Reckon

Reckon Competitive Intelligence & Landscape

reckon.com ·

Reckon
ForesightIQ Predictions

What is Reckon likely to do next?

ForesightIQ connects Reckon's hiring, product, web, ad, and market signals to forecast strategic moves — often months before they're announced.

Hiring signal

Senior hiring patterns point to a planned enterprise product line launching within two quarters.

High confidence · Next 1–2 quarters
Product signal

Quiet changes to docs and pricing pages signal an upcoming usage-based pricing tier and new API surface.

Likely · Next quarter
Market signal

Ad spend and partnership activity indicate a push into the mid-market segment across two new regions.

Plausible · Next 2–3 quarters
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Overview

Reckon Overview

Reckon (reckon.com) is a prominent Australian business technology provider, specializing in accounting and payroll software solutions for small to medium businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. Founded in 1987 by Greg Wilkinson, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a publicly listed entity on the ASX (ASX: RKN) with its headquarters in North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Its mission is to create technology that transforms ambition into accomplishment, offering easy-to-use software that saves time and ensures compliance.

Reckon offers a diverse portfolio of products and services designed to meet various business needs. Core offerings include Reckon One for small business accounting, Reckon Cloud POS for point-of-sale operations, and Reckon Accounts Hosted for more comprehensive online accounting tailored even for larger businesses. They also provide solutions like Mobile Payroll App and Invoices App. The company supports various industries and provides features such as invoicing and billing, bank reconciliation, employee payments, and timesheets, all available with flexible plans, often starting from $1 per month and including a 30-day free trial with unlimited users.

Reckon's target market primarily includes small to medium businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers seeking efficient and compliant financial management tools. The company supports a vast network of over 6,000 certified Reckon Partners, who are accountants and bookkeepers proficient in using their products. While Reckon has recently divested its Accountants Group (including APS and Reckon Elite) to The Access Group in a $100 million agreement, its core focus remains on providing robust accounting and payroll solutions to its established customer base.

Competitors

Reckon Competitors

Reckon (reckon.com) is a prominent Australian provider of cloud-based accounting software, catering primarily to small to medium-sized businesses. Their offerings encompass essential financial management tools such as bookkeeping, payroll, invoicing, and comprehensive financial reporting [Source: https://sumble.com/tech/reckon].

Reckon emphasizes ease of use and compliance, with plans starting from just $1 per month, making it an accessible option for businesses looking to streamline their accounting and payroll processes [Source: https://reckon.com/]. The company also highlights its competitive advantage in data migration, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses switching from other accounting systems [Source: https://reckon.com/].

One of Reckon's main competitors is Xero Limited.

Xero is a global cloud-based accounting software known for its extensive integrations and user-friendly interface. While Reckon focuses on the Australian market, Xero has a broader international presence and is often considered a leader in the small business accounting software space [Source: https://koalagains.com/stocks/ASX/RKN/competition]. In terms of features, both offer robust accounting and payroll functionalities, but Xero is often perceived to have a more expansive ecosystem of add-on applications.

Intuit QuickBooks is another major competitor to Reckon.

QuickBooks, a product of Intuit Inc., is widely recognized globally for its comprehensive accounting solutions tailored for various business sizes.

QuickBooks positions itself as a strong alternative to Reckon, emphasizing its intuitive features and user-friendly interface designed to simplify daily operations and save time for growing businesses [Source: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/au/quickbooks-vs-reckon-comparison/]. Both companies offer comparable core accounting features, but QuickBooks often serves a slightly broader range of industry-specific tools.

MYOB Group is a significant regional competitor, particularly strong in Australia and New Zealand. Like Reckon, MYOB offers a suite of accounting and payroll solutions for small and medium businesses.

Reckon's own comparison data often includes MYOB's offerings, indicating direct competition in terms of features and pricing for similar plans like MYOB's 'Business Lite' [Source: https://www.reckon.com/au/accounting-software/compare/]. The choice between Reckon and MYOB often comes down to specific local support and feature preferences within the Australian market.

Finally, FreshBooks also competes with Reckon, particularly for freelancers and small businesses with a strong focus on invoicing and expense tracking.

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing software providing functionalities for invoicing, expense and time tracking, financial reporting, and online payment processing [Source: https://www.cbinsights.com/company/reckon]. While Reckon offers a broader suite of accounting and payroll tools, FreshBooks often stands out for its simplicity and specialized features for service-based businesses and independent professionals.

Alternatives

Reckon Alternatives

Product & Pricing

Reckon Product and Pricing Intelligence

Reckon (reckon.com) offers a comprehensive suite of accounting and payroll software tailored for small businesses and accountants, with a focus on Australian compliance. Their offerings include Reckon One for online accounting, Reckon Accounts Hosted for larger businesses requiring advanced features, and dedicated payroll solutions.

Reckon emphasizes affordability, with some services starting from just $1/month, and provides a 30-day free trial with unlimited users across many of its platforms, allowing businesses to test features without commitment.

For accounting, Reckon One provides online accounting basics starting from $1/month, enabling businesses to monitor income, expenses, and cash flow with real-time reporting [https://www.reckon.com/au/accounting-software/core/]. This includes managing receipts, invoices, and payments. Features like tracking GST, managing BAS, and sending unlimited invoices are available. For more comprehensive needs, Reckon Accounts offers desktop accounting with advanced features like customizable invoices, inventory tracking, job management, and over 200 report types for detailed business insights [https://www.reckon.com/au/reckon-accounts/].

Reckon Accounts Hosted is designed for larger businesses, offering similar robust reporting and customization options, including job cost reports and transaction lookups [https://www.reckon.com/au/accounts-hosted/].

Reckon also provides dedicated payroll solutions.

Reckon Payroll offers affordable online payroll management, with comparisons highlighting various pricing tiers. For example, some plans are advertised at $16 per month, with options for additional annual costs like $444 per year or $708 per year, depending on the features and number of employees supported (e.g., up to 4 employees with free phone support and onboarding) [https://www.reckon.com/au/payroll-software/compare/].

Reckon's pricing strategy is designed to be competitive, with a "clever pricing system" that aims to undercut rivals in both accounting and payroll software markets. Many of their solutions include core features such as managing wages, leave, superannuation, and Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance [https://www.reckon.com/au/].

Hiring & Layoffs

Reckon Hiring and Layoffs

Reckon (reckon.com), an Australian-owned business technology company, actively emphasizes growth and support for its employees, signaling a stable and forward-looking hiring strategy. The company is continuously on the lookout for "the best and brightest to join the team" and highlights a commitment to helping staff grow "in whatever way, and whatever direction, they want" [reckon.com/au/careers/]. This focus on employee development, backed by a welcome from CEO Sam Allert for new hires, suggests a strategic investment in human capital rather than a trend towards layoffs.

While specific recent hiring trends or large-scale layoffs are not detailed, Reckon's careers page and "About Us" section consistently invite potential employees to explore job openings [reckon.com/au/about-us/]. The presence of Jessica Morris as General Manager of People & Culture further underscores a structured approach to recruitment and employee management [reckon.com/au/contact-us/]. Their resources for small businesses on "Recruiting & Onboarding" also demonstrate internal expertise and a practical understanding of effective hiring practices, including leveraging platforms like LinkedIn [reckon.com/au/small-business-resources/hiring-staff-process/recruiting-onboarding/].

Reckon's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, as championed by its CEO, reflects a modern and competitive hiring approach. This strategy aims to secure a skilled workforce from diverse backgrounds, fostering innovation and a welcoming environment, which can attract top talent [reckon.com/au/blog/dei-in-the-workplace-from-reckon-ceo-innovation-through-diversity/]. The company also offers "Free onboarding sessions" for its customers to learn how to add employees and set up payroll, indicating a robust infrastructure around employee management, both internally and as a service for its users [reckon.com/au/]. This consistent focus on talent acquisition and development across its offerings and internal policies suggests a strategy of sustained growth and operational efficiency.

Leadership

Reckon Management and Leadership Team

Reckon (reckon.com) is led by a dedicated team of executives and a governing Board of Directors, ensuring the long-term success and strategic direction of the business. The company's CEO and Executive Director is Sam Allert, who plays a pivotal role in the company's growth and strategy, including its expansion in the legal practice management industry. The company's origins trace back to its founder, Greg Wilkinson, who co-founded Reckon in 1987 and continues to serve as a Non-Executive Director on the board. Wilkinson brings over 30 years of experience in the computer software industry, having previously managed Caxton Software in the UK.

The Reckon Board of Directors includes both non-executive and executive directors who oversee the company's operations and strategic objectives. Beyond the board and executive leadership, key personnel within Reckon include Brad Stevens, who serves as the General Manager of Marketing, handling media inquiries. Tom Rowe is the Company Secretary, responsible for investor relations, while Jessica Morris is the General Manager of People & Culture, overseeing employment and careers at Reckon.

Reckon prides itself on a diverse and inclusive workforce, a value championed by CEO Sam Allert. The company's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is reflected in its employee engagement surveys, with a workforce representing various countries, lifestyles, and abilities. This emphasis on DEI is seen as empowering the workforce and fostering innovation within the company. Furthermore, Reckon leverages industry experts like Clayton Oates, a Reckon Accredited Trainer and founder of QA Business, who contributes to the Reckon Learning Hub, sharing insights in accounting and bookkeeping.

Financials

Reckon Financial Performance, Fundraising, M&A

Reckon (ASX: RKN) is a publicly listed Australian company specializing in accounting, business, and bookkeeping software, co-founded in 1987 by Greg Wilkinson and others. The company provides cloud and desktop software solutions for small to medium businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers, with over 400,000 Australian employees paid via their platform.

Reckon prides itself on being built for Australian businesses, ensuring data stays local, simplifying compliance, payroll, and reporting in alignment with Australian tax and superannuation requirements. Their offerings also extend to business loans, point-of-sale systems, and various app integrations.

Financially, Reckon demonstrates steady performance, with its full-year 2021 (CY2021) normalized revenue reaching $71.3 million, a 1.6% increase from the prior corresponding period. Normalized EBITDA for CY2021 stood at $29.5 million, up 1.4%, and normalized NPAT increased by 7.8% to $7.9 million. The company's annual recurring revenue (ARR) was $65.3 million, representing 92% of total revenue. In the first half of 2021 (H1 CY2021), Reckon reported normalized revenue of $37.5 million and normalized EBITDA of $16.7 million, alongside a normalized NPAT of $5.4 million. Net debt was reduced to $13 million during this period following the sale of ReckonDocs and ongoing cost control measures.

Reckon has been active in mergers and acquisitions, contributing to its growth. In its half-year results for 2025, the company highlighted improvements due to investments in cloud products, operational efficiency, and the acquisition of Cashflow Manager. Previously, Reckon also revealed plans to take a 70% stake in the SaaS developer Zebraworks, expanding its legal offering to include practice management. The company has also launched Reckon Loans for business financing, further diversifying its service portfolio and maintaining continuous growth through strategic initiatives in cloud and mobile technologies.

Partnerships

Reckon Partnerships, Clients and Vendors

Reckon (reckon.com) actively cultivates an extensive network of partnerships, focusing on enriching its software ecosystem and simplifying business operations for small to medium-sized enterprises. The company collaborates with a diverse range of entities, from startups to large corporations and educational institutions. A significant aspect of their partner strategy involves Accountants & Bookkeepers, who serve as trusted advisors to their small business clients, leveraging Reckon's solutions to enhance productivity and growth [https://www.reckon.com/au/partnerships/]. They offer programs like the Reckon Cloud Advisor Program to support and grow firms, providing training, tools, and lead generation opportunities through a partner directory [https://www.reckon.com/nz/partners/].

Reckon also operates a comprehensive Developer Portal [https://developer.reckon.com/] and an Add-on Marketplace [https://www.reckon.com/marketplace/], inviting third-party developers to integrate their applications with the Reckon API. This initiative provides developers with access to over 600,000 businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers who actively seek add-ons to enhance their Reckon products [https://developer.reckon.com/]. Listing an app in the marketplace requires a review process to ensure functionality and quality [https://developer.reckon.com/marketplace], ultimately helping developers attract new clients and revenue within the Reckon ecosystem.

Key technology integrations and vendors within the Reckon ecosystem include AgriSmart, an all-in-one workforce management solution tailored for farmers, and viaSocket, a workflow automation platform designed to integrate and streamline operations across various tools and services [https://www.reckon.com/marketplace/]. Furthermore, Reckon has partnered with OZEDI to launch an eInvoicing solution [https://www.reckon.com/au/media/reckon-to-launch-einvoicing-solution-with-ozedi-partnership/], and integrates with Stripe to facilitate online payments directly from Reckon One invoices, offering a simple and secure way for customers to pay [https://www.reckon.com/au/accounting-software/payments/stripe/]. Beyond software, Reckon has also engaged in partnerships like with NSW Rugby Union [https://www.reckon.com/au/media/reckon-partners-with-nsw-rugby-union/], demonstrating a broader engagement strategy.

Events

Reckon Event Participations

Reckon (reckon.com) actively engages with its community and customers through a variety of events, including conferences, roadshows, and extensive webinar programs. A key annual gathering is the Reckon Partner Conference, with the 2026 event scheduled for November 19-20 at Sofitel Darling Harbour. This two-day conference is designed to inspire, educate, and celebrate its partner community [reckon.com/au/reckon-partner-conference-2026/].

Beyond its dedicated partner conference, Reckon also undertakes significant roadshow events to directly support businesses. The Reckon Payday Super Roadshow 2026, for example, is visiting nine locations nationwide between April 15 and May 21, 2026. This initiative aims to help businesses prepare for the upcoming Payday Super legislation, offering 1.5 CPD credits for attendees [reckon.com/au/payday-super-roadshow/]. The company also participates in industry-specific events and expos, with past attendances at events like ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) conferences across various Australian cities (Hobart, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne), First Class Accounts National Workshop, and the Accounting Business Expo [reckon.com/au/events-form/].

Reckon maintains a robust webinar program, offering both live and on-demand sessions for businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers [reckon.com/au/webinars/]. These webinars cover a wide range of topics, from mastering cashflow with the "Show Me The Money – Managing Cashflow Masterclass" hosted by Reckon Accredited Trainer Clayton Oates [reckon.com/au/webinars/upcoming/show-me-the-money/] to detailed guides on employee management, such as the "How to Hire, Fire & Retire Masterclass" [reckon.com/au/webinars/upcoming/reckon-payroll-how-to-hire-fire-retire-masterclass/]. Other webinars focus on optimizing software usage, including sessions on "Managing Customers, Suppliers & Items – Reckon Accounts" [reckon.com/au/webinars/upcoming/managing-customers-suppliers-items-reckon-accounts/] and "File Maintenance – New Hosted Experience – Reckon Accounts" [reckon.com/au/webinars/upcoming/file-maintenance-hosted/]. The Reckon Learning Hub provides unlimited access to all available on-demand webinars, upcoming live webinars, and expert guides, offering over $4000 in value through 30+ webinars and comprehensive workbooks [learning.reckon.com/].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reckon's primary strategic focus in the Australian market, given its product offerings and compliance emphasis?

Reckon's primary strategic focus is providing comprehensive accounting and payroll software solutions tailored for Australian small to medium businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. The company emphasizes local compliance with Australian tax and superannuation requirements, including Single Touch Payroll (STP), PAYG tax, and Payday Super, ensuring data stays local and simplifying reporting for its users.

What do Reckon's recent event activities, such as the Payday Super Roadshow 2026, signal about their immediate strategic priorities?

Reckon's active engagement in events like the Payday Super Roadshow 2026 signals a strategic priority on supporting businesses through regulatory changes and enhancing user education. This initiative, visiting nine locations and offering CPD credits, demonstrates a direct effort to help customers with compliance for upcoming legislation, reinforcing Reckon's commitment to localized support and user competence.

What does Reckon's hiring strategy, including its emphasis on DEI and employee growth, suggest about its long-term operational stability and talent acquisition?

Reckon's hiring strategy, emphasizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and a commitment to employee development, suggests a focus on long-term operational stability and attracting top talent. By fostering an inclusive environment and supporting staff growth, the company aims to secure a skilled workforce from diverse backgrounds, which can drive innovation and sustained growth.

How has Reckon's financial strategy, including M&A activities, contributed to its growth and market position?

Reckon's financial strategy has driven growth through strategic M&A activities and investments in cloud products. Acquisitions like Cashflow Manager and plans for a 70% stake in Zebraworks, alongside reducing net debt to $13 million by selling ReckonDocs, demonstrate a focus on expanding its service portfolio and maintaining continuous growth in cloud and mobile technologies.

What is the implication of CEO Sam Allert championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Reckon?

CEO Sam Allert championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Reckon implies a strategic focus on fostering an innovative and empowering work environment. This commitment, reflected in employee engagement and a diverse workforce, aims to attract top talent and enhance overall company performance through varied perspectives.

How does Reckon differentiate itself from major competitors like Xero and Intuit QuickBooks, particularly regarding its target market and compliance focus?

Reckon differentiates itself from Xero and Intuit QuickBooks by primarily focusing on the Australian market with a strong emphasis on local compliance for small to medium businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. While competitors have broader international presences, Reckon ensures data stays local and simplifies compliance with specific Australian tax and superannuation requirements, offering competitive pricing starting from $1 per month.

What does Reckon's extensive partner network and Developer Portal signify about its ecosystem strategy?

Reckon's extensive partner network and Developer Portal signify a robust ecosystem strategy aimed at enriching its software offerings and simplifying business operations. By collaborating with accountants, bookkeepers, and third-party developers through its API and Add-on Marketplace, Reckon seeks to expand functionality, provide integrated solutions, and leverage partners for lead generation and enhanced customer value within its ecosystem.

What do Reckon's pricing strategies, such as $1/month for Reckon One and competitive payroll tiers, suggest about its market positioning?

Reckon's pricing strategies, including $1/month for Reckon One and competitive payroll tiers, suggest a market positioning focused on affordability and accessibility within the Australian small business segment. By undercutting rivals and offering free trials with unlimited users, Reckon aims to attract businesses prioritizing cost-effective and compliant accounting and payroll solutions.

What kind of competitive intelligence questions can be answered using ForesightIQ's data on Reckon?

ForesightIQ's data on Reckon can answer competitive intelligence questions related to its strategic priorities based on event engagement, implications of hiring and DEI initiatives, financial performance and M&A impact, leadership's strategic direction, differentiation against key competitors like Xero and QuickBooks, ecosystem strategy signaled by partnerships, and market positioning derived from product and pricing models.

How does Reckon's approach to local compliance, particularly with Australian tax and superannuation, impact its competitive advantage?

Reckon's approach to local compliance, emphasizing alignment with Australian tax and superannuation requirements, significantly impacts its competitive advantage by building trust and simplifying operations for local businesses. This focus ensures data stays local and supports features like Single Touch Payroll (STP) and Payday Super, differentiating it from global competitors who may not offer the same depth of localized compliance.

Given the divestment of its Accountants Group, what is Reckon's refined core business focus moving forward?

Following the divestment of its Accountants Group (including APS and Reckon Elite), Reckon's refined core business focus is on providing robust accounting and payroll software solutions to its established base of small to medium businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. The company continues to offer products like Reckon One, Reckon Cloud POS, and Reckon Accounts Hosted.

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