Lost your Bench? We've got a seat saved for you at Zeni

On Friday, December 27th, Bench announced its immediate closure. It came as a shock to the FinOps, SMB community, and most importantly, the Bench customers and employees. 

Losing a trusted accounting partner, especially as the year-end approaches, can feel overwhelming and uncertain.

In this article, discover your options, see how easy Zeni makes it when you transition from Bench, and get answers to popular burning questions.

Confused about the news? You’re not alone

If you were a Bench customer, you’ve likely seen their email or website announcement. But the situation has been evolving. Here’s the latest:

• Initial announcement (December 27): Bench stated that their platform would no longer be accessible and urged customers to download their data immediately. They recommended switching to Kick, an accounting software.
• Updated announcement (December 30): Bench revealed they’ve been acquired by Employer.com, a payroll company founded in Q4 of 2024.

This conflicting information has left many feeling lost—but don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. (Want to learn more about the Bench closure? Read the latest TechCrunch article)

Your options 

If you're a Bench customer, you should have received this email on December 30th:

To keep it simple, here's what you can do:

1. Consent to the new terms

 Keep access to Bench through Employer.com and continue your subscription. 

2. Opt out

Export your data and shut down your account immediately (note: no refunds are offered) 

We are not confident that the information you will receive will have everything you are looking for. It may be just the General Ledger. 

…which is why we recommend #3 

3. Consent to the new terms, transition to Zeni, and then cancel your subscription

We want to make your transition to Zeni as smooth as possible. We also believe in having peace of mind, no matter which provider you choose to be with.

Why we don’t suggest opting out: If you opt out of the new Bench/employer.com terms, you won’t have access to your account anymore and will need to rely on Bench to send over your data. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee they’ll provide everything you need.

Here’s our step-by-step recommendation

Popular burning questions 

What should I do?

First off, take a deep breath—you’re not alone. Navigating a transition like this can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to your finances. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

Here’s how to take control and ease the uncertainty:

1. Pause and take stock: Start by gathering your financial records from Bench. 
2. Stay calm, not rushed: You don’t have to make a decision overnight. Take the time to explore what kind of financial support will best fit your needs now and in the future.
3. Ask for help if you need it: Whether it’s from a peer, a trusted advisor, or an expert, reaching out for guidance can help you make the best decisions for your business. Feel free to schedule a call with one of Zeni’s financial experts here. 

What do I need to download from Bench?

At the end of the day, we suggest to download everything. However, most importantly are:

1. Copies of your General Ledger
2. All open invoices (minimally AR Aging Detail and Summary, but if you're invoicing through the platform, it'd be best to have the actual invoices as well)
3. All open bills (AP Aging Summary) along with copies of the bills
4. Profit and Loss statement and Balance Sheet (Both broken out month over month  for the current year and by year for all historical periods).
5. If your platform is pre-generating any schedules (like prepaids or amortization schedules) then download those too

Tax season is right around the corner, how do I best prepare? 

1. Secure your financial records: Download your data from Bench immediately and ensure you have copies of all your financial statements, receipts, and documents. These will be critical for tax prep and beyond.
2. Know your tax deadlines: Now’s the time to gather everything you’ll need, from expense reports to invoices. Zeni offers a free downloadable 2025 tax calendar to help you stay on track and a shared calendar you can add for free. Get both here.
3. Find a reliable partner: Whether you choose Zeni or another provider, look for a solution that offers not just bookkeeping but also ongoing support for tax prep and financial planning. 

Maybe I should stick with a local accountant. At least they won’t disappear on me.

We get it. There’s comfort in familiarity. But here’s where Zeni offers something that no single accountant can:

• Comprehensive team approach: With Zeni, you don’t just get one person—you get a team of financial experts working together to manage your books, answer your questions, and guide your strategy.
• Greater accuracy and speed: AI ensures faster and more precise bookkeeping than manual processes alone.
• All-in-one platform: Zeni combines bookkeeping, financial insights, and expense management in a single, user-friendly platform. No need to juggle multiple tools or vendors.

We’re not just another bookkeeping service. We’re a partner invested in your success. But don’t just take our word for it—check out our G2 reviews and see why customers trust Zeni to handle their books. 

Are all of the AI Bookkeeping companies going to shut down too?

While we can’t speak for all AI Bookkeeping companies, we can speak for ourselves. Zeni was built to last. Here’s how we’re different:

• Strong foundation: Founded by entrepreneurs who’ve successfully scaled and exited businesses, Zeni has a deep understanding of what startups need to thrive.
• Backed by investors who believe in our vision: Zeni’s financial backing and growth trajectory show we’re here to stay.
• Focus on longevity: Our mission is to create lasting relationships with founders by helping them achieve radical financial clarity—not just today but for years to come.

We encourage customers to evaluate not just what a company offers today but also their vision for the future. At Zeni, sustainability is a priority.

Can AI be trusted with my business’s finances?

Yes, Zeni leverages AI to power our bookkeeping platform, but the human element is just as important.

Real expertise: Our platform is supported by a dedicated team of financial professionals—your financial controller, bookkeeping manager, and analyst—who ensure your books are accurate and actionable.

Human oversight: While AI streamlines repetitive tasks, it’s the human experts who monitor, verify, and provide tailored insights that help your business grow.

AI isn’t replacing expertise—it’s amplifying it. Think of it as the best of both worlds: cutting-edge technology backed by seasoned professionals.

Don’t get benched—Join team Zeni

We know the sudden closure of Bench has left you in a tough spot—feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and scrambling to figure out your next steps. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and Zeni is here to help.

Whether you’re looking for a long-term solution or just need guidance during this transition, our team is ready to support you—even if you decide we’re not the right fit.

If you’re ready to make the switch, don’t forget about our special promotion:

• Free account migration from Bench to Zeni
• 50% off your first 3 months
• A dedicated finance team to keep your books in order

Fill out the form today, and we’ll be in touch ASAP—because your business deserves a partner you can count on.