Software Connect logo Software Connect logo
Best-in-Class Software Reviews Research
Best-in-Class Software
Financials
Best Accounting Software
Best AP Automation Software
Best Invoicing Software
Best Budgeting Software
Best Expensing Software
Best Fixed Asset Software
Construction
Best Construction Management Software
Best Estimating Software
Best Takeoff Software
Best Progress Billing Software
Distribution
Best Distribution ERP Software
Best Food Traceability Software
Best Pharmaceutical Distribution Software
ERP
Best Cloud-Based ERP
Best ERP for Small Business
Best Open Source ERP
Human Resources
Best Applicant Tracking Systems
Best HRMS Software
Best Payroll Software
Best Workforce Management Software
Maintenance
Best Auto Repair Software
Best Aviation MRO Software
Best CMMS Software
Best EAM Software
Best Fleet Maintenance Software
Best Work Order Software
Manufacturing
Best Job Shop Software
Best Manufacturing ERP
Best MES Software
Best MRP Software
Best PLM Software
Best QMS Software
Nonprofits
Best Fund Accounting Software
Best Fundraising Software
Best Grant Management Software
Supply Chain
Best 3PL Software
Best Demand Planning Software
Best Inventory Software
Best Order Management Software
Best Procurement Software
Best Yard Management Software
Best WMS Software
Other
Best BI Tools
Best Fleet Management Software
Best Field Service Software
Best Freight Broker Software
Best POS Systems
Best PSA Software
Best Retail Software
Best Seed-to-Sale Software
Best Time and Billing Software
Best TMS Software
Reviews
Accounting Software
FreshBooks Review
QuickBooks Online Review
Zoho Books Review
CMMS
eMaint CMMS Review
Hippo CMMS Review
MaintainX Review
ManagerPlus Review
UpKeep Review
Construction Software
Buildertrend Review
Procore Review
Sage 100 Contractor Review
Sage 300 CRE Review
Spectrum Review
ERP
Acumatica Cloud ERP Review
Dynamics 365 Review
NetSuite ERP Review
Odoo Review
Sage Intacct Review
SAP Business One Review
Fund Accounting Software
Aplos Fund Accounting Review
Financial Edge NXT Review
FastFund Review
Manufacturing ERP
Aptean ERP Review
ECI M1 Review
Epicor Kinetic Review
Global Shop ERP Review
Infor SyteLine Review
SYSPRO Review
WMS Software
Körber Review
Latitude WMS Review
Logiwa WMS Review
Research
2022 ERP Market Share Report
ERP Trends for 2023
Buyer Trends: Fund Accounting Software
Buyer Trends: MRP Software
Buyer Trends: WMS Software
Construction Tech Trends Report
CMMS Pricing 2023 Report
ERP Pricing 2023 Report
Web to Phone Qualification Report

The Best Construction Accounting Software

Get the best construction accounting software for your business. Compare product reviews, pricing below. Read our buyer's guide for more help.

  • Editor’s Picks
  • All Products
  • Buyer’s Guide
Talk with a software advisor
Talk with an advisor
Get a free consultation from an independent system expert.
Or, call toll-free: (800) 827-1151
Talk with a software advisor
Talk with an advisor
←
→
Best
Overall
Viewpoint Vista Screenshot
Viewpoint Vista
Integrated accounting and construction management
Easy-to-use modern interface
Learn More
Best
Runner-Up
Sage 100 Contractor Screenshot
Sage 100 Contractor
Simple interface
Strong job costing
Large network of resellers and knowledge experts
Learn More
Best for
Project Management
Premier Construction Software Screenshot
Premier Construction Software
Strong drill down capabilities
Real-time costs
Automated forecasting
Learn More
Best for
Small Business
ZipBooks Screenshot
ZipBooks
Unlimited vendors, customers, and invoices
Easy to create reports
Credit card and bank integrations
Learn More
Best for
Enterprise
Procore Screenshot
Procore
Unlimited users
Unlimited data and storage
Real-time financial data in the field
Learn More
Best for
Mid-Size
Buildertrend Screenshot
Buildertrend
Excellent CRM
Easy to use accounting
Links well with sales and project management
Learn More

Construction accounting software packages provide financial accounting designed specifically with contractors in mind. Features included usually include project accounting, job costing, and specialized progress billing. Whether your construction project entails residential, commercial, or industrial work, construction accounting software will help track real-time expenses such as materials and labor, track revenue, and pay your employees effectively.

With the varying software bundles that exist (such as fully-integrated construction management software), it can be confusing to decide which option is right for you. To help you find the best solution, we've conducted research and put together a collection of our best picks for construction accounting software.

Best Overall:
Viewpoint Vista

★★★★★
★★★★★
(7)

Equipment Management
Payroll, Deductions, Liabilities, and More
Vista Job Cost Accounting
Vista Service Management
What We Like
Integrated accounting and construction management
Easy-to-use modern interface
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Client OS: Windows

Vista by Viewpoint is a fully integrated construction ERP software with a strong accounting tool. Included accounting features include construction-specific payroll such as union and certified reports, a general ledger, and accounts payable and accounts receivable. The cloud-based approach provides a worry-free IT experience, and the scalable approach lets you purchase the project accounting applications on its own, and add on additional features such as project management and estimating (if needed).

Vista by Viewpoint Video Overview

Why We Like It: This construction ERP solution is scalable, highly configurable, and fully integrated to manage your operations, improve your productivity, and enable better decision-making. The solution can help reduce the accounting burden on your staff, meaning they can become more efficient in other areas of your business. Since the solution seamlessly integrates project management, accounting, and operations, Vista by Viewpoint is one of the most complete construction accounting solutions available.

Best Runner-Up:
Sage 100 Contractor

★★★★★
★★★★★
(18)

Dispatch Board
Contract Summary
Projects Overview
What We Like
Simple interface
Strong job costing
Large network of resellers and knowledge experts
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $160/user/month
Client OS: Windows

Sage 100 Contractor is a popular choice for small to mid-size contractors. The integrated solution offers management and accounting tools to meet your estimating, scheduling,project management, equipment management, and payroll needs.

Sage 100 Contractor Video Overview

Why We Like It: Many users of Peachtree or Sage 50c have switched to Sage 100 Contractor due to its industry focus and ability to provide improved job costing and estimating. Sage 100 Contractor also has a large network of dedicated providers who specialize in implementing the software into specific facets of contracting, such as plumbing, electrical work, and more.

Best for Project Management:
Premier Construction Software

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)

AP Approval
Job Budget Control
E-signatures
Job Dashboard
AIA format Payment Application
What We Like
Strong drill down capabilities
Real-time costs
Automated forecasting
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $199/user/month
Client OS: Web

Premier Construction Software (formerly Jonas Premier) is a cloud construction software for general contractors, design builders, home builders, and real estate developers. The job costing feature helps find unprofitable jobs, match payments to invoices, drill down to the documents of each job, create accurate reports with real-time costs, and automate the calculation of any expenses on payroll.

Premier Construction Software Video Overview

Why We Like It: Job costing capabilities in Premier Construction Software will aid in dividing costs into main categories such as labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and any other custom fields needed. Their job costing will also let you record costs on jobs worked and compare estimated vs actual costs. The job costing capability within Premier Construction Software will overall increase customer service and billing cycle times through the use of real-time data.

Want more options? Check out our full list of best construction management software.

Best for Small Business:
ZipBooks

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)

Accounting
Billing
Intelligence
Expenses
What We Like
Unlimited vendors, customers, and invoices
Easy to create reports
Credit card and bank integrations
Overview
Price Range: $
Starting Price: $15/month
Client OS: Web

ZipBooks is a forever free accounting software that can be used in any industry. For the construction industry, the solution stands out over other free accounting solutions (such as Wave) due to the ability to handle project accounting. The ease-of-use includes drag-and-drop expenses into cost categories, invoicing, transaction views, balance sheets, and reports.

ZipBooks Video Overview

Why We Like It: ZipBooks can be accessed anywhere you have a web-browser. If you're on the job site, you can pull up the needed details from your phone or mobile device. The free version of ZipBooks includes unlimited customized invoicing, advanced financial reporting, and can accept digital payments via Square or PayPal. The paid version of ZipBooks adds-on recurring invoicing, time tracking, multiple bank account connections, and up to 5 users.

Best for Enterprise:
Procore

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)

Revision
Project Overview
Contract Summaries
What We Like
Unlimited users
Unlimited data and storage
Real-time financial data in the field
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $375/month
Client OS: Web

Procore is a complete online construction management software designed to combine project scheduling and job logging with accounting financials--leaving your business with nothing left to be desired. Unlike a normal accounting system that was built for the back office, Procore Financials was created with project managers in mind--allowing them to make changes in real-time.

Procore Video Overview

Why We Like It: The solution works on any mobile device, which is great for the project managers in the field who need to manage a change order or issue a purchase order. Project executives back at the office can create financial forecasts with the data the managers in the field provide. Project managers can look at where they are at in terms of project costs without having to wait until they get back to the office or even run month-end reports.

Procore can also integrate with a number of other accounting platforms, including QuickBooks Pro/Premier, Sage 100 Contractor, Sage 300 CRE, and Viewpoint (Spectrum/Vista). To manage the large userbase of most enterprises, Procore includes unlimited users for all plans--meaning the price is determined per company depending on the products needed and amount of construction you do.

Best for Mid-Size:
Buildertrend

★★★★★
★★★★★
(5)

Dashboard
Jobs Menu
Project Schedule
Photo Upload
Budget
Schedule
Buildertrend Purchase Orders
What We Like
Excellent CRM
Easy to use accounting
Links well with sales and project management
Overview
Price Range: $$
Starting Price: $399/month
Client OS: Web, iOS, Android

Buildertrend's financial tools features help you manage the lifecycle of your project finances--organized in one location. This includes capabilities such as purchase orders, change orders, time clock, online payments, lien waivers, and integrations with outside tools.

Buildertrend Video Overview

Why We Like It: Buildertrend allows you to generate line-item invoices from your estimate, change order, or customer selection sheet. You can also create, compare, and send bids and notify subcontractors via email or text. Accepted bids are rolled into contracts. Invoices can be paid online via check or credit card--allowing you to be paid faster.

To better control project financials, Buildertrend allows you to manage labor costs, billing, POs, and everything else that may be included within a project budget. Purchase orders that need to be created in the field can be signed off by subcontractors before being sent to management for approval.

All Products

No products found
Viewpoint Vista Screenshot

Viewpoint Vista

★★★★★
★★★★★
(7)
Vista by Viewpoint is a modern ERP construction solution that can improve job cost accounting and provide accurate reporting in real-time—saving resources, time and frustration. Viewpoint connects accounting and operations into a streamlined…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
FOUNDATION Screenshot

FOUNDATION

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
FOUNDATION® is America’s #1 construction accounting software and the flagship product of Foundation Software’s total construction back-office solution. Built specifically for the needs of the construction industry, FOUNDATION’s base modules mix standard…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$400/month
Client OS
Windows, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Jonas Enterprise Screenshot

Jonas Enterprise

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
Jonas Construction Software offers industry leading construction accounting software. Every function in Jonas is fully-integrated, with accounting at its core. This deep integration saves you time and ensures accounting integrity by eliminating the…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$30,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Spectrum Screenshot

Spectrum

★★★★★
★★★★★
(7)
Spectrum® is a complete, web-based construction ERP solution with leading-edge tools for accounting, project management, equipment and materials management, service management, document control, HR and payroll, inventory, reporting and much more…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$10,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
JOBPOWER Screenshot

JOBPOWER

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
JOBPOWER is a construction accounting software with fully integrated job costing, AIA billing, certified payroll, and electronic document management. Construction payroll includes certified payroll, multiple jurisdictions, unions, ACA reporting, and…
Starting Price
$3,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
ComputerEase Construction Software Screenshot

ComputerEase Construction Software

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
With ComputerEase you can control costs during the job, produce more accurate estimates; improve job profitability, control vendor and subcontractor costs, manage cash flow, and better know your business from a financial point of view. ComputerEase has…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Custom Homebuilder's Solutions Screenshot

Custom Homebuilder's Solutions

★★★★★
★★★★★
(12)
Customer Homebuilder’s Solutions (CHS) is a stand0alone accounting software specifically designed for the home building industry. CHS is NOT integrated with a generic software like QuickBooks, but is a web-based software that puts best practices into…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$50/user/month
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Sage 100 Contractor Screenshot

Sage 100 Contractor

★★★★★
★★★★★
(18)
Sage 100 Contractor offers construction and financial management that give complete visibility into project financials. Stay on top of job and labor costs, change orders, accounts receivables and payables, as well as purchase orders, work orders…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$160/user/month
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
ECI MarkSystems Screenshot

ECI MarkSystems

ECi MarkSystems is a home builder accounting software that handles all construction costs. These costs can be pre-determined based on contracts, take offs, or approved VPOs. Each purchasing document can be electronically approved and updated from the…
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Twenty20 Construction Cloud Screenshot

Twenty20 Construction Cloud

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
Twenty20’s adaptive accounting tools and reports help you pilot the company to profitability and success by providing the details for high-level management and focused analysis of your operations and financials. Confidently produce the documentation…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$350/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
QuickBooks Online Screenshot

QuickBooks Online

★★★★★
★★★★★
(31)
QuickBooks for Construction offers cloud-based construction bookkeeping, allowing you to easily track time and expenses for each project. The solution can run valuable profit and full job cost reports to always know where you stand via automated…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$30/month (50% discount available)
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Buildertrend Screenshot

Buildertrend

★★★★★
★★★★★
(5)
Buildertrend gives you financial tools to track cash flow and manage budgets, down to the last penny. Generate line-item invoices from your estimate, change order or customer selection sheet, accept online payments, and set payment deadlines and…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$399/month
Client OS
Web, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
PENTA Screenshot

PENTA

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
PENTA is a construction project management software with integrated job cost accounting and project administration. PENTA delivers the right combination of accounting functionality to meet all financial management challenges faced by engineers and…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Xero Screenshot

Xero

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
Xero transforms your construction business by providing an up-to-date view of the numbers while you’re on the move. Use it from your office, truck, or the building site to invoice clients, pay subcontractors, or do online invoicing. You can check…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$13/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
AccuBuild Screenshot

AccuBuild

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
With Construction Accounting Software like AccuBuild, you can easily manage things like certified payroll, union reporting, retainage, committed cost, work-in-progress schedule, and more. The solution is more detail-orientated than QuickBooks and can…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$200/user/month
Client OS
Web, Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
ProContractor One Screenshot

ProContractor One

★★★★★
★★★★★
(9)
ProContractor is a project accounting software from Viewpoint. Designed for growing construction companies looking to reduce risk, ProContractor allows you to move seamlessly from bid to accounting to project management—increasing bid accuracy and…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
CoConstruct Screenshot

CoConstruct

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
CoConstruct is a construction management software that offers one of the most robust accounting software integrations for custom home builders and remodelers. The solution lets you sync your estimates and push time sheets directly into QuickBooks…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$99/month
Client OS
Web, iOS, Android
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
JT Construct Screenshot

JT Construct

JT Construct is an ERP for the engineering and construction industry that provides accounting capabilities needed for your construction projects. Offered functionality includes committed cost tracking on projects, AIA billing and retention, and…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
INTERAC Construction Accounting System Screenshot

INTERAC Construction Accounting System

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Whether you are a General Contractor, a Heavy/Highway/Civil Contractor, or a Specialty Contractor, Intersoft has an integrated construction job cost and project management solution for you. Job Cost is the core of the system which gathers job related…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
Procore Screenshot

Procore

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
Procore is your complete online construction management software. Procore provides cloud-based project management applications to help construction professionals build quality projects on time and within budget. Procore is designed to combine standard…
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$375/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted

We searched and searched, but we couldn’t find any products in our database that match your criteria. Perhaps our team of software experts can help? They’d be happy to provide a list of free construction accounting software recommendations that meet your exact requirements.

Sort by 
Learn about sort options…
Filter by User Rating
Filter by Price Range
Learn about price ranges…
Filter by Deployment
Filter by Client OS
Russ Davidson
Last updated on October 13th, 2022
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Construction Accounting Software Buyer’s Guide

  • What is Construction Accounting Software?
  • Key Features
  • Popular Benefits
  • Construction vs General Accounting
  • What Does Your Business Need?
  • Pricing Details

What is Construction Accounting Software?

Construction accounting software performs a type of project accounting that has been developed for construction projects. These systems will track the financial data of every construction project you complete in real-time, while also monitoring your expenses (like the cost of materials and labor). If you use software to streamline your revenue reports, as well as invoicing and payroll processes, you can stay on top of your company's finances.

Construction accounting tools can also be found in a fully-integrated construction management software. Whatever solution your business desires, unique functionality offered by construction accounting software modules include:

  • Job costing: Track and report transactions specific to each job.
  • Contracts and Subcontracts: Determine when to officially record income and expenses on a project based on details set out in the contract.
  • Specialized Billing: Invoice clients based on retainage, fixed price, time and material, unit price, and progress billing.

Construction accounting is more complex than general accounting when it comes to sales, cost of goods sold, expenses, and your breakeven. Real estate and construction companies usually have a variety of projects underway at any given time. This leads to a variety of direct and indirect job costs, leading to extremely complex expenses that can be difficult to calculate if you rely on manual data entry and endless spreadsheets. Industry-specific software can provide the tools you need to automate the process.

Sage 100 Contractor Projects Overview Construction Accounting Software
The project overview in Sage 100 Contractor shows your cash position, job cash flow to date, and income from operations.

Key Features of Construction Accounting Software

When shopping for construction accounting software, your business should focus on the features which make these industry-specific solutions unique. Some of these key features include:

Feature Description
Job Costing Assign costs to labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors associated with each construction project.
General Ledger (GL) Tracks all bookkeeping information related to income and expenses of the company. Creates balance sheets and income statements. Maintains all details to track profitability and help make financial decisions.
Accounts Payable (AP) Manage expenses from labor, equipment rentals, and materials. Maintain cash flow to ensure your bills are paid on time.
Accounts Receivable (AR) Stores details on customers and integrates into the general ledger. Includes construction billing and invoicing such as AIA, time and material, and progress billing.
Financial Reporting Create custom financial reports to visualize where your time and money is being spent for each project. Analyze expenses and net profit to see where improvements can be made to increase ROI.
Payroll Manage timecards, wage calculation, direct deposit, and tax management for subcontractors and employees assigned to the project. Manage all types of construction payroll including Certified, Union, and Non-Union.
AccuBuild Payroll Construction Accounting Software
Handle certified payroll with customized deductions on timecards by AccuBuild.

The Best Construction Accounting Software Benefits

Construction businesses that use manual methods to handle their accounting are at a huge competitive disadvantage to their competitors. Filling out spreadsheets can take hours away from your other business tasks. Alternatively, construction businesses that use the wrong construction accounting software may struggle with integration issues or waste time on repetitive data entry tasks.

Whatever your day-to-day pain points may be, you'll want to explore these benefits of construction accounting software to find out if an upgrade is for you:

Improve Job Costing

Job cost software facilitates the assignment of costs to individual cost categories to enable improved cost control and job profitability. In construction accounting, job costing supplements the company's general ledger. Tracking labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs is useful to both project managers (to ensure projects stay below budget) and financial managers (who attend to the big picture of the company's financial health).

The biggest benefit of job cost accounting software is comparing estimated vs actual costs. This will let you monitor your financial performance in a job in real-time. Only software developed with the construction industry in mind will be able to handle both small and large jobs for your construction business.

How many construction companies need job costing? In our Construction Technology Trends report, we found that job costing was the 2nd most desired feature in construction software, with 72% of buyers saying it was necessary to be included in their ideal solution.

Construction software buyers preferred functionality
72% of construction companies searching for software desired job costing.

More Profitable Projects

Detailed records of your company's project costs offer valuable insight into increasing revenue. By understanding your costs associated with completing each project, such as job costs and overhead, you'll be able to better determine what needs to be done to become profitable. Quality construction accounting software will be able to monitor every piece of income or expense accumulated during a construction project.

A good project management solution will also lead to improved profitability. This is because project costs are always tied into what is deemed as a successful project--keep costs down and finish the project under budget and within a specified amount of time. Make sure you track all costs and bill for them appropriately.

Better record keeping via time tracking, material costs, change orders, and subcontractor contracts can also lead to a better ROI. With better insight into this information, you'll have a more complete view of not only your financials but also your operational plans and expectations. If a project is not performing up to standards, you can find out in real-time before it affects profits or incurs a loss.

ComputerEase Job Center Construction Accounting Software
Monitor profitability in the Job Center in ComputerEase.

Accurate Reporting

Construction accounting software can provide financial reporting that gives you better insight into your operations. These accurate reports can help facilitate better managerial decision-making and let you monitor the performance of your business continuously. Given the importance of job costs within construction, it is important to have the accounts and job cost ledger set up professionally. Cost allocations will become easier and more accurate--meaning job cost reports will be more accurate and useful for your business.

Since cost overruns do happen in the construction industry, a work in progress reports (WIP) is another report that only a construction-focused solution is going to provide. This report tracks past work against a profit analysis schedule (useful for large or bid spread jobs), provides real-time insight into estimated earnings vs. current billings, and/or conducts a deep dive on all jobs in progress to determine which are the most profitable.

Other reporting options within construction accounting software include consolidated financial statements, budget vs actual price margins on jobs, cash and working capital status, and profitability by customer.

CoConstruct Estimating Construction Accounting Software
CoConstruct estimates can be more accurate with better control of your job costs, leading to more profitable projects.

Construction Accounting vs. General Accounting Software

Wondering why you need an industry-specific solution when there are plenty of generic accounting alternatives? Here are some frequently asked questions about construction accounting (with answers!):

What is the difference between generic accounting software and construction accounting software?

With general accounting software, the functionality is built around a general ledger and allows you to track your income and assets, expenses and liabilities, and more within an accounts payable or accounts receivable module. This software was usually developed to be used by multiple industry types, and therefore doesn't offer tips, tricks, or features unique to any one industry. The most common example of general accounting software is a product like QuickBooks Online.

A construction accounting software will have the same features of a general accounting software but also include modules specific to the needs of construction professionals. This includes project accounting, which focuses on the financial transactions related to managing a specific project rather than the company as a whole. Project accounting will track costs, progress billing, and revenue.

Whether or not your company can get by using a general accounting software will depend on the size and scope of your operations and the projects you're working on. Larger companies will more often than not find comfort in the use of something built for their industries, while a small business may be able to pick freely depending on their budget.

What is the difference between construction management software and construction accounting software?

A construction management software will have more of a focus on non-accounting features such as estimating, scheduling, and project management. A construction management software may sometimes lack a traditional accounting setup of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and a general ledger. This will require you to integrate with a secondary solution for accounting.

A construction accounting solution will focus more on reporting, financial statements, and job costing. This can sometimes be defined as any accounting solution designed to be used by a construction company. This will include the AP, AR, and GL features, along with job costing and progress billing capabilities.

A large percentage of construction software options will include accounting as either a core or optional feature. Likewise, a solution may be marketed as construction accounting software but will include non-accounting features such as estimating, scheduling, and project management.

What Software Does Your Construction Business Need?

Depending on the size of your business or the types of projects being handled, you may look towards more advanced solutions.

Small Businesses

Job costing will be the most important feature to help you manage your basic construction accounting. Most entry-level accounting solutions should offer some sort of costing functionality. A small contractor may be able to survive using industry-neutral software such as QuickBooks or Xero, but may find themselves limited. It's important to weigh the benefits of cost-savings in software to not having the ability to categorize costs and analyze what jobs are profitable.

Mid-Sized Construction Firms

Growing construction businesses should desire a more in-depth estimating tool and some level of bid management. They will also need to have an industry-specific tool and won't be able to survive using manual methods or a generic option like QuickBooks or Peachtree. These specialized options will also have vendors who specialize in implementing their software into construction environments.

Large Construction Companies

Larger construction enterprises may specialize in a specific field and need specialized software to meet their needs (such as a large commercial real-estate developer, or a civil contractor). They may also have multiple entities with a need for many end-users. These enterprise-level organizations should look into a fully-integrated construction ERP solution that provides every accounting and management tool necessary to run their day-to-day operations.

Construction Accounting Pricing

Construction accounting software pricing depends on several factors, such as the size of your business, how many total users you have, and what modules you want included. Subscription costs for cloud-based platforms average between $10 and $400 per month. Some plans charge per user, starting at $50 per month and going up to $200.

Free construction accounting software is available, though is usually only offered as part of a trial or demo. Truly free options may be limited to small businesses with limited users and functionality.

Is QuickBooks a Construction Accounting Software Alternative?

QuickBooks can be used as a construction accounting software given the availability of invoicing, job costing, and reporting features. You can monitor spending and make for each job, upload photos of receipts, and tag hours and expenses to jobs. Optional payroll features let you manage your contractors and timecards to produce 1099s, W-9s, and tax ID inputs.

Construction companies looking to use QuickBooks for construction accounting will need to choose a version that includes QuickBooks Projects, which includes the job costing feature. This feature is only available to QuickBooks Online Plus and Online Advanced customers.

Pricing for QuickBooks Online Plus will start at $35 per month for the first 3-months. After the introductory rate, the software continues at $70/month. This includes up to 5 users. If needed, payroll will cost an additional $18/month + $4/employee/month.

QuickBooks Online Project Management Construction Accounting Software
Manage the income, costs, and profit margin for your construction projects in QuickBooks Online.

While QuickBooks may work for some businesses, others will want to review alternatives or explore options that offer features QuickBooks doesn't. Our QuickBooks Alternatives study surveyed over 4,000 cases of QuickBooks users searching for replacements.

QuickBooks Alternatives Construction Companies
Sage 100 Contractor was the most reviewed software among construction firms looking to replace QuickBooks.

Common functionality requirements for contractors replacing QuickBooks included better job costing, project management, equipment management, bid management, and field service management. All of which are covered by industry-specific construction accounting software.

About Us
Blog
Privacy Policy
For Vendors

© 1997-2023 Software Connect

Roundups
Best Construction Software
Best Accounting Software
Best CMMS Software
Best ERP Software
Best MRP Software
Best Property Management Software
Reviews
ECI M1 Review
Hippo CMMS Review
Power BI Review
NetSuite ERP Review
QuickBooks Online Review
Tableau Review
Comparisons
Acumatica vs. NetSuite
Appfolio vs. Buildium
NetSuite vs. SAP
Power BI vs. Tableau
QuickBooks vs. FreshBooks
Sage 300 vs. Sage 50