What is document management software for accountants?
Document management software for accountants stores client files in one structured system with folder templates, user permissions, version history and audit logs. It links documents to clients and jobs, collects files through a client portal and keeps records for the periods that tax and anti-money laundering rules set.
Also calledaccountants' document managementpractice document storage
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- Core tools
- Folders, permissions, audit logs
- UK company records
- Kept 6 years
- UK CDD records
- 5 years after relationship ends
How document management software works
Each client gets a folder structure from a template, staff see only the folders their permission group allows, and every upload, view and change goes into an audit log. Retention periods come from local law: in the UK a limited company keeps accounting records for 6 years from the end of the last financial year they relate to, and customer due diligence records are kept for 5 years after the business relationship ends. SmartVault Accounting Pro costs US$65 per user a month billed annually, with a two-user minimum, unlimited storage and custom permission groups; Accounting Unlimited at US$85 adds unlimited e-signatures. Liscio File Intelligence, at US$19 per user a month billed annually, reads, classifies and names incoming files and connects to SharePoint, OneDrive and Google Drive. Suralink manages audit request lists and archives engagements, with prices on request. Canopy includes folder-level permissions and a virtual drive from US$74 per user a month, and IRIS Elements Practice Management includes document management from £13 per user a month.
Common questions
How long must accountants keep client documents?+
In the UK, limited companies keep accounting records for 6 years from the end of the last financial year they relate to. Customer due diligence records are kept for 5 years after the business relationship ends.
How much does document management software for accountants cost?+
SmartVault starts at US$65 per user a month billed annually with a two-user minimum, and Liscio File Intelligence at US$19. IRIS Elements Practice Management starts from £13 per user a month.
Does practice management software include document storage?+
Karbon stores documents against clients and jobs on every plan, Canopy includes document management with folder-level permissions, and IRIS Elements Practice Management includes secure document management.
What is the difference between document management and a client portal?+
Document management organises and secures files inside the firm, with permissions and retention. A client portal is the client-facing login used to upload, sign and download those files.
Document management software for accountants
CanopyClient management, documents and billing for accounting firms.Profile →
KarbonWorkflow, email triage and capacity planning for firms.Profile →
TaxDomeAll-in-one practice management for tax and accounting firms.Profile →More document management software
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