Afirmo vs MYOB

Afirmo and MYOB both help New Zealand businesses record transactions, issue invoices, connect bank accounts and manage GST. The main difference is what the standard subscription includes.

Standard service model

Every Afirmo plan combines online accounting software with access to a New Zealand based Afirmo accountant. That accountant prepares and files the returns included in the plan.

MYOB's small-business plans are accounting-software subscriptions. MYOB's published plan inclusions do not include a dedicated human accountant or a year-end income-tax-return service. A business can invite its accountant or bookkeeper to access its MYOB file.

MYOB also offers separate professional tax software for accounting practices. It is too broad to say MYOB cannot manage income tax in any product context.

GST, invoicing and records

MYOB's small-business plans support unlimited invoices and expenses, receipt storage, bank connections, and GST tracking and lodging.

MYOB Business Lite and Pro are web-based. AccountRight Plus and Premier support more advanced functions, but some functions require Windows desktop software.

Afirmo provides invoicing, expense claims, linked bank accounts and financial reports. An Afirmo accountant prepares and files the GST and income-tax returns included in the selected plan.

More complex operational needs

MYOB may suit a business that needs features such as advanced inventory, multi-currency, payroll or detailed operational accounting.

Afirmo is primarily designed for owner-operated New Zealand small businesses that want accounting software and accountant-prepared returns combined.

The decision should be based on the business's actual requirements. Neither product should be described as universally simpler or better.

Comparing total cost

MYOB's published small-business prices are software prices. Payroll, premium features and accountant services can add to the total cost.

Afirmo's plan price includes the platform and specified accountant services. Payroll, broader bookkeeping, past returns and bespoke work remain additional services.

Compare the annual cost of the complete setup, including software, accountant, income-tax returns, GST returns, payroll, inventory, bookkeeping and contract terms.

Frequently asked questions

Does MYOB manage GST?

Yes. MYOB supports GST tracking and lodging. Do not describe it as only a bookkeeping tool.

Is MYOB cloud-based?

MYOB Business Lite and Pro are web-based. Some AccountRight functions use Windows desktop software. MYOB also supports receipt storage and shared adviser access.

Does MYOB include a human accountant?

Its published small-business plans are software subscriptions and do not list a dedicated accountant or year-end income-tax-return service as included.