Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced job costing, budgeting, and financial tracking features.
- 2#2: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, and real-time job cost tracking tailored for home builders.
- 3#3: Foundation - Construction-specific accounting software focused on precise job costing, payroll, and profitability reporting.
- 4#4: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Robust ERP solution for construction with detailed job cost management, budgeting, and change order tracking.
- 5#5: Viewpoint Spectrum - Integrated construction accounting and ERP system providing in-depth job costing and project financial controls.
- 6#6: CMiC - Enterprise construction platform with end-to-end job costing, forecasting, and financial analytics.
- 7#7: Knowify - Cloud-based tool for job costing, estimating, invoicing, and expense tracking designed for small to mid-sized contractors.
- 8#8: JobTread - Production management software emphasizing customizable job costing, scheduling, and profitability analysis for contractors.
- 9#9: eSUB - Cloud construction software with mobile-friendly job costing, time tracking, and subcontractor management for trade contractors.
- 10#10: Premier Construction Software - Accounting and job management system offering real-time job costing, WIP reports, and integrated payroll for construction firms.
We selected these tools based on key factors including robust job costing features, user-friendly design, comprehensive integration with project management workflows, and value for different business sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
Effective cost tracking is essential for managing construction projects, and selecting the right software can elevate efficiency. This comparison table evaluates key tools such as Procore, Buildertrend, Foundation, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Viewpoint Spectrum, and more, equipping readers to identify features, usability, and fit for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced job costing, budgeting, and financial tracking features. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, and real-time job cost tracking tailored for home builders. | specialized | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Foundation Construction-specific accounting software focused on precise job costing, payroll, and profitability reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Robust ERP solution for construction with detailed job cost management, budgeting, and change order tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Viewpoint Spectrum Integrated construction accounting and ERP system providing in-depth job costing and project financial controls. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | CMiC Enterprise construction platform with end-to-end job costing, forecasting, and financial analytics. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Knowify Cloud-based tool for job costing, estimating, invoicing, and expense tracking designed for small to mid-sized contractors. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | JobTread Production management software emphasizing customizable job costing, scheduling, and profitability analysis for contractors. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | eSUB Cloud construction software with mobile-friendly job costing, time tracking, and subcontractor management for trade contractors. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Premier Construction Software Accounting and job management system offering real-time job costing, WIP reports, and integrated payroll for construction firms. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced job costing, budgeting, and financial tracking features.
All-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, and real-time job cost tracking tailored for home builders.
Construction-specific accounting software focused on precise job costing, payroll, and profitability reporting.
Robust ERP solution for construction with detailed job cost management, budgeting, and change order tracking.
Integrated construction accounting and ERP system providing in-depth job costing and project financial controls.
Enterprise construction platform with end-to-end job costing, forecasting, and financial analytics.
Cloud-based tool for job costing, estimating, invoicing, and expense tracking designed for small to mid-sized contractors.
Production management software emphasizing customizable job costing, scheduling, and profitability analysis for contractors.
Cloud construction software with mobile-friendly job costing, time tracking, and subcontractor management for trade contractors.
Accounting and job management system offering real-time job costing, WIP reports, and integrated payroll for construction firms.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with advanced job costing, budgeting, and financial tracking features.
Prime Contract and Financials Forecasting with AI-driven trend analysis for proactive cost control
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform renowned for its robust job cost tracking capabilities. It enables real-time monitoring of budgets, commitments, change orders, actual costs, and forecasts through intuitive dashboards and reporting tools. Designed for the entire construction lifecycle, it integrates financial data seamlessly across projects, teams, and accounting systems to prevent overruns and optimize profitability.
Pros
- Real-time job costing with automated variance tracking and forecasting
- Seamless integrations with ERP systems like QuickBooks, Sage, and Viewpoint
- Mobile-first design for on-site cost updates and photo documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High cost, especially for smaller firms or single projects
- Customization requires admin support or add-ons
Best For
Large construction companies and general contractors managing multiple complex projects that need integrated financial oversight.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $375/user/year plus project fees; typically $5,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction software for scheduling, estimating, and real-time job cost tracking tailored for home builders.
Dynamic change order management that automatically updates job costs and budgets in real-time
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management software that provides robust job cost tracking capabilities, enabling users to set budgets, monitor actual expenses against estimates, and manage change orders in real-time. It offers detailed cost code breakdowns, variance reporting, and forecasting tools to help construction teams maintain profitability throughout projects. With seamless integrations to accounting software like QuickBooks, it ensures accurate financial data synchronization for builders and remodelers.
Pros
- Powerful job costing with real-time variance tracking and forecasting
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
- Mobile app for on-site cost updates and daily logging
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small teams
- Limited advanced customization in cost reporting
Best For
Mid-sized residential builders and remodelers seeking integrated job cost tracking with full project management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $399/month for basic plans, scaling with users and features; quotes required.
Foundation
enterpriseConstruction-specific accounting software focused on precise job costing, payroll, and profitability reporting.
Advanced real-time WIP reporting with automatic overhead allocation and job-phase cost breakdowns
Foundation is a robust construction accounting software designed specifically for contractors, with a strong emphasis on job cost tracking to monitor budgets, actual costs, and profitability in real-time. It integrates job costing seamlessly with general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and project management modules for comprehensive financial oversight. Users benefit from detailed cost code tracking, change order management, and customizable WIP reports to ensure projects stay on budget.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time job costing with variance analysis and profitability insights
- Deep integration across construction-specific modules like subcontract and payroll
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards for detailed job tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Pricing can be high for smaller firms without modular flexibility
- Mobile app is functional but lacks some desktop-level job costing depth
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies seeking enterprise-level job cost tracking integrated with full accounting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $10,000 annually, scaling with modules, users, and company size.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseRobust ERP solution for construction with detailed job cost management, budgeting, and change order tracking.
Sophisticated job cost-to-complete forecasting with automatic variance alerts and customizable WIP reports
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP solution tailored for mid-to-large construction and real estate firms, with advanced job cost tracking capabilities that monitor labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor expenses in real-time. It provides detailed budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis tied directly to job profitability, integrating seamlessly with accounting, payroll, and project management modules. This enables accurate work-in-progress (WIP) reporting and change order tracking for comprehensive financial oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing with real-time variance analysis and WIP schedules
- Deep integration with accounting, AP/AR, and payroll for end-to-end visibility
- Scalable for multi-project, multi-company environments with strong reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring training or consultants
- High cost with quote-based pricing that can escalate for full features
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms handling complex, multi-phase projects that need integrated ERP-level job cost control.
Pricing
Quote-based; modular cloud subscriptions typically $150-$400/user/month, with implementation fees adding $10K+.
Viewpoint Spectrum
enterpriseIntegrated construction accounting and ERP system providing in-depth job costing and project financial controls.
Commitment Management for tracking and forecasting subcontracts, change orders, and purchase orders against job budgets in real-time
Viewpoint Spectrum is a comprehensive ERP software tailored for construction firms, excelling in job cost tracking by monitoring labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor expenses in real-time across multiple projects. It integrates accounting, project management, HR, and service management into a single platform, enabling accurate forecasting and profitability analysis. Designed for scalability, it supports complex job costing for general contractors and specialty trade companies.
Pros
- Advanced real-time job cost tracking and variance analysis
- Deep integration with construction-specific modules like payroll and dispatching
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards for detailed financial insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring extensive training
- Primarily on-premise deployment with higher maintenance needs
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies needing a robust, integrated ERP for precise job cost management and enterprise-scale operations.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually depending on users, modules, and deployment.
CMiC
enterpriseEnterprise construction platform with end-to-end job costing, forecasting, and financial analytics.
Unified ERP integration that links job costing directly to accounting, procurement, and field data for unparalleled project profitability insights
CMiC is a robust, cloud-based ERP platform tailored for construction firms, providing advanced job cost tracking to monitor labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor expenses in real-time against budgets. It offers detailed variance analysis, forecasting, WIP reporting, and commitment management to ensure accurate project profitability. Integrated with accounting, project management, and field operations, it delivers end-to-end visibility for enterprise-level control.
Pros
- Real-time job cost tracking with multi-level cost codes and variance alerts
- Seamless integration across ERP modules for accurate financial forecasting
- Customizable dashboards and mobile access for on-site monitoring
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for complex setups
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized contractors
- Overkill for simple job costing needs without full ERP adoption
Best For
Large general contractors and enterprise-level firms requiring integrated ERP with sophisticated job cost management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $50,000+ annually based on users, modules, and project volume; quotes required.
Knowify
specializedCloud-based tool for job costing, estimating, invoicing, and expense tracking designed for small to mid-sized contractors.
Dynamic job costing engine that forecasts profitability in real-time by integrating field updates, purchase orders, and payroll data
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for subcontractors and specialty trade contractors, with a strong emphasis on job cost tracking and profitability analysis. It provides real-time visibility into project budgets, labor, material costs, and variances through customizable dashboards and reports. The platform also supports estimating, scheduling, invoicing, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero.
Pros
- Real-time job costing with automatic updates from field data and expenses
- Robust QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting sync
- Mobile app enables on-site time tracking and cost logging
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features
- Steep learning curve for complex job setups
- Limited customization in reporting for very niche needs
Best For
Subcontractors and mid-sized trade contractors focused on accurate job cost tracking and profitability management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Starter plan for small teams), $199/month (Pro), and custom Enterprise pricing.
JobTread
specializedProduction management software emphasizing customizable job costing, scheduling, and profitability analysis for contractors.
Interactive job cost dashboard with live profit/loss forecasting and automatic cost-to-complete calculations
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software focused on job costing, estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for contractors and builders. It enables real-time tracking of labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead costs to monitor job profitability and variances accurately. The platform integrates project management tools like change orders, daily logs, and customer portals to streamline operations from bid to closeout.
Pros
- Robust real-time job cost tracking with variance reports
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting
- Mobile app for field updates and photo documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations beyond basics
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple users
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction firms needing integrated job cost tracking and basic project management without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Solo plan (1 user), $199/month for Team (up to 5 users), $299/month for Pro; custom enterprise pricing available.
eSUB
specializedCloud construction software with mobile-friendly job costing, time tracking, and subcontractor management for trade contractors.
Mobile Timecard Pro for instant, GPS-verified labor allocation to job costs
eSUB is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for subcontractors, specializing in real-time job cost tracking for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors. It features a mobile-first platform that allows field teams to log time, expenses, and production data instantly, syncing to centralized dashboards for accurate cost monitoring and forecasting. The tool integrates daily logs, punch lists, and reporting to help keep projects profitable and on schedule.
Pros
- Real-time job costing with mobile field entry
- Robust subcontractor and timecard management
- Customizable reports and forecasting tools
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
- Steeper learning curve for non-mobile users
- Limited integrations with some accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized construction subcontractors needing mobile-enabled job cost tracking and field productivity tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on users and modules; typically $50-$100/user/month with annual contracts and minimums.
Premier Construction Software
specializedAccounting and job management system offering real-time job costing, WIP reports, and integrated payroll for construction firms.
Real-time cost-to-complete forecasting with automatic variance calculations
Premier Construction Software is a Windows-based desktop application specialized in job cost tracking for construction companies, offering real-time monitoring of labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs against budgets. It includes tools for estimating, invoicing, payroll integration, and detailed variance reporting to help contractors maintain profitability on projects. Designed primarily for small to mid-sized firms, it emphasizes accurate cost control from bid to job closeout.
Pros
- Robust real-time job costing with budget variance alerts
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accounting
- Customizable reports and forecasting tools
Cons
- Desktop-only (no cloud or mobile access)
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited scalability for large enterprises
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction contractors seeking detailed, on-premise job cost tracking without subscription fees.
Pricing
One-time license fees starting at $2,495 for basic job costing module, up to $9,995 for full suite with annual support around $500-$1,500.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top tools, Procore stands out as the leading choice, offering a comprehensive platform that integrates advanced job costing, budgeting, and financial tracking. Buildertrend and Foundation, ranking second and third, provide strong alternatives—Buildertrend tailored for home builders with scheduling and estimating, and Foundation focused on precise job costing and profitability. This selection ensures contractors of all sizes and needs can find a solution to manage costs effectively.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your job cost tracking—start with Procore to gain real-time insights, streamline processes, and keep projects on budget, or explore Buildertrend or Foundation based on your specific requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison