8 invoicing software for businesses in Ghana and Nigeria

Hachi Onubedo

05 December 2023 - 15 mins, 17 secs read

Choosing the right invoicing software is like having a reliable assistant who is always ready to handle the paperwork and keep your finances in order.

In this article, we will explain why you should use invoicing software for your business, guide you on the essential features to consider, and share the top 8 invoicing software options for small businesses in Nigeria and Ghana.

Read: Invoice vs Receipt: Know the Difference

What is an Invoice?

An invoice is a document issued by a seller to a buyer that records information about a transaction. It is a formal request for payment that outlines what they’ve purchased, how much they owe, and when they need to pay up.

Every invoice should have the following essentials:

1. Invoice Number: A unique identifier for the invoice, like a fingerprint for your transaction.

2. Invoice Date: When the invoice was created, marking the start of the payment countdown.

3. Due Date: The date your customer needs to pay up

4. Your Information: Your name, address, and contact details so your customer knows where to send their payment.

5. Your Customer’s Information: Their name, address, and contact details.

6. Goods or Services Breakdown: A clear list of what you’ve provided, including quantities, unit prices, and total amounts.

7. Total Amount Due The overall amount your customer needs to pay, including any taxes or shipping charges.

8. Accepted Payment Methods: How your customer can pay for your services, whether it’s cash, check, or online payment gateways.

Types of Invoices

While sales invoices are the most common type for small businesses, there are other invoice formats tailored to specific business needs:

1. Sales Invoice: This is the most common type and it is issued to customers for goods or services sold.

2. Credit Memo: This is issued to customers when you need to give them a refund or reduce their charges

3. Debit Memo: This is Issued to customers when you need to add additional charges or adjustments, like a gentle reminder that more is owed.

4. Commercial Invoice: This is used for international transactions, providing detailed information for customs clearance.

5. Timesheet Invoice: This is a detailed log of your time and effort. It lists the hours worked and it is commonly used by professionals and service providers.

6. Proforma Invoice: This is issued before a sale is finalized, providing an estimated cost breakdown or preview of what’s to come.

What is Invoicing Software?

Invoicing software is like a helpful assistant that simplifies the process of creating and managing invoices. It automates many of the steps involved, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes.

Read: Understanding the different kinds of invoices

Why Should I Use Invoicing Software

There are tons of reasons why you should use invoicing software for your business. Here are some of their benefits:

Track and Manage Payments: An invoicing software is a great way to track and manage your business cash flow as it gives you a centralized view of the money entering and leaving your account. You can also use it to track due payments, send reminders, and view your transaction history. This way, you can keep an eye on your cash flow and also estimate your future earnings.
Time Management: Invoicing software saves a lot of time and energy used in creating and sending invoices, such as calculating tax owed, formatting invoices, sending payment reminders, etc. This frees up time for you to focus on other aspects of your business. Plus, you can send electronic invoices, making it easier and faster for your clients to pay.
Reduces Accounting Mistakes: Not everybody is good with numbers. Using invoicing software automates your invoice creation and reduces the number of errors in your invoices by automatically calculating total amounts, applying taxes, and checking for missing information.
Improves the Professional Look of The Business: Using your business name and logo on your invoices is like adding a personal touch that makes your clients feel like they’re dealing with a real company, not just some random person. Also, your clients seeing your logo and name on your invoice helps them feel confident that they’re doing business with a reputable company.
Gain Insights into Your Business: Invoicing software can provide detailed reports on your invoicing activity, which in turn gives you clear and valuable insights into your business’s performance. For instance, if you notice that certain products are consistently outperforming others, you might consider investing more in their marketing or development. Similarly, if you identify trends in customer payment behavior, you can adjust your billing practices to optimize your cash flow.

How to Choose the Right Invoicing software for your small business

Here are some of the features to keep in mind when choosing an invoicing software for your business:

Ease of Use: Simplicity is key when selecting invoicing software. Look for a tool that doesn’t require extensive accounting or technical expertise. You should be able to create and edit invoices with just a few clicks.
Customization: Your invoices are your brand’s ambassadors, so they should reflect your unique identity. Choose software that allows you to add your business name, logo, contact information, currency, and preferred language. This professional touch will instill trust and confidence in your clients.
Affordability: Many invoicing services offer tiered pricing plans, each with varying levels of functionality. You can start by identifying your basic needs, such as invoice generation. Many services provide these essential functions for free, so you can test the waters before committing to a paid plan.
Automation: If you regularly send invoices and payment reminders, automation is a must-have. Look for software that lets you automate recurring bills, payment reminders, and late fee calculations. This will save you time, reduce stress, and ensure you never miss a payment.
Security: It’s important to choose an invoicing software that has strong security features, so look for robust encryption, secure data storage, and compliance with industry standards. Your customers’ financial data is precious, so make sure you choose software that prioritizes security.
Payment Processing: Integrated payment processing is a valuable feature of an invoicing tool. Make sure you choose one that allows you to accept payments directly from clients as it streamlines the payment process and encourages timely payments.
Mobile Accessibility: This isn’t an important feature, but mobile accessibility is a bonus, especially if you are a busy entrepreneur. Choose software with a mobile app so you can create and send invoices on the go, from anywhere, anytime.
Additional Features: You should also consider invoicing software that offers additional features, such as dashboard analytics, third-party tool integration, and vendor and project management tools. These features may not be on top of your list if you are just starting out, but they’re something you should consider if you plan to expand your business in the future.

Invoicing Software Applications that you can use in Nigeria and Ghana

Now that you know why invoices are important and the features to look out for, it’s time to look at the best 8 invoicing software for small businesses in Nigeria and Ghana.

Oze

Oze is a business management app that offers a suite of business tools to over 150,000 businesses and professionals in Nigeria and Ghana.

With Oze, you can generate invoices, send payment links, and track your payments all in one place. As of 2023, Oze has 4 plans:

The Bronze plan (Free)
The Silver plan (2000 Naira/50 Cedis per month)
The Gold plan (4500 Naira/125 Cedis per month)
The Platinum plan (9900 Naira/300 Cedis per month)

Oze’s Features

Effortlessly create and send professional invoices to clients.
Sell online and receive payments from clients worldwide, including local and international transactions.
Manage your business from anywhere using Oze’s mobile app or web access.
Gain clear insights into your finances with easy-to-understand dashboards and reports.
Collaborate seamlessly with team members by adding them to your account and assigning roles.
Send payment reminders to prevent missed payments from customers.

Oze’s Pros

Create customized invoices that showcase your brand and professionalism.
Receive payments from clients both locally and internationally.
Oze’s free plan allows you to enjoy most essential features without upfront costs
Experience industry-standard security measures to protect your financial data.
Stay on top of payments with automated reminders sent to clients
Manage your team effectively by adding users and assigning roles.

Oze’s Cons

Limited integration with third-party tools.
Oze’s free plan has limitations, including a monthly invoice limit of 10.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a popular accounting software for small businesses to track their expenses, create invoices, and track business expenses. As of 2023, Quickbooks has 3 paid plans:

Simple Start ($18 per month)
Essentials ($27 per month)
Plus ($38 per month)

QuickBooks Features

Create and send custom invoices to clients
Easily track and manage tax payments and deductions
Manage inventory in one place
Accept payments in different currencies
Monitor business financial performance with a comprehensive dashboard
Track and manage business expenses and projects
Add team members to your account
Access QuickBooks anytime, anywhere, on your iOS or Android device

QuickBooks Pros

It has unlimited support for all paid plans
You can use the app on your mobile phone
You can receive payments from customers in different currencies
You can manage and track your business expenses, inventory, tax, and projects in one place
Set up automated payment schedules, late payment reminders, and late payment fees to maintain smooth cash flow.

QuickBooks Cons

A free version is not available; a paid subscription is required after a 30-day free trial.
Limited third-party integration apps are available
The features you can access depend on your chosen plan.

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for businesses of all sizes. They offer a wide range of features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reports.

As of 2023, FreshBooks offers four pricing plans:

Lite ($17 per month)
Plus ($30 per month)
Premium ($55 per month)
Custom pricing

Features

Effortlessly create and send professional invoices to clients
Track and categorize business expenses to gain valuable insights into your business spending patterns.
Conveniently set up automated payment schedules and reminders for long-term clients.
Streamline your payment process by accepting payments through various payment gateways.
Generate comprehensive financial reports to gain a clear understanding of the business’s financial health.
Effectively track project progress, manage deadlines, and collaborate with team members.
Simplify tax preparation with automated tax calculations and reports.
Access and generate invoices wherever you are with just your mobile phone.
Expand your business capabilities by integrating FreshBooks with over 100 great apps.

FreshBooks Pros

Create and send customizable invoice templates to match your brand.
Enjoy a user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process.
Manage your finances effortlessly on the go with the FreshBooks mobile app.
You can expand your FreshBooks plan as your company grows.
You can choose from a wide range of features tailored to various business types.
Accept payments online from clients, eliminating the hassle of manual check processing.
Set up automated payment schedules, late payment reminders, and late payment fees to maintain smooth cash flow.

FreshBooks Cons

A free version is not available; a paid subscription is required after a 30-day free trial.
Its extensive feature set may initially seem complex.
The features you can access depend on your chosen plan.
FreshBooks does not offer 24/7 customer support.

Invoice

Unlike most of the apps on this list, Invoice is mainly an invoice software for startups, business owners and freelancers to generate and send invoices. It offers 3 plans:

Free: 0
Basic: 1500 Naira/$5 per month
Premium: 2500 Naira/$15 per month

Invoice’s Features

Create and send customizable invoices to clients with ease.
Easily track and manage your business expenses.
Accept payments securely through MasterCard, Visa, or Verve cards.
Set up automated invoicing and payment reminders to ensure timely payments.
Access and manage your finances anytime, anywhere with our convenient mobile app.
Gain a comprehensive overview of your business’s financial health with our intuitive dashboard.

Invoice’s Pros

Effortlessly create and send professional invoices to your clients.
Streamline payment management with automated reminders and easy invoice tracking.
Automate invoice generation to save time and improve cash flow.
Gain valuable insights into your business performance with clear data visualization.
Manage your finances on the go with our user-friendly mobile app.

Invoice’s Cons

The free version offers limited capabilities, allowing you to send only 5 invoices.
There is no mobile app
There are limited features compared to other services that offer invoice services

Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice, a service created by Zoho, is an online invoicing software designed to help small businesses with invoicing and payment collection. It also works with Zoho’s other apps for businesses. They offer a free plan and a paid plan

Zoho’s Features

Create and send professional invoices in a few clicks.
Accept payments in various methods for seamless cash flow management.
Add team members to your account and manage projects effectively.
Create, send, and manage invoices on the go with the mobile app.
Set up recurring payments and payment reminders to streamline billing.
Gain comprehensive insights into your business performance with detailed reports and analytics.
Track and manage expenses effectively for clear financial analysis.
Communicate with clients in over 10 languages, expanding your reach.
Create a customer portal where clients can access invoices and transactions.
Manage and track all tax-related information, ensuring compliance.
Integrate Zoho Invoice with Zoho Analytics to create customized reports.

Zoho’s Pros

Zoho invoicing tool is completely free
Create personalized invoices and set up recurring payments.
Zoho offers a completely free invoicing plan.
Manage your finances on the go with the mobile app.
You can Integrate Zoho Invoice with other business tools and third-party apps.
Stay on top of your tax obligations and manage expenses effectively.
Collaborate with team members to streamline workflows.

Zoho’s Cons

Zoho has a wide range of features, which can be confusing for new business owners

Xero

Xero is an accounting software for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. In addition to its invoicing generator, it also offers other tools that help you manage your business finances. Xero has a 30-day free trial period, after which you have to pay to use it. As of 2023, It has 3 plans:

The starter plan ($29 per month)
The standard plan ($46 per month)
The premium plan ($62 per month)

Zero’s Features

Create and send professional invoices to your clients.
Integrate Xero with your favorite accounting, payroll, and marketing tools.
Gain a clear overview of your business’s financial health with Xero’s business dashboard.
Effectively manage and track your inventory levels.
Automate tax calculations for transactions.
Track and manage your business projects effectively.
Receive online payments from clients in different currencies.
Access your Xero account anytime, anywhere with the Xero app for iOS and Android devices.

Xero’s Pros

Create invoices that reflect your brand identity and professionalism.
Access 27/7 customer support whenever you need it.
Gain deep insights into your business’s financial performance with Xero’s comprehensive analytics tools.
Manage your finances from anywhere, anytime with Xero’s mobile app.
You can integrate third-party tools into your xero account
You can receive payment in different currencies

Cons

A free version is not available; a paid subscription is required after a 30-day free trial.
The starter plan offers a limited set of features
Xero’s pricing is higher than other accounting software solutions, making it less appealing to very small businesses or those just starting out.
Xero’s extensive feature set may require some initial effort to fully grasp.

Invoice Ninja

Invoice Ninja offers a suite of financial management tools designed for freelancers, consultants, contractors, and small to medium-sized businesses. Invoice Ninja has 3 plans:

Free
Ninja plan ($100 per year)
Enterprise ($150 per year)

Invoice Ninja’s Features

Create and send professional invoices in just a few clicks.
Set up recurring payments and generate invoices automatically.
Add team members to manage projects and workflows.
Accept payments online, using credit cards, and more.
Send invoices directly from your Gmail account
Integrate with your favorite tools to enhance your workflow.
Gain valuable insights into your business performance.
Manage projects and vendors effectively from your account.

Invoice Ninja’s Pros

Create invoices that reflect your brand and professionalism.
Manage your team and streamline workflows effortlessly.
Simplify your billing process with recurring payments and reminders.
Get a 360-degree view of your business financial performance.
Get valuable guidance from Invoice Ninja’s active online communities.
Enhance your workflow with integrations for various apps.

Invoice Ninja’s Cons

The free plan limits invoice sending to 20 clients.
The pricing structure may be less appealing to new startups.
The extensive feature set may require some initial effort to master.

Invoicely

Invoicely, formerly Invoiceable, is a free, simple, and secure invoicing tool for small businesses. It also comes with additional features that help you manage your business finances.

As of 2023, Invoicely has 4 plans:

The free plan ($0 per month)
The basic plan ($ 9.99 per month)
The professional plan ($ 19.99 per month)
The Enterprise plan ($ 29.99 per month)

Invoicely’s Features

Create and send professional invoices in minutes with ease.
Accept payments online from customers around the world.
Track and manage your business expenses, mileage, and time spent on projects.
Manage multiple businesses from a single account.
Generate detailed business financial reports and statements.
Set up automated payments and reminders to ensure timely payment from clients.
Easily add taxes, discounts, and shipping fees to your invoices.

Invoicely’s Pros

You can access most of Invoicely’s features for free.
Create custom invoices that reflect your brand identity.
Easily manage tax calculations and payments.
Automate recurring payments and send payment reminders to clients.
Manage all your financial transactions in one centralized location.

Invoicely’s Cons

The free plan limits you to sending up to 5 monthly invoices.
Compared to other apps, Invoicely offers a narrower range of features.
Integration with third-party apps is limited.

Conclusion

Choosing invoicing software can feel like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be. By using the guidelines and invoice tools in this article in mind – you can find the perfect fit for your business and make invoicing a breeze.

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