Bench Accounting Shuts Down Abruptly, Disrupting Thousands of Businesses

The Vancouver-based bookkeeping startup ceases operations, leaving customers scrambling to recover data and employees facing layoffs.

Bench Accounting, a Canadian bookkeeping startup serving thousands of small businesses, announced its sudden closure on December 27, 2024.
The company's website now hosts a closure notice, promising customers access to their data by December 30, with final access available until March 2025.
The shutdown affects approximately 450 employees and over 35,000 customers, leaving many businesses without access to critical accounting and tax documents during year-end reporting.
Bench's co-founder Ian Crosby, who was replaced as CEO in 2021, criticized the decision to bring in a new leader, claiming it ultimately led to the company's downfall.
Customers are being directed to migrate to Kick, a newer accounting startup, though the nature of any prior relationship between the two companies remains unclear.