Accupe vs BrightManager
BrightManager (formerly AccountancyManager) is well-loved by UK accounting practices for automated onboarding and MTD compliance, a focused product that does its core job well. Accupe covers different ground: identity verification, AI document analysis, smart project governance, Companies House and UAE coverage, in one platform with per-firm pricing. Accupe does not file MTD returns, so firms that want submission in the same tool should weigh that.
Feature comparison.
A direct, like-for-like look at what each platform ships out of the box.
| Feature | Accupe | BrightManager |
|---|---|---|
| Practice management | Yes | Yes |
| Identity verification built-in | Yes | Limited |
| E-signatures included | Yes | Yes |
| Client portal | Yes | Yes |
| AI document analysis | Yes | No |
| Companies House integration | Yes | Yes |
| MTD VAT job tracking | Yes | Yes |
| UAE compliance | Yes | No |
| Per-firm pricing (not per-user) | Yes | No |
| Starting price | £20/mo (whole firm) | ~£45/user/mo |
| Custom domain white-label | Yes | Limited |
| Smart Boards (kanban governance) | Yes | No |
| Time tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Xero + Zoho Books integration | Yes | Yes |
| 14-day free trial, no card | Yes | Limited |
Why firms switch to Accupe.
Four reasons we hear most often from firms moving off BrightManager.
Broader scope
BrightManager is great at tax and onboarding. Accupe adds AI, identity verification, smart boards, and UAE compliance.
AI document chat
Accupe analyses uploaded contracts and accounts with source-cited answers. BrightManager does not.
Per-firm pricing
BrightManager is priced per user. Accupe charges one flat firm fee starting at £20/month.
UK + UAE coverage
Run a multi-jurisdictional firm? Accupe handles UK and UAE compliance in one platform. BrightManager is UK-only.
Pricing, side by side.
We charge per firm, not per user. That's where most of the savings come from.
Per-firm pricing
One flat price, add as many team members as you need.
Typical pricing
Most competitors bill per user, costs grow with your team.
Frequently asked questions.
How does Accupe compare to BrightManager for UK tax firms?
BrightManager is excellent at MTD and client onboarding, and it files. Accupe does not submit returns to HMRC, so if filing from one place matters most, BrightManager is the stronger fit. Where Accupe pulls ahead is everything around the return: identity verification, AI document analysis, smart project boards, the client portal, UAE compliance, and per-firm pricing.
Does Accupe have automated onboarding like BrightManager?
Yes. Accupe supports automated client onboarding with e-signatures, identity verification, and engagement letter workflows out of the box.
Is Accupe cheaper than BrightManager?
For most teams, yes. Accupe is priced per firm (£20-£185/month) while BrightManager is per user, so the savings compound as your team grows.
Can I migrate from BrightManager to Accupe?
Yes. Accupe imports clients and tasks via CSV. Our onboarding team helps every firm migrate in their 14-day trial.
See the difference for yourself.
Run Accupe on your real workflow for 14 days. No credit card. Cancel anytime.
