Claude Desktop Setup

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5 min read

Connect Bookkeeping CLI to Claude Desktop using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This gives Claude direct access to your accounting data through natural conversation.

Choose your setup method

Prerequisites

Claude.ai subscription - Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise plan
A Bookkeeping CLI account with your accounting software connected.

Connect Your Accounting Software

First, connect your accounting software (like Billy) to Bookkeeping CLI. You'll need your API token from your accounting provider.

Sign in to your Bookkeeping CLI dashboard
Go to Connections
Click Connect on your accounting software
Enter your API token and Organization ID

Go to Connections

Create a Claude.ai Connector

Generate OAuth credentials for Claude.ai to securely access your bookkeeping data.

Go to Dashboard → API Keys
Scroll down to "Claude.ai Connectors" section
Click "Create Connector"
Enter a name (e.g., "My Claude.ai")
Copy the Client ID and Client Secret - you won't see the secret again!

Important: Save the Client Secret immediately - it's only shown once during creation.

Go to API Keys

Add Connector to Claude.ai

Configure Claude.ai to use your bookkeeping connector.

Go to claude.ai and sign in
Click on your profile → Settings
Navigate to Connectors section
Click "Add custom connector"
Enter the following details:

Name

Bookkeeping CLI

Remote MCP Server URL

https://bookkeepingcli.com/api/mcp

Click "Advanced settings"
Paste your Client ID and Client Secret from Step 2
Click "Add connector"

Connect and Authorize

Complete the OAuth flow to grant Claude access to your bookkeeping data.

Click on your new "Bookkeeping CLI" connector
Click "Connect"
You'll be redirected to sign in to Bookkeeping CLI (if not already)
Authorize the connection
You'll be redirected back to Claude.ai

Claude will now have access to your Billy accounting data. You can revoke access anytime from your Bookkeeping CLI dashboard.

Start Using!

You're all set! Open Claude Desktop and try asking questions about your accounting data:

"Show me my unpaid invoices"

"Who are my top 5 customers?"

"What bills are due this week?"

"Create a new contact for John Doe"

"What was my revenue last month?"

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions

Claude doesn't see the MCP server

Make sure you've completely quit and reopened Claude Desktop. Check that your config file is valid JSON and in the correct location.

Authentication errors

Verify your API key is correct and hasn't expired. You can create a new key in the dashboard if needed.

Connection not found

Make sure you've connected your accounting software in the Connections page before using the MCP server.

Need help? Have questions?

Contact Support