managed finance service, including CFO-level analysis.

• Pros
  • Advanced analytics that deliver real-time insights.
  • Covers a wide range of financial needs, from basic bookkeeping to big-picture strategy.
  • Well-suited for businesses aiming for rapid growth.
• Cons
  • Premium price tag, which can be prohibitive for very small businesses.
  • Less hands-on control if you want a direct role in day-to-day accounting.

When to Choose Zeni.ai
Choose Zeni.ai if you value top-to-bottom financial management and are prepared to invest in a complete service, including AI tools and CFO advice.

5. QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a household name in the accounting world, though it lacks in-house bookkeeping support.

• Pros
  • Familiar to almost every accountant, making collaboration easier.
  • Broad feature set: payroll, inventory, reporting, etc.
  • Huge integration ecosystem with popular business tools.
• Cons
  • Can be overwhelming for very small businesses or freelancers with simple needs.
  • Pricing can climb quickly with add-ons and multiple users.

When to Choose QuickBooks Online
If you want a well-known platform backed by extensive resources—and already plan to hire an external accountant—QuickBooks is still a staple.

6. Xero

Xero is another established cloud accounting tool known for its clean interface and strong multi-currency features.

• Pros
  • Modern, intuitive UI that many users find easier than QuickBooks.
  • Powerful multi-currency support, ideal for businesses with international clients.
  • Large app marketplace for added functionality (inventory, CRM, etc.).
• Cons
  • Does not include an in-house bookkeeping service.
  • Less common in certain regions (like North America), though steadily growing.

When to Choose Xero
If you’d prefer a globally friendly software with a straightforward layout and don’t mind seeking your own bookkeeping help, Xero could be an excellent fit.

Comparison at a Glance

How to Switch from Bench Accounting to Fiskl

For many ex-Bench users, “How do I transition from Bench Accounting to Fiskl?” is the top concern. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Export Your Bench Data
   Download all available transaction files, expense reports, and year-to-date summaries while you still can.
2. Set Up Fiskl
   Go to Fiskl’s website, create an account, and follow their migration prompts. If you have specialized needs, Fiskl’s support team can offer best-practice tips.
3. Import & Categorize with AI
   Upload your historical data. Fiskl’s AI engine will categorize transactions, reducing hours of manual entry.
4. Choose an Accounting Firm
   Fiskl partners with a global network of professional accountants. Select one that fits your industry—or bring in a firm you already trust.
5. Monitor in Real Time
   Fiskl’s mobile-friendly dashboards let you send invoices, track expenses, and manage multi-currency records from anywhere, giving you real-time insight into your business’s financial health.

Why Fiskl Outperforms the Rest

The sudden Bench closure showed the risk of tying your entire financial operation to a single provider for both software and service. Fiskl eliminates that risk through its full double-entry accounting platform, paired with a flexible partner model. You get AI-driven automation, multi-currency features, and an intuitive, mobile-first interface—without the fear of another overnight shutdown taking everything with it.

Other alternatives like Pilot or Zeni.ai offer robust features but bundle them with in-house teams that may not always align with your business’s evolving needs. Meanwhile, Kick.co offers a fast, Bench-like setup but might not scale as your business grows. QuickBooks Online and Xero are mainstays, though they don’t include an in-house accounting service, and some users find them more complex than needed for daily operations.

Fiskl strikes a balance between advanced accounting functionality and complete autonomy in choosing your service provider. It’s a future-proof choice for businesses seeking stable, AI-enhanced financial management—even as markets and regulations evolve.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a new provider after the Bench shutdown isn’t just about finding a quick fix—it’s about selecting a platform that can support your business long-term. Fiskl stands apart for its powerful accounting capabilities, seamless AI automation, mobile-first design, and the ability to partner with whichever firm you trust. After seeing how devastating a sudden closure can be, many ex-Bench users are finding renewed peace of mind in Fiskl’s flexible and robust approach.

If you’re ready to safeguard your finances against future uncertainty, Fiskl could be the dependable upgrade you’ve been searching for. Embrace a platform built on flexibility, advanced technology, and global reach, and leave the Bench meltdown behind for good.