Quick Overview
- 1#1: Workamajig - All-in-one ERP software tailored for advertising agencies, integrating project management, time tracking, resource allocation, and comprehensive billing with accounting.
- 2#2: FunctionFox - Creative agency planning and billing software that tracks time, manages projects, and generates invoices with customizable templates for ad teams.
- 3#3: 10twelve - Agency management platform offering time tracking, job costing, profitability analysis, and automated invoicing specifically for advertising firms.
- 4#4: WorkBook - Integrated agency CRM, project management, and billing solution that handles retainers, expenses, and client invoicing for advertising workflows.
- 5#5: Scoro - All-in-one business management tool with advanced billing, quoting, time tracking, and reporting features optimized for service-based ad agencies.
- 6#6: Accelo - Professional services automation platform providing end-to-end billing, invoicing, retainers, and project profitability for advertising agencies.
- 7#7: BigTime - Professional services billing software with time/expense tracking, WIP management, and customizable invoicing suited for ad agency operations.
- 8#8: Kantata - Cloud-based PSA platform formerly Mavenlink, offering resource planning, time tracking, and enterprise-grade billing for professional services including agencies.
- 9#9: Harvest - Simple time tracking and invoicing tool that integrates with agency projects to create accurate bills based on tracked hours and expenses.
- 10#10: FreshBooks - Easy-to-use invoicing and accounting software ideal for small advertising agencies handling client billing, payments, and expense tracking.
Tools were ranked based on integration of core features (time tracking, project management, accounting), user-friendliness, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of modern advertising firms.
Comparison Table
Advertising agencies rely on efficient software to streamline billing, project management, and client workflows, and this comparison table explores top tools—including Workamajig, FunctionFox, 10twelve, WorkBook, Scoro, and more—to simplify selection. Readers will learn key features, pricing models, and suitability for different agency sizes, empowering them to choose software that aligns with their unique needs and workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workamajig All-in-one ERP software tailored for advertising agencies, integrating project management, time tracking, resource allocation, and comprehensive billing with accounting. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | FunctionFox Creative agency planning and billing software that tracks time, manages projects, and generates invoices with customizable templates for ad teams. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | 10twelve Agency management platform offering time tracking, job costing, profitability analysis, and automated invoicing specifically for advertising firms. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | WorkBook Integrated agency CRM, project management, and billing solution that handles retainers, expenses, and client invoicing for advertising workflows. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Scoro All-in-one business management tool with advanced billing, quoting, time tracking, and reporting features optimized for service-based ad agencies. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Accelo Professional services automation platform providing end-to-end billing, invoicing, retainers, and project profitability for advertising agencies. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | BigTime Professional services billing software with time/expense tracking, WIP management, and customizable invoicing suited for ad agency operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Kantata Cloud-based PSA platform formerly Mavenlink, offering resource planning, time tracking, and enterprise-grade billing for professional services including agencies. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Harvest Simple time tracking and invoicing tool that integrates with agency projects to create accurate bills based on tracked hours and expenses. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 10 | FreshBooks Easy-to-use invoicing and accounting software ideal for small advertising agencies handling client billing, payments, and expense tracking. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
All-in-one ERP software tailored for advertising agencies, integrating project management, time tracking, resource allocation, and comprehensive billing with accounting.
Creative agency planning and billing software that tracks time, manages projects, and generates invoices with customizable templates for ad teams.
Agency management platform offering time tracking, job costing, profitability analysis, and automated invoicing specifically for advertising firms.
Integrated agency CRM, project management, and billing solution that handles retainers, expenses, and client invoicing for advertising workflows.
All-in-one business management tool with advanced billing, quoting, time tracking, and reporting features optimized for service-based ad agencies.
Professional services automation platform providing end-to-end billing, invoicing, retainers, and project profitability for advertising agencies.
Professional services billing software with time/expense tracking, WIP management, and customizable invoicing suited for ad agency operations.
Cloud-based PSA platform formerly Mavenlink, offering resource planning, time tracking, and enterprise-grade billing for professional services including agencies.
Simple time tracking and invoicing tool that integrates with agency projects to create accurate bills based on tracked hours and expenses.
Easy-to-use invoicing and accounting software ideal for small advertising agencies handling client billing, payments, and expense tracking.
Workamajig
enterpriseAll-in-one ERP software tailored for advertising agencies, integrating project management, time tracking, resource allocation, and comprehensive billing with accounting.
Integrated 'A/E Ready' accounting system with agency-specific job costing and WIP management for precise billing accuracy
Workamajig is a comprehensive all-in-one platform designed specifically for advertising and creative agencies, offering robust billing, accounting, project management, and resource planning tools. It excels in job costing, time tracking integration for accurate invoicing, profitability analysis, and automated billing workflows tailored to agency needs. With features like WIP reporting, AR management, and customizable invoicing, it streamlines financial operations while providing real-time insights into project profitability.
Pros
- Industry-specific billing and job costing tailored for advertising agencies
- Seamless integration of time tracking, projects, and accounting for accurate invoicing
- Powerful profitability reporting and forecasting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Pricing can be high for smaller agencies
Best For
Mid-to-large advertising agencies seeking an integrated billing and project management solution to handle complex job costing and profitability tracking.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $40/user/month for basic plans, scaling to $60+ for advanced features; enterprise quotes available.
FunctionFox
specializedCreative agency planning and billing software that tracks time, manages projects, and generates invoices with customizable templates for ad teams.
Visual Timeline scheduling with real-time capacity planning to prevent overbooking and optimize billable resources
FunctionFox is a robust project management and time-tracking platform tailored for creative agencies, including advertising firms, enabling efficient project planning, resource allocation, and billing. It excels in capturing billable hours, managing expenses, generating invoices directly from time entries, and providing profitability reports. The software integrates scheduling, task assignment, and client collaboration tools to streamline workflows from project inception to payment.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing and expense management for accurate agency billing
- Comprehensive reporting on project profitability and utilization rates
- Customizable templates and client portals for streamlined approvals and communication
Cons
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited native integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized advertising agencies seeking an all-in-one solution for project tracking and client billing without needing extensive customizations.
Pricing
Starts at $5/user/month (Solo), $9/user/month (Planning), up to $19/user/month (Tracking Plus), billed annually with a minimum of 3 users.
10twelve
specializedAgency management platform offering time tracking, job costing, profitability analysis, and automated invoicing specifically for advertising firms.
Advanced Profit First billing engine that automates scoping, revenue recognition, and margin tracking per client/project
10twelve is a specialized billing and operations platform built for advertising and creative agencies, focusing on accurate invoicing, time tracking, and profitability analysis. It automates complex billing scenarios like retainers, projects, and milestones while providing real-time financial insights and resource planning tools. The software integrates project management with billing to help agencies forecast revenue, track margins, and optimize operations for better cash flow.
Pros
- Tailored billing engine handles agency-specific needs like retainers and scoping
- Real-time profitability dashboards and forecasting tools
- Seamless integration of time tracking with invoicing and reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small agencies
- Limited native integrations with popular creative tools
- Initial setup and customization require time and training
Best For
Mid-sized advertising agencies managing multiple retainers and projects that need precise billing accuracy and profitability insights.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $299/month for core plans, scaling based on users, projects, and features; free trial available.
WorkBook
specializedIntegrated agency CRM, project management, and billing solution that handles retainers, expenses, and client invoicing for advertising workflows.
Advanced profitability engine that forecasts revenue, costs, and margins in real-time via interactive financial calendars
WorkBook is a comprehensive agency management platform tailored for advertising agencies, providing end-to-end tools for project management, resource scheduling, time tracking, and billing. It excels in automating invoicing, handling complex billing scenarios like retainers and campaigns, and delivering profitability insights through integrated financial tracking. With CRM, reporting, and forecasting capabilities, it helps agencies manage operations from client acquisition to payment collection efficiently.
Pros
- Robust billing automation with retainer and milestone support
- Real-time profitability tracking across projects and clients
- Integrated resource planning and CRM for streamlined agency workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller agencies
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized advertising agencies needing an all-in-one solution for billing, project management, and financial forecasting.
Pricing
Starts at around $59/user/month for basic plans, with custom enterprise pricing based on agency size and needs.
Scoro
enterpriseAll-in-one business management tool with advanced billing, quoting, time tracking, and reporting features optimized for service-based ad agencies.
Profitability dashboard that automatically calculates margins per project, client, or team member from real-time time and expense data
Scoro is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for service-based businesses like advertising agencies, combining CRM, project management, time tracking, and billing into a unified system. It excels in automating the billing process by converting timesheets and project data directly into invoices, while providing profitability insights and resource planning. Ideal for agencies handling complex client projects, Scoro ensures accurate billing for billable hours, expenses, and retainers with customizable templates and multi-currency support.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking and project management into billing workflows
- Advanced profitability reporting and forecasting for agency finances
- Automated invoicing, quotes, and recurring billing with customizable templates
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features overwhelming smaller teams
- Higher pricing may not suit very small agencies focused solely on billing
- Limited out-of-the-box advertising-specific templates requiring customization
Best For
Mid-sized advertising agencies needing an integrated platform for project tracking, time billing, and financial oversight.
Pricing
Starts at $26/user/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $66/user/month (Ultimate), with a 14-day free trial and custom enterprise pricing.
Accelo
enterpriseProfessional services automation platform providing end-to-end billing, invoicing, retainers, and project profitability for advertising agencies.
Smart Workflows that automate billing triggers from project milestones and time entries
Accelo is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform designed for agencies, including advertising firms, to manage end-to-end operations. It excels in billing through automated time tracking, expense logging, customizable invoicing, and retainer management tailored to agency workflows. The software also integrates project management, CRM, and profitability reporting to streamline client campaigns and financial oversight.
Pros
- Robust automation for invoicing, retainers, and recurring billing ideal for agency retainers
- Seamless integration of time tracking, projects, and CRM for full client lifecycle management
- Strong reporting on billable hours, profitability, and resource allocation
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Higher costs for advanced plans with larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized advertising agencies needing an all-in-one PSA for billing, project tracking, and client management without multiple disjointed tools.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Professional), $69 (Advanced), $99 (Elite), with custom Ultimate plans; billed annually.
BigTime
enterpriseProfessional services billing software with time/expense tracking, WIP management, and customizable invoicing suited for ad agency operations.
Revenue forecasting and project-level profitability tracking
BigTime is a cloud-based professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for advertising agencies and similar firms, providing comprehensive time tracking, project management, expense logging, and client billing tools. It streamlines agency workflows by enabling accurate billable hour capture, automated invoicing, and profitability analysis across projects. With customizable reports and resource scheduling, it helps agencies forecast revenue and optimize resource allocation effectively.
Pros
- Robust time/expense tracking with mobile app support
- Advanced invoicing, AR management, and profitability reporting
- Skills-based resource scheduling for agency teams
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex features
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
- Limited built-in creative approval workflows
Best For
Mid-sized advertising agencies needing integrated PSA for time tracking, billing, and project profitability insights.
Pricing
Tiered pricing from $10/user/month (Essentials) to $50/user/month (Elite), billed annually; custom quotes for enterprises.
Kantata
enterpriseCloud-based PSA platform formerly Mavenlink, offering resource planning, time tracking, and enterprise-grade billing for professional services including agencies.
Skills-based capacity planning and forecasting for precise resource allocation and billing accuracy
Kantata is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for advertising agencies, enabling seamless management of projects, resources, time tracking, and billing workflows. It provides advanced tools for capturing billable hours, expenses, and generating accurate invoices while offering real-time profitability insights and forecasting. Originally Mavenlink, it supports creative agencies in handling retainers, campaigns, and variable billing models efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive time and expense tracking with automated invoicing
- Real-time dashboards for project profitability and resource utilization
- Strong integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and NetSuite
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small agencies
- Some users report occasional performance lags with large datasets
Best For
Mid-to-large advertising agencies needing integrated PSA for complex billing and resource management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; Essentials plan starts around $39/user/month, with Advanced and Enterprise tiers scaling up based on features and users.
Harvest
specializedSimple time tracking and invoicing tool that integrates with agency projects to create accurate bills based on tracked hours and expenses.
Project budgeting that alerts teams when approaching client-approved limits, preventing overages in agency billing.
Harvest is a user-friendly time tracking and invoicing platform designed for teams and freelancers to log hours, manage projects, track expenses, and generate client invoices. It excels in simplifying billable time management by allowing automatic invoice creation from time entries and providing detailed productivity reports. Ideal for service-based businesses like advertising agencies relying on hourly billing.
Pros
- Intuitive time tracking with start/stop timers and mobile app support
- Direct invoicing from tracked time and expenses
- Solid reporting and budget tracking for projects
- Integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Asana, and Slack
Cons
- Limited advanced agency-specific features like campaign ROI tracking or media buying tools
- No native CRM or client approval workflows
- Reporting lacks deep customization for complex agency billing
- Advanced team features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized advertising agencies that prioritize simple, accurate time-based billing without needing heavy project management or CRM capabilities.
Pricing
Free for solo users; Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually $10.80); Company plan at $21/user/month (billed annually $18); minimum 2 users on paid plans.
FreshBooks
otherEasy-to-use invoicing and accounting software ideal for small advertising agencies handling client billing, payments, and expense tracking.
Beautiful, mobile-optimized invoices with branding customization and one-click client approvals
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, offering time tracking, expense management, customizable invoicing, and online payments. For advertising agencies, it excels in tracking billable hours, generating professional invoices, and automating recurring billing for retainers. However, it lacks deep project management or agency-specific reporting, making it suitable for simpler billing needs rather than complex agency workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoicing
- Robust time tracking and expense categorization for billable work
- Fast online payments and automated reminders to improve cash flow
Cons
- Limited advanced project management or task assignment tools
- Reporting lacks agency-specific metrics like utilization rates
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple clients
Best For
Small advertising agencies or freelance creatives focused on straightforward hourly billing and invoicing without needing integrated CRM or complex project tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite: 5 clients, basic features) up to $60/month (Select: unlimited clients, advanced reporting); billed annually for discounts.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Workamajig emerges as the top choice, offering a fully integrated ERP system that combines project management, time tracking, and accounting, perfectly suited for advertising agencies. FunctionFox and 10twelve stand out as strong alternatives: FunctionFox excels with customizable templates for creative ad teams, while 10twelve delivers robust job costing and profitability analysis, addressing diverse operational needs. Ultimately, the right software streamlines billing processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy, with Workamajig leading the pack.
Ready to transform your agency’s billing workflow? Start with Workamajig to leverage its all-in-one capabilities and set your operations up for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison