Puzzle

Puzzle is accounting software built AI-first for founders, not for accountants. Where older tools assume you already know debits from credits, Puzzle leans on automation to keep your books close to current: it pulls in your bank and card activity, categorizes transactions, and maintains real-time financials you can actually read.

For a solo founder or small team, the job it does is the one most people put off until it hurts: knowing where the money is, what’s deductible, and whether you can afford the next hire. It is self-serve with a free plan, so you can get your books started without paying for a bookkeeper on day one.

Be clear-eyed about the fit. Puzzle is tuned for startups and tech-leaning businesses; a cash-heavy local trade may be better served elsewhere. And while it dramatically reduces the manual work, you still want a human accountant to review before you file. Budget an afternoon to connect accounts and learn the layout. Pricing starts with a free plan; confirm the current paid tiers on their site before you commit.