Online accounting refers to the execution of accounting processes via internet-based software solutions. Documents, bookkeeping entries and evaluations are processed digitally and managed via an online platform.
Basics
With online accounting, receipts and accounting data are processed in a web-based environment. The focus is on digital access to receipts, bookings and analyses, in contrast to paper-based processes or purely locally installed solutions.
Typically, receipts are digitally recorded and then made available for accounting – often in conjunction with bank data and recurring processes.
Classification in accounting
Online accounting is a manifestation of the digital accounting und gehört zur laufenden Financial accounting. Regardless of the system used, digital accounting processes must continue to meet the requirements for a Proper bookkeeping correspond.
Classification within the financial accounting system
- Financial accounting
- Digital Accounting
- Digital document processing
- DATEV Company Online
- Bank transactions
- Payments
- Business Management Evaluation
In many system landscapes, online accounting is the interface for documents and data – the actual booking then takes place in the accounting system, often with reconciliation of bank transactions and analyses.
Typical features of online accounting
- Digital document submission and archiving
- Structured document archiving and traceability of bookings
- Reconciliation of payments and invoices using bank data
- Evaluations and reports (e.g. management analyses, trial balances)
- Cooperation between companies and accounting service providers via digital processes
Typical procedure
- Digital capture of receipts (e.g. scan, upload, app)
- Submission to the system and allocation (document type, period)
- Recording/Booking of business transactions
- Match with Bank transactions and control of the Payments
- Provision of evaluations
Practical relevance
Online accounting is frequently used to collect receipts centrally and reduce the reconciliation effort. Consistent digital submission of receipts is particularly relevant so that bookings can be created completely and comprehensibly.
Typical sources of error
- Incomplete digital invoice submission (missing invoices/periods)
- Unclear document assignment (e.g. wrong period or wrong document type)
- Missing reconciliation between receipts, bookings, and bank movements
FAQ
Is online accounting the same as digital accounting?
Online accounting is a form of digital accounting where accounting processes are handled via internet-based systems.
Which processes are typically dependent on this?
Are often these digital document processing, Bank transactions, Payments and evaluations such as BWA.
Conclusion
Online accounting describes the digital execution of accounting processes via internet-based systems. It is an integral part of modern financial accounting and supports structured digital workflows, particularly with receipts, bank reconciliation and analysis.
Brasser Accounting Solutions GmbH is a specialised accounting service provider and part of a corporate group with Quint GmbH (tax consultancy/auditing) and Service Place Årjäng AB (Swedish tax office). BAS exclusively performs services according to § 6 No. 3 and 4 StBerG and does not provide tax or legal advice.
