AI Bookkeeping

Bookeeping.ai is an AI bookkeeping service for small businesses, built around an AI accountant called Paula. Paula handles the ledger, profit and loss statements and receipts on a cash basis. The company presents it as an alternative to doing the books by hand, and it says you don't need QuickBooks or a separate bookkeeper to use it. Separate plans are offered for for-profit businesses and non-profits.

How it works

You securely connect a bank account, which the site says takes about 30 seconds, and then review the imported transactions. Paula creates and categorises ledger entries, captures VAT or sales tax across more than 50 countries, and produces P&L statements and balance sheets. It also prepares and sends invoices and keeps watch on business health, sending alerts about falling cash flow or unusual expenses. Receipts can be scanned and matched to transactions.

Chat and documents

You can give Paula tasks in chat, such as asking it to prepare an invoice for a client, or ask accounting questions, such as how to record a loan payment. You can also upload financial documents like contracts and ask for a summary. Higher plans add AI agents for web research and market insights, advanced reports and analysis, Stripe and Shopify integrations, and receipt capture from email.

Pricing

There is a free plan for a single business that includes receipt scan and match, invoicing and basic ChatGPT access. Paid plans start with a 30-day free trial, can be cancelled anytime and are charged in USD. Starter includes 10 AI accounting features, two bank connections with unlimited accounts, three AI financial agents and catch-up bookkeeping for the past and current year. Pro adds 15 features, four bank connections, six agents, three years of catch-up and five team members. Annual billing saves about 20%. Bookkeepers and accountants can get free professional accounts.

Things to consider

Automated categorisation and tax capture still need review, especially at year-end or when filing returns, and many businesses will want an accountant to check the final figures. Check that the service supports the tax rules in your country and that its bank connections work with your bank before you rely on it.