STEP 4 · GROWING — NEEDS TO RUN WITHOUT ME
Most Jamaican small businesses do the books in WhatsApp screenshots and a notebook until the accountant asks for "the records". Here is what to use instead, by size.
What matters in Jamaica specifically
- JMD and USD together — many businesses invoice both
- GCT — 15% needs to be tracked, not guessed at year end
- Bank feeds — few Jamaican banks connect automatically; expect CSV imports
- Price in USD — a US$30/month tool is J$4,500+ and rises with the rate
- Your accountant — ask what format they want before you choose
The options
Ezy Books
Built for Jamaican small businesses: invoices and receipts, expense photos, a GCT summary, monthly accountant export. Fed automatically by your Ezy store or booking sales. J$15,000 setup, J$2,500/mo, in JMD. Best for: one owner, one or two staff, no inventory accounting.
QuickBooks Online
The standard. Deep features, payroll add-ons, every accountant knows it. Billed in USD; GCT is set up as a custom tax. Best for: growing businesses with an accountant who prefers it.
Xero
Clean, strong reconciliation, loved by accountants; USD billing; bank feeds limited here. Best for: businesses with a bookkeeper on staff.
Zoho Books
Good value, invoicing and inventory, part of a wider suite. Best for: businesses already in Zoho.
The habit that matters more than the software
Every sale invoiced from the system. Every expense photographed the day it happens. Bank statement reconciled on the first of the month. Export sent to the accountant quarterly. Thirty minutes a week beats a frantic March.
- Ezy Books — J$15,000 + J$2,500/mo
- Already on an Ezy plan? Add any three add-ons for J$6,000/mo — pricing
- Not sure which step you are on? Book a growth call
Not sure which step you're on? Book a growth call — fifteen minutes with Lee, no pressure, no obligation. You leave with the step, the first fix and the price.
Frequently asked
Is there free accounting software I can use in Jamaica?
Some free tiers exist, but several restrict new accounts to the US and Canada or cap invoices. Check availability for Jamaica before you build your records in one.
Do I need software if I have an accountant?
Your accountant needs records; software is how you keep them without a shoebox. It makes their work cheaper.
Does Ezy Books do payroll?
No — it is bookkeeping for owners: invoices, receipts, expenses, GCT summary, export.