CFO Central

Financial Reporting Software: Top 19 Tools in 2025

Written by Jade Cole | Sep 26, 2025 10:07:24 AM

Selecting financial reporting software goes far beyond moving off spreadsheets. The decision directly impacts reporting accuracy, regulatory compliance, and how quickly your business can turn financial data into confident, timely decisions.

With dozens of options on the market, from accounting add-ons to enterprise financial planning and analysis (FP&A) platforms, the challenge is knowing which tool will actually deliver reliable, real-time reporting for your team.

The wrong choice can mean slow closes, inconsistent data, and frustrated stakeholders. The right platform centralizes reporting, connects seamlessly to your ERP, and gives finance leaders confidence in every number.

Technology trends are also shaping these decisions. The 2024 EY CEO Outlook Pulse Survey found that 99% of global CEOs intend to invest in GenAI, moving it from experimental labs to boardroom strategy.

Reflecting this momentum, the FP&A Trends Group began tracking AI’s role in finance at the start of 2025. A poll of 322 senior finance leaders across FP&A board meetings revealed rapid but uneven adoption: 27% already use AI to automate reporting and workflows, while more than half report no current AI use in FP&A.

This guide compares the top 19 financial reporting software solutions in 2025, including Limelight, Prophix, Cube, QuickBooks Online, Oracle NetSuite, and more. We’ll cover features, pros, cons, and pricing insights so you can make an informed decision. You’ll also see how Limelight helps organizations move beyond fragmented processes and achieve faster, more accurate reporting at scale.

What Is Financial Reporting Software?

Financial reporting tools centralize financial and operational data to produce standardized, audit-ready statements and management reports. It automates consolidation, calculations, and controls across ERPs, spreadsheets, and other systems, creating a single source of truth for finance. Modern platforms also link reporting with planning so actuals, budgets, and forecasts stay in sync.

  • Generating accurate reports: Automated consolidation from ERP/general ledger, governed mappings and validations, and reusable templates that pull live actuals, budgets, and forecasts
  • Simplifying compliance: Role-based access, audit trails, standardized statements (GAAP, IFRS), certification workflows, and controlled change management
  • Improving decision-making: Drill-down to transaction level, driver-based views, scenario-ready metrics, and dashboards that surface trends, variances, and KPIs

Together, these capabilities form the foundation of modern financial reporting tools. Beyond definitions, the real value lies in how these tools enhance daily finance operations and provide measurable benefits to the business.

Benefits of Using Financial Reporting Software

While the core functions of financial reporting tools focus on accuracy, compliance, and decision support, the impact goes much further. Modern platforms help finance teams identify trends faster, collaborate more effectively, and reduce the manual effort tied to reporting cycles.

1. Trend identification

Financial reporting software visualizes data through dashboards and charts, making it easier to detect patterns such as revenue growth, cost overruns, or margin fluctuations. With automated variance analysis, finance teams can quickly uncover the “why” behind numbers and spot risks or opportunities early. 

For instance, Limelight’s interactive dashboards and variance reports highlight revenue, cost, and margin trends across departments. Finance teams can drill into variances instantly, spotting risks or opportunities well before they impact the bottom line.

2. Real-time actionable insights

Modern financial reporting tools integrate directly with ERP and CRM systems, consolidating information into a single source of truth. This eliminates delays from manual data gathering and gives executives instant access to performance metrics, supporting faster course corrections.

3. Time and labor cost savings

Manual reporting can consume weeks of finance team capacity. Automated consolidation and scheduling reduce close times significantly, freeing staff to spend more time on analysis and strategic planning. 

By automating consolidation and report scheduling, Limelight helps companies cut close times in half. GSW Manufacturing, for instance, reported saving hundreds of hours annually and over $400,000 in hidden costs by replacing spreadsheets with Limelight.

GSW Manufacturing client testimonial

4. Accurate data and informed business decisions

By pulling directly from verified source systems, financial reporting software minimizes data inconsistencies and version control issues common in spreadsheets. This accuracy builds trust in reporting outputs and allows leadership to make high-impact decisions based on reliable figures.

Michael Schiebel, former VP of Finance and CFO U.S. at Allianz Technology, described how his FP&A team broke free from the time-intensive task of manual data aggregation and reporting.

With the rollout of AI-enabled reporting software, manual reporting work dropped by 60%, accuracy and consistency improved, and finance analysts had the bandwidth to focus on strategic insights that strengthened decision-making across departments and increased the overall impact of FP&A.

5. Better collaboration and cohesion across teams

Centralized platforms create transparency by allowing multiple departments to work from the same datasets. Shared dashboards, annotations, and scenario models align finance, operations, and leadership around consistent insights, shortening approval cycles and reducing misunderstandings.

6. Smaller chance of human error

Automated workflows replace error-prone manual entries and reconciliations. Features like role-based access, audit trails, and version control further safeguard data integrity, reducing the chance of costly mistakes in compliance and reporting processes.

Top 19 Financial Reporting Software for 2025

No.

Platform

Best for

Pricing (as of September 2025)

Rating

1

Limelight

Companies with 100 to 5,000 employees needing management reporting, driver-based planning, and audit-ready consolidation

From $1,400 per month for five users; subscription-based

2

Prophix

Mid-market orgs automating close, consolidation, and statutory + management reporting

Quote-based

3

Cube

Finance teams wanting spreadsheet-native reporting with consolidation in Google Sheets/ Microsoft Excel

Quote-based; industry sources such as Software Suggest and SaaSworthy indicate that pricing typically begins at around $1,250 per month.

4

Oracle NetSuite

Companies wanting ERP + accounting + consolidated financial reporting in one suite

Quote-based; third-party sources like Software Advice indicate the pricing is a custom quote. A free trial is available.

5

QuickBooks (Online)

Small businesses needing core financial statements and lightweight dashboards

  • Save up to 90% on all plans for three months (limited time offer)
  • Simple Start: $1.90 per month 
  • Essentials: $2.80 per month 
  • Plus: $4 per month 
  • Advanced: $7.60 per month 
  • Free 30-day trial available

6

FreshBooks

Freelancers and small service businesses that want simple reporting with invoicing

  • Get 70% off on Lite, Plus, and Premium plans (limited time offer)
  • Lite: $6.30 per month
  • Plus: $11.40 per month 
  • Premium: $19.50 per month 
  • Free 30-day trial available

7

Sage Intacct

Mid-market and nonprofits with multi-entity consolidation and compliance needs

Customized Sage Intacct pricing plans tailored to your organization’s needs

8

insightsoftware

Teams extending ERP reports, disclosure management, and compliance

Quote-based

  • 4.3/5 (G2

9

Workday Adaptive Planning

Enterprises standardizing planning + reporting across business units

Custom pricing. Free 30-day trial available.

10

Board

Large enterprises wanting unified BI + CPM + consolidation with predictive features

Customized pricing based on your business needs, with various solutions available for finance, supply chain, sales, HR, and predictive analytics, as well as premium support and add-ins for enhanced enterprise planning

11

Vena Solutions

Excel-forward teams adding governed reporting, consolidation, and workflow

Two plans: Professional and Complete with custom quotes. For a limited time, new customers using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (Online) as their primary ERP can enjoy a free year of Vena and 40% off implementation costs.

12

Planful

Mid-market and enterprise teams centralizing reporting + close + planning

Businesses are required to contact Planful directly for a custom quote based on their specific needs.

13

Datarails

SMB/mid-market teams automating Excel-based reporting and variance analysis

Does not publish its pricing publicly

14

Jirav

Good fit for early-stage companies that need accessible reporting and forecasting

Custom quotes

15

SAP S/4HANA Finance

Global enterprises requiring real-time reporting at high volume with compliance

Quote-based

16

Synoptix

Teams that want ERP-native, drill-down financial reporting without full FP&A

Quote-based

17

Workiva

Enterprises managing SEC, ESG, and compliance reporting with audit trails

Custom quote

  • 4.6/5 (G2

18

Jedox

Mid-market/enterprise needing scalable reporting with Excel + web dashboards

Custom pricing

19

Zoho Books

SMEs needing standard financials within an accounting suite

  • Free plan for solopreneurs and microbusinesses
  • Standard: $15 per org per month billed annually 
  • Professional: $40 per org per month billed annually
  • Premium: $60 per org per month billed annually

1. Limelight

Limelight’s AI-driven reporting software

Limelight is a cloud-based FP&A and financial reporting platform designed for finance teams that have outgrown spreadsheets. Built to integrate seamlessly with ERP, CRM, and HR systems, it provides a centralized source of truth for reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.

Limelight key features

  • Real-time data integration: Connects directly with systems like Sage Intacct, NetSuite, and Microsoft Dynamics, ensuring finance teams always work with accurate, up-to-date information
  • Interactive dashboards: Visualize data in charts, gauges, and sparklines; drill down into variances to uncover the story behind the numbers
  • Driver-based planning: Identify the operational drivers of revenue and costs to forecast more strategically
  • Scenario modeling: Create and adjust multiple financial scenarios in seconds, helping leadership plan for market shifts
  • Workforce planning: Integrates with payroll and HR systems to track headcount, salaries, and benefits, offering clarity into workforce costs
  • AI-powered insights: Limelight AI automatically analyzes your data to explain variances, highlight trends, detect anomalies, and tell the story behind the figures. By combining historical data with market intelligence, it auto-generates full forecasts and multiple what-if scenarios.

Limelight pros

  • Easy to implement with a user-friendly interface (source)
  • Scalable for companies with 100 to 5,000 employees across SaaS, nonprofit, manufacturing, and healthcare
  • Great customer support (source)

Limelight cons

  • Processing time may be longer when running very large, complex reports (source)

Limelight pricing

Limelight’s pricing starts at $1,400 per month, with a subscription model that scales by number of users. Packages include unrestricted functionality and data usage, with volume discounts available.

2. Prophix

Prophix’s financial reporting software

Prophix is a corporate performance management (CPM) and financial reporting software designed for mid-market companies. Its cloud-based platform helps automate budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and reporting, while offering AI-driven capabilities for predictive analysis.

Prophix key features

  • Financial data integrations: Connects securely to accounting, ERP, CRM, and HRIS systems for consolidated reporting
  • Predictive forecasting: Uses past performance trends to generate more reliable forward-looking forecasts
  • AI-powered task assistant: Automates repetitive processes such as report distribution and process scheduling

Prophix pros

  • Once set up, it excels at automating reporting and modeling while supporting multiple scenarios. (source)
  • Great customer service (source)

Prophix cons

  • Requires significant technical and consultancy time to set up the integration and maintain the software (source)
  • Implementation can be complex (source)
  • Steep learning curve (source)

Prophix pricing

Prophix pricing is not publicly listed. Interested organizations need to contact the sales team for a tailored quote.

3. Cube

Cube FP&A platform

Cube is a spreadsheet-native financial planning and reporting tool built for finance teams that want to modernize reporting without leaving Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. It automates data consolidation and enables multi-scenario modeling directly within familiar spreadsheet interfaces.

Cube key features

  • Spreadsheet integration: Directly connects to Excel and Google Sheets, reducing training time for finance teams
  • Automated data consolidation: Automates financial data consolidation from multiple sources, streamlining month-end close and reporting processes
  • Version control and audit trails: These functions help teams track changes to reports, maintain data integrity, and comply with audit requirements without relying solely on manual logs.

Cube pros

  • Fast and easy implementation with minimal IT involvement (source)
  • Responsive customer support (source)

Cube cons

  • Limited customization and visualization options in dashboards (source)
  • Some users feel the implementation team is poorly managed (source)

Cube pricing

Cube offers customized pricing depending on company size and required features. Prospective customers must contact sales for a tailored quote.

4. Oracle NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite financial reporting platform

Oracle NetSuite is a widely used ERP platform that includes financial management and reporting capabilities. It is designed for businesses looking for an all-in-one suite that integrates accounting, CRM, and ERP with reporting and analytics.

Oracle NetSuite key features

  • Consolidated financial reporting: Generates real-time consolidated statements across subsidiaries and entities
  • Customizable dashboards: Provides configurable KPIs, scorecards, and role-based views
  • Multi-currency and multi-entity: Fully supports multi-currency operations, including consolidated exchange rates and entity-level currency assignment, enabling accurate reporting and transactions for global organizations with complex subsidiaries and currency requirements

Oracle NetSuite pros

  • Strong ERP integration with a single platform for finance, sales, and operations (source)

Oracle NetSuite cons

  • User interface can be complex, especially for non-finance users (source)
  • Requires higher implementation and customization effort compared to FP&A-focused tools (source)
  • Can be a bit slow to load (source)

Oracle NetSuite pricing

Oracle NetSuite does not publish pricing publicly. Costs vary based on modules, company size, and implementation needs. Prospective customers must request a quote.

5. Intuit QuickBooks (Online)

Intuit QuickBooks reporting software

QuickBooks Online is one of the most widely used accounting solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. Its reporting features provide essential financial statements and customizable dashboards, making it accessible for organizations that don’t yet need a full FP&A platform.

QuickBooks Online key features

  • Standard financial reports: Generate balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports
  • Customizable dashboards: Create custom dashboards to track KPIs, visualize financial data, and monitor business health with interactive charts and graphs
  • Third-party integrations: Connects with payroll, payment processing, and tax tools

QuickBooks Online pros

  • User-friendly and widely adopted among small businesses (source)
  • Affordable compared to enterprise-grade FP&A platforms (source)

QuickBooks Online cons

  • Some advanced features, such as custom reporting or job costing, are more limited compared to the desktop version or require higher-tier subscriptions (source)
  • Feels a bit slow when loading big reports (source)
  • Pricing is a bit expensive for small businesses (source)

QuickBooks Online pricing

QuickBooks Online pricing plans

6. FreshBooks

FreshBooks financial reporting platform

FreshBooks is an accounting and invoicing platform built primarily for freelancers, small businesses, and service providers. Its reporting functionality is straightforward, focusing on cash flow, expenses, and project profitability rather than enterprise-level financial planning.

FreshBooks key features

  • Standard reports: Generate profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and tax summaries
  • Expense tracking: Automatically categorize expenses and generate expense reports
  • Mobile access: Cloud-based with apps for iOS and Android

FreshBooks pros

  • Easy to set up and navigate, even for non-finance users (source, source)
  • User-friendly interface (source)
  • Good mobile app (source)

FreshBooks cons

  • Some users mentioned that they wanted a way to generate reports that break down billable hours by service and customer. The reporting works, but it lacks customization options. (source, source)
  • Lack of flexibility for payment platforms and integrations (source)

FreshBooks pricing

FreshBooks pricing plans

7. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct reporting software

Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management and accounting solution widely used by mid-sized businesses and nonprofits. Known for its strong reporting and compliance features, it’s often chosen by organizations looking for advanced accounting functionality with financial insights built in.

Sage Intacct key features

  • Financial and operational dashboards: Provides real-time reporting across income statements, balance sheets, and performance KPIs
  • Multi-entity consolidation: Automates roll-ups across subsidiaries and business units, saving time during close cycles
  • Customizable reports: Create tailored reports with dimensions such as department, location, or project

Sage Intacct pros

  • Strong reporting capabilities and good customization for accounting and finance teams (source)
  • Good integrations with other software (source)

Sage Intacct cons

  • Implementation can be time-consuming and costly for mid-sized businesses (source)
  • User interface is less intuitive compared to FP&A-focused tools (source)
  • Navigation between modules isn't always seamless (source)

Sage Intacct pricing

Sage Intacct does not list pricing publicly. Subscriptions are typically customized based on modules and company size.

8. insightsoftware

insightsoftware ERP reporting tool 

insightsoftware provides a suite of reporting and performance management tools designed to extend the capabilities of ERP and EPM systems. Its solutions focus heavily on financial reporting, disclosure management, and compliance, making it a popular choice for organizations with strict regulatory requirements.

Insightsoftware key features

  • ERP connectivity: Pre-built connectors for systems like Oracle, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics, allowing finance teams to extract and report on data quickly
  • Financial close and consolidation: Automates close processes, consolidating financials across subsidiaries and geographies
  • Disclosure management: Streamlines the preparation of external reports (SEC filings, regulatory submissions) with audit-ready workflows

Insightsoftware pros

  • Update forecasts in real-time while storing iterations of how the forecast changed throughout the year (source)
  • Customer support is responsive (source)

Insightsoftware cons

  • May lack advanced forecasting features compared to other solutions like Vena Solutions (source)
  • Setup may take some time (source)

Insightsoftware pricing

Insight Software pricing is not publicly available. Costs vary depending on ERP environment, number of users, and modules deployed.

9. Workday Adaptive Planning

Workday Adaptive Planning financial reporting platform

Workday Adaptive Planning (formerly Adaptive Insights) is a cloud-based financial reporting software designed for enterprises and high-growth companies. It provides robust planning, budgeting, and reporting capabilities, making it one of the most recognized names in the financial reporting space.

Workday Adaptive Planning key features

  • Seamless ERP integration: Connects with Workday ERP, Oracle, NetSuite, and other enterprise systems for consolidated reporting
  • Top-down and bottom-up budgeting: Combines strategic target setting with operational input to improve accuracy and alignment
  • Rolling forecasts: Enables organizations to update forecasts continuously for greater agility in dynamic markets

Workday Adaptive Planning pros

  • Easy to use interface (source)
  • Excellent customer support (source)

Workday Adaptive Planning cons

  • Initial setup and customization are complex and time-intensive (source, source)
  • Steep learning curve for non-finance users (source)
  • Pricing may be expensive for smaller companies (source)

Workday Adaptive Planning pricing

Workday Adaptive Planning pricing plans

10. Board

Board financial reporting software

Board is an integrated business intelligence (BI) and corporate performance management (CPM) platform that combines reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analytics in one solution. It is widely adopted by enterprises that need to connect strategic, financial, and operational data, offering pre-built industry applications alongside customizable dashboards and consolidation tools.

Board key features

  • Unified platform: Combines reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and BI in a single environment, reducing the need for multiple tools
  • Advanced analytics: Includes predictive analytics and machine learning capabilities to enhance decision-making
  • Financial consolidation: Automates consolidation across subsidiaries with built-in compliance for IFRS and GAAP standards

Board pros

  • Versatile platform that integrates BI, CPM, and analytics in one tool (source)
  • Users love the customization it offers (source)

Board cons

  • Steep learning curve and the reports may not be easy to create (source, source)
  • User interface is less intuitive compared to platforms like Limelight (source)
  • Speed is an issue and sometimes the platform may crash (source)

Board pricing

Board offers customized pricing based on your business needs, with various solutions available for finance, supply chain, sales, HR, and predictive analytics, as well as premium support and add-ins for enhanced enterprise planning.

11. Vena Solutions

Vena Solutions reporting software 

Vena Solutions is an agentic AI-powered financial reporting platform that builds on Excel to provide structured financial reporting and FP&A capabilities. It helps finance teams generate accurate reports, automate consolidations, and maintain version control without leaving a familiar spreadsheet environment.

Vena Solutions key features

  • Centralized reporting with drill-through: Centralized reporting templates with drill-through capabilities

  • Automated consolidation across entities: Automated financial consolidation across departments and subsidiaries, including intercompany eliminations, reducing manual efforts during close cycles
  • Rolling forecasts: with integrated variance reporting

Vena Solutions pros

  • Familiar Excel interface reduces training needs (source)
  • Responsive customer support (source)

Vena Solutions cons

  • Initial learning curve (source)
  • Does not offer a free trial (source)
  • Speeds up reporting (source)

Vena Solutions pricing

Vena pricing plans

12. Planful

Planful financial reporting tool

Planful is a cloud-based FP&A platform designed to streamline financial reporting and consolidation. It centralizes financial data across departments and entities, enabling finance teams to generate accurate, audit-ready reports while eliminating the need for manual, disconnected spreadsheets.

Planful key features

  • Centralized reporting templates with customizable views
  • Automated consolidation across subsidiaries and business units
  • AI-driven anomaly detection and error checks within reports

Planful pros

  • Dynamic Planning Module offers self-serve forecasting with strong support for complex dimensions and scenarios (source
  • Clean UI/UX and built-in AI capabilities (source)

Planful cons

  • Limitations when it comes to formatting reports (source)
  • Running complex calculations with large amounts of data is time-consuming (source)

Planful pricing

Planful does not list public pricing; costs are tailored by company size, user count, and modules.

13. Datarails

Datarails financial reporting platform

Datarails is a financial reporting and planning tool built for SMB and mid-market finance teams. It enhances Excel with automation and integrations, allowing teams to consolidate data and produce reports faster.

Datarails key features

  • Automated data consolidation from ERP, CRM, and HR systems
  • Centralized Excel-based reporting templates
  • Variance analysis and drill-down capabilities

Datarails pros

  • Out-of-the-box dashboards (source)
  • Good customer support (source)

Datarails cons

Datarails pricing

Datarails pricing is customized; subscription costs vary by users and features.

14. Jirav

Jirav reporting and planning tool

Jirav is a cloud-based financial reporting and forecasting tool designed for startups and growing SMBs. It focuses on ease of use, allowing finance teams to generate reports and forecasts without requiring significant IT or consulting support.

Jirav key features

  • Pre-built financial reporting templates with customizable KPIs
  • Automated data consolidation from accounting and payroll systems
  • Rolling forecasts and driver-based models

Jirav pros

  • Fast setup with intuitive reporting templates (source)
  • Minimal learning curve (source)
  • Extremely responsive customer support (source)

Jirav cons

  • Some of the visuals may be challenging for clients transitioning from other platforms, largely due to the volume of information that can be displayed (source)

Jirav pricing

Jirav pricing plans

15. SAP S/4HANA Finance

SAP S/4HANA financial reporting platform

SAP S/4HANA Finance is an enterprise-grade solution that combines financial reporting, accounting, and analytics within the SAP ecosystem. It is designed for large organizations with complex, global finance structures.

SAP S/4HANA Finance key features

  • Real-time financial reporting with in-memory processing: Uses SAP HANA’s in-memory database to deliver real-time financial reporting, eliminating batch processing delays and enabling up-to-date insights and faster decision-making

  • Embedded analytics for performance dashboards: Integrated transactional and analytical reporting within the system, enabling performance dashboards with KPIs and analytics tools accessible via SAP Fiori interface

SAP S/4HANA Finance pros

  • Interface is user-friendly and accessible even for non-technical users (source)
  • Adaptability and ability to integrate data in real-time (source)

SAP S/4HANA Finance cons

  • High implementation cost and long deployment timelines (source)
  • Steep learning curve for finance teams (source)

SAP S/4HANA Finance pricing

SAP S/4HANA Finance pricing is quote-based, tailored to enterprise scope and deployment.

16. Synoptix

Synoptix financial reporting tool

Synoptix is a financial reporting solution purpose-built to enhance ERP reporting. It allows finance teams to generate real-time reports directly from ERP data, eliminating manual exports and spreadsheet manipulation.

Synoptix key features

  • Direct ERP connectivity for real-time access to financial and operational data
  • Transaction-level drill-down from high-level reports
  • Pre-built templates for common financial statements

Synoptix pros

Synoptix cons

  • Not user-friendly (source)
  • Lag time when working with a VPN (source)

Synoptix pricing

Synoptix pricing is tailored to ERP system type, modules, and user requirements.

17. Workiva

Workviva financial reporting tool

Workiva is a cloud-based reporting and compliance platform used by enterprises to streamline financial, regulatory, and ESG reporting. It is designed to manage complex reporting processes that require transparency, audit trails, and collaboration across multiple stakeholders.

Workiva key features

  • Connected reporting and compliance platform for finance, audit, and ESG teams
  • Automated workflow with built-in version control and audit history
  • Pre-built templates for SEC filings, ESG disclosures, and financial statements

Workiva pros

Workiva cons

  • Initial learning curve (source)

  • Limitations related to integrations (source)

Workiva pricing

Workiva offers subscription-based pricing tailored to company size and reporting scope.

18. Jedox

Jedox financial reporting platform

Jedox is a cloud-based FP&A and financial reporting platform used by mid-sized and enterprise organizations. It combines planning, forecasting, and reporting with strong Excel integration.

Jedox key features

  • Automated data consolidation across entities and systems
  • Excel integration with web-based dashboards
  • Scenario modeling and driver-based forecasting powered by AI-assisted prediction wizards

Jedox pros

  • Flexible and easy to use (source)
  • Relatively quick implementation (source)

Jedox cons

  • Setting up custom reports and dashboards may require training and time (source)

Jedox pricing

Jedox pricing is customized, depending on user count and deployment size.

19. Zoho Books

Zoho Books reporting tool

Zoho Books is an accounting platform designed for small and growing businesses. Its reporting features focus on standard financial statements and compliance, rather than advanced FP&A.

Zoho Books key features

  • Standard financial statements generation: Generates essential financial reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, updated in real-time with customizable periods and formats

  • Customizable reporting templates and KPI dashboards: Users can create customizable report templates and KPI dashboards to visualize key metrics such as sales, receivables, expenses, and profitability with drag-and-drop panels and permissions control

Zoho Books pros

  • Intuitive interface (source)
  • Seamless integration with other Zoho applications (source)

Zoho Books cons

  • Slow support team (source)
  • Limited customization in certain reports and templates (source)

Zoho Books pricing

Zoho Books pricing plans

Key Features Financial Reporting Tools Should Have

Modern financial reporting software should include a set of non-negotiable capabilities that ensure accuracy, efficiency, and usability:

  • Automated data consolidation: Eliminate manual imports by pulling directly from ERP, CRM, and HR systems
  • Customizable dashboards and reports: Enable drill-downs, KPIs, and board-ready visuals tailored to stakeholders
  • Audit trails and compliance controls: Maintain transparency with version history, access controls, and compliance frameworks like GAAP and IFRS
  • Scenario modeling and forecasting: Allow finance teams to test multiple outcomes before making key decisions
  • Collaboration tools: Support comments, approvals, and shared workflows so finance, operations, and leadership work from the same numbers
  • Scalability and integration: Grow with the business and connect smoothly with existing systems without heavy IT overhead

How to Choose the Right Financial Reporting Solution

Selecting a platform goes beyond comparing feature checklists. The right choice depends on how those features fit your organization’s context:

  • Size and complexity of your business: SMBs may prioritize affordability and ease of use, while enterprises need multi-entity consolidation and compliance depth
  • Integration needs: Consider whether the tool plugs into your ERP and other core systems without requiring costly custom development
  • Industry requirements: Nonprofits, SaaS firms, and manufacturers often face different reporting and compliance demands. Choose a tool with templates or modules that fit your sector.
  • Ease of adoption: Even the best reporting system will fail if teams can’t use it. Look for intuitive interfaces or spreadsheet-friendly workflows.
  • Total cost of ownership: Evaluate subscription fees alongside implementation, training, and ongoing support costs
  • Vendor support and roadmap: Check customer feedback, service responsiveness, and whether the vendor continues to innovate in reporting and planning

When these factors are balanced with the must-have features, finance teams can identify solutions that don’t just “check boxes,” but also align with long-term reporting and planning goals.

Reporting Software Needs by Company Size

Company size

Primary need

Suitable tools

Small businesses (SMBs)

Affordable, easy-to-use reporting tied to basic accounting

QuickBooks, Zoho Books, FreshBooks

Mid-market companies

Centralized reporting across multiple departments or business units

Limelight, Cube, Vena Solutions, Planful, Datarails, Jirav, Prophix, Sage Intacct

Large enterprises

Advanced consolidation, compliance, and forecasting at scale

Limelight, Workday Adaptive Planning, Board, SAP S/4HANA Finance, Oracle NetSuite, Workiva, Insightsoftware, Jedox

Why Finance Teams Choose Limelight in 2025

Limelight is a modern, Excel-free, AI-driven financial reporting platform designed to move teams beyond spreadsheets. Combining automation, seamless integrations, and AI-driven insights, it empowers finance leaders to close the books faster and make confident decisions.

Compared to Prophix, which is best for mid-market companies focused on forecasting with AI, Limelight delivers faster reporting cycles and stronger collaboration tools. Cube, for example, is a good option for Excel-based workflows, but Limelight excels in providing AI-based forecasting and scenario planning.

See how Limelight can streamline your financial reporting. Book a demo.

FAQs

1. Which financial reporting software is best for small businesses?

Small businesses often choose affordable, easy-to-use tools like QuickBooks or Zoho Books. These solutions provide core reports such as profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow, with simple dashboards to manage compliance and track performance effectively.

2. How much does financial reporting software cost?

Pricing varies widely by tool and company size. SMB-focused platforms start around $15–$29 per month, while mid-market FP&A platforms like Limelight typically begin at $1,400 per month. Enterprise ERP-linked reporting systems are quote-based and include higher implementation costs.

3. Can financial reporting tools integrate with ERP systems?

Yes. Most modern platforms integrate directly with ERP systems like NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and SAP, allowing finance teams to pull real-time data without manual exports. These integrations reduce reconciliation errors and create a single source of truth for reporting.

4. What’s the difference between financial reporting and BI software?

Financial reporting tools focus on standardized, audit-ready statements like balance sheets and income statements. Business intelligence platforms provide broader analytics across sales, marketing, and operations. Many companies use BI alongside financial reporting software for combined strategic and operational visibility. 

5. How do I know which financial reporting tool is right for my company?

Assess company size, industry, and integration needs. SMBs may need simple accounting-linked tools, while mid-market firms benefit from FP&A platforms like Limelight. Enterprises often require ERP-embedded solutions. Match capabilities to reporting complexity, compliance requirements, and future scalability.