At a glance
| Shul Keeper | Kesef Accounting Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Independent accounting firm | Labeled "a Shulware product," the same company behind ShulCloud |
| Who leads the work | Matt LaFleur, CPA. Every engagement is CPA-owned and managed. | Describes its team as "qualified bookkeepers." Its service page does not mention CPA review. |
| Partial service | Built around QuickBooks Online and board-ready reporting | "ShulCloud Only": accounts receivable work inside ShulCloud |
| Accounting platform | QuickBooks Online, exclusively | QuickBooks (edition not stated) |
| Onboarding | Typically 2 to 4 weeks, with in-person onboarding available | Not described on its service page |
| Your QuickBooks file | Owned by your synagogue | Not stated on its service page |
Kesef information is from Kesef's service page at shulware.com/kesef-accounting, reviewed October 2026.
Why synagogues switch to Shul Keeper
Several of our clients, including a synagogue in New York City, came to us from Kesef. The reasons they give are consistent:
- Service. They wanted a responsive partner who explains the numbers, not just a vendor that processes them.
- Cost. They wanted to understand what they were paying for and see real value in their monthly fee.
- Technology. They wanted modern nonprofit accounting: QuickBooks Online set up for fund accounting, a ShulCloud sync that reconciles, and reports their board can read.
What changes when you work with Shul Keeper
- A CPA leads your engagement. Your engagement is owned and managed by a licensed CPA, not only processed by bookkeepers.
- Independent advice. We are not owned by your software vendor, so our recommendations about ShulCloud, QuickBooks Online, and your processes serve your synagogue.
- ShulCloud and QuickBooks Online reconciled to each other every month. See how we do it
- Funds your board can trust. Restricted and designated funds tracked and reported clearly.
- Your synagogue owns its QuickBooks file. Always.
Questions to ask any accounting provider
Whether you are reviewing Kesef, Shul Keeper, or anyone else, these questions get to what matters:
- Who reviews our books each month, and are they a CPA?
- Is your firm owned by, or affiliated with, our software vendor?
- What will we pay in total, and what is not included?
- How do you reconcile ShulCloud to QuickBooks every month?
- Who owns our QuickBooks file if we leave?
- Will our board get reports it can actually read?
How switching works
- Free 15-minute discovery call to understand your current setup and what is not working.
- Review of your ShulCloud and QuickBooks setup, so we know exactly what we are inheriting.
- Onboarding, typically 2 to 4 weeks. We set up or clean up QuickBooks Online, map every fund, and review your ShulCloud sync. In-person onboarding and implementation are available if your community prefers.
- Ongoing monthly accounting and board reporting, with ShulCloud and QuickBooks Online reconciled every month.
Common questions
How long does it take to switch from Kesef?
Onboarding typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the condition of your books and how much cleanup is needed.
Do we have to stop using ShulCloud?
No. Most of our clients use ShulCloud. We keep it for membership and billing and make sure it reconciles with QuickBooks Online every month.
Who owns our QuickBooks file?
Your synagogue does. Shul Keeper works in your QuickBooks Online file; we do not own it.
Can you work with us in person?
Yes. We offer in-person onboarding and implementation for communities that want it, and consistent support every month.
Ready to compare for yourself?
Book a free 15-minute call. We'll look at where your books stand and what switching would involve.
Book a Free CallKesef, Kesef Accounting Service, ShulCloud, and Shulware are trademarks of their respective owners. Shul Keeper is an independent accounting firm and is not affiliated with Kesef, Shulware, or ShulCloud.