Frequently Asked Questions

eCommerce FAQs

Which eCommerce Accounting Software Supports API Integrations for Custom Workflows?

eCommerce accounting software such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, and NetSuite offers APIs that developers can use to build custom integrations with online stores, marketplaces, payment gateways, inventory systems, and other business applications.

However, the best accounting software for custom eCommerce workflows depends on the business’s transaction volume, reporting requirements, API capabilities, and accounting complexity.

Which eCommerce accounting platforms support APIs?

Accounting platformAPI capabilitiesSuitable requirements
QuickBooks OnlineAccounting API for customers, invoices, payments, accounts, and other supported recordsSmall to mid-sized eCommerce businesses
XeroAccounting API for invoices, contacts, payments, and supported financial recordsBusinesses needing flexible accounting connectivity
NetSuiteSuiteTalk REST APIs and integration capabilitiesComplex ERP and multi-entity workflows
Sage IntacctAPI capabilities for financial and operational recordsBusinesses requiring advanced financial management
Zoho BooksREST APIs for supported accounting objectsGrowing businesses with customized workflows

Actual capabilities depend on the product edition, API access, permissions, and supported endpoints.

What should businesses evaluate before choosing an accounting API?

Consider these requirements:

  • Transaction handling: Can the integration process your expected order and refund volume?
  • Financial data coverage: Does the API support the invoices, payments, taxes, credits, and journal entries you need?
  • Authentication: Does it offer appropriate authentication and permission controls?
  • Synchronization: Can the integration retrieve updates and prevent duplicate records?
  • Custom mapping: Can transactions be mapped to the correct general ledger accounts?
  • Error handling: Can failed transactions be identified and safely reprocessed?
  • Reporting: Can the accounting system provide the financial information your business requires?

For example, a business may need to record marketplace fees separately from sales revenue. The accounting API must support the required transaction structure, while the integration layer handles the mapping and posting rules.

Should you use native APIs or a unified accounting API?

Native APIs provide direct access to the accounting platform’s supported capabilities. Unified APIs provide a common interface for multiple accounting platforms, although provider-specific functionality may still require additional development.

Satva’s guide to unified accounting API platforms explains these approaches and their trade-offs.

Businesses with unique financial workflows can also explore custom API integration services to connect accounting platforms with eCommerce and operational systems.

The key consideration: Choose the accounting platform based on the financial workflows it must support, not simply the number of integrations advertised.