Karbon is a software company built for accounting firms.
It started in 2014 and is based in San Francisco, California. The founders, Stuart McLeod, Ian Vacin, and John Freeman, all have strong backgrounds in accounting, technology, and workflow automation.
Their main goal is to help accounting teams boost productivity, improve client relationships, and increase profitability.
They do this by giving you a centralized platform that handles communication, workflow, and task management all in one place. Karbon supports over 30,000 accounting professionals worldwide and has a 4.8 out of 5 rating with 98% positive reviews on G2.
In this Karbon review, I am going to cover how it helps firms like yours get more done with less hassle.
Karbon has grown beyond the US, now supporting multiple languages and integrating with lots of financial tools.
They recently improved their Enterprise plan, adding more customization and support specifically for larger accounting firms.
Reviewers often praise Karbon’s quick customer support and how they keep updating the product to meet real user needs.
| Karbon – Quick Overview | |
|---|---|
| What It Does | Provides an all-in-one cloud-based practice management platform designed specifically for accounting firms to manage email, tasks, workflows, billing, and collaboration. |
| Best For | • Accounting and bookkeeping firms (small to large teams) • Firms needing workflow automation and standardized processes • Teams using Xero, QuickBooks, and similar accounting platforms • Practices wanting to improve collaboration and reduce lost emails |
| Key Products | Karbon Practice Management Platform • Workflow Automation Tools • Collaboration Hub • Time & Billing Module • Client Portal • Reporting & Analytics • Integrations Marketplace |
| Pricing | Team Plan: $59-$79/user/month Business Plan: $89-$99/user/month Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing Free trial available (no credit card required) |
| Standout Features | • Integrated email and task management • Automated workflows for repeatable processes • Real-time team collaboration with chat and file sharing • Time tracking and billing with profitability insights • Customizable reporting and dashboards |
| Integrations | Xero, QuickBooks Online, Microsoft 365, Gmail, Outlook, Slack, HubSpot CRM, SuiteFiles, SharePoint, Zapier |
| Get Started | Start Free Trial → |
Karbon Solutions
Karbon delivers cloud-based tools for accounting and bookkeeping pros.
Their main product is an all-in-one practice management platform. On top of that, they offer several solutions designed to make your work easier.
1. Karbon Practice Management Platform (Flagship)
This platform puts your email, tasks, workflow, client data, billing, and time tracking all in one place.
It’s like having everything you need to manage your practice without switching between tools.
2. Workflow Automation Tools
These tools handle client requests, reminders, and repetitive tasks automatically.
You can spend less time on routine work and focus more on what really matters.
3. Collaboration Hub
Karbon combines internal chat, client messaging, and file sharing here.
This setup keeps your team connected and communication clear, making teamwork smoother.
4. Time & Billing Module
You can track your staff’s hours, manage client invoices, and keep an eye on project profitability.
It helps you stay on top of finances without extra effort.
5. Client Portal
This provides secure two-way communication with your clients and smooth file exchanges.
It keeps sensitive info safe while making collaboration easier.
6. Reporting & Analytics
Customizable dashboards show firm and project performance in a way that’s easy to understand.
You get clear insights to help you make smarter decisions.
7. Integrations Marketplace
Karbon connects with many popular tools like Xero, QuickBooks Online, Microsoft 365, Gmail, Outlook, Slack, HubSpot CRM, SuiteFiles, SharePoint, and Zapier.
This lets you automate data transfer, sync communications, and simplify client onboarding without jumping between apps.
Karbon mainly serves accounting and bookkeeping firms of all sizes.
Whether your practice is small or international, this platform helps you work more efficiently by bringing everything into one place.
Karbon Features
1. Integrated Email and Task Management
Karbon lets you handle your entire email inbox right inside the platform.
You can turn emails into tasks or client requests, then assign, comment, or follow up without leaving the email view. This cuts down on context switching and stops communication from getting scattered.
2. Automated Workflows
You can set up templates for repeatable processes like tax returns or monthly bookkeeping.
Karbon automates recurring tasks, sends automatic client reminders, and manages assignment rules. This helps your team spend less time on manual follow-ups and routine admin.
3. Collaboration Tools
Real-time team collaboration is built into tasks and projects.
With internal chat, comments, and document sharing, you can easily discuss work or ask for input without leaving Karbon.
4. Time Tracking & Billing
Tracking time spent on client work is simple.
Karbon helps you generate invoices and keep an eye on budgets versus actuals. This improves billing accuracy and lets you analyze profitability by client or service.
5. Customizable Reporting & Dashboards
You can create personalized dashboards to keep track of productivity, staff workload, project status, and client satisfaction.
The reports are flexible enough to give you actionable insights at a glance.
6. Mobile Access & API Integration
Karbon offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android, so you can update work remotely or on the go.
API access lets your firm build custom integrations or automate data workflows even further.
7. Security & Compliance
Karbon includes advanced security features like data encryption, granular permissions, and audit trail logging. These are crucial when you’re managing sensitive client financial data.
Enterprise clients get access to bespoke security configurations and compliance support.
A standout Karbon feature is its deep accounting-specific workflow design.
This is rare in generic project management tools and helps reduce the common “lost in inbox” friction many firms face.
These Karbon features work together to make accounting smoother, more collaborative, and less chaotic.
Karbon Pricing Plans
Karbon pricing comes in three main tiers, each designed for different firm sizes and needs.
You pay per user every month, and you can choose between monthly or annual billing.
They also offer a free trial with no credit card required, so you can test things out first.
| Plan | Price & Features |
|---|---|
| Team Plan | $59 per user per month (billed annually) • Integrated email • Workflow management • Team collaboration • Billing & payments • Basic reporting |
| Business Plan | $89 per user per month (billed annually) • Automation features (client reminders, task automation) • Advanced integrations (Xero, QuickBooks, HubSpot) • Time tracking • Budget reporting |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing – contact sales • Full customization • Unlimited workflows and templates • Dedicated account support • Advanced security |
Pricing covers every staff member who needs access. You’ll find discounts if you go with annual plans.
Karbon also has options for personalized onboarding and support. These tend to focus more on the Business and Enterprise plans.
If you’d like to try it out, click here to learn more about Karbon pricing →
Karbon Alternatives
Karbon competes with a number of practice management tools built for professional services and accounting firms.
You have options like Canopy, Jetpack Workflow, Client Hub, Senta, and AccountancyManager. Each has its own strengths and focuses.
Karbon stands out with stronger workflow automation and better team email integration compared to many others.
It usually costs more than simpler tools, but the features you get make up for it.
The automation is deeper, and the project management is specifically designed for accounting needs.
Plus, Karbon connects well with third-party apps and offers rich collaboration tools.
| Competitor | Their Strengths | Karbon Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Canopy | Broader client portal but less team-specific workflow automation | Stronger workflow and team email integration at a similar or slightly higher cost |
| Jetpack Workflow | Simpler with less robust automation and reporting | Richer collaboration and email tools despite a lower price |
| Client Hub | More client-facing tasks but less internal workflow depth | Advanced team workflow and reporting with a slightly higher cost |
| Senta | Strong UK presence and good automation but less reporting depth | Broader integrations and dashboarding at a similar price point |
| AccountancyManager | Focus on CRM features and less on project workflow | Better integrated email and task flow at a comparable cost |
If you’re willing to pay a bit more, Karbon offers advanced tools that simpler options lack. It’s a solid choice if you want workflow automation built specifically for accounting teams and better collaboration across projects.
Karbon alternatives might meet your budget or needs better, but it’s worth weighing those against the extra features and integration Karbon delivers.
Who Should Use Karbon
1. Accounting and bookkeeping firms ranging from small (5+ users) to large, multi-office teams
Karbon works well for firms of different sizes. Whether your team is small or spread across multiple offices, it can handle your needs.
2. Firms that need workflow automation, standardized processes, and collaboration between remote or distributed staff
If streamlining tasks and making sure everyone stays on the same page sounds good to you, Karbon delivers on that. It helps remote teams work together without dropping the ball.
3. Practices already using platforms like Xero or QuickBooks and looking for deeper integration
Karbon fits nicely when you want your accounting software and workflow tools to talk to each other. It can connect with Xero or QuickBooks and enhance how you manage your work.
4. Teams frustrated by lost emails, missed deadlines, or siloed communications
If your team struggles with keeping track of emails and deadlines, Karbon can fix that. It keeps all communication in one place so nothing slips through the cracks.
Karbon might not be the best if you are a freelancer or solo accountant.
Its per-user fees and range of features are designed more for teams, not individuals.
Very large enterprises with very specific needs might find Karbon limiting and prefer custom solutions built just for them.
If you only want basic project tracking and a cheaper, simpler system, check out options like Jetpack Workflow or Client Hub instead.
They might be a better fit when your team is straightforward.
Bottom Line
Karbon offers a solid, accounting-focused practice management suite.
It really stands out with workflow automation and team collaboration features.
Its integrations, security, and reporting make it a great fit for growing practices.
That said, Karbon’s per-user pricing can get pricey for larger teams. Smaller firms might find it more than they need. Also, there’s no forever-free plan.
Setup may take some work if your team is moving from less organized tools.
I hope this Karbon review has helped you see if it fits your team.
If your accounting team wants modern practice management with automation, deep integrations, and centralized communication, Karbon is worth considering.
