Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks - Offers comprehensive accounting with job costing, progress billing, payroll, and inventory management tailored for contractors.
- 2#2: Foundation - Provides specialized construction accounting software handling job costing, retainage, change orders, and subcontractor payments.
- 3#3: Sage 100 Contractor - Delivers robust accounting for contractors including project management, job costing, and financial reporting.
- 4#4: Viewpoint Vista - Enterprise ERP solution with advanced construction accounting, job cost tracking, and AP/AR automation.
- 5#5: CMiC - Cloud-based construction ERP platform featuring integrated accounting, budgeting, and financial controls for contractors.
- 6#6: Deltek Vision - Project ERP software with accounting modules for job costing, billing, and resource management in construction.
- 7#7: Procore - Construction management platform with financial tools for invoicing, job costing, and payments.
- 8#8: Knowify - Construction management and accounting software for subcontractors with estimating, invoicing, and job tracking.
- 9#9: Corecon - Cloud-based tool for estimating, invoicing, job costing, and accounting tailored to contractors.
- 10#10: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction software including accounting features for scheduling, invoicing, and expense management.
Tools were selected based on relevance to contractor-specific needs (e.g., job costing, retainage, subcontractor payments), user experience, technical robustness, and overall value, ensuring they deliver practical, long-term utility for both small and large contracting teams.
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps contractors navigate contractor accounting software by breakdown leading tools like QuickBooks, Foundation, Sage 100 Contractor, Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing models, and how each tool suits different business sizes, project management needs, and industry workflows, enabling informed decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Offers comprehensive accounting with job costing, progress billing, payroll, and inventory management tailored for contractors. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Foundation Provides specialized construction accounting software handling job costing, retainage, change orders, and subcontractor payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Sage 100 Contractor Delivers robust accounting for contractors including project management, job costing, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Viewpoint Vista Enterprise ERP solution with advanced construction accounting, job cost tracking, and AP/AR automation. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | CMiC Cloud-based construction ERP platform featuring integrated accounting, budgeting, and financial controls for contractors. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Deltek Vision Project ERP software with accounting modules for job costing, billing, and resource management in construction. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Procore Construction management platform with financial tools for invoicing, job costing, and payments. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Knowify Construction management and accounting software for subcontractors with estimating, invoicing, and job tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Corecon Cloud-based tool for estimating, invoicing, job costing, and accounting tailored to contractors. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction software including accounting features for scheduling, invoicing, and expense management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
Offers comprehensive accounting with job costing, progress billing, payroll, and inventory management tailored for contractors.
Provides specialized construction accounting software handling job costing, retainage, change orders, and subcontractor payments.
Delivers robust accounting for contractors including project management, job costing, and financial reporting.
Enterprise ERP solution with advanced construction accounting, job cost tracking, and AP/AR automation.
Cloud-based construction ERP platform featuring integrated accounting, budgeting, and financial controls for contractors.
Project ERP software with accounting modules for job costing, billing, and resource management in construction.
Construction management platform with financial tools for invoicing, job costing, and payments.
Construction management and accounting software for subcontractors with estimating, invoicing, and job tracking.
Cloud-based tool for estimating, invoicing, job costing, and accounting tailored to contractors.
All-in-one construction software including accounting features for scheduling, invoicing, and expense management.
QuickBooks
enterpriseOffers comprehensive accounting with job costing, progress billing, payroll, and inventory management tailored for contractors.
Job costing and project profitability tracking that allocates expenses to specific jobs for precise margin analysis
QuickBooks, from Intuit, is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting platform tailored for small businesses including contractors, offering invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and bank reconciliation. It excels in contractor-specific features like job costing, time tracking, progress invoicing, and project profitability reports to monitor costs and margins accurately. With mobile access and extensive app integrations, it streamlines financial management for field-based operations.
Pros
- Powerful job costing and project tracking for accurate profitability analysis
- Seamless payroll integration with automated tax filings and 1099 support
- Extensive integrations with contractor tools like Procore and Fieldwire
Cons
- Full contractor features require higher-tier plans (Plus or Advanced)
- Initial setup and customization can have a learning curve
- Customer support response times vary, especially for complex issues
Best For
Contractors and small construction firms managing multiple jobs who need robust accounting with project-specific financial insights.
Pricing
Simple Start at $30/mo, Essentials $60/mo, Plus $90/mo (recommended for contractors), Advanced $200/mo; payroll add-on $45/mo base + $6/employee.
Foundation
specializedProvides specialized construction accounting software handling job costing, retainage, change orders, and subcontractor payments.
Advanced certified payroll module that automates wage compliance, fringe benefits, and e-filing for union and public works projects
Foundation Software is a robust, construction-specific accounting platform tailored for contractors, offering deep job costing, payroll management, and financial reporting. It excels in tracking project profitability, handling certified payroll for prevailing wage jobs, and integrating general ledger functions with project management. Designed for on-premise deployment with optional cloud hosting, it supports contractors from small firms to large enterprises in managing complex financial workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing and WIP reporting for precise project profitability tracking
- Automated certified payroll compliant with Davis-Bacon and union requirements
- Comprehensive reporting and customizable dashboards for financial insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- Primarily on-premise with outdated UI, less intuitive than modern cloud alternatives
- High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Mid-to-large construction contractors requiring advanced job cost accounting and certified payroll capabilities for complex, regulated projects.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starts at $5,000-$15,000 for initial license and setup, plus 15-20% annual maintenance; scales with company size and modules.
Sage 100 Contractor
enterpriseDelivers robust accounting for contractors including project management, job costing, and financial reporting.
Advanced job cost accounting with change order tracking and over/under billing analysis
Sage 100 Contractor is a robust, on-premise accounting and project management software designed specifically for construction contractors, offering comprehensive job costing, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and subcontract management. It supports multi-company operations and provides detailed financial reporting tailored to the construction industry. Ideal for mid-sized firms, it integrates seamlessly with field operations for real-time project tracking and compliance.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing and project management capabilities with real-time data integration
- Comprehensive compliance tools for construction-specific regulations like lien management
- Scalable for multi-entity operations with strong customization options
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring a learning curve for new users
- On-premise deployment lacks full cloud flexibility and remote access
- High initial setup and customization costs
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction contractors needing advanced job costing and integrated financial management for complex projects.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on modules; starts around $5,000-$15,000 annually for base packages, plus implementation fees.
Viewpoint Vista
enterpriseEnterprise ERP solution with advanced construction accounting, job cost tracking, and AP/AR automation.
Advanced multi-level job costing with real-time WIP reporting and forecasting
Viewpoint Vista is a powerful ERP software designed specifically for construction contractors, providing end-to-end accounting, job costing, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger management. It excels in tracking project financials in real-time, supporting multi-company operations and compliance with construction industry standards like AIA billing. With extensive customization and integrations for field management tools, it streamlines operations from estimating through project closeout for mid-to-large firms.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing and project financial tracking
- Scalable for enterprise-level construction firms
- Strong industry-specific compliance and reporting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited out-of-the-box ease for smaller teams
Best For
Mid-to-large construction contractors requiring deep, customizable accounting and project controls.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, including modules, users, and support.
CMiC
enterpriseCloud-based construction ERP platform featuring integrated accounting, budgeting, and financial controls for contractors.
Unified single-database platform that fully integrates financial accounting with field operations and project controls
CMiC is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform tailored for the construction industry, providing advanced accounting solutions including job costing, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with project management, procurement, HR, and field operations to deliver real-time visibility and compliance for contractors. Designed for enterprise-scale operations, it supports complex multi-entity financials and forecasting to optimize contractor profitability.
Pros
- Deep integration of accounting with construction-specific project management
- Robust job costing, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition tools
- Scalable for large enterprises with strong mobile and API capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High cost unsuitable for small contractors
- Customization requires significant professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms seeking an all-in-one ERP with enterprise-grade accounting and operational integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on modules, users, and implementation scope.
Deltek Vision
enterpriseProject ERP software with accounting modules for job costing, billing, and resource management in construction.
DCAA-compliant timekeeping and job cost auditing for regulated government contracts
Deltek Vision is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for project-based businesses, especially in architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and government contracting. It excels in managing job costing, time and expense tracking, invoicing, resource allocation, and financial reporting with built-in compliance for standards like DCAA. The software integrates CRM, HR, and project management to provide end-to-end visibility for contractors handling complex projects.
Pros
- DCAA and FAR-compliant accounting for government contractors
- Robust project management with forecasting and resource planning
- Deep integrations across CRM, HR, and financial modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High implementation and customization costs
- Legacy on-premise version lacks modern SaaS agility
Best For
Mid-to-large AEC firms and government contractors requiring compliant project accounting and integrated ERP.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on modules and users; typically $20,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, plus implementation fees.
Procore
enterpriseConstruction management platform with financial tools for invoicing, job costing, and payments.
Automated Change Event Management that instantly updates budgets, forecasts, and commitments across financials
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with dedicated financial tools tailored for contractors, including job costing, budgeting, invoicing, and payment tracking. It integrates project financials seamlessly with field operations, RFIs, and submittals for real-time visibility into costs and revenues. While not a standalone accounting ERP, its modules excel in construction-specific accounting needs like change orders and forecasting.
Pros
- Robust job costing and budgeting with real-time project financial tracking
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Sage, and other accounting systems
- Mobile-first access for on-site invoicing and payment approvals
Cons
- High cost with quote-based pricing that's prohibitive for small contractors
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features beyond core accounting
- Limited depth in general ledger and advanced financial reporting without add-ons
Best For
Mid-to-large construction contractors needing integrated project financials and accounting within a full construction management suite.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $500-$1,500/month depending on users, projects, and modules (starts around $10,000/year for small teams).
Knowify
specializedConstruction management and accounting software for subcontractors with estimating, invoicing, and job tracking.
Deep, bi-directional QuickBooks sync that automatically pushes job costs, invoices, and payments for real-time financial accuracy.
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management and accounting software tailored for contractors, providing tools for job costing, estimating, invoicing, time tracking, and purchase order management. It offers deep integration with QuickBooks Online and Desktop, enabling seamless synchronization of financial data for real-time profitability insights. The platform supports mobile access for field teams to log time, approve expenses, and track job progress on the go.
Pros
- Seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks for accurate job costing and accounting
- Robust mobile app for field time tracking and approvals
- Real-time project profitability tracking and forecasting tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
- Reporting capabilities are somewhat limited without relying on QuickBooks
Best For
Small to medium-sized contractors relying on QuickBooks who need integrated job costing and field management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plans, $149/user/month for Pro tier; custom enterprise pricing available.
Corecon
specializedCloud-based tool for estimating, invoicing, job costing, and accounting tailored to contractors.
End-to-end workflow from digital estimating and bids directly to job costing and invoicing without data re-entry
Corecon is a cloud-based construction management platform with integrated accounting tools designed specifically for contractors, offering job costing, invoicing, change order tracking, and financial reporting. It streamlines the entire financial workflow from estimating and bidding to payments and expense management. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other accounting systems, making it suitable for construction firms handling multiple projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and project financial tracking
- Strong QuickBooks integration for accounting sync
- Mobile app for on-site time and expense entry
Cons
- Limited native payroll processing capabilities
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized construction contractors managing multiple projects who need integrated estimating, job costing, and invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Starter (1 user), $199/month for Pro (up to 5 users), Enterprise custom; billed annually.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction software including accounting features for scheduling, invoicing, and expense management.
Construction-specific job costing that links budgets, change orders, and actuals in real-time across projects
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform with built-in accounting tools designed for contractors, including job costing, invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. It integrates with QuickBooks and Xero for deeper accounting needs, allowing users to manage project budgets, track change orders, and handle A/R directly from the job site via mobile app. While not a standalone accounting solution, its construction-specific financial features streamline cash flow and profitability analysis for builders.
Pros
- Robust job costing and budgeting tied to project schedules
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for GL syncing
- Mobile invoicing and real-time financial dashboards
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting like payroll or multi-entity support
- Higher pricing for smaller operations
- Steeper learning curve for non-construction accounting users
Best For
Mid-sized contractors and home builders needing integrated project management with solid job-level accounting.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$299/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+/month for teams with more users and features.
Conclusion
Evaluating the best contractor accounting software reveals QuickBooks as the top choice, with its comprehensive tools for job costing, progress billing, and integrated functions. Foundation and Sage 100 Contractor follow closely, offering specialized features like retainage management and robust project accounting, making them strong alternatives based on specific needs. All reviewed options highlight the importance of aligning software with unique contracting workflows to drive efficiency.
Take the first step toward smoother financial operations—try QuickBooks, your go-to contractor accounting tool, and discover how tailored features can elevate your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
