Integration with accounting systems

Purpose

1.1. Synchronize legal billing data, invoices, and payment records from case management or billing software to accounting systems, ensuring unified, up-to-date financial reports, improved error reduction, audit readiness, and streamlined receivables and payables processes for administrative law practices.
1.2. Automate entry and reconciliation of retainer payments, expense reimbursements, and client invoices, minimizing manual data handling errors and facilitating compliance with legal billing regulations.
1.3. Ensure consistent update of matter-related financial entries across general ledger, expense tracking, and client account ledgers.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. New invoice generated in legal billing/case management software.
2.2. Payment received or recorded in payment gateway or bank feed.
2.3. Manual adjustment of billing entries within practice management system.
2.4. Scheduled batch sync (e.g., nightly or weekly financial summary update).
2.5. Status change in legal case requiring invoice/credit note creation.

Platform Variants

3.1. Clio Manage
• Feature/Setting: Set up “on invoice created” webhook to trigger accounting integration via Clio API v4 `/invoices` endpoint.
3.2. QuickBooks Online
• Feature/Setting: Use “Create Invoice” and “Record Payment” endpoints; configure callback URLs for real-time sync.
3.3. Xero
• Feature/Setting: Monitor “New Sales Invoice” webhook; push data into `/Invoices` and `/Payments` REST API.
3.4. FreshBooks
• Feature/Setting: Connect via the `/invoices` and `/payments` APIs; schedule periodic sync jobs.
3.5. Sage Intacct
• Feature/Setting: Integrate through the `create_invoice` and `create_payment` SOAP/XML API functions for firm-level accounting.
3.6. Zoho Books
• Feature/Setting: Trigger via Zoho Books webhook on “invoice created”; post data to `/customerpayments` endpoint.
3.7. NetSuite
• Feature/Setting: Use “Invoice” and “Payment” SuiteTalk REST services; automate with scheduled SuiteScripts.
3.8. MYOB
• Feature/Setting: Implement through the `/Sale/Invoice` v2 API endpoint and automate with account-based event triggers.
3.9. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Feature/Setting: Use OData endpoints to push invoice and payment information on relevant legal engagements.
3.10. SAP Business One
• Feature/Setting: Automate entry via Service Layer’s `/InvoicesService` with RESTful batch sync.
3.11. Bill.com
• Feature/Setting: Post legal billing entries through the `/bills` and `/payments` APIs on case closure.
3.12. Stripe
• Feature/Setting: Capture new payment events via “payment_intent.succeeded” webhook and sync to accounting.
3.13. PayPal
• Feature/Setting: Listen for “PAYMENT.SALE.COMPLETED” webhooks and propagate to invoice ledger.
3.14. Square
• Feature/Setting: Use “invoice.created” events and `/v2/payments` REST API for firm-side reconciliation.
3.15. LawPay
• Feature/Setting: Integrate via transaction notification webhook and route to firm ledger through API.
3.16. TimeSolv
• Feature/Setting: Automate using the “invoice created” webhook with REST update to accounting system.
3.17. CosmoLex
• Feature/Setting: Utilize built-in accounting API triggers on invoice status changes.
3.18. PracticePanther
• Feature/Setting: Webhook trigger for payment or invoice events; outbound API call to chosen accounting platform.
3.19. Actionstep
• Feature/Setting: Use workflow automations to POST accounting data via API after invoice processing.
3.20. LexisNexis Juris
• Feature/Setting: Daily batch export from Juris “Billing” module; SFTP or API push to third-party account software.

Benefits

4.1. Immediate synchronization reduces double entry and human error.
4.2. Accelerates invoice-to-payment lifecycle, improving cash flow predictability.
4.3. Enhances reporting accuracy for compliance, trust accounting, and client communication.
4.4. Automates legal billing audit trails, lowering risk and administrative costs.
4.5. Scalable—adapts easily as law firm grows or platforms change.