
Jay Sen Lon
February 2, 2026

Hong Kong businesses need bookkeeping software that handles multi-currency operations, Chinese and English bilingual requirements, and Hong Kong accounting standards. Local small businesses and accounting firms serving Hong Kong clients face unique challenges that generic accounting software doesn't address well.
This guide compares eight bookkeeping software platforms suitable for Hong Kong operations based on multi-currency capabilities, Chinese language support, cloud accessibility, and integration with Hong Kong banking and payment systems. Whether your business operates primarily in Hong Kong or your accounting firm serves Hong Kong clients alongside other APAC regions, the right platform enables efficient bookkeeping without geographic limitations.
Quick Answer: Tofu leads for document automation with AI processing Chinese and English invoices automatically. Xero provides comprehensive cloud accounting with unlimited users and multi-currency on all plans. For businesses needing Chinese interface and traditional desktop software, ABSS offers localized features with bilingual support.
Bookkeeping software automates financial record-keeping including tracking income and expenses, managing invoices and bills, reconciling bank accounts, handling multi-currency transactions, and generating financial reports. Modern cloud-based platforms enable real-time collaboration between business owners, bookkeepers, and accountants without geographic constraints.
The technology has evolved from desktop software requiring local installation to cloud platforms accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity. This shift particularly benefits Hong Kong businesses working with accountants in different locations or operating across multiple jurisdictions. Cloud platforms automatically update, backup data securely, and enable multi-user access without the IT infrastructure desktop software requires.
Hong Kong businesses face unique bookkeeping requirements that generic software may not address. Multi-currency handling is essential as most Hong Kong businesses transact in HKD, USD, RMB, and other currencies. Bilingual Chinese-English capability matters for businesses with local and international stakeholders. Understanding Hong Kong tax year (April 1 - March 31) and accounting standards ensures compliance. Integration with Hong Kong banks and payment systems enables efficient reconciliation.
For accounting firms serving Hong Kong clients, additional capabilities become important. Processing documents in traditional and simplified Chinese characters without errors. Handling Chinese fapiao and local invoice formats accurately. Managing multiple client entities with separate currencies and reporting requirements. Providing consolidated reporting across clients operating in different currencies and jurisdictions.
The business value extends beyond basic record-keeping. Real-time financial visibility enables informed decision-making. Automated multi-currency handling prevents foreign exchange errors. Cloud access facilitates remote work and distributed team collaboration. Seamless accountant access simplifies tax preparation and compliance. For growing businesses, scalable platforms accommodate increasing transaction volumes without platform changes.
Selecting bookkeeping software for Hong Kong operations requires evaluating capabilities specific to the local business environment.
Multi-currency handling determines whether software can manage Hong Kong business realities. Most Hong Kong companies transact in HKD, USD, RMB, and other currencies regularly. Software must support multiple currencies on the same invoice, automatic exchange rate updates, multi-currency bank accounts, and consolidated reporting across currencies. Verify how the platform handles exchange rate differences and whether it supports the currencies your business uses most frequently.
Chinese language support matters for both interface and document processing. Can users navigate the platform in Chinese? Does it process invoices and receipts with Chinese characters accurately? Can it generate reports in Chinese for local stakeholders? Tofu handles traditional and simplified Chinese documents with accuracy matching English processing, critical for firms processing local Hong Kong invoices alongside international documents.
Cloud versus desktop architecture affects accessibility and collaboration. Cloud platforms enable real-time access from anywhere, automatic updates, secure backups, and multi-user collaboration. Desktop software requires local installation, manual updates, local backups, and complexity for multi-user access. Hong Kong businesses increasingly prefer cloud platforms for flexibility despite some traditional industries maintaining desktop software preferences.
Hong Kong banking integration determines reconciliation efficiency. Direct bank feeds from HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, Standard Chartered, Bank of China Hong Kong, and other local banks eliminate manual transaction entry. Payment processing integration with FPS (Faster Payment System), PayMe, Alipay HK, and WeChat Pay HK enables automated payment workflows. Verify which Hong Kong banks and payment systems your software supports.
Accounting standards and tax compliance require platform understanding of Hong Kong requirements. Hong Kong follows Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS) based on IFRS. Tax year runs April 1 to March 31 unlike calendar year in many jurisdictions. Profits tax requirements differ from other regions. While most modern platforms can accommodate these through configuration, local support understanding Hong Kong specifics helps troubleshoot issues.
Scalability and pricing model determine long-term suitability. Will the platform accommodate your business growth? Does pricing scale reasonably as transaction volume increases? For accounting firms, does the platform support multiple client entities efficiently? Entity-based or subscription pricing typically works better than per-transaction models for Hong Kong businesses with high transaction volumes.
Mobile accessibility matters for Hong Kong's mobile-first business culture. Can you capture receipts via mobile camera? Approve invoices on-the-go? Check financial dashboards from anywhere? Hong Kong business owners expect mobile capabilities matching other business applications they use daily.
Common pitfalls: Don't assume software with "multi-currency" support handles currencies you need (verify HKD specifically). Don't select based on brand alone without testing Chinese language processing. Avoid platforms requiring VPN or facing China connectivity issues if relevant to your operations. Don't commit to desktop software without understanding backup and disaster recovery requirements.

Tofu leads document processing automation for Hong Kong businesses and accounting firms with zero-configuration AI handling Chinese and English invoices automatically. While not full bookkeeping software, Tofu eliminates the most time-consuming bookkeeping task: manual invoice and receipt data entry.
The platform processes documents in traditional Chinese (used in Hong Kong), simplified Chinese, and English with equal accuracy. This capability matters enormously for Hong Kong businesses receiving invoices from local suppliers in Chinese and international suppliers in English. Mixed-language invoices with both Chinese and English content process correctly without configuration.
Chinese fapiao processing handles the unique format requirements of mainland China invoices that Hong Kong businesses frequently receive. The AI recognizes fapiao structure, extracts all required fields including Chinese characters, and maps data correctly to accounting systems. This specialized handling eliminates errors traditional OCR makes with fapiao format.
Zero-configuration setup takes minutes. Connect Tofu to Xero or QuickBooks Online, configure basic preferences, and start processing invoices immediately. No template building for different suppliers or invoice formats. This approach enables accounting firms to onboard Hong Kong clients quickly without preprocessing setup creating bottlenecks.
Entity-based pricing charges per business entity rather than per user or document. Hong Kong accounting firms serving multiple clients pay predictable fees regardless of team size or invoice volume within plan limits. This model scales efficiently for growing practices.
Integration with Xero and QuickBooks Online (platforms popular with Hong Kong businesses) enables automated data flow from document extraction to accounting entries. Multi-currency transaction data flows correctly with currency codes preserved.
Real-time processing dashboard provides visibility across all client entities. Hong Kong accounting firm partners can monitor processing status for all clients from single interface, valuable for firms managing workflows across multiple Hong Kong businesses.
Tofu excels for Hong Kong accounting firms processing documents for multiple clients, businesses receiving Chinese and English invoices, and organizations wanting to eliminate manual invoice data entry. Perfect for firms serving Hong Kong businesses alongside other APAC clients needing multi-language document processing.
Book a Demo with Tofu to test Chinese document processing accuracy.

Xero provides comprehensive cloud accounting popular with Hong Kong small businesses and accounting firms. The platform offers unlimited users on all plans, multi-currency on all tiers, and extensive app ecosystem enabling specialized functionality through integrations.
Multi-currency handling supports HKD, USD, RMB, and 160+ other currencies. Businesses can create invoices in any supported currency, manage multi-currency bank accounts, and generate reports with consolidated or separated currency views. Automatic exchange rate updates use daily rates or allow manual override.
Unlimited user access on all plans provides exceptional value for Hong Kong businesses with multiple stakeholders. Business owners, bookkeepers, accountants, and managers can all access simultaneously without per-user charges. This accessibility facilitates collaboration common in Hong Kong business operations.
App marketplace includes 1000+ integrations enabling functionality beyond core accounting. Document processing apps like Tofu, payment processing apps for Hong Kong payment systems, inventory management for trading businesses, and industry-specific apps for hospitality, retail, and professional services.
Bank feed connections available for major Hong Kong banks including HSBC, Hang Seng, Standard Chartered, and others enable automated transaction import. Manual bank statement import works for banks without direct feeds.
Interface primarily English with limited Chinese language support. Can generate reports and invoices with Chinese characters entered manually, but interface navigation remains English. This works for bilingual Hong Kong users but may limit pure Chinese language preference users.
Xero works for growing Hong Kong businesses wanting cloud accounting with unlimited user access, businesses needing strong multi-currency capabilities, and companies valuing extensive app ecosystem for specialized features. Popular choice among Hong Kong accounting firms for client accounting.

QuickBooks Online provides widely-adopted cloud accounting with multi-currency support, automation features, and extensive integrations. The platform's familiarity helps Hong Kong businesses migrating from QuickBooks desktop or working with accountants experienced with QuickBooks.
Multi-currency support available on Plus and higher plans handles HKD, USD, RMB, and other currencies. Can create multi-currency invoices, track foreign currency bank accounts, and generate reports in home currency or foreign currency. Exchange rate gains and losses tracked automatically.
Per-user pricing model contrasts with Xero's unlimited users. Base subscription includes limited users with additional users charged separately. This impacts total cost for businesses with multiple team members needing access.
Automation features include bank rules, recurring transactions, workflow automation, and AI-powered categorization suggestions. Integration ecosystem includes thousands of apps for specialized functionality. QuickBooks Live adds human bookkeeper access for hybrid automation and support.
Bank connections support major international banks with manual import option for Hong Kong banks without direct feeds. Payment processing integration includes international options though Hong Kong-specific payment systems (FPS, PayMe) require third-party apps.
Interface primarily English with multi-language support in some regions but limited Chinese language interface availability. Can handle Chinese characters in transaction descriptions and custom fields.
QuickBooks works for Hong Kong businesses wanting familiar accounting software, businesses with existing QuickBooks experience, and companies prioritizing integration ecosystem over unlimited users. Suitable when accountant familiarity matters and budget accommodates per-user pricing.

ABSS (formerly MYOB) provides desktop accounting software with full Chinese interface support popular among traditional Hong Kong SMEs. The platform offers both English and Traditional Chinese interfaces, meeting needs of businesses preferring Chinese language navigation.
Desktop architecture requires local installation and provides businesses full control over data storage. This appeals to Hong Kong businesses preferring local data hosting over cloud storage. Software licenses include desktop installation with optional cloud hosting available.
Chinese interface provides complete Traditional Chinese navigation matching Hong Kong language preferences. Can generate reports, invoices, and financial statements in Chinese or English. Handles Chinese character data throughout including customer names, item descriptions, and transaction notes.
Multi-currency features handle HKD, USD, RMB, and other currencies with automatic exchange difference calculations. Project management and CRM features included provide capabilities beyond basic bookkeeping. Inventory management suitable for trading businesses common in Hong Kong.
PSG Grant eligibility in Singapore may provide up to 50% cost savings for Singapore businesses (applicable if Hong Kong business has Singapore operations). Desktop-based architecture limits remote access compared to cloud alternatives unless using optional cloud hosting.
Pricing includes lifetime license purchases or subscription options. Traditional license purchases appeal to businesses wanting perpetual access without ongoing subscription costs.
ABSS works for traditional Hong Kong SMEs preferring Chinese interface, businesses wanting local data control, and companies valuing lifetime license over subscription. Suitable for trading businesses needing inventory management with Chinese language support.

Zoho Books provides affordable cloud accounting with multi-currency support suitable for Hong Kong small businesses and startups. The platform offers project tracking, time tracking, and client portal features beyond basic bookkeeping.
Multi-currency support includes HKD and 25+ other currencies. Can create invoices in multiple currencies, track currency-wise receivables and payables, and handle foreign currency transactions. Exchange rate automation with manual override option available.
Pricing starts lower than Xero or QuickBooks with free tier for solopreneurs and small subscription costs for growing businesses. Per-user pricing limits multi-user access compared to Xero but remains affordable for small teams.
Integration with Zoho ecosystem (Zoho CRM, Zoho Inventory, Zoho Projects) provides value for businesses using multiple Zoho products. Third-party integrations available but smaller ecosystem than Xero or QuickBooks.
Interface primarily English with limited Chinese language support. Can handle Chinese characters in fields but interface navigation remains English. This works for English-proficient Hong Kong users but limits pure Chinese preference users.
Bank connections support international banks with manual statement import for Hong Kong banks. Payment gateway integrations include international options with Hong Kong-specific systems requiring workarounds.
Zoho Books works for Hong Kong startups and small businesses on tight budgets, businesses using other Zoho products wanting ecosystem integration, and freelancers or consultants needing project tracking with bookkeeping. Suitable when affordability matters more than unlimited users or extensive integrations.

FreshBooks provides cloud accounting focused on service businesses, freelancers, and consultants. The platform emphasizes invoicing, time tracking, expense management, and client communication over comprehensive accounting features.
Multi-currency support includes HKD and 150+ currencies for invoicing international clients. Can create invoices in client's currency, track project profitability across currencies, and accept payments in multiple currencies. Time tracking and project profitability features suit service businesses common in Hong Kong.
Pricing tiers based on client count rather than users. Lite plan supports 5 clients, Plus supports 50 clients, Premium supports unlimited clients. This model works for small service businesses but becomes expensive for businesses with many customers.
Payment processing integration includes credit cards and ACH with international options. Hong Kong-specific payment systems require third-party integration or manual processing. Client portal allows customers to view invoices, make payments, and communicate.
Interface English-only without Chinese language support. Can enter Chinese characters in fields but interface remains English throughout. This limits suitability for pure Chinese language preference users.
Mobile apps for receipt capture, time tracking, and expense recording suit on-the-go service professionals common in Hong Kong business culture. Automated payment reminders reduce collection efforts.
FreshBooks works for Hong Kong service businesses, freelancers, and consultants needing strong invoicing and time tracking. Suitable for businesses with international clients requiring multi-currency invoicing. Best when service-specific features matter more than comprehensive accounting.

Wave provides free cloud-based accounting suitable for Hong Kong micro-businesses and startups with simple bookkeeping needs. The platform charges for payment processing and payroll but offers core accounting features at no cost.
Free accounting features include invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning, bank connection, financial reports, and multi-currency support. Revenue model based on payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction) and payroll services ($20/month + $6 per employee).
Multi-currency support included free. Can create invoices in HKD or other currencies, track foreign currency transactions, and generate reports. Basic currency handling suitable for simple international operations but limited compared to comprehensive platforms.
Interface English-only without Chinese language support. Receipt scanning extracts totals only without line-item details. Bank connections work with major international banks with manual import for others.
Limited automation compared to paid platforms. Manual data entry required for many tasks where advanced platforms provide automation. Suitable for businesses with low transaction volumes not justifying paid software costs.
Integration ecosystem smaller than Xero or QuickBooks. Payment processing, payroll, and basic third-party apps available but limited specialized functionality options.
Wave works for Hong Kong micro-businesses and startups with simple bookkeeping needs and tight budgets. Suitable for very small businesses with low transaction volumes not justifying paid software costs. Best when free core features meet needs and limitations acceptable.

Odoo provides modular ERP system including accounting module alongside CRM, inventory, manufacturing, e-commerce, and other business functions. The platform's flexibility enables building comprehensive business management system beyond bookkeeping.
Arabic and Chinese interface options available through language packs. Can navigate system in Traditional or Simplified Chinese matching Hong Kong user preferences. Modular architecture allows adding functionality as business needs grow.
Multi-currency support with automatic exchange rate updates. Can configure multiple currencies, create multi-currency transactions, and handle currency-wise reporting. Suitable for Hong Kong businesses with significant international operations.
Open-source architecture enables customization for specific business needs. Hong Kong businesses with technical resources or partnering with implementation specialists can modify platform extensively. This flexibility suits businesses with unique requirements standard software doesn't address.
Pricing follows per-user per-module model. Base accounting module starts at €19.90/user/month with additional modules incurring extra costs. Total cost escalates with module additions but provides capabilities integrated ERP systems offer at typically lower cost.
Implementation complexity increases with module count and customization. Businesses often require partner assistance for setup and configuration. This investment makes sense for businesses needing comprehensive ERP rather than simple bookkeeping.
Odoo works for Hong Kong businesses needing comprehensive ERP beyond bookkeeping, companies wanting modular system growing with business needs, and businesses requiring Chinese interface with extensive customization. Suitable when integrated business management matters more than simple accounting.
Hong Kong accountants most commonly recommend Xero for its unlimited users, strong multi-currency support, and extensive app ecosystem. QuickBooks also popular for businesses with existing QuickBooks experience. Tofu increasingly adopted by firms for automated Chinese document processing. Selection depends on specific business needs, language preferences, and budget.
Yes, most modern bookkeeping software supports multiple currencies including HKD and RMB. Xero supports 160+ currencies, QuickBooks supports 160 currencies, and other platforms handle major currencies. Tofu processes invoices in any currency with automatic currency code preservation when flowing to Xero or QuickBooks.
Not necessarily. Many Hong Kong businesses operate successfully with English interface software if team members are bilingual. However, businesses with staff preferring Chinese navigation or generating reports for Chinese-only stakeholders benefit from Chinese interface software like ABSS or Odoo. Tofu processes Chinese documents accurately even with English interface.
Tofu specifically handles Chinese fapiao with AI recognizing the unique format and extracting all fields including Chinese characters accurately. Traditional OCR in most bookkeeping software struggles with fapiao format requiring manual entry or extensive template configuration.
Cloud software generally better for Hong Kong businesses due to remote accessibility, automatic updates, secure backups, and multi-user collaboration without IT infrastructure. Desktop software like ABSS suits businesses preferring local data control or having Chinese interface requirements cloud platforms don't meet. Most Hong Kong businesses moving toward cloud platforms.
Bookkeeping software for Hong Kong businesses must handle multi-currency operations, support Chinese and English documents, and integrate with local banking systems. The right choice depends on whether you need comprehensive accounting platform, document automation, or specialized features.
Tofu leads document automation for Hong Kong businesses and firms through AI processing Chinese and English invoices automatically. Xero provides comprehensive cloud accounting with unlimited users and strong multi-currency support popular with Hong Kong businesses. ABSS serves traditional SMEs needing full Chinese interface desktop software.
For budget-conscious startups, Zoho Books and Wave offer affordable options with trade-offs in features and language support. Service businesses benefit from FreshBooks' specialized features. Growing businesses needing ERP should consider Odoo's modular approach.
Book a Demo with Tofu to test Chinese document processing for Hong Kong invoices.
