Key takeaways
- Check Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks and Microsoft or Google integrations first
- Ask where data is hosted and how it is backed up
- Compare price per user, currency, GST and add-ons, and insist on a trial
Choosing practice management software is a long-term decision, because your clients, workflows and documents end up living in it. This checklist is written for Australian accounting, bookkeeping and advisory practices.
1. Check the integrations you actually use
Start with your accounting software. Look for working integrations with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks, and with Xero Practice Manager if your team still uses it. Then check email and files: Microsoft 365, Outlook, Google Workspace, OneDrive, SharePoint and Google Drive. Our integrations page shows what Portal 360 connects to, and the integration order checklist suggests a rollout order.
2. Ask where your data is hosted
Clients trust you with sensitive information. Ask vendors where data is stored and how it is backed up. Portal 360 stores data in Australia, in Microsoft Azure data centres. See the security page and the Australia page.
3. Look for Australian-dollar, per-user pricing you can predict
Compare the price per user, the currency, whether GST is included, and what add-ons cost. Portal 360 is A$29, A$49 or A$99 per user per month (ex GST), with add-ons priced per account. See pricing or use the plan finder.
4. Insist on a real trial
You should be able to try the product with your own workflow before you commit. Portal 360 offers a 7-day free trial on Starter, Professional and Advanced.
5. Plan the move before you sign
Switching is where projects stall. Ask who transfers your data and sets up the product. Our migration program is a fixed A$2,999 per practice (ex GST), and our team completes the data transfer and set-up.
6. Compare the alternatives fairly
Read vendors' own pricing pages and check what is and is not listed. We have sourced comparisons with Karbon, TaxDome, Canopy, Jetpack Workflow, FYI Docs and Ignition.
A quick scorecard
Score each vendor out of five on: integrations, hosting, pricing clarity, trial, migration support and support quality. The best choice is the one that fits how your team really works, not the one with the longest feature list.
Frequently asked questions
- What should an Australian practice look for in practice management software?
- Working integrations with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks, Australian data hosting, clear per-user pricing in Australian dollars, a real free trial and help with migration.
- How much does practice management software cost in Australia?
- It varies by vendor. Portal 360 is A$29, A$49 or A$99 per user per month (ex GST) depending on the plan.