IRIS KashFlow

KashFlow was one of the earlier UK cloud accounting tools, and it is now part of the IRIS group, one of the largest UK payroll and accountancy software companies. That backing gives it a stability and a compliance pedigree that a small independent product would struggle to match, and it remains one of the more affordable ways for a UK small business to run its books online.

What it does well

Affordability is the calling card. The Starter tier sits at around ten pounds a month, which undercuts most of the better known cloud tools, and covers invoicing, bank reconciliation and VAT for a sole trader or small business. For a cost conscious micro business it is a sensible, no drama choice.

Being part of IRIS means the compliance backbone is dependable, with Making Tax Digital for VAT handled properly and regular updates from a company that does UK compliance at scale. The optional payroll add on lets a small employer keep accounting and payroll under one roof and one supplier.

The interface is straightforward, and the invoicing and quoting cover what a small business needs day to day.

Where it falls short

The product feels its age against the newer cloud tools. Xero and QuickBooks have moved the design and automation on considerably, and KashFlow can feel dated by comparison, particularly on bank feeds and reporting.

The app ecosystem is smaller, so heavy integration needs are better met elsewhere. And while IRIS backing is a strength for stability, the product does not get the same pace of new features as the market leaders.

The UK detail that matters

KashFlow is a UK product, recognised for Making Tax Digital for VAT, and backed by IRIS with UK support. The optional payroll module is RTI compliant, which suits a small employer wanting accounting and payroll from one place. Prices exclude VAT and there is a free trial.

Who should buy it

Cost conscious UK sole traders and small businesses that want affordable, dependable cloud accounting with the option of adding payroll, and who value IRIS backing. Businesses wanting the most modern experience or a large integration ecosystem should compare against Xero and QuickBooks.