Top 5 Digital Onboarding Software for Accounting Firms in the UK [2025]

Bringing on a new client should feel like the start of a solid working relationship—not a logistical mess. But for many UK accounting firms, onboarding is where problems begin. Endless email chains, missed documents, unclear instructions, and rushed compliance checks can leave both your team and your client frustrated before any work has even started.

This blog is here to help you fix that.

We’ll walk you through five reliable digital onboarding software options designed with accounting workflows in mind. It helps you manage document collection, client communication, identity verification, and compliance in one place. Whether you’re running a solo practice or managing a growing team, these tools can help you reduce manual work while staying aligned with UK regulations.

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Why UK Accounting Firms Are Turning to Digital Onboarding Software

Onboarding a new client isn’t just about getting a few documents in place. For UK accountants, it’s a formal process that includes legal checks, consent management, and gathering sensitive financial information. Every step needs to be secure, accurate, and recorded properly.

But here’s the problem: many firms still rely on outdated, paper-based systems. In fact, a recent survey by IRIS Software Group found that over 50% of UK accountancy firms still use paper for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes, and 72% haven’t updated their workflows in more than 18 months. That creates unnecessary risk—not just in terms of errors, but in failing to meet UK compliance standards.

That’s where digital onboarding software comes in.

1.Stay in line with AML and GDPR requirements

Client onboarding isn’t just an admin step. It’s your first opportunity to stay compliant with AML regulations in the UK, including the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, GDPR, and guidelines from HMRC. The right tool helps record client information securely, flag risk indicators, and collect confirmations with clear digital records.

2. Manage KYC checks with less manual work

With the right KYC checks for accounting firms, you don’t have to chase passports, addresses, or financial records through long email threads. Instead, clients upload their documents through a secure portal, and you get a clear view of their status. This is especially helpful for firms handling multiple new clients each month.

3. Help your team stay organised

If your team still uses spreadsheets or manual folders to track progress, things can slip. Using dedicated client onboarding software for accountants helps your staff stay on the same page. Everyone can see what’s been completed, what’s missing, and what needs to happen next.

4. Make onboarding smoother for clients

Clients are busy too. They don’t want to spend a week filling in forms or resending the same files. The best digital onboarding software solutions for small UK accountancy practices allow clients to complete the process in one place, with minimal back-and-forth. This shows your firm is professional, clear, and serious about security.

5. Set the right tone from day one

First impressions matter. A reliable onboarding experience reflects your firm’s standards and builds trust from the start. Clients want to know their data is safe and that you’re prepared to support them properly.

Top 5 Digital Onboarding Software Solutions for UK Accounting Firms

1.Finexer

If you’re looking for a reliable way to bring clients onboard without juggling spreadsheets, manual document checks, and endless follow-ups, Finexer is a solid fit. This UK-based digital onboarding software is built specifically for accountants who need to handle identity verification, KYC/KYB, and compliance checks without adding overhead or complexity.

What makes Finexer stand out is its focus on security, automation, and cost-effectiveness. It combines multiple identity verification methods, financial insights, and document analysis in a single platform—while staying aligned with AML regulations in the UK and offering Open Banking integration.

What You Can Do with Finexer

✅ Verify Identity with Bank Sign-in

Rather than relying on static documents or email-based checks, Finexer lets your clients verify themselves using their bank accounts. Once permission is granted, the system securely checks identity records with the client’s financial institution, comparing details like name and account number in real time.

This is a fast and accurate way to meet KYC requirements without needing to manually cross-check documents.

✅ Run Facial Recognition with Document Matching

Your clients can upload an ID document (like a passport or driving licence), then take a real-time selfie. Finexer compares both images and generates a similarity score in seconds, helping you quickly confirm identity and spot discrepancies.

This protects your firm from identity fraud and reduces back-and-forth during onboarding.

✅ Access Financial Data for Deeper Insight

With client permission, Finexer accesses real-time banking data and generates reports on cash flow, daily balances, and transaction patterns. This can help you better understand your client’s financial position.

Example Report Summary:

Name	Account	Type	Balance
Mr George Williams	20-04-00 12345678	Personal / Savings	£12,777.88

Insights:

• Daily Balance (Avg): £9,232.50
• Monthly Transactions: 6.38
• Volume In (Quarter): £20,293.80
• Volume Out (Quarter): £5,257.20

This type of financial insight is rarely included in standard onboarding software, and gives Finexer a clear advantage when it comes to understanding the client beyond the ID check.

✅ Combine Checks in One Workflow

You don’t need multiple tools for identity checks, document uploads, name matching, and financial review. Finexer pulls everything into one workflow, which helps you avoid missed steps and stay compliant without bouncing between systems.

Here’s what that workflow include:

1. Upload of official ID
2. Selfie comparison
3. Name match with bank data
4. KYC/KYB verification
5. Financial data retrieval
6. Downloadable onboarding report with timestamps and similarity scoring

Why UK Accounting Firms Choose Finexer

• Built with AML regulations UK in mind
• Integrates with Open Banking and UK financial institutions
• Covers both KYC for individuals and KYB for business clients
• Offers secure document verification software for accountants
• FCA-compliant infrastructure
• No need for additional plug-ins or third-party ID tools

Pricing: Transparent and Scalable

One of the biggest advantages of Finexer is its cost-effective pricing model. Unlike many onboarding tools that charge high monthly rates or limit features behind expensive plans, Finexer uses volume-based pricing that adjusts based on how many verifications or clients you onboard.

✅ No hidden costs
✅ 14 Days Free Trial
✅ Tailored pricing for firms of any size

This makes it especially suitable if you’re a smaller firm or startup looking to manage compliance without blowing the budget.

Best Suited For You If…

• You want an all-in-one client onboarding software for accountants
• You need secure, accurate KYC checks without piecing together different apps
• You’re looking for a platform that meets UK-specific compliance rules
• You want to keep costs low while maintaining security and professionalism

2.Ignition

Managing client engagements, proposals, and payments can often be a time-consuming process for accounting firms. Ignition offers a comprehensive client onboarding software for accountants, designed to automate these tasks, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and improving client relationships.​

Key Features of Ignition

1. Branded Proposals and Engagement Letters

With Ignition, you can create professional, branded proposals and engagement letters that clearly outline your services and terms. This not only enhances your firm’s image but also helps in setting clear expectations with clients from the outset. ​

2. Automated Billing and Payment Collection

Ignition automates the billing process by collecting payment details upfront during the proposal stage. Once a client accepts the proposal, billing and payment collection occur automatically, ensuring timely payments and improving cash flow.

3. Integration with Accounting Software

To streamline your workflow, Ignition integrates seamlessly with popular accounting platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks Online. This integration ensures that your client data and financial information are synchronised across systems, reducing manual data entry and the risk of errors. ​

4. Compliance Support

While Ignition primarily focuses on proposals and payments, it can be integrated with other tools to support compliance with AML regulations in the UK. This integration aids in conducting necessary KYC checks for accounting firms, ensuring that your client onboarding process adheres to regulatory standards. ​

Pricing Structure

Ignition offers several pricing plans tailored to different business needs:​

• Solo Plan: Designed for solo practitioners, this plan supports up to 20 active clients. Additional clients can be added for an extra fee. ​
• Core Plan: Suitable for growing firms, this plan accommodates up to 50 active clients, with the option to add more at an additional cost. ​
• Pro Plan: Aimed at larger firms, this plan supports up to 350 active clients, offering advanced features to manage a more extensive client base.

A 14-day free trial is available, allowing firms to explore the platform’s features before making a commitment.

Ideal For

• Accounting Firms Seeking Automation: Firms looking to automate their client engagement, billing, and payment collection processes to save time and reduce administrative tasks.​
• Businesses Using Xero or QuickBooks: Firms that utilise Xero or QuickBooks Online and wish to integrate their client onboarding software seamlessly with their existing accounting systems.​
• Firms Prioritising Compliance: Organisations that need to adhere to AML regulations in the UK and require a system that can integrate with compliance tools to facilitate KYC checks for accounting firms.

3.BrightManager

Managing client relationships, ensuring compliance, and handling administrative tasks can be challenging for accounting firms. BrightManager, previously known as AccountancyManager, offers a comprehensive client onboarding software for accountants, designed to automate and streamline these processes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction.​

Key Features of BrightManager

1. Automated Client Onboarding

BrightManager simplifies the client onboarding process by automating tasks such as professional clearance, proposals, and engagement letters. This ensures a smooth transition for new clients and reduces the administrative burden on your team.

2. Secure Client Portal

The platform provides a secure, GDPR-compliant client portal where clients can upload documents, access communications, and e-sign documents. This enhances data security and facilitates efficient document management. ​

3. Task Management and Workflow Automation

BrightManager offers streamlined task management by automatically generating task lists driven by compliance deadlines. You can create workflow templates, assign tasks to team members, and track progress, ensuring that deadlines are met efficiently. ​

4. Time Tracking and Profitability Analysis

The software includes time tracking features that allow you to monitor staff productivity and assess the profitability of various tasks and clients. This data is crucial for making informed business decisions and optimising resource allocation.

5. Compliance with AML Regulations

BrightManager assists in adhering to AML regulations in the UK by facilitating KYC checks for accounting firms. It enables you to carry out AML ID and credit checks, complete and store risk assessments, and assign risk ratings to clients, ensuring compliance and reducing risk.

Pricing Structure

BrightManager offers flexible pricing plans to accommodate firms of various sizes:​

• Monthly Plan: £39 per user per month. ​
• Annual Plan: £374.40 per user per year, offering a 20% discount compared to the monthly plan.

A 30-day free trial is available, allowing firms to explore the platform’s features before making a commitment. ​

Ideal For

• Accounting Firms Seeking Comprehensive Practice Management: Firms looking to automate client onboarding, task management, and compliance processes to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.​
• Businesses Prioritising Compliance: Organisations that need to adhere to AML regulations in the UK and require a system that facilitates KYC checks for accounting firms.​
• Firms of Various Sizes: With flexible pricing plans and scalable features, BrightManager is suitable for small to medium-sized accounting practices.​

4.Senta by IRIS

If your firm is juggling deadlines, back-and-forth emails, and paper-based admin, Senta by IRIS offers a way to stay organised without relying on spreadsheets or outdated tools. It’s a flexible digital onboarding software built for UK accountants who want to manage tasks, track clients, and stay compliant with UK regulations—all from one dashboard.

What You Can Do with Senta

• Create Your Own Onboarding Workflows
  Senta lets you build onboarding journeys that match how your firm actually works. You can set up steps like sending a welcome email, requesting ID, triggering AML checks, or creating engagement letters—automatically.
• Keep Track of Tasks Without Chasing People
  You can assign tasks to team members and get notified when something’s overdue. Clients also receive email reminders when documents or signatures are pending.
• Use a Secure Portal to Handle Documents
  Clients get their own secure space where they can upload ID, download forms, and sign letters digitally. This keeps everything together and reduces the need for email threads.
• Stay Connected to Your Accounting Tools
  Senta works with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, and a few other popular UK systems. Data flows between tools, so you don’t have to copy and paste or worry about errors.
• Built-in Compliance Features
  While Senta doesn’t handle facial recognition or bank-level ID checks like Finexer, it does include support for KYC checks for accounting firms and helps you stay in line with AML regulations in the UK. You can connect it with external AML tools for deeper checks if needed.

Pricing

• £32 per user, per month
• 30-day free trial available
• No long-term contract required

Best Suited For You If:

• You want to create custom onboarding workflows without writing code
• You need automatic reminders and task tracking tied to UK tax deadlines
• You want to keep all client communications, documents, and tasks in one secure platform

5.Clustdoc

Efficient client onboarding and strict compliance with AML regulations in the UK are critical for accounting firms. Clustdoc offers a comprehensive digital onboarding software solution tailored to meet these needs, facilitating seamless client interactions and robust compliance processes.​

Key Features of Clustdoc

1. Customisable Onboarding Workflows

Clustdoc enables firms to create bespoke onboarding workflows, incorporating necessary forms, document requests, and tasks. This customisation ensures that the onboarding process aligns with the firm’s specific requirements and compliance standards.

2. Secure Document Collection and Management

The platform provides a secure portal for clients to submit sensitive documents, ensuring data protection and confidentiality. This feature is essential for maintaining compliance with data protection regulations and building client trust. ​

3. Integrated e-Signature Capabilities

Clustdoc includes legally binding e-signature functionality, allowing clients to sign documents digitally. This streamlines the approval process and reduces the need for physical paperwork. ​

4. Compliance with AML and KYC Regulations

The software supports KYC checks for accounting firms, aiding in adherence to AML regulations in the UK. Clustdoc offers features like identity verification and risk assessment tools to ensure thorough compliance during client onboarding.

5. Ready-to-Use Templates

Clustdoc provides over 200 industry-specific workflow templates, including KYC/AML onboarding checklists. These templates help firms quickly implement standardised processes and maintain consistency across client interactions.

Pricing Structure

Clustdoc offers several pricing plans to accommodate different business needs:​

• Pro Plan: €190/month, including 3 user seats, 1 digital process, 50 new applications per month, and 25 GB of storage.

A free trial is available, allowing firms to explore the platform’s features before committing to a subscription. ​

Best Suited For You If:

• Your firm requires a customisable client onboarding software for accountants that can be tailored to specific workflows and compliance needs.​
• You prioritise secure document collection and management to protect sensitive client information.​
• Ensuring compliance with AML regulations in the UK through integrated KYC checks for accounting firms is a key concern.

Success Story: How VirtualSignature-ID Streamlined High-Value Onboarding with Finexer

VirtualSignature-ID (VSID), a UK Government-accredited provider of digital identity and eSignature services, works closely with legal and accounting firms handling complex, high-value transactions. They needed a fast, secure way to verify client identity, validate source of funds, and meet Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards — without introducing friction.

By integrating with Finexer, VSID transformed its onboarding workflow for high-value property and financial transactions. Using Finexer’s Open Banking-powered identity verification, VSID automated AML checks, confirmed client identity using real-time bank data, and matched it against document uploads and facial recognition — all within a single process.

“Finexer gave us the flexibility, compliance, and bank-grade verification we needed—all in one workflow. It’s a core part of how we help our clients move faster without compromising trust.”
— David Kern, CEO, VirtualSignature-ID

This partnership helped VSID:

• Speed up identity and source of funds checks
• Reduce manual review time
• Meet UK AML and KYC regulations more confidently
• Enhance client experience with fewer delays

Whether onboarding a property buyer or validating business ownership, VSID now delivers smoother, more secure onboarding powered by Finexer’s infrastructure.