Finding the right accounting software for your Jamaican business isn't easy. Most software is built for the US or UK market and doesn't handle GCT, JMD currency, or TAJ reporting requirements. We've tested the top options available in Jamaica to help you choose.
Quick Summary:
- Best Overall: VEDTECH - Built for Caribbean, GCT included
- Best Free Option: Wave - Free but no GCT support
- Best for Large Business: QuickBooks Online - Powerful but expensive
- Best Spreadsheet Alternative: Zoho Books - Affordable starter option
- Best All-in-One: VEDTECH - Accounting + Inventory + Payroll
What to Look for in Accounting Software for Jamaica
Before comparing options, here's what matters most for Jamaican businesses:
- GCT Support: Can it calculate and track 15% GCT automatically?
- JMD Currency: Does it support Jamaican Dollar as the primary currency?
- TAJ Reporting: Can it generate reports for tax filing?
- Local Payment Integration: Does it work with local payment methods?
- Invoicing: Can you send professional invoices to clients?
- Price in JMD: Is the pricing affordable for Jamaican businesses?
1. VEDTECH - Best for Caribbean Businesses
VEDTECH is built specifically for Caribbean businesses. Unlike other options on this list, it was designed from day one with GCT, VAT, and Caribbean payroll taxes in mind.
Pros:
- GCT (15%) calculated automatically on invoices
- Jamaica payroll with PAYE, NIS, NHT, Education Tax
- JMD currency as default
- All-in-one: Accounting + Inventory + HR + CRM
- Local WhatsApp support
- Affordable pricing (from J$1,900/month)
Cons:
- Newer platform (established 2024)
- Mobile app still in development
2. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is the most well-known accounting software globally. It's powerful and feature-rich, but it's designed for US businesses.
Pros:
- Industry leader with extensive features
- Large ecosystem of integrations
- Bank feed connections available
- Strong inventory tracking
Cons:
- No built-in GCT support - must set up manually
- Priced in USD - expensive for Jamaican businesses
- No Jamaica payroll support
- Support in US timezone
- Steep learning curve
Pricing: From $30/month USD (~J$4,700)
3. Wave Accounting (Free)
Wave is a free accounting software that's popular with freelancers and small businesses. The core accounting features are genuinely free.
Pros:
- Completely free accounting and invoicing
- Easy to use interface
- Unlimited invoices
- Receipt scanning
Cons:
- No GCT support built-in
- Limited to USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, AUD (no JMD)
- No inventory management
- No payroll for Jamaica
- Payment processing fees if you accept cards
Pricing: Free (payments extra)
4. Zoho Books
Zoho Books is an affordable option from the Zoho suite. It offers good value for money with decent customization options.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Custom tax rates (can configure GCT)
- JMD currency supported
- Good automation features
- Part of larger Zoho ecosystem
Cons:
- GCT must be configured manually
- No Jamaica payroll
- Can be complex to set up
- Support not Caribbean-focused
Pricing: From $15/month USD (~J$2,350)
5. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is known for its excellent invoicing features and user-friendly interface. Popular with service-based businesses.
Pros:
- Beautiful, easy-to-use invoices
- Great time tracking
- Simple interface
- Good expense tracking
Cons:
- No GCT automation
- Priced in USD - relatively expensive
- Limited inventory features
- No Jamaica-specific features
- Client limits on lower plans
Pricing: From $19/month USD (~J$2,980)
Comparison Table
| Feature | VEDTECH | QuickBooks | Wave | Zoho | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCT Support | Built-in | Manual | No | Manual | Manual |
| JMD Currency | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Jamaica Payroll | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Inventory | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Limited |
| Starting Price | ~J$1,900/mo | ~J$4,700/mo | Free | ~J$2,350/mo | ~J$2,980/mo |
| Local Support | US Only | US/Canada |
Our Recommendation
For most Jamaican businesses, VEDTECH offers the best value. It's the only option on this list that was built specifically for Caribbean businesses with:
- GCT calculated automatically on every invoice
- Jamaica payroll with PAYE, NIS, NHT built in
- All-in-one platform (no need to buy separate inventory, CRM, HR tools)
- Local WhatsApp support in your timezone
- Pricing that makes sense in JMD
No credit card required. Set up in minutes.