Conta
Free online invoicing software.
Akaunting
Modern online accounting software for small businesses and freelancers
Self-hosted accounting platform built with Laravel and VueJS. Features modular architecture, RESTful API, and an extensive app marketplace for invoicing, expenses, and financial management.
Overview
Purpose and Audience
Akaunting is a self-hosted accounting solution designed specifically for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who need professional financial management without enterprise complexity. Built on Laravel with a modern VueJS and Tailwind frontend, it delivers a contemporary user experience while maintaining the flexibility of open-source software.
Core Capabilities
The platform handles essential accounting workflows including invoicing, expense tracking, balance management, and financial reporting. Its modular architecture enables users to extend functionality through a curated App Store, where both free and premium modules add capabilities like CRM integration, payroll processing, and advanced billing features. The RESTful API allows custom integrations and automation.
Deployment
Akaunting requires PHP 8.1+, a compatible database (MariaDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite), and a standard web server. Installation is streamlined through Composer and Artisan commands, with optional sample data for testing. The platform supports multiple languages and can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure, giving you complete control over financial data and compliance requirements.
Highlights
Modular app marketplace for extending invoicing, CRM, and payroll capabilities
RESTful API for custom integrations and workflow automation
Built on Laravel, VueJS, and Tailwind for modern performance and UX
Self-hosted deployment with full control over financial data and privacy
Pros
- Modern tech stack (Laravel, VueJS, Tailwind) ensures maintainability and developer familiarity
- Extensible architecture with app marketplace creates passive income opportunities for developers
- Self-hosted model provides complete data sovereignty and compliance control
- Active community with 9,200+ GitHub stars and comprehensive documentation
Considerations
- Requires technical expertise for installation, server management, and maintenance
- Self-hosting means responsibility for backups, security patches, and uptime
- App Store extensions may require additional licensing or subscription costs
- PHP 8.1+ and database requirements may limit hosting provider options
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Fit guide
Great for
- Small businesses and freelancers needing self-hosted accounting with data control
- Organizations with compliance requirements mandating on-premise financial systems
- Developers seeking a customizable accounting platform with API access
- Teams wanting to extend functionality through modular apps and integrations
Not ideal when
- Non-technical users seeking fully managed cloud accounting with zero maintenance
- Enterprises requiring complex multi-entity consolidation or advanced ERP features
- Teams without server infrastructure or technical resources for self-hosting
- Users needing immediate deployment without installation or configuration steps
How teams use it
Freelancer Invoice Management
Independent consultants track billable hours, generate professional invoices, and monitor payment status while maintaining complete ownership of client financial data.
Small Business Expense Tracking
Retail or service businesses record daily expenses, categorize transactions, and generate financial reports for tax preparation without monthly SaaS fees.
Agency Client Billing
Marketing or development agencies manage multiple client accounts, track project budgets, and automate recurring invoices through API integrations with project management tools.
Compliance-Driven Accounting
Organizations in regulated industries deploy on-premise accounting that meets data residency requirements while extending functionality through vetted marketplace apps.
Tech snapshot
PHP81%
Blade13%
Vue6%
Frequently asked questions
What are the server requirements for running Akaunting?
Akaunting requires PHP 8.1 or higher, a database system (MariaDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite), and a web server like Apache, Nginx, or IIS. You'll also need Composer and npm for installation.
Can I extend Akaunting with custom features?
Yes. Akaunting's modular architecture supports extensions through its App Store, and the RESTful API enables custom integrations. Developers can create and monetize apps through the Developer Portal.
Is Akaunting suitable for non-technical users?
While the interface is user-friendly, installation and hosting require technical knowledge of PHP, databases, and server administration. Non-technical users may need developer assistance for setup and maintenance.
Does Akaunting support multiple languages and currencies?
Yes. Akaunting includes translation support for multiple languages and handles multi-currency transactions, making it suitable for international freelancers and businesses.
What's the difference between the open-source version and paid apps?
The core Akaunting platform is open source and free to self-host. The App Store offers both free and premium extensions that add specialized features like advanced CRM, payroll, or industry-specific modules.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 9,528
- Watchers
- 9,528
- Forks
- 2,824
Repo age8 years old
Last commit2 days ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languagePHP
Last synced 48 minutes ago