AI-powered bookkeeping service for startups and small businesses — combines software automation with human accountant review for accurate monthly financials
💰 From $499/mo · 🆓 No free plan · 👥 Startups and VC-backed companies
Pilot is a bookkeeping, tax and CFO services company that uses AI and software to deliver small business accounting — combining automated transaction categorisation with human CPA review for accuracy. Unlike pure software tools, Pilot provides a dedicated team of bookkeeping experts who use AI to work more efficiently, then review the output before delivering clean financials. Used by over 1,500 startups and growing businesses, Pilot has established itself as the tech-forward alternative to traditional accounting firms.
Who is it for?
Startups, funded companies and fast-growing small businesses that want accurate, timely financial statements without building an in-house accounting team. Pilot is particularly popular with VC-backed startups who need clean financials for investor reporting and fundraising.
Key Features
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AI Bookkeeping
AI categorises transactions automatically — learns your business over time for more accurate categorisation.
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Human Review
Dedicated accountant reviews AI work monthly — catches errors and handles exceptions.
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Monthly Financials
Clean P&L, balance sheet and cash flow statement every month — investor-ready financials.
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Tax Ready
Year-end tax package prepared by Pilot accountants — hand off to your CPA or use Pilot's tax service.
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Integrations
Connects with QuickBooks, Stripe, Gusto, Rippling and other tools in your finance stack.
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CFO Services
Optional CFO advisory services — financial modelling, fundraising support and board reporting.
Pros & Cons
What we like
Human + AI hybrid gives accuracy that pure software can't match
Investor-ready financials from day one
Trusted by thousands of YC and VC-backed startups
Tax-ready books handed off cleanly at year end
Dedicated accountant who knows your business
Watch out for
$499/mo is expensive for early-stage startups
Not suitable for businesses needing real-time bookkeeping
Pilot starts at $499/month for the Core plan covering basic bookkeeping. Pricing scales with monthly expenses. The Plus plan adds accrual accounting and CFO services. There is no free trial.
Bench is more affordable and better for small businesses with simple finances. Pilot is better for startups that need investor-ready accrual accounting, GAAP-compliant financials and dedicated accountant support — it's the standard bookkeeping service in the VC-backed startup ecosystem.