Online accounting refers to the execution of accounting processes via internet-based software solutions. Documents, entries, and analyses are processed digitally and managed via an online platform.
Basics
Online accounting involves processing documents and accounting data in a web-based environment. Compared to paper-based processes or purely locally installed solutions, the focus is on digital access to documents, bookings and analyses.
Typically, receipts are digitally recorded and then made available for booking, often in conjunction with bank data and recurring processes.
Classification in accounting
Online accounting is a manifestation of digital accounting and belongs to the ongoing 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 serves as the interface for documents and data – the actual booking then takes place in the accounting system, often with reconciliation of bank transactions and evaluations.
Typical features of online accounting
- Digital invoice submission and invoice archiving
- Structured document filing and traceability of bookings
- Matching payments and invoices using bank data
- Evaluations and reports (e.g. business evaluations, trial balances)
- Collaboration between businesses and accounting service providers via digital processes
Typical procedure
- Digital capture of receipts (e.g. scan, upload, app)
- Submission to the system and assignment (document type, period)
- Recording/Booking of business transactions
- Comparison with Bank transactions and control of the Payments
- Provision of evaluations
Practical relevance
Online accounting is often used to collect documents centrally and reduce reconciliation effort. Consistent digital document submission is particularly relevant, so that bookings can be created completely and comprehensibly.
Typical sources of error
- Incomplete digital proof of payment submission (missing receipts/periods)
- Unclear document allocation (e.g. incorrect period or incorrect document type)
- Missing reconciliation between receipts, bookings, and bank transactions
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.
What processes are typically involved?
These are often 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 for receipts, bank reconciliation, and reporting.
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.
