Quick Overview
- 1#1: Sage 300 CRE - Enterprise-level accounting and job cost management software built specifically for construction and real estate companies.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor - Robust accounting solution with construction-specific job costing, payroll, and invoicing features for contractors.
- 3#3: Foundation - Specialized construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and certified payroll.
- 4#4: Viewpoint Vista - Comprehensive ERP system providing construction accounting, project controls, and financial management tools.
- 5#5: CMiC - Cloud ERP platform integrating construction accounting, project management, and field operations.
- 6#6: ProContractor - Integrated construction software for estimating, job costing, accounting, and project tracking.
- 7#7: ComputerEase - Construction accounting software with job costing, dispatching, and service management capabilities.
- 8#8: Jonas Construction Software - Modular ERP for construction firms handling accounting, CRM, service, and project management.
- 9#9: eSUB - Cloud-based platform for subcontractor accounting, time tracking, and project management in construction.
- 10#10: Knowify - Construction business platform combining job costing, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting.
Tools were ranked based on industry-specific functionality, user-friendly design, reliability, and overall value, ensuring a curated list of solutions that balance advanced features with practical, day-to-day utility.
Comparison Table
Managing construction accounting requires tools that align with project workflows, budget tracking, and client billing needs. This comparison table details key features, use cases, and suitability for diverse business sizes for popular solutions including Sage 300 CRE, QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor, Foundation, Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, and more. Readers will gain actionable insights to select software that matches their operational priorities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sage 300 CRE Enterprise-level accounting and job cost management software built specifically for construction and real estate companies. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Robust accounting solution with construction-specific job costing, payroll, and invoicing features for contractors. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Foundation Specialized construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and certified payroll. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Viewpoint Vista Comprehensive ERP system providing construction accounting, project controls, and financial management tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | CMiC Cloud ERP platform integrating construction accounting, project management, and field operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | ProContractor Integrated construction software for estimating, job costing, accounting, and project tracking. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | ComputerEase Construction accounting software with job costing, dispatching, and service management capabilities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Jonas Construction Software Modular ERP for construction firms handling accounting, CRM, service, and project management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | eSUB Cloud-based platform for subcontractor accounting, time tracking, and project management in construction. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 10 | Knowify Construction business platform combining job costing, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Enterprise-level accounting and job cost management software built specifically for construction and real estate companies.
Robust accounting solution with construction-specific job costing, payroll, and invoicing features for contractors.
Specialized construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and certified payroll.
Comprehensive ERP system providing construction accounting, project controls, and financial management tools.
Cloud ERP platform integrating construction accounting, project management, and field operations.
Integrated construction software for estimating, job costing, accounting, and project tracking.
Construction accounting software with job costing, dispatching, and service management capabilities.
Modular ERP for construction firms handling accounting, CRM, service, and project management.
Cloud-based platform for subcontractor accounting, time tracking, and project management in construction.
Construction business platform combining job costing, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting.
Sage 300 CRE
enterpriseEnterprise-level accounting and job cost management software built specifically for construction and real estate companies.
Integrated job cost management with real-time WIP schedules and forecasting
Sage 300 CRE is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for construction and real estate companies, offering robust accounting, project management, and job costing functionalities. It excels in handling industry-specific needs like AIA billing, retainage, certified payroll, and change order management, providing real-time financial insights across multiple projects and companies. The software integrates seamlessly with field tools and third-party apps, enabling efficient operations from bidding to closeout.
Pros
- Deep construction-specific features like advanced job costing, WIP reporting, and lien management
- Highly scalable for multi-company and multi-project environments
- Extensive customization and integration options with field management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its complexity and depth
- High implementation costs and time requirements
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring a fully integrated ERP for complex project accounting and operations.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $300-$600 per user/month for cloud deployment, with additional fees for implementation and modules.
QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor
enterpriseRobust accounting solution with construction-specific job costing, payroll, and invoicing features for contractors.
Advanced job costing with real-time profitability dashboards and AIA billing forms
QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor is a specialized edition of Intuit's QuickBooks Enterprise software tailored for construction companies, providing robust job costing, progress invoicing, and project management capabilities. It enables detailed tracking of labor, materials, and subcontractor expenses by job, along with tools for change orders, retainage billing, and AIA-compliant forms. The solution integrates seamlessly with payroll, inventory, and field service apps, offering real-time reporting for bid analysis and profitability insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and project profitability tracking tailored for construction
- Strong integration with payroll, estimating tools, and mobile apps for field access
- Scalable for mid-to-large firms with multi-company support and advanced reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants and complex setup for custom workflows
- High cost, especially for multiple users or advanced add-ons
- Limited native CRM or full ERP functionality compared to dedicated construction platforms
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms requiring detailed job costing, compliance billing, and scalable accounting without needing a full ERP system.
Pricing
Starts at around $1,919/year for Silver Contractor edition (1 user), scaling to $4,668+ for Diamond with multiple users and advanced features; subscription-based.
Foundation
specializedSpecialized construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and certified payroll.
Advanced job costing engine with phase-level over/under billing and WIP reporting for accurate project profitability tracking
Foundation, from Foundation Software, is a robust accounting solution tailored for construction companies, providing specialized tools for job costing, project management, payroll, and financial reporting. It excels in handling construction-specific challenges like retainage billing, certified payroll for union compliance, change orders, and over/under billing analysis. The software integrates accounting with operations to deliver real-time insights into project profitability and cash flow.
Pros
- Deep construction-specific features like advanced job costing and certified payroll
- Highly customizable reporting and dashboards for project profitability
- Strong integration with estimating and field management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Primarily on-premise with optional hosting (limited native cloud options)
- Custom quote-based pricing can be expensive for small firms
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies managing multiple complex projects that require precise job costing and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $4,000-$6,000 annually for basic setups, scaling with users, modules, and hosting.
Viewpoint Vista
enterpriseComprehensive ERP system providing construction accounting, project controls, and financial management tools.
Advanced job cost ledger with granular tracking of labor, materials, and subcontracts across job phases
Viewpoint Vista, now part of Trimble Construction One, is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction companies, providing end-to-end accounting, job costing, project management, and payroll solutions. It excels in handling complex construction financials like retainage, change orders, WIP reporting, and union payroll compliance. The software supports both on-premise and cloud deployments, integrating seamlessly with field management and estimating tools for comprehensive lifecycle oversight.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing and project accounting with real-time WIP and variance analysis
- Scalable for multi-company and multi-project environments
- Strong compliance tools for construction-specific regulations like prevailing wage and retainage
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring extensive training
- High implementation and customization costs
- User interface feels dated compared to newer cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms needing enterprise-grade, highly customizable accounting and ERP integration.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $75-$200 per user/month plus significant one-time implementation fees starting at $20,000+.
CMiC
enterpriseCloud ERP platform integrating construction accounting, project management, and field operations.
Unified single-database platform that seamlessly integrates financials, project management, and field operations without data silos.
CMiC is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform tailored for the construction industry, providing integrated accounting, project management, financial controls, and field operations in a single system. It excels in handling complex construction workflows, from estimating and bidding to job costing, payroll, and compliance reporting. With real-time data analytics and mobile access, it supports large-scale projects while ensuring accurate financial visibility across the entire project lifecycle.
Pros
- Deeply integrated construction-specific accounting and project controls
- Scalable for enterprise-level operations with strong compliance tools
- Real-time reporting and analytics across finance and operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High cost with custom pricing only
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large construction firms and general contractors managing multiple complex projects that require a unified ERP for end-to-end financial and operational control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users, modules, and project volume.
ProContractor
enterpriseIntegrated construction software for estimating, job costing, accounting, and project tracking.
Sophisticated job cost management with real-time variance analysis and subcontractor compliance tracking
ProContractor by Viewpoint (now Trimble) is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for construction companies, handling core functions like job costing, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, payroll, and inventory management. It excels in construction-specific workflows such as progress billing, retainage, change orders, and AIA billing forms, with strong integration to project management tools. The platform provides customizable reporting and real-time financial insights to support multi-project operations and compliance.
Pros
- Robust job costing and project profitability tracking tailored for construction
- Advanced billing capabilities including AIA forms and retainage management
- Extensive reporting and integration with Viewpoint's ecosystem for ERP needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High implementation and subscription costs
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms managing complex, multi-project accounting with a need for industry-specific financial controls.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10,000+ annually for mid-sized firms, with modular add-ons and implementation fees.
ComputerEase
specializedConstruction accounting software with job costing, dispatching, and service management capabilities.
Comprehensive certified payroll system with automatic fringe benefit calculations and Davis-Bacon compliance reporting
ComputerEase, now part of Deltek, is a specialized ERP and accounting software tailored for construction companies, focusing on job costing, project accounting, and financial management. It handles complex construction-specific needs like certified payroll, union fringes, retainage billing, and multi-company consolidations. The platform integrates field operations with back-office accounting to streamline workflows for contractors.
Pros
- Robust job costing and project tracking tailored for construction
- Advanced certified payroll and union benefits management
- Strong financial reporting and compliance tools for the industry
Cons
- Outdated interface with a steep learning curve
- Limited mobile and cloud-native capabilities compared to modern alternatives
- Pricing can be opaque and high for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms requiring deep job costing and payroll expertise without needing cutting-edge user experience.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $10,000 annually for base modules, scaling with users, companies, and add-ons; contact Deltek for custom quotes.
Jonas Construction Software
enterpriseModular ERP for construction firms handling accounting, CRM, service, and project management.
Advanced real-time job costing that tracks profitability, overhead allocation, and variances across multi-phase projects
Jonas Construction Software is a robust ERP solution tailored for construction firms, providing specialized accounting tools like job costing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and general ledger management. It excels in handling construction-specific financial needs such as retainage billing, change orders, AIA forms, and certified payroll compliance. The platform integrates accounting seamlessly with project management, estimating, and field operations for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Deep job costing and WIP reporting for accurate project profitability
- Construction-specific billing tools including AIA and retainage management
- Integrated payroll with union and certified reporting compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive enterprise features
- High implementation costs and time
- Custom pricing often exceeds budgets for small firms
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies requiring integrated ERP for complex accounting and project operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5,000+ per month for mid-sized deployments, scaling with modules, users, and customization.
eSUB
specializedCloud-based platform for subcontractor accounting, time tracking, and project management in construction.
Mobile-first timecard and daily log system that automatically populates job costs and invoices for subcontractors
eSUB is a cloud-based construction management platform tailored for subcontractors, offering features like mobile time tracking, daily logs, scheduling, job costing, invoicing, and payments to streamline field-to-office workflows. It captures real-time data from job sites to support accurate financial tracking and integrates with accounting systems such as QuickBooks, Sage, and Viewpoint for full ledger management. While strong in construction-specific financial oversight, it functions more as a complementary tool rather than a standalone accounting solution.
Pros
- Robust job costing and real-time cost tracking tailored for subcontractors
- Intuitive mobile app for field data entry and approvals
- Seamless integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive core accounting functions like general ledger or advanced payroll
- Custom quote-based pricing can be opaque and costly for small firms
- Some users report occasional mobile sync issues and a learning curve for reporting
Best For
Mid-sized construction subcontractors needing mobile-first job costing and financial workflows integrated with existing accounting systems.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $49-$99 per user/month depending on features and user count, with no public tiers.
Knowify
specializedConstruction business platform combining job costing, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting.
Automated QuickBooks integration that syncs job costs, invoices, payments, and POs in real-time for accurate construction financials
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management platform tailored for contractors, emphasizing job costing, estimating, invoicing, and project tracking with deep integration into accounting systems like QuickBooks. It handles construction-specific accounting needs such as AIA billing, retainage, change orders, and WIP reports, enabling real-time financial visibility across projects. The software streamlines subcontractor management, time tracking, and purchase orders to improve profitability and cash flow for construction firms.
Pros
- Robust job costing and AIA billing tailored for construction accounting
- Seamless two-way sync with QuickBooks for automated financial data flow
- Mobile app supports field-to-office workflows for time, expenses, and photos
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing scales quickly with users and features, less ideal for solo operators
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited compared to dedicated accounting tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction companies needing integrated job costing and project management that syncs with existing accounting software.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Essentials plan; Pro at $149/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing; annual discounts available.
Conclusion
The top tools offer varied strengths, from enterprise job cost management to specialized contractor features. Sage 300 CRE leads as the top choice, blending comprehensive, construction-tailored capabilities. QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor and Foundation stand out as strong alternatives—with QuickBooks excelling in all-in-one accounting and Foundation in advanced job costing and WIP tracking.
Evaluate your needs and try Sage 300 CRE to unlock its enterprise-grade tools and enhance your construction business's accounting and project management efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
