Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced project billing, AIA billing forms, draw schedules, and payment tracking.
- 2#2: Knowify - Construction financials platform specializing in job costing, progress billing, change orders, and subcontractor payments.
- 3#3: Foundation - Construction accounting software offering robust job costing, retainage billing, and AIA invoicing for project financials.
- 4#4: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - ERP solution for construction with integrated project billing, accounts payable automation, and multi-job invoicing.
- 5#5: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management tool featuring client invoicing, time billing, and expense tracking for projects.
- 6#6: Trimble Viewpoint - Enterprise construction ERP with sophisticated billing modules, retainage management, and GL integration.
- 7#7: Autodesk Construction Cloud - Cloud-based platform providing billing workflows, payment applications, and financial reporting tied to project docs.
- 8#8: CMiC - Full-suite construction ERP automating project billing, revenue recognition, and compliance reporting.
- 9#9: Deltek Ajera - Project-based ERP for AEC with time/expense billing, progress invoicing, and resource management.
- 10#10: Corecon - Cloud construction software focused on estimating, job costing, digital invoicing, and payment processing.
Tools were prioritized based on performance in core billing functionalities (including progress invoicing, AIA forms, and retainage management), usability, compatibility with broader project workflows, and overall value proposition for construction firms.
Comparison Table
navigating construction project billing demands specialized tools, and a comparative table offers clarity by featuring leading options like Procore, Knowify, Foundation, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Buildertrend, and more. This resource breaks down each software’s core features, pricing structures, and unique advantages, empowering readers to select the tool that aligns with their project management goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced project billing, AIA billing forms, draw schedules, and payment tracking. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Knowify Construction financials platform specializing in job costing, progress billing, change orders, and subcontractor payments. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Foundation Construction accounting software offering robust job costing, retainage billing, and AIA invoicing for project financials. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate ERP solution for construction with integrated project billing, accounts payable automation, and multi-job invoicing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management tool featuring client invoicing, time billing, and expense tracking for projects. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Trimble Viewpoint Enterprise construction ERP with sophisticated billing modules, retainage management, and GL integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 7 | Autodesk Construction Cloud Cloud-based platform providing billing workflows, payment applications, and financial reporting tied to project docs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | CMiC Full-suite construction ERP automating project billing, revenue recognition, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Deltek Ajera Project-based ERP for AEC with time/expense billing, progress invoicing, and resource management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Corecon Cloud construction software focused on estimating, job costing, digital invoicing, and payment processing. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced project billing, AIA billing forms, draw schedules, and payment tracking.
Construction financials platform specializing in job costing, progress billing, change orders, and subcontractor payments.
Construction accounting software offering robust job costing, retainage billing, and AIA invoicing for project financials.
ERP solution for construction with integrated project billing, accounts payable automation, and multi-job invoicing.
All-in-one construction management tool featuring client invoicing, time billing, and expense tracking for projects.
Enterprise construction ERP with sophisticated billing modules, retainage management, and GL integration.
Cloud-based platform providing billing workflows, payment applications, and financial reporting tied to project docs.
Full-suite construction ERP automating project billing, revenue recognition, and compliance reporting.
Project-based ERP for AEC with time/expense billing, progress invoicing, and resource management.
Cloud construction software focused on estimating, job costing, digital invoicing, and payment processing.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with advanced project billing, AIA billing forms, draw schedules, and payment tracking.
Integrated change order and variation management that automatically flows into billing applications for precise, real-time financial updates
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with advanced project billing tools designed for contractors and project managers. It streamlines invoicing through AIA-compliant forms, progress billing, retainage management, and integration with accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage. The software automates workflows for payment applications, change orders, and lien waivers, ensuring accuracy and compliance in complex construction projects.
Pros
- Robust AIA billing and progress payment tools with automated calculations
- Seamless integration with accounting systems and real-time financial tracking
- Mobile app for on-site billing approvals and document management
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller firms
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Customization options can feel limited without add-ons
Best For
Large general contractors and construction managers handling multiple complex projects requiring end-to-end billing automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500/month per project or $375/user/year, with tiers scaling based on features and usage.
Knowify
specializedConstruction financials platform specializing in job costing, progress billing, change orders, and subcontractor payments.
Automated AIA-compliant billing engine with change order tracking and tiered subcontractor invoicing
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed specifically for subcontractors and specialty contractors, with a strong emphasis on project billing, job costing, and financial tracking. It excels in automating complex billing processes like AIA forms, progress billing, retainage, and change orders, while integrating deeply with QuickBooks for seamless accounting. The platform also includes estimating, time tracking, and mobile apps for field productivity, making it a comprehensive tool for managing construction finances.
Pros
- Robust construction-specific billing tools including AIA billing, multi-tier invoicing, and automated retainage
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for real-time financial syncing and job costing
- Mobile app for time tracking, approvals, and on-site document management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams or solo contractors
- Learning curve for advanced billing and reporting features
- Limited native CRM or advanced scheduling compared to full-suite competitors
Best For
Mid-sized commercial subcontractors and specialty trades needing advanced project billing and job cost accuracy.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month (Essentials for up to 5 users), Pro at $349/month, Enterprise custom; annual discounts available.
Foundation
enterpriseConstruction accounting software offering robust job costing, retainage billing, and AIA invoicing for project financials.
Automated AIA billing and lien waiver management with direct integration to job cost data
Foundation is a robust, on-premise construction accounting software specializing in job costing and project billing for contractors. It handles complex billing processes like AIA forms (G702/G703), progress billing, retainage management, change orders, and certified payroll integration. The platform provides comprehensive WIP reporting, multi-company support, and customizable dashboards to streamline financial tracking across construction projects.
Pros
- Exceptional construction-specific billing tools including automated AIA forms and retainage handling
- In-depth job costing with real-time WIP reports and forecasting
- Scalable for multi-division and multi-company operations with strong audit trails
Cons
- On-premise deployment requires IT infrastructure and maintenance
- Dated interface with a steeper learning curve for new users
- Limited native mobile access compared to cloud-based alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms with complex billing needs requiring customizable, desktop-based accounting.
Pricing
Quote-based modular pricing; base job costing starts around $5,000-$10,000 perpetual license per company plus ~20% annual maintenance.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseERP solution for construction with integrated project billing, accounts payable automation, and multi-job invoicing.
Advanced AIA billing with automated G702/G703 forms and retainage schedules
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP solution tailored for construction and real estate firms, with strong emphasis on project billing, job costing, and financial management. It supports progress billing, AIA forms (G702/G703), retainage tracking, change orders, and T&M billing, all integrated seamlessly with general ledger accounting. The software handles multi-job, multi-company environments and provides detailed WIP reports for accurate billing cycles.
Pros
- Comprehensive construction-specific billing tools including AIA forms and retainage management
- Tight integration with job costing and full accounting suite
- Scalable for large, complex projects with multi-entity support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring extensive training
- Primarily on-premise deployment with limited modern cloud-native features
- High implementation and licensing costs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms with complex, multi-project billing needs that prioritize integration with enterprise accounting.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; on-premise licenses typically $20,000–$100,000+ annually depending on users/modules, plus implementation fees.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction management tool featuring client invoicing, time billing, and expense tracking for projects.
Schedule-driven progress billing that automatically generates invoices based on completed milestones and daily logs
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with robust billing capabilities, enabling progress invoicing, AIA billing forms, change order tracking, and retainage management tailored for contractors. It integrates time tracking, expenses, and schedules directly into the billing workflow, streamlining payments from job site to client approval. The software also offers client portals for transparent invoicing and QuickBooks synchronization for seamless accounting.
Pros
- Construction-specific billing tools like AIA forms and progress billing
- Seamless QuickBooks integration and client portals for approvals
- Mobile app for on-site time/expense entry tied to billing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams
- Limited customization in billing templates
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms needing integrated project management and billing with client collaboration features.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for solo users (plus onboarding fee), $299-$399/month for teams of 5-10; custom enterprise pricing.
Trimble Viewpoint
enterpriseEnterprise construction ERP with sophisticated billing modules, retainage management, and GL integration.
Automated multi-tiered billing approvals with built-in retainage and lien waiver management
Trimble Viewpoint is a robust construction ERP platform with advanced project billing capabilities, automating AIA forms (G702/G703), retainage management, change orders, and progress billing. It integrates seamlessly with job costing, accounting, and field management tools for end-to-end financial control. Ideal for contractors handling complex commercial projects, it ensures compliance and accurate cash flow.
Pros
- Comprehensive AIA billing and compliance tools
- Deep integration with Trimble's construction ecosystem
- Scalable for enterprise-level operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation
- High upfront costs and customization needs
- Dated user interface in some modules
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms managing multiple complex projects with integrated ERP needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5,000+ per month for mid-sized deployments, plus implementation fees.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based platform providing billing workflows, payment applications, and financial reporting tied to project docs.
BIM-integrated cost management that links 3D models directly to billing quantities and change orders
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a comprehensive cloud-based platform designed for construction project management, integrating design, field operations, and financial tools. For billing, it provides features like payment applications, change order tracking, cost forecasting, and lien waiver management, all tied to BIM models and project data. It enables real-time collaboration on financial documents across teams, reducing errors and delays in invoicing and payments.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Autodesk BIM and design tools for accurate cost data
- Robust change order and payment application workflows with automated approvals
- Advanced analytics and reporting for financial forecasting and compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- High pricing that may not suit smaller firms
- Billing tools require additional modules, increasing complexity
Best For
Large AEC firms managing complex, BIM-heavy projects that need integrated design-to-billing workflows.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$65/user/month for core modules, scaling to $150+/user/month for full suites; custom enterprise pricing available.
CMiC
enterpriseFull-suite construction ERP automating project billing, revenue recognition, and compliance reporting.
Seamless project-to-billing integration that automatically pulls job cost data for precise, auditable progress invoices
CMiC is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform designed specifically for the construction industry, with robust project billing capabilities that integrate invoicing, retainage, change orders, and progress billing directly with job costing and financials. It enables contractors to manage complex billing cycles, ensure compliance with AIA standards, and provide real-time visibility into project profitability. The software supports both cloud and on-premise deployments, catering to large-scale construction operations.
Pros
- Deep integration of billing with project management and financials for accurate, real-time invoicing
- Advanced handling of construction-specific billing like retainage, T&M, and unit price contracts
- Customizable reporting and analytics for compliance and profitability insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its enterprise complexity and customization needs
- Lengthy and costly implementation process, often requiring extensive consulting
- High pricing makes it less accessible for smaller contractors
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms managing multiple complex projects that require fully integrated ERP billing and financial controls.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment.
Deltek Ajera
enterpriseProject-based ERP for AEC with time/expense billing, progress invoicing, and resource management.
Native AIA billing form generation (G702/G703) with automated retainage and progress billing calculations
Deltek Ajera is a robust project accounting and ERP solution tailored for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, specializing in time tracking, expense management, and project billing. It supports construction-specific billing methods like progress invoicing, AIA forms (G702/G703), retainage, change orders, and unit-price billing to ensure accurate revenue recognition and compliance. The software integrates project management with back-office accounting for streamlined workflows from job costing to final invoicing.
Pros
- Deep support for AEC billing standards including AIA forms and retainage
- Seamless integration of time/expense tracking with invoicing and job costing
- Powerful reporting tools for project profitability and cash flow analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring extensive training
- High implementation and customization costs
- Dated user interface with limited modern mobile accessibility
Best For
Mid-sized AEC firms needing integrated project accounting and construction-specific billing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $100-$200 per user/month plus implementation fees, with annual contracts.
Corecon
specializedCloud construction software focused on estimating, job costing, digital invoicing, and payment processing.
Automated AIA G702/G703 billing forms with built-in retainage and continuation sheet support
Corecon is a cloud-based construction management platform specializing in project billing, job costing, and estimating for contractors. It supports AIA billing forms (G702/G703), progress invoicing, retainage management, and change order tracking, integrating with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Sage. The software streamlines billing workflows while providing real-time financial visibility across projects.
Pros
- Robust AIA-compliant billing and retainage tracking
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting software
- Detailed job cost reporting for accurate financial oversight
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing can be opaque and expensive for small firms
- Mobile app lacks full billing functionality
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms handling multiple projects that require precise AIA billing and job cost integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $500/month for basic plans, scaling to $2,000+/month for enterprise with multiple users/projects.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse strengths for construction project billing, with Procore leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive management and advanced features. Knowify excels in specialized financial tools, and Foundation provides robust accounting capabilities, making them excellent alternatives depending on specific needs. Together, these platforms simplify billing processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in managing project finances.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your billing workflow—start with Procore to experience its all-in-one capabilities and elevate your construction project management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison