The Best Architecture Accounting Software
With over 25 years of experience with various architecture accounting software, we wrote this guide to highlight our recommendations for the best platforms on the market today.
- Hundreds of third-party add-ons available
- Feature sets for multiple industries
- Highly customizable
- Multidimensional reporting capabilities
- Scalability for multi-entity support and user growth
- Simple and responsive user interface
- More advanced inventory features than other QuickBooks versions
- Higher record capacity than other QuickBooks versions
- Includes payroll and employee management
Architecture accounting software is a financial management tool designed to integrate project management, time tracking, billing, and reporting. We used our advanced review methodology to review top solutions for architects, city planners, and project managers.
- NetSuite: Best Overall
- Sage Intacct: Best Multi-Dimensional Reporting
- Quickbooks Enterprise: Best for Small Businesses
- Unanet AE: Best Project Management
- BQE Core: Another Great Option
1 NetSuite - Best Overall
Why We Chose It: NetSuite earned the top spot on our list because it’s highly customizable for growing architecture firms. NetSuite offers SuiteApp in addition to its core ERP, which has hundreds of third-party apps that help businesses scale up when they outgrow the base functions. One example is Contivio, a cloud contact center built for NetSuite that heightens CRM by having real-time reporting and statistics during customer calls.
These apps and NetSuite’s core ERP functionalities enable quick time entry for efficient accounting. We found the financial management feature is advanced in analyzing finances and business performance, allowing for efficient financial processes. Another great module is project management. This module tracks projects and improves project completion, though it does cost extra. The cloud-based system caters to architects who need real-time data while on the go, with all of its accounting in one place.
2 Sage Intacct - Best Multi-Dimensional Reporting
Why We Chose It: Sage Intacct is high on our list because its core package offers solid multi-dimensional reporting. This allows companies with multiple projects to stay organized and customize their reporting. Sage Intacct also has a user-friendly interface and functionality. The more straightforward functionality reduces the learning curve, allowing quicker software adaptation.
Its core accounting package stands out, automating accounting tasks such as order management, purchasing, and invoicing. It is a cloud-based software that provides scalability as businesses grow, with add-ons like project accounting, costing, and billing.
3 Quickbooks Enterprise - Best for Small Businesses
Why We Chose It: We like Quickbooks Enterprise best for small businesses because of its affordability and effective ERP package. Quickbooks Enterprise is a versatile ERP with over 200 industry-specific integration apps, including ones from the architecture field. Specifically, Factor is an effective project management app that caters to architecture firms. Apps like Factor can help a growing business reach its goals by quickly meshing an architecture application with Quickbooks’s strong ERP, providing an all-in-one solution.
We found QuickBooks Enterprise effective as a business management tool, going beyond basic accounting functionalities. Features like bookkeeping automation help small businesses become more efficient by automating tedious tasks like sorting business expenses and categorizing transactions. Quickbooks Enterprise offers cloud-based and on-premises options, with the cloud-based option being an annual subscription.
4 Unanet AE - Best Project Management
Why We Chose It: Unanet AE is a top option for architects, primarily due to its project management features. Its project central feature is advanced for planning and executing projects efficiently with better organization. Processes include creating project records, EVM tracking, project accounting controls, and more. Unanet AE is best suited for established architecture businesses that require streamlined project management.
Unanet AE includes built-in CRM capabilities, ensuring the business can have top customer service without installing or adding alternative CRM software. Its CRM capabilities are highlighted by its prospect management module, which features interactive maps for visualizing potential projects and helps turn them into clients. Additionally, its time and expense dashboard has desktop and mobile viewing, which makes billing and time-tracking more efficient.
5 BQE Core - Another Great Option
Why We Chose It: BQE Core is a good option for architecture businesses because of its strong focus on features that can enhance project revenue and efficiency. BQE Core is designed by industry experts specifically for professional services, including architecture and engineering businesses. BQE Core integrates project accounting and management tools, which can be helpful for managers who lack business expertise.
This entirely cloud-based software has a user-friendly interface with a modern look and an all-in-one design, allowing intuitive navigation between tasks. We also like their reporting feature, which has customizable dashboards to track different processes. Furthermore, there are free native mobile apps for Android and iPhone so businesses can access data from their phones.
6 Xero
Why We Chose It: Xero is a leading ERP software for small architecture businesses. It offers online invoicing, bank connections, and project tracking features, which help make accounting processes more efficient. Integrations with third-party payroll and time-tracking tools will scale as a business grows.
Xero is a cost-effective software, which is also why it is ideal for independent architects or growing businesses. The Early plan starts at $15 a month. However, project tracking is only available in the Established plan at $78 monthly.
7 Dynamics 365 Business Central
Why We Chose It: Dynamics 365 Business Central is a good option for firms considering a complete ERP system. We like its consistent interface with Office 365 apps like Word and Outlook, which many businesses are already familiar with. This combination makes learning the platform more accessible than other software with entirely new interfaces.
Dynamics 365 Business Central combines ERP and CRM in its essentials package. However, its CRM module lacks deep insights like customer journey mapping. We recommend this software for small to mid-level businesses, as its ERP package can help improve financial performance and get them to the next level.
8 AccountingSuite
Why We Chose It: AccountingSuite made our list because it offers a flexible ERP package that can be tailored to specific businesses, including architecture. After meeting with the developers for a live demonstration of AccountingSuite, we like its effective inventory management system that makes tasks like tracking inventory and processing orders, sales, and returns faster. AccountingSuite is ideal for small to mid-level accounting businesses looking to upgrade to gain efficiency with lots of inventory.
AccountingSuite is a cloud-based ERP that allows access to real-time data from any computer but does not have a mobile app, which limits access. We found their Start Up plan worth mentioning, including a project and time tracking module for a low $19 monthly fee. However, their inventory management system is only included in their “Professional” package at $55 per month.
9 Deltek Vantagepoint
Why We Chose It Deltek Vantagepoint made our list because it combines strong ERP capabilities with project management features. Its core ERP contains features like customizable dashboards, which businesses can tailor to their needs. Also, its interactive billing tool speeds up the payment process and improves cash flow.
We also like its project management module, which gives architecture companies more control over their operations. Its project command center feature enables companies to have greater visibility and tracking while monitoring potential risks. We recommend Deltek Vantagepoint for mid to large-sized architecture companies that outgrow less comprehensive software.
Architecture firms have very specific accounting requirements. Work is typically done on a project basis. Usually, billing is primarily a function of time. Architects also work very closely with clients to meet expectations and managing communication is critical. With numerous different accounting software options available, it’s important to find the right package to meet your particular requirements.
Key Features
The best accounting software for architects typically includes:
| Key Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Project Cost Tracking | Enables architects to monitor all expenses associated with a project, including materials, labor, and overhead costs. |
| Time Tracking & Billing | Allows the tracking of time spent on each project or task, which can be used for accurate billing and payroll purposes. |
| Budget Management | Provides tools to set project budget limits, ensuring that costs do not exceed pre-defined thresholds. |
| Financial Reporting | Offers a variety of financial reports (income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements) for business analysis. |
| Invoice Generation & Management | Automates invoice creation based on time spent and materials used; tracks payments and outstanding balances. |
| Integration with Design Software | Seamlessly connects with common design tools and software used in architecture for streamlined workflow. |
| Resource Allocation | Helps in efficiently assigning and managing resources such as personnel and materials to various projects. |
| Client Management | Provides a database for storing client information and project history, improving customer relationship management. |
| Compliance & Regulatory Features | Ensures financial practices and reports adhere to industry standards and government regulations. |
Primary Benefits
The reality is that there are many nuances to adequately managing financial information for a business that sells services instead of products. Architecture and design companies selling their professional services have unique requirements: billing is often based off of time, the type of financial reports needed can vary, and a client-centric approach to managing and presenting data is imperative. Finding a solution optimized for the way your company works can make a big difference in leveraging cost-savings and growth from your software investment.
Accounting software packages designed for architecture firms also offer a full range of financial management tools. Accounting features include the ability to print checks, pay bills, track expenses, manage payroll, create orders and invoices, manage receivables, establish budgets, perform bank reconciliations, and create top level financial reports.
Time and Billing for Projects
Time and billing modules provide a way to track time spent working on project for clients. A time and billing module will support time-tracking where entries can be assigned to specific clients or projects, as well as marked billable or non-billable. Time and billing is typically the easiest way to bill for work that is primarily based off of time. Summary views in time and billing applications help service businesses analyze the work they’ve performed on particular projects. Basic expense tracking capabilities provide a method for charging incidental costs back to the client.
Architecture firms also frequently need to manage lengthy design projects. Project management modules provide the ability to effectively manage workflow. With a project management module you’ll be better able to schedule project work. Typical results of improved project management include shorter timeframes to complete projects and better accuracy in identifying delivery dates.
Strengthen Client Relations
Most architecture firms work in a highly consultative capacity with their clients. Effectively managing relationships with clients is paramount. Tools that help improve client relations, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems are critical for architects. An integrated CRM package can provide comprehensive information on customers and prospects for sales, marketing, and customer service.
Pricing Guide
Architecture accounting software pricing can significantly vary, influenced by user count, features required, and desired customizations. Typical pricing ranges include:
- Basic (1-4 users): $10 to $999/month
- Mid-range (5-9 users): $15 to $1,646/month
- Advanced (10+ users): $24 to $1,795+/month
Factors commonly affecting pricing include the software’s ability to scale with your firm, integration capabilities, and required training and support.
Taking the Next Steps
Solutions designed for the architectural industry are not found on the shelf at a retail store and searching online on your own can be time consuming and lead to dead ends. If you are at the point where you are ready to find which architectural software options are right for you, we can help. Through a brief phone call, our software specialists will look to better understand your business and software needs to help you locate a handful of solutions suited for your specific requirements. Get started today!
