Sage Intacct Vs. QuickBooks Online: Which Is Better For Your Business?

8 min read

July 7th, 2025

Managing a company’s back office is complex, and the accounting software you choose plays a major role in how clearly you can see your business and how confidently you can scale it.

The question most leaders ask is not simply which system is “better,” but which system is right for their business right now.

At GrowthForce, our starting assumption is simple. Most businesses should be in QuickBooks Online unless there is a clear reason not to be.

This article walks through the key decision points we see every day, explains when QuickBooks Online is the right fit and when Sage Intacct is necessary, and shows how to evaluate both through a practical, real-world lens.

Key Takeaways: 

• QuickBooks Online is the default starting point for most small and mid-sized businesses.
• Sage Intacct makes sense when complexity, not preference, drives the decision.
• The right choice depends on entity structure, reporting needs, and who will operate the system.
• Software decisions should be evaluated alongside accounting support, not in isolation.

QuickBooks Online vs. Sage Intacct: Which Accounting Software Is Best for Your Business?

QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct are two of the most common accounting platforms businesses consider. Rather than framing this as a head-to-head battle, it’s more useful to ask:

What does your business actually need to track, manage, and see clearly?

Before comparing features side by side, there are a few core questions that quickly determine the answer.

You may be well-suited for QuickBooks Online if:

• You operate a single entity or a small number of entities
• Intercompany transactions are limited or nonexistent
• You primarily track departments or customers
• Your reporting needs are straightforward
• Your accounting function is lean or partially DIY

You may need Sage Intacct if:

• You operate multiple entities that transact frequently with each other
• You require shared ownership allocations and intercompany eliminations
• You need to track multiple dimensions beyond departments and customers
• You require strict controls and a more formal accounting structure
• Your organization is growing in complexity, not just size

With that context in mind, let’s look more closely at both systems.

About Intuit QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is the most widely used accounting software for small and mid-sized businesses. It is designed to be accessible, flexible, and relatively easy to operate without specialized accounting expertise, and also allows businesses to track financial activity by class and customer, generate standard financial reports, and integrate with a wide range of third-party tools. For many organizations, this level of functionality is more than sufficient.

Where QuickBooks Online excels is simplicity. Where it reaches its limits is complexity.

About Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a cloud-based accounting system built for organizations with more complex structures and reporting requirements. It supports native multi-entity accounting, shared ownership, and effectively unlimited dimensions. Instead of workarounds, it allows businesses to model how they actually operate.

It is also a more rigid accounting environment. Transactions cannot simply be deleted and re-entered. Corrections require offsetting entries, preserving a clear audit trail, and reinforcing stronger financial controls.

This makes Sage Intacct a true accounting system, but also one that requires knowledgeable users and stronger process discipline.

Side-by-Side Comparison of QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct

Should You Choose QuickBooks Online or Sage Intacct?

For most businesses, QuickBooks Online is the right answer until it isn’t.

Sage Intacct becomes the right choice when complexity forces the issue. Multiple entities, advanced reporting requirements, intercompany transactions, and stricter controls are signals that QuickBooks Online may no longer serve the business well.

Equally important is who will be responsible for managing the system.

If accounting is handled by a business owner, a small internal team, or an informal bookkeeper, introducing a system like Sage Intacct can create more problems than it solves.

Accounting Software Shouldn’t Be Chosen in a Vacuum

Technology should support the accounting function, not outpace it.

One of the most common mistakes businesses make is evaluating accounting software without considering who will operate it.

The right system depends not only on your structure, but on your accounting partner.

If a business is supported by experienced accounting professionals, more robust systems can be implemented and leveraged effectively. Without that support, even the best technology can become a liability.

When evaluating accounting software, it’s important to look at the entire accounting solution, not just the technology itself.

How to Outsource Accounting Services With the Right Accounting Software

Outsourced accounting allows businesses to access experienced professionals, scalable support, and clearer financial insight without building a large internal team.

When paired with the right accounting software, outsourced accounting can improve accuracy, visibility, and decision-making.

Cloud-based platforms like QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct are particularly well-suited for outsourced models, enabling seamless collaboration and real-time access.

The key to success is alignment. The software, the accounting partner, and the business must be suited to one another.

The right software is only effective when paired with the right accounting support. Schedule a conversation with GrowthForce to review your technology and accounting strategy together.