Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Enterprise - Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with job costing, payroll, inventory, and reporting tailored for construction contractors.
- 2#2: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Robust ERP system delivering advanced construction accounting, project management, and financial controls for real estate and contractors.
- 3#3: Foundation - Specialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, subcontractor management, payroll, and compliance.
- 4#4: Viewpoint Vista - Enterprise-level construction ERP providing sophisticated job costing, GL, AP/AR, and multi-company financial management.
- 5#5: CMiC - Integrated cloud ERP platform combining construction accounting, project controls, and field management for large-scale projects.
- 6#6: Epicor Construction Ultimate - Full-featured construction ERP with accounting, service management, estimating, and distribution for mid-to-large firms.
- 7#7: Procore - Construction management platform with integrated financials for budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and job costing.
- 8#8: Buildertrend - All-in-one platform for residential construction including estimating, scheduling, client management, and basic accounting.
- 9#9: Knowify - Cloud-based tool for subcontractors offering job costing, time tracking, invoicing, and purchase order management.
- 10#10: Joist - Simple mobile app for small contractors handling estimates, invoices, payments, and basic expense tracking.
We evaluated these tools based on construction-specific features (including job costing and subcontractor management), user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring a balanced list for contractors of all scales.
Comparison Table
Effective financial management is essential for construction projects, and choosing the right bookkeeping software can streamline processes, track expenses, and enhance accuracy. This comparison table explores top tools—such as QuickBooks Enterprise, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Foundation, Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, and more—detailing their key features, usability, and fit for various project scales and needs. Readers will discover which solution aligns best with their operational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Enterprise Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with job costing, payroll, inventory, and reporting tailored for construction contractors. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Robust ERP system delivering advanced construction accounting, project management, and financial controls for real estate and contractors. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Foundation Specialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, subcontractor management, payroll, and compliance. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Viewpoint Vista Enterprise-level construction ERP providing sophisticated job costing, GL, AP/AR, and multi-company financial management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | CMiC Integrated cloud ERP platform combining construction accounting, project controls, and field management for large-scale projects. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Epicor Construction Ultimate Full-featured construction ERP with accounting, service management, estimating, and distribution for mid-to-large firms. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Procore Construction management platform with integrated financials for budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and job costing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Buildertrend All-in-one platform for residential construction including estimating, scheduling, client management, and basic accounting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Knowify Cloud-based tool for subcontractors offering job costing, time tracking, invoicing, and purchase order management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Joist Simple mobile app for small contractors handling estimates, invoices, payments, and basic expense tracking. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based accounting software with job costing, payroll, inventory, and reporting tailored for construction contractors.
Robust ERP system delivering advanced construction accounting, project management, and financial controls for real estate and contractors.
Specialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, subcontractor management, payroll, and compliance.
Enterprise-level construction ERP providing sophisticated job costing, GL, AP/AR, and multi-company financial management.
Integrated cloud ERP platform combining construction accounting, project controls, and field management for large-scale projects.
Full-featured construction ERP with accounting, service management, estimating, and distribution for mid-to-large firms.
Construction management platform with integrated financials for budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and job costing.
All-in-one platform for residential construction including estimating, scheduling, client management, and basic accounting.
Cloud-based tool for subcontractors offering job costing, time tracking, invoicing, and purchase order management.
Simple mobile app for small contractors handling estimates, invoices, payments, and basic expense tracking.
QuickBooks Enterprise
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based accounting software with job costing, payroll, inventory, and reporting tailored for construction contractors.
Sophisticated job costing engine that allocates costs, tracks variances, and delivers project-specific P&L reports in real-time
QuickBooks Enterprise, particularly its Contractor edition, is a comprehensive accounting software designed for construction businesses, offering robust job costing, project tracking, and financial management tools. It enables precise tracking of labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead costs per job, along with progress invoicing and retainage handling essential for construction bookkeeping. The platform integrates with field management apps like Procore and provides customizable reports for WIP schedules, change orders, and profitability analysis, making it a top choice for scaling contractors.
Pros
- Advanced job costing with real-time profitability tracking across multiple projects
- Seamless handling of construction-specific needs like retainage, AIA billing, and change orders
- Scalable for enterprises with multi-user access, inventory management, and third-party integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-accountants
- High pricing that may overwhelm smaller construction firms
- Requires add-ons or customizations for full end-to-end construction workflow
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies needing enterprise-grade job costing and integrated financial reporting.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$1,523 for Silver (1 user) up to $10,000+ for Platinum/Diamond with 30+ users; includes hosting options.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseRobust ERP system delivering advanced construction accounting, project management, and financial controls for real estate and contractors.
Advanced job cost ledger with real-time profitability tracking and overhead allocation
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP solution tailored for construction and real estate firms, offering comprehensive bookkeeping features like job costing, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and payroll integration. It excels in handling complex construction-specific financials, including progress billing, retainage, AIA billing forms, and change order management. The software supports multi-company operations and provides detailed reporting for project profitability and compliance.
Pros
- Superior job costing and project accounting tailored for construction workflows
- Strong support for AIA billing, retainage, and compliance reporting
- Scalable for multi-entity operations with robust integration capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to modern cloud-native tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms needing integrated financials, job costing, and project management with industry-specific compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ annually for base modules, scaling with users, companies, and add-ons; perpetual licenses or cloud subscriptions available.
Foundation
specializedSpecialized construction accounting software focused on job costing, subcontractor management, payroll, and compliance.
Advanced Certified Payroll module with built-in Davis-Bacon compliance and e-filing capabilities
Foundation, from Foundation Software, is a specialized accounting solution tailored for construction companies, providing robust job costing, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger capabilities. It excels in handling complex construction-specific needs like certified payroll, work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, and multi-company operations. The software integrates with popular estimating and project management tools, making it a comprehensive financial management platform for contractors.
Pros
- Industry-leading job costing and WIP reporting
- Comprehensive certified payroll compliance for prevailing wage jobs
- Strong integrations with construction estimating software like Sage Estimating
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth and dated interface
- Primarily on-premise deployment limits remote access flexibility
- Custom quote pricing can be opaque and expensive for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms with complex job costing and certified payroll requirements seeking a dedicated industry-specific solution.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing with modular licensing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 upfront plus $2,000-$5,000 annual maintenance per company, scaling with users and modules.
Viewpoint Vista
enterpriseEnterprise-level construction ERP providing sophisticated job costing, GL, AP/AR, and multi-company financial management.
Construction-optimized job costing with multi-tier cost codes, change order tracking, and real-time WIP schedules
Viewpoint Vista is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction companies, providing comprehensive bookkeeping features like job costing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and general ledger management. It excels in handling construction-specific financial complexities such as retainage billing, certified payroll, and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting. Integrated with project management and field tools, it offers end-to-end visibility for financial control in dynamic construction environments.
Pros
- Deep construction-specific accounting with precise job costing and retainage handling
- Scalable for mid-to-large firms with strong integration to field operations
- Advanced reporting and analytics for profitability insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring training
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup process
- Pricing is premium, less ideal for small contractors
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms seeking an all-in-one ERP with specialized bookkeeping for complex projects.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $100-$300 per user/month for cloud-hosted, with annual costs starting at $20,000+ depending on modules and users.
CMiC
enterpriseIntegrated cloud ERP platform combining construction accounting, project controls, and field management for large-scale projects.
Single-database architecture enabling seamless, real-time integration of financials, project controls, and field data without silos.
CMiC is an enterprise-grade ERP platform tailored for construction, providing specialized bookkeeping and financial management tools including job costing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, retainage handling, and general ledger. It integrates financials with project management, field operations, and BIM for real-time visibility across the construction lifecycle. Designed for scalability, it supports complex multi-entity reporting and compliance with construction industry standards.
Pros
- Deep construction-specific financial features like advanced job costing and change order tracking
- Full integration across ERP, projects, and field tools in a single database
- Robust analytics and customizable reporting for enterprise-scale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring extensive training
- High costs for implementation and ongoing subscriptions
- Overkill for small contractors with simpler needs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms and general contractors needing integrated ERP with sophisticated bookkeeping for multiple projects.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $50,000+ annually for mid-sized implementations, scaling to $500,000+ for enterprises based on users and modules.
Epicor Construction Ultimate
enterpriseFull-featured construction ERP with accounting, service management, estimating, and distribution for mid-to-large firms.
Integrated job cost management with automated WIP schedules and forecast variance analysis
Epicor Construction Ultimate is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction firms, providing comprehensive bookkeeping features like job costing, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, payroll, and financial reporting. It integrates financial management with project controls, service operations, and business intelligence for end-to-end visibility. Ideal for handling complex, multi-project environments with industry-specific compliance and real-time analytics.
Pros
- Advanced job costing and profitability tracking with real-time WIP reporting
- Seamless integration of financials with project management and field operations
- Strong compliance tools for construction regulations like lien management and retainage
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High cost unsuitable for small firms
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native bookkeeping apps
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies managing multiple complex projects that require integrated ERP-level bookkeeping.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, with perpetual licenses or subscription models available.
Procore
enterpriseConstruction management platform with integrated financials for budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and job costing.
Advanced Job Costing with WIP (Work-in-Progress) schedules and lien waiver management for construction-specific financial compliance
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust financial tools designed specifically for the construction industry, including job costing, budgeting, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, and change order management. It integrates financial data with project workflows for real-time visibility into costs and profitability. While not a standalone bookkeeping solution, its construction-specific accounting features make it powerful for managing complex project finances.
Pros
- Industry-leading job costing and budgeting tailored to construction projects with retainage and change orders
- Seamless integrations with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, Sage, and Viewpoint
- Real-time financial dashboards and reporting for better cash flow and profitability tracking
Cons
- High cost with custom enterprise pricing that may overwhelm small firms
- Steep learning curve due to its extensive feature set and complexity
- Not ideal as a pure bookkeeping tool; better suited for full project management
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies needing integrated financial management within broader project operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $500+/month for small teams, scaling to thousands per month for enterprises based on users and modules.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one platform for residential construction including estimating, scheduling, client management, and basic accounting.
Job Costing Dashboard that automatically pulls in labor, materials, and subcontractor costs from daily logs and schedules for real-time profitability tracking
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with integrated bookkeeping tools designed for contractors and builders. It provides job costing, invoicing, expense tracking, A/P and A/R management, and financial reporting to streamline construction-specific accounting. While not a standalone accounting solution, its features connect project data directly to finances for better profitability insights.
Pros
- Robust job costing and budgeting tied to project schedules
- Seamless invoicing and payment processing with QuickBooks integration
- Mobile access for on-site time and expense entry
Cons
- Expensive for small teams focused only on bookkeeping
- Requires full platform adoption for optimal financial features
- Custom reporting can be limited without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms needing integrated project management and construction-specific bookkeeping.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for solo users; team plans from $399-$799/month based on users and features; custom enterprise quotes.
Knowify
specializedCloud-based tool for subcontractors offering job costing, time tracking, invoicing, and purchase order management.
Two-way QuickBooks sync that automatically posts job-specific costs, revenues, and changes without manual data entry
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed specifically for contractors, offering robust job costing, invoicing, expense tracking, and project financial management. It integrates deeply with QuickBooks and other accounting tools to automate bookkeeping tasks like A/R, A/P, and profitability reporting per job. With features for estimating, scheduling, time tracking, and purchase orders, it streamlines financial operations for construction businesses of varying sizes.
Pros
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks for accurate job costing and automated bookkeeping
- Comprehensive project financial tracking including real-time profitability insights
- Mobile app for on-site time entry, photos, and approvals
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multi-user teams or advanced features
- Moderate learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Reporting capabilities are solid but lack depth compared to dedicated accounting platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms that rely on QuickBooks and need integrated job costing with project management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for the Basic plan (1 user), with Pro at $299/month and Enterprise custom pricing; billed annually.
Joist
otherSimple mobile app for small contractors handling estimates, invoices, payments, and basic expense tracking.
One-tap conversion from estimates to invoices with instant payment links
Joist is a mobile-first app tailored for contractors and small construction businesses, enabling quick creation of professional estimates, invoices, and work orders directly from smartphones or tablets. It streamlines billing with features like online payments, time tracking, and basic job scheduling, while integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks for accounting data sync. Though lightweight and user-friendly, it serves as a front-end invoicing tool rather than a comprehensive bookkeeping platform for complex construction financials.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive mobile interface for on-site use
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting export
- Fast payment processing with low fees
Cons
- Lacks advanced job costing and payroll features
- No native accounts payable or inventory management
- Reporting capabilities are basic and limited
Best For
Solo contractors or small construction teams needing simple, mobile invoicing integrated with QuickBooks.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro plan at $24.99/month; Premium at $49.99/month for advanced tools.
Conclusion
After reviewing tools tailored to construction bookkeeping, the top rankings highlight options that excel in job costing, subcontractor management, and financial precision. QuickBooks Enterprise leads as the premiere choice, offering a comprehensive cloud-based solution, while Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate and Foundation stand out as strong alternatives for varied needs like project management or compliance.
Contractors seeking to streamline their financial operations should start with QuickBooks Enterprise—its robust features make it the ideal tool to manage projects and finances effectively.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison