Small business invoicing software that gets you paid faster
Small business invoicing software saves time and helps you get paid faster. Learn how to choose the right fit.

Written by Lena Hanna—Trusted CPA Guidance on Accounting and Tax. Read Lena's full bio
Published Thursday 16 April 2026
Table of contents
Key takeaways
- Choose invoicing software that includes online payment options, automatic reminders, and accounting integration so you spend less time on admin and get paid faster.
- Prioritize mobile-friendly invoicing tools so you can send professional invoices the moment a job is done, no matter where you are.
- Use automation features like recurring invoices and payment reminders to keep cash flow steady without manually following up with customers.
- Ensure your invoicing software syncs with your accounting records in real time so your financial data stays accurate and you stay ready for CRA record-keeping requirements.
Simple invoicing software removes barriers
Simple invoicing software removes barriers between you and your money. Many small businesses want invoicing software that addresses:
- Automated data entry: Save hours by eliminating repetitive typing
- Quick payments: Streamlined processes speed up how quickly customers can pay
- Cash flow management: Timely payments help you pay your own bills on schedule
- Accurate systems: Automated systems help ensure consistent, error-free invoicing
- Full customization: Templates that reflect your professional brand
- Customer alignment: Keep you and your customers viewing the same information simultaneously
What to look for in invoicing software
The right invoicing software should save you time, help you get paid faster, and grow with your business. Here are the key features to consider:
- Online payment options: Let customers pay instantly by credit card or bank transfer
- Automation features: Set up automatic reminders and recurring invoices to reduce manual work
- Mobile access: Create and send invoices from your phone or tablet when you're away from your desk
- Professional templates: Customize invoices with your logo and branding
- Accounting integration: Connect invoicing to your accounting software so records update automatically
- Real-time reporting: Track outstanding invoices and cash flow at a glance
The best software handles these tasks without requiring technical expertise or extensive training.
Invoicing should be easy and seamless
Easy invoicing software automates manual steps and connects directly with your customers' payment systems. Here's how it simplifies your workflow:
- Accept instant payments: Let customers pay with one click instead of writing cheques or making transfers
- Track invoice activity: See exactly when customers open invoices and complete payments
- Invoice from anywhere: Create and send professional invoices from your phone or tablet
- Integrate with accounting systems: Send e-invoices directly to your customer's software for faster processing
- Monitor payment status automatically: Know who owes what without manual tracking
Seven ways your business runs faster and smarter with online invoicing
- Save time: Automate manual data entry, freeing hours for business growth
- Real-time cash flow: View updated payment status instantly when customers pay or open invoices
- Faster payments: Collect payments online immediately instead of waiting for cheque processing
- Mobile flexibility: Create professional, branded invoices from any device, anywhere, anytime
- Automatic notifications: Receive alerts when customers view or pay invoices, and send reminders automatically
- Customer transparency: Share the same invoice information with customers in real time
- Financial insights: Track total revenue and identify which customers owe the most money
Easy invoicing software creates professional results
Easy invoicing software creates polished, branded invoices in minutes without design skills. Your invoice is often the last point of contact with a customer, so a professional appearance builds trust and reinforces your credibility.
Professional invoicing software handles the design work for you:
- Brand customization: Add your logo and adjust the layout to match your business identity
- Consistent formatting: Send polished invoices every time without manual adjustments. The software ensures you never miss mandatory compliance fields like the date, parties involved, and a full description of the goods or services.
- Trust building: Professional appearance makes your business look established and credible
Invoice from anywhere with mobile-friendly software
Mobile-friendly invoicing software lets you create and send invoices from your phone or tablet, wherever you are. Your work doesn't always happen at a desk, and your invoicing shouldn't either.
With remote and flexible work now common for many Canadians, mobile access means you can bill clients immediately after completing a job.
Mobile invoicing gives you flexibility that saves time and speeds up payments:
- Invoice immediately: Send an invoice from your phone the moment a job is done
- Check status anywhere: View payment updates while you're out meeting clients
- Manage cash flow remotely: Track outstanding invoices and incoming payments from any location
Easy invoicing software gets you paid faster
Easy invoicing software helps you collect payments faster by letting customers pay instantly online. This is an essential feature since two-thirds of small businesses now accept payments online.
Online payment options like credit card and bank transfer speed up your cash flow by eliminating delays. Customers can pay the moment they receive your invoice.
Automatic payment reminders mean you don't need to follow up manually. The software sends reminders on your behalf, so you spend more time running your business. Steady reminders lead to steady cash flow.
Online invoicing speeds up the flow of money and data
When you process payments in real time, your accounting records update the moment customers pay online. Money and information move simultaneously.
Benefits for your business:
- View invoice activity and payments immediately
- Record payments instantly when you receive money
- Maintain accurate financial records automatically so you're prepared to keep your records for six years as required by the CRA
Benefits for your customers:
- Check current payment status anytime
- Access all outstanding invoices in one place
- Pay securely with one click
When your data synchronizes automatically, you and your customers stay on the same page, improving relationships and cash flow. Cloud-based invoicing is part of a broader shift in small business accounting, with 97% of accounting professionals now using technology to meet clients' evolving needs.
Focus on running your business
Easy invoicing software transforms how you manage your business finances. With professional templates, mobile access, online payments, and automatic tracking, you spend more time growing your business.
When invoicing is simple, you get paid faster. When payments are tracked automatically, you always know where your business stands. That's the difference the right software makes.
Ready to simplify your invoicing? Get one month free and see how Xero helps you manage your finances easily.
FAQs on invoicing software
Here are answers to common questions about choosing and using invoicing software.
What is the best software for invoices?
The best invoicing software is easy to use, saves you time, and grows with your business. Look for professional templates, mobile access, and online payment options to manage cash flow and get paid faster.
Is there a free invoice system?
Yes, some providers offer free invoicing plans for new or small businesses. As you grow, you may need advanced features like automatic reminders or multi-currency support, which are typically available in paid plans.
Can I create invoices in Word or Excel?
You can create invoices in Word or Excel, but dedicated invoicing software automates tasks, tracks payments, and gives you a real-time view of your finances more reliably and automatically.
Disclaimer
Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This guide has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the content provided.
Start using Xero for free
Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.