FrontAccounting review
A broad free accounting system for teams that want self-hosted inventory control.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
FrontAccounting is a free, open-source accounting and ERP system for small to medium-sized businesses that need control over a self-hosted web application. It runs on a web server with PHP and MySQL and is accessed through a browser. Its coverage includes sales, purchases, accounts receivable and payable, inventory, banking, general ledger, fixed assets, reporting, user permissions, multiple companies, multiple currencies, and multilingual operation. This makes it a fit for organizations that want accounting and inventory functions in one system rather than a narrowly focused invoicing tool.
The product’s breadth is its main strength. Customer invoices and credit notes sit alongside supplier invoices, purchase orders, payments, inventory locations, reorder levels, and average-cost calculation. General ledger tools include budgets and journal entries, while fixed-asset tracking includes depreciation. Scanned documents can be attached to transactions, and financial reports can be exported to PDF or spreadsheets. Bank account reconciliation is supported, including automatic reconciliation based on CSV uploads. Multi-user permissions and multi-company support also suit teams managing more than one operating entity, provided they are comfortable maintaining a web-based installation.
The main trade-off is platform and ecosystem scope. FrontAccounting does not provide connected bank feeds, dedicated accountant access, or mobile apps; access is web-only. Bank transaction workflows therefore depend on CSV-based importing rather than a connected feed service. Businesses seeking a free, open-source system with inventory accounting, purchasing, reconciliation, fixed assets, and reporting should consider it. Businesses that prioritize mobile access, direct bank connections, or an accountant-specific collaboration experience should choose a different product.
FrontAccounting pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free, open-source accounting with web and self-hosted access
- Inventory, purchasing, fixed assets, and multi-company support
- CSV reconciliation, attachments, and PDF or spreadsheet reports
- Where it doesn't
- No connected bank-feed service
- No dedicated accountant access
- Web-only access with no mobile platform
FrontAccounting fact sheet, pricing and score →
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