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Browse every solution in this group through our Expense Management & Receipt Tracking Tools overview.

Expense Management Tools for Agencies and Creative Studios
Albert Richer

Navigating the Expense Management Landscape: Insights for Agencies and Creative Studios As agencies and creative studios increasingly rely on effective expense management tools, market research indicates that specific features can make a substantial difference. Comparative analysis of product specs shows that tools like Expensify and BambooHR frequently receive positive ratings in customer reviews for their user-friendly interfaces and robust reporting capabilities. Notably, many consumers suggest that streamlined receipt tracking can significantly reduce administrative burdens, allowing creative teams to focus on what they do best—being creative. However, while some platforms boast impressive integrations, research suggests that not all features are equally valuable. For instance, QuickBooks is often lauded for its comprehensive accounting capabilities but can feel overwhelming for smaller teams, leading to user frustration. On the other hand, Zoho Expense, commonly featured in expert roundups, provides a lighter, more intuitive experience that resonates well with agencies looking for simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Navigating the Expense Management Landscape: Insights for Agencies and Creative Studios As agencies and creative studios increasingly rely on effective expense management tools, market research indicates that specific features can make a substantial difference.

Similar Categories
1
Expert Score
9.8 / 10
704
47
AGENCY PRO
REAL-TIME TRACKER

Fiskl Creative Agency Software

Fiskl Creative Agency Software
View Website
Fiskl's accounting software is designed specifically for creative and marketing agencies, offering intelligent invoicing, real-time accounting, multi-currency invoicing, and automated bookkeeping. Its simplified tax management feature aligns well with the financial complexities that creative agencies often face, making it a vital tool in managing agency expenses.
Fiskl's accounting software is designed specifically for creative and marketing agencies, offering intelligent invoicing, real-time accounting, multi-currency invoicing, and automated bookkeeping. Its simplified tax management feature aligns well with the financial complexities that creative agencies often face, making it a vital tool in managing agency expenses.
AGENCY PRO
REAL-TIME TRACKER

Best for teams that are

  • Freelancers and small creative studios needing mobile-first accounting
  • Users who want AI to automate expense categorization and receipt scanning

Skip if

  • Mid-to-large agencies with complex approval workflows or payroll needs
  • Businesses requiring deep ERP integrations beyond basic accounting

Expert Take

Fiskl's intelligent invoicing and real-time accounting simplify financial management for creative agencies. Its ability to handle multi-currency invoicing is a major advantage for agencies dealing with international clients. Plus, the automated bookkeeping feature saves time and reduces errors, allowing creative professionals to focus more on their core tasks rather than on accounting. Its tax management feature is also a boon during tax seasons.

Pros

  • Tailored for creative agencies
  • Automated bookkeeping
  • Multi-currency invoicing
  • Simplified tax management
  • Real-time accounting

Cons

  • Limited integrations
  • No enterprise pricing disclosed
2
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
488
145
MOBILE MAVERICK

ActiveCollab

ActiveCollab
View Website
ActiveCollab is a comprehensive workspace solution designed specifically for service businesses like agencies and creative studios. It streamlines task, project, team, client, and billing management, addressing the unique needs of this industry by offering a robust expense management tool that helps keep track of project costs and receipts.
ActiveCollab is a comprehensive workspace solution designed specifically for service businesses like agencies and creative studios. It streamlines task, project, team, client, and billing management, addressing the unique needs of this industry by offering a robust expense management tool that helps keep track of project costs and receipts.
MOBILE MAVERICK

Best for teams that are

  • Small agencies (up to 20 users) combining project management with invoicing
  • Teams that need to bill clients based on tracked time and expenses

Skip if

  • Large enterprises requiring complex financial controls and reporting
  • Companies needing a dedicated, standalone expense tool with deep features

Expert Take

ActiveCollab is more than just an expense management tool; it's a complete workspace solution that caters to the unique needs of agencies and creative studios. It provides a single platform for managing tasks, projects, teams, clients, and billing, which is extremely valuable in the fast-paced, project-driven environment of creative industries. The powerful expense tracking feature allows for precise budget control and financial transparency, making it easier to stay on top of project costs and client billing.

Pros

  • Comprehensive project management
  • Tailored for service businesses
  • Powerful expense tracking
  • User-friendly interface
  • Excellent customer support

Cons

  • Limited integrations
  • Not optimized for large teams
  • No free plan
3
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
497
144

GlideApps Expense Management

GlideApps Expense Management
View Website
GlideApps offers a custom expense management software specifically tailored for creative agencies. This tool simplifies expense tracking, budget monitoring, and provides financial clarity, directly addressing the needs of budget-conscious, project-based creative businesses.
GlideApps offers a custom expense management software specifically tailored for creative agencies. This tool simplifies expense tracking, budget monitoring, and provides financial clarity, directly addressing the needs of budget-conscious, project-based creative businesses.

Best for teams that are

  • Agencies needing fully customizable expense workflows without coding
  • Small teams wanting to integrate expenses with internal custom apps

Skip if

  • Enterprises requiring native mobile app features like push notifications
  • Teams seeking a plug-and-play solution with zero configuration time

Expert Take

Our analysis shows GlideApps transforms standard spreadsheets into secure, SOC 2 Type 2 certified expense management tools without requiring a single line of code. Research indicates its 'Row Owners' feature provides server-level data isolation, ensuring financial privacy is maintained even in a browser environment. While the 25,000-row limit on standard plans presents a scalability constraint, the integration of AI for receipt scanning and automated workflows offers exceptional value for agencies and SMBs looking for customizability.

Pros

  • AI-powered receipt scanning and text extraction
  • SOC 2 Type 2 certified security
  • Granular 'Row Owners' data access control
  • Customizable no-code approval workflows
  • Seamless integration with Google Sheets/Excel

Cons

  • Cannot edit existing data while offline
  • 25,000 row limit on standard plans
  • Per-user pricing can scale costs quickly
  • Requires internet for full functionality
  • Limited native reporting compared to BI tools
4
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
599
167
PROJECT SYNC

Function Point

Function Point
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Function Point is a comprehensive tool designed to streamline operations for creative agencies. It integrates project and workflow management, financials, CRM, and estimating, catering specifically to the unique needs of this industry. It simplifies tracking expenses and managing resources, enabling creative agencies to focus more on their core tasks.
Function Point is a comprehensive tool designed to streamline operations for creative agencies. It integrates project and workflow management, financials, CRM, and estimating, catering specifically to the unique needs of this industry. It simplifies tracking expenses and managing resources, enabling creative agencies to focus more on their core tasks.
PROJECT SYNC

Best for teams that are

  • Creative agencies (10-50 staff) needing all-in-one project and financial management
  • Teams that want to link time tracking directly to client billing and expenses

Skip if

  • Large agencies (50+ users) that may outgrow the system's scalability
  • Freelancers or very small teams due to higher cost and complexity

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that Function Point excels at bridging the gap between creative workflows and financial reality. Research indicates its standout feature is the deep integration of project management with real-time profitability tracking, allowing agencies to see exactly which clients and projects are generating margins. Based on documented features, the inclusion of Business Intelligence tools and robust QuickBooks support makes it a powerful 'single source of truth' for agency owners who prioritize financial health alongside creative output.

Pros

  • All-in-one project and financial management
  • Real-time profitability and margin tracking
  • Robust QuickBooks Online/Desktop integration
  • Highly responsive customer support team
  • Built-in Business Intelligence reporting tools

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Mobile app has limited functionality
  • Higher price point than some competitors
  • Interface can feel complex and overwhelming
  • API limits access to custom fields
5
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
390
56
FINANCIAL CLARITY

Saturation.io: Film Budgeting & Expense Management for ...

Saturation.io: Film Budgeting & Expense Management for ...
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A SaaS solution for Expense Management Tools for Agencies and Creative Studios
A SaaS solution for Expense Management Tools for Agencies and Creative Studios
FINANCIAL CLARITY

Best for teams that are

  • Video production agencies and film crews managing shoot budgets
  • Producers needing real-time actuals vs. estimates for specific projects

Skip if

  • General digital marketing agencies that do not manage production shoots
  • Traditional businesses not requiring project-based production budgeting

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Saturation.io effectively bridges the gap between legacy tools and modern workflows by integrating AI script analysis directly with budgeting. Research indicates it solves the 'version control' nightmare of spreadsheets through real-time collaboration, while its SOC 2 certification addresses the security concerns often cited by production finance teams. It is particularly strong for independent producers seeking a unified platform for budgeting and actualization.

Pros

  • Real-time collaborative budgeting
  • AI-powered script breakdown
  • SOC 2 Type 1 certified
  • Generous free tier available
  • Integrated expense card management

Cons

  • Limited offline browser dependency
  • Not universally accepted by studios
  • Mobile app limited to expenses
  • Subscription cost vs perpetual license
6
Expert Score
9.2 / 10
726
159
INNOVATIVE INTERFACE
COST EFFICIENCY

Expensify: Spend Management Software

Expensify: Spend Management Software
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Expensify is an ideal choice for agencies and creative studios because it simplifies the often complex process of expense tracking and receipt management. Its automation features free up valuable time for creative professionals, while its spending control functionalities ensure budget adherence.
Expensify is an ideal choice for agencies and creative studios because it simplifies the often complex process of expense tracking and receipt management. Its automation features free up valuable time for creative professionals, while its spending control functionalities ensure budget adherence.
INNOVATIVE INTERFACE
COST EFFICIENCY

Best for teams that are

  • Mid-sized companies needing automated receipt scanning and card reconciliation
  • Organizations that prefer a chat-based interface for managing finances

Skip if

  • Users who find chat-based UI confusing or difficult to navigate
  • Small businesses seeking simple, traditional form-based entry

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Expensify excels in automating the entire expense lifecycle, from receipt capture to reimbursement, supported by robust integrations with major accounting platforms like NetSuite and QuickBooks. Research indicates its 'SmartScan' technology and corporate card offering significantly reduce manual data entry, making it a top choice for SMBs seeking efficiency. While support limitations exist, the platform's depth in compliance and ecosystem connectivity remains market-leading.

Pros

  • Robust SmartScan OCR technology
  • Seamless NetSuite & QuickBooks integration
  • Competitive $5/user monthly pricing
  • User-friendly mobile application
  • SOC 2 & PCI-DSS certified

Cons

  • Chat-only customer support model
  • Difficult account cancellation process
  • Billing transparency issues
  • Occasional manual review delays
  • Complex initial setup for admins
7
Expert Score
9.2 / 10
484
69
RECEIPT WIZARD
AUTOMATION ACE

CaptureExpense Management Software

CaptureExpense Management Software
View Website
CaptureExpense is an expense management software specifically designed to streamline the financial workflows of agencies and creative studios. With its automation of expense reports, approvals, and compliance checks, it addresses the industry’s need for efficient, error-free financial tracking. Its mobile-first access and receipt scanning capabilities further enhance ease of use and immediacy, crucial for fast-paced creative environments.
CaptureExpense is an expense management software specifically designed to streamline the financial workflows of agencies and creative studios. With its automation of expense reports, approvals, and compliance checks, it addresses the industry’s need for efficient, error-free financial tracking. Its mobile-first access and receipt scanning capabilities further enhance ease of use and immediacy, crucial for fast-paced creative environments.
RECEIPT WIZARD
AUTOMATION ACE

Best for teams that are

  • UK-based agencies requiring strict HMRC and VAT compliance
  • Teams that prefer submitting receipts via WhatsApp, Slack, or Teams

Skip if

  • Solopreneurs for whom the team-based features would be overkill
  • Companies strictly seeking a US-centric solution without global needs

Expert Take

Our analysis shows CaptureExpense excels for UK-based SMEs due to its strict adherence to HMRC compliance and VAT regulations. Research indicates it offers enterprise-grade features like AI auditing and Open Banking integration at a price point accessible to smaller businesses. While the mobile app has reported performance lags, the platform's robust integration with Xero and Sage makes it a powerful tool for finance teams.

Pros

  • HMRC and VAT compliant for UK businesses
  • AI-powered receipt scanning and auditing
  • Seamless integration with Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks
  • Competitive pricing starting around £3/user/month
  • Open Banking integration for card reconciliation

Cons

  • Mobile app reported as slow by some users
  • Granular permission settings could be improved
  • Fewer third-party reviews than market leaders
  • Setup documentation could be more straightforward
8
Expert Score
9.0 / 10
597
160
INTEGRATION EXPERT

TimeRewards for Creative Agencies

TimeRewards for Creative Agencies
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TimeRewards is a dedicated time tracking & expense solution specifically designed for creative agencies. It excels in managing employee performance, increasing profitability, and seamlessly integrating with QuickBooks, addressing the unique needs of creative studios and agencies.
TimeRewards is a dedicated time tracking & expense solution specifically designed for creative agencies. It excels in managing employee performance, increasing profitability, and seamlessly integrating with QuickBooks, addressing the unique needs of creative studios and agencies.
INTEGRATION EXPERT

Best for teams that are

  • Agencies with government contracts requiring DCAA compliance
  • Professional services firms needing strict audit trails and time-based billing

Skip if

  • Creative teams prioritizing a highly visual or modern user interface
  • Freelancers needing a free or simple tool without compliance features

Expert Take

Our analysis shows TimeRewards distinguishes itself with a usage-based billing model where you only pay for employees who actually log time, a rarity in the SaaS market that directly benefits agencies with fluctuating freelancer rosters. Research indicates that while it offers standard agency features like project tracking and invoicing, its DCAA-compliant audit trails provide an exceptional level of financial accountability often missing in creative-focused tools, making it ideal for agencies that prioritize billing accuracy.

Pros

  • Free for up to 5 users
  • Billed only for active users
  • DCAA compliant audit trails
  • Deep QuickBooks and Xero sync
  • Multi-level approval workflows

Cons

  • Mobile app prone to freezing
  • Low user review volume
  • Report generation can be slow
  • Limited invoice customization
  • Lacks creative asset proofing

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 Fiskl Creative Agency Software
Yes Yes Yes - 14 days No No Not specified Not specified Limited integrations No $10/month
2 ActiveCollab
Yes No Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Yes Not specified Slack, QuickBooks, Xero No $7/month per member
3 GlideApps Expense Management
Not specified No Contact for trial No No Not specified Not specified Limited integrations Not specified Custom pricing
4 Function Point
Not specified No Contact for trial No No Not specified Not specified Limited integrations Not specified $34/user/month
5 Saturation.io: Film Budgeting & Expense Management for ...
Web-only No Contact for trial No No Not specified Not specified Limited integrations Not specified Contact for pricing
6 Expensify: Spend Management Software
Yes Yes Yes - 14 days Yes Yes Yes SOC 2 QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite Yes $4.99/month per active user
7 CaptureExpense Management Software
Yes No Yes - 14 days No No Not specified Not specified Limited integrations No $8/user/month
8 TimeRewards for Creative Agencies
Yes No Yes - 14 days No No Not specified Not specified QuickBooks No $6/user/month
1

Fiskl Creative Agency Software

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$10/month
2

ActiveCollab

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Slack, QuickBooks, Xero
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$7/month per member
3

GlideApps Expense Management

Has Mobile App
Not specified
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
Not specified
Starting Price
Custom pricing
4

Function Point

Has Mobile App
Not specified
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
Not specified
Starting Price
$34/user/month
5

Saturation.io: Film Budgeting & Expense Management for ...

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
Not specified
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
6

Expensify: Spend Management Software

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$4.99/month per active user
7

CaptureExpense Management Software

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$8/user/month
8

TimeRewards for Creative Agencies

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
QuickBooks
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$6/user/month

Similar Categories

How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The 'How We Choose' section for expense management tools for agencies and creative studios focuses on a comprehensive evaluation methodology that includes critical factors such as software specifications, key features, customer reviews, user ratings, and overall value for money. Important considerations specific to this category include integration capabilities with existing agency workflows, user-friendliness, reporting functionalities, and scalability to accommodate growth as creative studios expand. Rankings were determined by analyzing detailed product specifications, synthesizing customer feedback from multiple sources, reviewing ratings across various platforms, and evaluating the price-to-value ratio to ensure that each tool offers effective expense management solutions tailored to the needs of agencies and creative studios.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of industry standards and user feedback.
  • Rankings based on a detailed examination of features, pricing, and customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Selection criteria focus on essential functionalities for expense management in agencies and creative studios.

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Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10

What This Award Means