Quick Overview
- 1#1: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Enterprise ERP software providing comprehensive construction accounting, job costing, AIA billing, and project financial management for contractors and real estate firms.
- 2#2: Viewpoint Vista - Integrated construction ERP with advanced accounting features including job cost management, retainage handling, and multi-company financial reporting.
- 3#3: CMiC - Cloud-native ERP platform delivering end-to-end construction accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale projects.
- 4#4: Foundation - Specialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and customizable reporting for contractors.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor - Customizable desktop accounting solution with construction-specific tools for job costing, progress invoicing, and inventory tracking.
- 6#6: Procore - Construction management platform with robust financial modules for budgeting, expense tracking, change order management, and accounting integrations.
- 7#7: Jonas Premier - All-in-one construction ERP offering accounting, job costing, service management, and real-time financial dashboards for general and specialty contractors.
- 8#8: Knowify - Cloud-based tool for subcontractors providing job costing, invoicing, payments, and accounting automation integrated with QuickBooks.
- 9#9: Deltek Ajera - Project-based accounting software for AEC firms with time/expense tracking, billing, and financial project management.
- 10#10: Eclipse - Full-featured construction accounting system supporting job costing, subcontract management, payroll, and general ledger for mid-sized contractors.
Tools were selected based on depth of construction-specific features (including job costing, retainage handling, and AIA billing), user-friendliness, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique needs of contractors, subcontractors, and AEC firms across project sizes.
Comparison Table
Accounting construction software is vital for managing the unique financial and project-related needs of construction businesses. This comparison table examines tools such as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, Foundation, and QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor, outlining their key features, strengths, and suitability to assist readers in selecting the right solution for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Enterprise ERP software providing comprehensive construction accounting, job costing, AIA billing, and project financial management for contractors and real estate firms. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | Viewpoint Vista Integrated construction ERP with advanced accounting features including job cost management, retainage handling, and multi-company financial reporting. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | CMiC Cloud-native ERP platform delivering end-to-end construction accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale projects. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Foundation Specialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and customizable reporting for contractors. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Customizable desktop accounting solution with construction-specific tools for job costing, progress invoicing, and inventory tracking. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Procore Construction management platform with robust financial modules for budgeting, expense tracking, change order management, and accounting integrations. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Jonas Premier All-in-one construction ERP offering accounting, job costing, service management, and real-time financial dashboards for general and specialty contractors. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Knowify Cloud-based tool for subcontractors providing job costing, invoicing, payments, and accounting automation integrated with QuickBooks. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Deltek Ajera Project-based accounting software for AEC firms with time/expense tracking, billing, and financial project management. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Eclipse Full-featured construction accounting system supporting job costing, subcontract management, payroll, and general ledger for mid-sized contractors. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Enterprise ERP software providing comprehensive construction accounting, job costing, AIA billing, and project financial management for contractors and real estate firms.
Integrated construction ERP with advanced accounting features including job cost management, retainage handling, and multi-company financial reporting.
Cloud-native ERP platform delivering end-to-end construction accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale projects.
Specialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and customizable reporting for contractors.
Customizable desktop accounting solution with construction-specific tools for job costing, progress invoicing, and inventory tracking.
Construction management platform with robust financial modules for budgeting, expense tracking, change order management, and accounting integrations.
All-in-one construction ERP offering accounting, job costing, service management, and real-time financial dashboards for general and specialty contractors.
Cloud-based tool for subcontractors providing job costing, invoicing, payments, and accounting automation integrated with QuickBooks.
Project-based accounting software for AEC firms with time/expense tracking, billing, and financial project management.
Full-featured construction accounting system supporting job costing, subcontract management, payroll, and general ledger for mid-sized contractors.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseEnterprise ERP software providing comprehensive construction accounting, job costing, AIA billing, and project financial management for contractors and real estate firms.
Real-time job cost management with overhead allocation and variance analysis across multiple projects
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP solution tailored for construction firms, real estate developers, and property managers, offering end-to-end accounting, project management, and job costing capabilities. It handles complex financial processes like multi-company consolidations, progress billing, retainage, and subcontractor management with precision. The software provides real-time insights through customizable dashboards and reporting, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as AIA billing.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and project accounting tailored for construction
- Strong integration with Microsoft Office, Procore, and other industry tools
- Scalable for enterprises with multi-entity support and robust security
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for full utilization
- Quote-based pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
- Primarily on-premise deployment, with cloud migration still evolving
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies and real estate firms needing integrated ERP for accounting, job costing, and project controls.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $10,000-$50,000 annually, depending on users, modules, and deployment.
Viewpoint Vista
enterpriseIntegrated construction ERP with advanced accounting features including job cost management, retainage handling, and multi-company financial reporting.
Real-time job cost management with multi-level WIP reporting and variance analysis
Viewpoint Vista is a comprehensive ERP platform designed specifically for construction companies, delivering robust accounting, job costing, payroll, and project management capabilities. It excels in handling complex construction financials, including progress billing, retainage management, union payroll, and real-time job cost tracking. Integrated with field tools and mobile apps, it supports end-to-end operations from estimating to closeout, making it ideal for scaling enterprises.
Pros
- Deep construction-specific accounting like job costing and certified payroll
- Highly scalable with modular design for enterprise growth
- Strong integrations with field management and third-party tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Requires dedicated IT support for optimal use
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms managing multiple complex projects with advanced financial needs.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $150-$400 per user/month plus significant one-time implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
CMiC
enterpriseCloud-native ERP platform delivering end-to-end construction accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance for large-scale projects.
Single-database architecture unifying financial accounting with project lifecycle management for real-time visibility and data accuracy.
CMiC is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform tailored for the construction industry, providing advanced accounting and financial management solutions including job costing, WIP reporting, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and payroll processing. It integrates seamlessly with project management, field operations, and resource planning to deliver real-time financial insights and compliance with construction-specific standards like AIA billing. Designed for scalability, CMiC supports multi-company operations and complex project hierarchies, making it a robust choice for enterprise-level construction firms.
Pros
- Deep industry-specific accounting features like precise job costing and retainage management
- Full integration across financials, projects, and operations in a single database
- Strong scalability and customization for large, complex construction enterprises
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized firms
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies needing an enterprise-grade, fully integrated ERP for accounting and project financials.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and implementation scope.
Foundation
specializedSpecialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and customizable reporting for contractors.
Advanced Job Profitability module with drill-down WIP reporting and change order tracking
Foundation is a robust, construction-specific accounting software from Foundation Software, designed to handle the unique financial needs of contractors including job costing, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger management. It excels in tracking project profitability with detailed WIP reports and supports multi-company setups for larger firms. The platform offers strong reporting tools and integrations with field management apps, making it suitable for mid-sized construction businesses.
Pros
- Exceptional job cost accounting with real-time tracking and forecasting
- Comprehensive construction-specific reporting including certified payroll and WIP schedules
- Scalable for multi-entity operations and strong subcontractor 1099 management
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- Primarily desktop-based with limited native mobile functionality
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies needing advanced job costing and financial oversight for complex projects.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on users and modules; typically $200-$400 per user/month or perpetual licenses starting at $15,000+.
QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor
enterpriseCustomizable desktop accounting solution with construction-specific tools for job costing, progress invoicing, and inventory tracking.
Advanced job costing with WIP schedules and overhead allocation for precise construction project profitability
QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor is a desktop-based accounting software tailored for construction businesses, providing job costing, progress invoicing, change order tracking, and project profitability analysis. It integrates core QuickBooks accounting features like payroll, expense tracking, and customizable reporting with construction-specific tools for estimating, subcontractor payments, and certified payroll. Ideal for contractors managing multiple jobs, it offers robust financial oversight but requires a Windows environment and annual support subscriptions.
Pros
- Powerful job costing and real-time project profitability tracking
- Comprehensive construction tools like change orders and AIA billing
- Strong integration with QuickBooks ecosystem for payroll and inventory
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for beginners
- High upfront and ongoing costs unsuitable for small firms
- Limited native mobile access and cloud capabilities
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies needing detailed desktop accounting and job-specific financial controls.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at ~$1,823/year for Silver (1 user), up to $4,963+ for Diamond (up to 40 users) with annual support required.
Procore
enterpriseConstruction management platform with robust financial modules for budgeting, expense tracking, change order management, and accounting integrations.
Real-time job costing that automatically syncs field progress, change events, and costs for precise financial projections
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with a dedicated Financials module that provides accounting tools tailored for construction projects, including job costing, accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with project management features to offer real-time financial insights from field activities. While powerful for end-to-end construction workflows, it functions more as an integrated suite rather than a standalone accounting solution.
Pros
- Deep integration of financials with project management for accurate job costing and forecasting
- Real-time dashboards and mobile access for on-site financial oversight
- Robust tools for handling change orders, subcontracts, and compliance tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring significant training
- High pricing that may not suit small firms or pure accounting needs
- Limited flexibility for non-construction accounting without add-ons or integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies seeking integrated project and financial management rather than standalone accounting software.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $500-$800 per month per project or user stack, with annual contracts required.
Jonas Premier
enterpriseAll-in-one construction ERP offering accounting, job costing, service management, and real-time financial dashboards for general and specialty contractors.
Advanced job costing with real-time WIP schedules and change order tracking
Jonas Premier is a comprehensive ERP solution tailored for construction companies, offering robust accounting features like job costing, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll integrated with project management and service dispatch. It supports mid-to-large firms with tools for financial reporting, WIP tracking, and compliance in the construction sector. The software emphasizes accuracy in construction-specific accounting, reducing errors in multi-project environments.
Pros
- Highly specialized job costing and WIP reporting for construction
- Fully integrated modules for accounting, payroll, and operations
- Strong customer support and industry-specific compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited modern mobile accessibility compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms needing integrated accounting with project and service management for accurate job-level financial control.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $4,000-$10,000/month depending on modules, users, and deployment (cloud or on-premise); annual contracts common.
Knowify
specializedCloud-based tool for subcontractors providing job costing, invoicing, payments, and accounting automation integrated with QuickBooks.
Real-time two-way sync with QuickBooks for automated job costing and financial accuracy
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors and specialty subcontractors, with strong emphasis on accounting features like job costing, invoicing, and progress billing. It offers seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks Online and Desktop, enabling real-time financial syncing for project profitability tracking. Additional tools include estimating, time tracking, purchase orders, and mobile accessibility, making it a focused solution for construction-specific financial management.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accurate job costing
- Robust construction invoicing and A/R tools
- Mobile app supports field data entry and approvals
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Some users report occasional sync delays with QuickBooks
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms and trade contractors relying on QuickBooks who need integrated job costing and project accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Solo plan (1 user), $299/month for Team (3 users), $499/month for Business (5 users); custom Enterprise pricing available.
Deltek Ajera
enterpriseProject-based accounting software for AEC firms with time/expense tracking, billing, and financial project management.
Seamless end-to-end project billing workflow that ties time entries directly to invoices and retainage management
Deltek Ajera is a cloud-based ERP solution tailored for small to mid-sized architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, offering integrated project accounting, time and expense tracking, job costing, and invoicing. It provides tools for managing project financials from budgeting to billing, with robust reporting for work-in-progress (WIP) and profitability analysis. Ajera emphasizes streamlined workflows for project-based billing and resource allocation in the construction industry.
Pros
- Comprehensive project accounting with strong job costing and WIP reporting
- Integrated time/expense tracking and mobile app for field use
- Customizable dashboards and reporting for AEC-specific needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface
- Quote-based pricing can be costly for smaller teams
- Limited advanced automation compared to newer competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized AEC firms needing integrated project financial management without enterprise-scale complexity.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $40-$100 per user/month depending on modules, users, and implementation.
Eclipse
enterpriseFull-featured construction accounting system supporting job costing, subcontract management, payroll, and general ledger for mid-sized contractors.
Seamless integration of field service dispatching with real-time job costing and accounting updates
Eclipse by Data Technologies is a comprehensive on-premise construction accounting software designed specifically for contractors and specialty trade firms. It excels in job costing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, general ledger, and project management integration, with tools for service dispatch and inventory control. Tailored for the construction industry, it provides detailed financial tracking and reporting to manage complex projects efficiently.
Pros
- Robust job costing and project financial tracking
- Integrated service management and dispatching
- Strong reporting and customizable dashboards
Cons
- Dated Windows-based interface feels outdated
- On-premise only with no native cloud option
- Steeper learning curve for new users
Best For
Mid-sized construction and specialty trade companies seeking detailed on-premise job costing and service management integration.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; initial perpetual license typically $10,000-$25,000 plus annual maintenance fees around 20% of license cost.
Conclusion
The reviewed accounting construction software tools showcase a range of solutions, each designed to address key financial and project management needs. At the top, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate leads with its comprehensive enterprise ERP, offering robust features for contractors and real estate firms. Viewpoint Vista and CMiC follow closely, standing out as strong alternatives with integrated ERP capabilities and cloud-native platforms, respectively, catering to different operational priorities.
Explore the top-ranked Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate to streamline your accounting processes and enhance project financial management today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison