NerdNumbers

Karbon

Our Pick

Practice Management

Purpose-built workflow management for accounting firms.

Overview

Karbon is the practice management tool we recommend most often, and the one we see making the biggest difference in firms that adopt it properly. It combines workflow management, email triage, client tasks, and team collaboration in one place.

The workflow templates are the standout feature. You can build a template for any recurring process (year-end accounts, VAT returns, onboarding) and Karbon will automatically create tasks, assign them to the right people, and track progress. Email triage — routing client emails to the right workflow — is a game changer for firms drowning in inbox management.

The learning curve is real. Karbon is not a simple tool, and you will need to invest time in setup and training. But the firms that commit to it consistently report that it transformed how they work.

Best for

Growing firms (10+ staff) wanting a single source of truth

Key Features

Workflow automation with repeating templates
Email triage — route emails to workflows automatically
Client task lists with portal for client-facing tasks
Team workload visibility and capacity planning
Built-in client communication tools
Integrations with Xero, QBO, and key accounting tools
Reporting on team productivity and workflow status
Document management with version control

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • Purpose-built for accounting firms — not adapted from generic project management
  • Workflow automation eliminates manual task tracking
  • Email triage reduces inbox chaos dramatically
  • Excellent visibility into team workload and deadlines
  • Strong and growing integration ecosystem

Watch Out For

  • Significant learning curve — requires proper onboarding
  • Pricing can be steep for smaller firms
  • Overkill for solo practitioners or very small teams
  • Takes 2-3 months to see full benefits after setup

Pricing

From $59/user/month (Team plan). Volume discounts available. Free trial available.

Key Integrations

XeroQuickBooks OnlineDextZapierMicrosoft 365Google Workspace

Our Verdict

Karbon is our top recommendation for firms with 10+ staff. The investment in setup and training pays for itself within months through better workflow management, fewer missed deadlines, and reduced email chaos. For smaller firms, consider Senta as a lighter alternative.

Try Karbon

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Karbon Review for Accounting Firms | NerdNumbers