Kashoo: Simple Tasks vs. Those Needing Work

Kashoo is a cloud-based accounting tool built for freelancers and small businesses. This article breaks down which everyday tasks are genuinely simple—like invoicing and bank feeds—and which ones still need manual work, such as inventory tracking and complex payroll. You’ll get a clear picture of where Kashoo shines and where you’ll need workarounds.

What Kashoo Handles Well

Kashoo’s core strength is basic bookkeeping. The most common daily tasks are genuinely simple:

• Invoicing: Create an invoice, send it, mark it paid. The interface is clean, and recurring invoices take under a minute to set up.
• Bank feeds: Connect a bank account, and transactions import automatically. Categorizing them is a one-click dropdown.
• Expense tracking: Snap a photo of a receipt with the mobile app, and Kashoo reads the amount and date.
• Basic reporting: Profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements generate instantly with current data.
• Sales tax: For US users, Kashoo calculates sales tax on invoices based on your settings. No manual math.

These tasks are designed for non-accountants. The dashboard shows exactly what needs attention, and the “Kashoo” chatbot (in the paid plans) can answer plain-language questions like “What do I owe in taxes?”

Where Kashoo Needs Work

Several tasks are not as smooth as they could be, especially for growing businesses:

• Inventory tracking: Kashoo does not have native inventory management. You can track items as services, but you cannot track quantities, costs, or reorder levels. You’ll need a third-party app or a spreadsheet.
• Payroll: Kashoo does not process payroll in most regions. You’ll have to use a separate service like Gusto or ADP, then record the journal entries manually.
• Multi-currency: While Kashoo supports multiple currencies, the exchange rate updates are not automatic. You must manually adjust rates, which can be tedious.
• Project profitability: You can tag income and expenses by project, but the reports are basic. You cannot easily see a project’s profitability without exporting to a spreadsheet.
• Customization: Invoice templates are limited. You can change colors and logos, but not layout or fields. If you need a specific field (e.g., purchase order number), you’re out of luck.

The biggest pain point is that Kashoo is simple by design, so anything beyond basic bookkeeping requires extra steps.

How Kashoo Works

Kashoo is a cloud-based double-entry accounting system. You sign up, connect your bank accounts, and categorize transactions. The software automatically creates journal entries in the background. You don’t need to know debits and credits—Kashoo handles that. The dashboard shows your cash position, unpaid invoices, and recent activity. The mobile app is a companion, not a full replacement, but it covers invoicing and expense capture well.

Kashoo vs. QuickBooks vs. FreshBooks

Kashoo competes with QuickBooks Online and FreshBooks. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Kashoo: Cheapest for basic use, simplest interface, but lacks payroll and inventory.
• QuickBooks Online: More features (payroll, inventory, project tracking), but steeper learning curve and higher price.
• FreshBooks: Excellent invoicing and time tracking, but similar limitations to Kashoo on inventory.

If you’re a freelancer who sends invoices and tracks expenses, Kashoo is sufficient. If you run a product-based business, you’ll outgrow it quickly.

Common Problems and Workarounds

Users often report these issues:

• Bank feed disconnects: Banks occasionally require re-authentication. Fix: go to Settings > Bank Accounts and reconnect.
• Duplicate transactions: When a bank feed overlaps with a manual entry, Kashoo may show duplicates. Fix: use the “Match” feature to link them.
• Tax calculation errors: If you have multiple tax rates, Kashoo can misapply them. Fix: double-check your tax settings and manually adjust the invoice line.
• No phone support on free plan: Free users only get email support. Fix: upgrade or use the help center.

Costs and Plans

Kashoo has two tiers: a free plan for one user with limited features (no bank feeds, no recurring invoices) and a paid plan around $20/month (billed annually) that unlocks full features. There’s also a 30-day free trial. For a solo freelancer, the free plan may be enough, but most businesses will need the paid plan.

Is Kashoo Safe?

Yes, Kashoo uses bank-level encryption (256-bit SSL) and two-factor authentication. Your data is backed up in the cloud. However, like any cloud service, you should use a strong password and enable 2FA. Kashoo does not sell your data, and it’s compliant with GDPR for EU users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kashoo handle inventory?

No, Kashoo does not have native inventory tracking. You can list products as items, but you cannot track quantities or costs. You’ll need to use a separate inventory app or spreadsheet.

Does Kashoo do payroll?

No, Kashoo does not process payroll. You’ll need to use a dedicated payroll service and then record the payroll journal entries manually in Kashoo.

Is Kashoo good for freelancers?

Yes, for freelancers who need invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting, Kashoo is excellent. It’s simple, affordable, and mobile-friendly.

Can I import data from QuickBooks?

Yes, Kashoo allows you to import data from QuickBooks via CSV files. You can export your chart of accounts, customers, and transactions, then import them into Kashoo.

Does Kashoo support multiple currencies?

Yes, but exchange rates are not automatically updated. You must manually adjust the rates in Settings.

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