How to Build Your Own Clear Books
Replace Clear Books with a custom build. Simple Online Accounting Software For UK Businesses
Build Difficulty: 4/5
A few focused days to build a solid replacement
Estimated Timeline
Based on 38 features at Few Days difficulty, expect about 3-5 days with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 38 features
Accounting(7 features)
Journals, lock date ranges, and audit log for accountant use
Tool for managing and tracking company dividends
Track and manage fixed assets
Import accounting files and data into the system
Support for multi-currency transactions and accounting
+2 more in this category
Automation(6 features)
Advanced AI technology that completes bookkeeping effortlessly in one click
Optional add-on to capture bills and receipts quickly and easily without manual data entry
Convenient, automated payment reminder emails to ensure customers pay on time
Automated transaction recording from bank feeds with intelligent matching
Scan bills and receipts from photos and PDFs for automated record creation
+1 more in this category
Reporting(3 features)
Unlimited budgets with configurable budget comparison reporting
Comprehensive business reporting including balance sheet, customer and supplier overview
Generate and send customer statements
Tax Compliance(3 features)
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) reporting and submissions for construction businesses
HMRC-recognised software for Making Tax Digital Income Tax with quarterly updates and year-end tax return filing
HMRC-recognised MTD VAT submissions with support for flat-rate scheme VAT and Domestic Reverse Charge
Administration(2 features)
Add unlimited users to your account
Configurable user permissions and access control
Payments(2 features)
Optional add-on to accelerate payments by offering instant bank payment options
Multiple flexible payment options for customers including credit cards and bank transfers
Procurement(2 features)
Approval workflow for purchase orders
Create and manage purchase orders
Support(2 features)
Unlimited access to UK-based support team via phone and email
Access to support guides and user community forum
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Clear Books
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 38 features at easy complexity.