# 6 School Accounting Software Options That Will Foolproof Your School's Finances | Capterra > These are some of the top school accounting software options. Capterra helps businesses find and compare software. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/6-school-accounting-software-options-that-will-foolproof-your-schools-finances --- # 6 School Accounting Software Options That Will Foolproof Your School’s Finances By Nick Morpus Nick Morpus Nick Morpus is a former Capterra analyst. [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/nmorpus/) Published January 25, 2018 5 min read Table of Contents - [1. Active Educate](#1-active-educate) - [2. HeadMaster](#2-headmaster) - [3. PraxiSchool](#3-praxischool) - [4. Rediker FINACS/AP Accounting](#4-rediker-finacsap-accounting) - [5. RenWeb with QuickBooks Integration](#5-renweb-with-quickbooks-integration) - [6. Senior Systems: Ascendence Business Office](#6-senior-systems-ascendence-business-office) - [Other school administration tools](#other-school-administration-tools) Accounting errors are a serious threat to schools nationwide. Consider the University Laboratory High School in Urbana, Illinois. This otherwise successful school accidentally ran a [one million-plus deficit](http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2014-10-10/uni-high-facing-unexpected-1-million-plus-deficit-after-accounting-error.html) in 2014 because it was withdrawing from the wrong account. Errors like this can put a school out of business. Historically, most schools have defaulted to using general [accounting software](https://www.capterra.com/accounting-software/). But, this type of software has its limitations, and can't be tailored to suit school administration needs such as student fee collection, online storefront accounting, and teacher/parent communication. School administrators need to be able to track fund allocation, and integrate this information with student records. When schools use multiple software systems to achieve that goal, unnecessary steps and human error are almost guaranteed. With all this in mind, we gathered six [school accounting software](https://www.capterra.com/school-accounting-software/) options to help you address budget issues at your school. We've got a quick overview of each option—including a list of features—to help you make the right decision. Let's get started! _Software options presented in alphabetical order._ ## 1. [Active Educate](http://www.activeeducate.com/school-accounting-software.htm) _Invoice tracker (via Active Educate)_ Active Educate offers a complete, school accounting software package. Parents and administrators turn to Active Educate for its user friendliness. The company offers extensive training through free webinars, help files, and 24/7 user support, all with the goal of end users never feeling lost while using the system. From managing school equipment rentals to donations, Active Educate is one of the most versatile school accounting software options around. **Features:** - Student fee collection - Inventory tracking - Online storefront integration - Customizable receipting - Equipment tracking - Fundraising and donation modules - Online credit card payments - Customizable reporting Have you used Active Educate? Be sure to [leave a review](https://www.capterra.com/reviews/152785/ACTIVE-Educate/new/?utm_source=end-user&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=link&utm_term=review&utm_content=school)! ## 2. [HeadMaster](http://www.acstechnologies.com/products/headmaster) _HeadMaster's main dashboard (via HeadMaster)_ HeadMaster is a school administration tool focused on Christian schools serving grades kindergarten through 12. HeadMaster lets you integrate its accounting system with their own full administration software, which can process a variety of payment types (including mobile). Parents can use the system to check their tuition balance, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth. HeadMaster also includes lunchroom accounting and payroll functionality. **Features:** - Tuition management - Student profiles - General ledger - Invoicing - Credit card payments - Payroll management Have you used Headmaster? Be sure to [leave a review](https://www.capterra.com/reviews/12021/HeadMaster/new/?utm_source=end-user&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=link&utm_term=review&utm_content=school)! ## 3. [PraxiSchool](http://www.praxipower.com/) _Transaction tracking (via PraxiSchool)_ PraxiSchool offers a host of helpful school administrative features, including attendance tracking, discipline management, and cafeteria management. Schools—both private and public—can use PraxiSchool to organize their budgets, reconcile bank statements, write and distribute checks, and manage accounts payable and receivable. PraxiSchool is a great option for schools looking to get rid of information duplication across platforms by switching to a complete school administration system. **Features:** - Tuition management - General ledger - Automated billing - Credit card payments - Customizable reporting Have you used PraxiSchool? Be sure to [leave a review](https://www.capterra.com/reviews/33869/PraxiSchool/new/?utm_source=end-user&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=link&utm_term=review&utm_content=school)! ## 4. [Rediker FINACS/AP Accounting](https://www.rediker.com/solutions/school-office-suite/accounting) _Budget dashboard (via Rediker)_ Rediker FINACS/AP Accounting is a great school accounting add-on option for international schools that integrates with the full Rediker school administration system. With its ability to balance dual currencies and provide country-specific reports, Rediker provides an accounting solution that many international schools lack. Rediker offers tools for every rung on the school administration ladder, from superintendents tracking admissions fees to cafeteria directors budgeting for student meals. **Features:** - Online bill payments - Multiple currency options - Quick access dashboard reporting - ACH bank payments - Customizable reporting - Invoicing - Check printing - Collections reporting Have you used Rediker? Be sure to [leave a review](https://www.capterra.com/reviews/94331/Administrator-s-Plus-Accounting/new/?utm_source=end-user&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=link&utm_term=review&utm_content=school)! ## 5. [RenWeb with](https://tst1.client.renweb.com/Plugins2_QB.asp) [QuickBooks](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5790552-10528359-1424304596000) Integration _Contact database (via RenWeb)_ According to Capterra's original research, RenWeb is the second [most popular school administration software](https://www.capterra.com/school-administration-software/#infographic) in the world. RenWeb offers more than 300 features for school administrators, including [QuickBooks](https://search2.quickbooks.com/get-quickbooks/?priorityCode=3969702399&cid=aff_cj_5790552&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.5790552&cvo_campaign=qbo_trial&aid=10528359#/) integration. The QuickBooks integration, combined with RenWeb's robust list of features, helps schools streamline family account management, billing, and asset management. RenWeb also gives schools the option of starting with just QuickBooks, and moving into a more robust [school administration software](https://www.capterra.com/school-administration-software/) as they grow. While two software options are necessary to unlock all of these capabilities, the [robust list of features](https://tst1.client.renweb.com/FeatureList.htm) offered by RenWeb that work in conjunction with QuickBooks makes the pairing worth your while. **Features:** - Billing and invoicing - Customizable reporting - General ledger Have you used RenWeb? Be sure to [leave a review](https://www.capterra.com/reviews/45768/School-Management-Software/new/?utm_source=end-user&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=link&utm_term=review&utm_content=school)! ## 6. [Senior Systems: Ascendence Business Office](http://www.senior-systems.com/) _Balance sheet via Senior Systems_ Need a system designed to manage tuition, break down budgets by department, and cover general accounting? Business Office offers school-specific accounting software that does all this, and more. With add-ons like online budget management, asset management, and community online enrollment, Business Office is great for private and independent schools looking for the flexibility to manage their own finances from start to finish. **Features:** - General ledger - Accounts receivable - Customizable dashboards - Customizable reporting - Purchase orders Have you used Senior Systems? Be sure to [leave a review](https://www.capterra.com/reviews/56929/Ascendance-Software/new/?utm_source=end-user&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=link&utm_term=review&utm_content=school)! ## Other school administration tools None of the six options on this list provide easily accessible pricing tiers; costs are negotiated with the buyer. As a lack of pricing information can indicate a higher expense, I've put together a list of [Free and Open Source School Accounting Software Options](https://www.capterra.com/resources/top-open-source-free-school-accounting-software/) that won't put a huge dent in your wallet. Capterra's school administration blog offers technology tools and resources to help you streamline your staff, students, and finances. Here are a few posts to get you started: - [5 Free and Affordable Software Tools to Manage Your School Events](https://www.capterra.com/resources/5-free-and-affordable-software-tools-to-manage-your-school-events/) - [5 School Calendar Software Tools to Bring Your School Into the 21st Century](https://www.capterra.com/resources/5-school-calendar-software-tools-to-bring-your-school-into-the-21st-century/) - [How You Can Use Minecraft Education Edition in Your School](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-you-can-use-minecraft-education-edition-in-your-school/) ## Capterra's 2026 Software Buying Trends Report ### Download our 2026 Software Buying Trends Report to see how successful software adopters avoid disappointment and how your business can, too. * * * Looking for School Accounting software?Check out Capterra's list of the [best School Accounting software](https://www.capterra.com/school-accounting-software/) solutions. ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Nick Morpus](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/nmorpus/) Nick Morpus is a former Capterra analyst. ### RELATED READING - [Help Desk Software for IT Support: Features and Benefits 1,300+ Users Value](https://www.capterra.com/resources/it-help-desk-software-features-benefits/) - [AI in Talent Management Software: The Bridge Between Recruiting and Retention](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-talent-management-software/) - [Switching Accounting Software: Common Risks to Avoid in 2026](https://www.capterra.com/resources/switching-accounting-software-problems-risks/) - [Why Projects Fail, and What Actually Helps Teams Fix Them](https://www.capterra.com/resources/4-steps-to-completely-recover-from-project-failure/) - [Checklist for SMBs: How to Choose the Right Customer Service Help Desk Software for Your Business Size](https://www.capterra.com/resources/choosing-customer-support-help-desk-software/) - [E‑Filing Taxes as a Small Business: Where Software Adds Value and When It’s Necessary](https://www.capterra.com/resources/efile-tax-software-small-business-guidelines/) - [How To Choose a Manufacturing Software With Confidence: Insights From Real Buyers](https://www.capterra.com/resources/manufacturing-software-buyer-insights-report/) - [What is CRM Software and What Does a CRM System Do?](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-crm-software/) - [Payroll Software vs. HR Software: What’s the Difference](https://www.capterra.com/resources/payroll-vs-hr-software-difference/)