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Top 10 Best Contractor Bookkeeping Software of 2026

Find top contractor bookkeeping tools to streamline business finances. Explore expert picks now!

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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For contractors, robust bookkeeping software is pivotal to managing project profitability, streamlining financial workflows, and scaling efficiently—a task made critical by the unique demands of construction and field service operations. The tools below, spanning all-in-one platforms to niche solutions, are rigorously evaluated to deliver reliable, contractor-focused performance.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: QuickBooks Online - All-in-one cloud accounting software with contractor-specific job costing, invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking features.
  2. 2#2: Buildertrend - Comprehensive construction management platform including budgeting, job costing, invoicing, and financial reporting for contractors.
  3. 3#3: Xero - Cloud-based accounting solution with project tracking, bill pay, and integrations tailored for small contractors.
  4. 4#4: Knowify - Contractor-focused bookkeeping app for job costing, time tracking, invoicing, and seamless QuickBooks integration.
  5. 5#5: Foundation - Dedicated construction accounting software handling job costing, payroll, WIP reports, and multi-company financials.
  6. 6#6: CoConstruct - Custom builder software with budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and client-facing financial portals.
  7. 7#7: Jobber - Field service software with integrated invoicing, payments, scheduling, and basic bookkeeping for contractors.
  8. 8#8: Sage 100 Contractor - Construction accounting system for job costing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and project financials.
  9. 9#9: Housecall Pro - Home service management tool featuring dispatching, invoicing, payments, and expense tracking for contractors.
  10. 10#10: Procore - Construction project management platform with financial tracking, budgeting, forecasting, and subcontractor payments.

These tools were chosen based on tailored features (job costing, invoicing, payroll), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they address the specific financial challenges faced by contractors.

Comparison Table

This comparison table examines leading contractor bookkeeping software, including QuickBooks Online, Buildertrend, Xero, Knowify, and Foundation, to guide users in selecting tools that fit their specific needs. Readers will discover key features, usability, and practical applications to streamline financial management, job costing, and project organization.

All-in-one cloud accounting software with contractor-specific job costing, invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking features.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
9.0/10
Value
9.2/10

Comprehensive construction management platform including budgeting, job costing, invoicing, and financial reporting for contractors.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.3/10
3Xero logo8.6/10

Cloud-based accounting solution with project tracking, bill pay, and integrations tailored for small contractors.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10
4Knowify logo8.2/10

Contractor-focused bookkeeping app for job costing, time tracking, invoicing, and seamless QuickBooks integration.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
5Foundation logo8.2/10

Dedicated construction accounting software handling job costing, payroll, WIP reports, and multi-company financials.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10

Custom builder software with budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and client-facing financial portals.

Features
6.8/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.0/10
7Jobber logo7.6/10

Field service software with integrated invoicing, payments, scheduling, and basic bookkeeping for contractors.

Features
7.4/10
Ease
9.1/10
Value
7.8/10

Construction accounting system for job costing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and project financials.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
6.2/10
Value
7.1/10

Home service management tool featuring dispatching, invoicing, payments, and expense tracking for contractors.

Features
8.3/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
7.6/10
10Procore logo7.8/10

Construction project management platform with financial tracking, budgeting, forecasting, and subcontractor payments.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
6.5/10
1
QuickBooks Online logo

QuickBooks Online

specialized

All-in-one cloud accounting software with contractor-specific job costing, invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking features.

Overall Rating9.5/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
9.0/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Advanced job costing and real-time project profitability insights

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small businesses, including contractors, offering comprehensive bookkeeping tools like invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and bank reconciliation. For contractors, it excels with job costing, project profitability tracking, time tracking, and progress billing, allowing users to monitor costs and revenue per job in real-time. Its extensive app integrations, including with construction-specific tools like Procore and Buildertrend, make it a powerhouse for managing contractor finances on the go via mobile apps.

Pros

  • Powerful job costing and project profitability tracking tailored for contractors
  • Seamless time tracking and progress invoicing integrated with expenses
  • Extensive integrations with contractor tools like Procore, Housecall Pro, and payroll services

Cons

  • Higher-tier plans with full project features can be expensive for solo contractors
  • Steep initial learning curve for advanced job costing functionalities
  • Occasional sync delays or performance lags with very large project datasets

Best For

Small to mid-sized contractors and construction firms needing detailed job costing, project tracking, and scalable bookkeeping.

Pricing

Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); project tracking in Plus ($90/month) and higher, with discounts for annual billing.

Visit QuickBooks Onlinequickbooks.intuit.com
2
Buildertrend logo

Buildertrend

specialized

Comprehensive construction management platform including budgeting, job costing, invoicing, and financial reporting for contractors.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.3/10
Standout Feature

Daily Logs that automatically feed into job costing and financial reports for real-time bookkeeping accuracy

Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform with strong bookkeeping capabilities designed specifically for contractors and builders. It excels in job costing, invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, integrating daily logs, timecards, and change orders directly into the accounting workflow. The software also supports AIA billing, payments processing, and seamless QuickBooks integration for enhanced bookkeeping accuracy.

Pros

  • Robust job costing that pulls data from time tracking and purchases
  • Mobile app for on-site expense and time entry
  • Strong integrations with QuickBooks and payment processors

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Pricing can be high for small operations
  • Limited advanced accounting features without integrations

Best For

Mid-sized contractors needing integrated project management and bookkeeping in one platform.

Pricing

Starts at around $299/month for basic plans (3 projects), scales to $500+/month based on projects, users, and add-ons; custom quotes for enterprises.

Visit Buildertrendbuildertrend.com
3
Xero logo

Xero

specialized

Cloud-based accounting solution with project tracking, bill pay, and integrations tailored for small contractors.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Live bank feeds with AI-powered transaction rules and matching for effortless reconciliation

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, including contractors, providing tools for invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, payroll, and financial reporting. It automates many bookkeeping tasks like bank feeds and transaction categorization, making it efficient for managing contractor finances on the go. With robust integrations and real-time dashboards, it supports scaling from solo contractors to small teams handling multiple projects.

Pros

  • Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation for quick transaction matching
  • Unlimited users and strong mobile app for remote access
  • Extensive integrations with contractor tools like time-tracking apps

Cons

  • No native time tracking or advanced job costing (requires add-ons)
  • Higher pricing tiers needed for full features like multi-currency
  • Payroll functionality varies by region and often needs third-party apps

Best For

Solo contractors or small teams needing intuitive, scalable bookkeeping with automation and integrations.

Pricing

Early ($15/mo: basic invoicing), Growing ($42/mo: projects/payroll), Established ($78/mo: advanced reporting); billed annually for discounts.

Visit Xeroxero.com
4
Knowify logo

Knowify

specialized

Contractor-focused bookkeeping app for job costing, time tracking, invoicing, and seamless QuickBooks integration.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Real-time job costing dashboard that automatically syncs expenses, labor, and revenue with QuickBooks for instant profitability insights

Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for contractors, emphasizing job costing, invoicing, time tracking, and project management with seamless QuickBooks integration for bookkeeping. It enables precise expense allocation to jobs, profitability analysis, and automated invoicing to streamline financial workflows specific to contracting businesses. While not a standalone accounting tool, it excels in bridging project data with bookkeeping for accurate financial insights.

Pros

  • Deep QuickBooks integration for automated bookkeeping sync
  • Powerful job costing and profitability tracking per project
  • Mobile app for on-site time and expense entry

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for users new to construction-specific tools
  • Higher pricing may not suit solo contractors
  • Relies heavily on QuickBooks for core accounting functions

Best For

Small to mid-sized contractors using QuickBooks who need integrated job costing and project-based bookkeeping.

Pricing

Starts at $99/user/month (billed annually); scales to $299+/month for premium features and multiple users.

Visit Knowifyknowify.com
5
Foundation logo

Foundation

enterprise

Dedicated construction accounting software handling job costing, payroll, WIP reports, and multi-company financials.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Advanced Preliminary Budget Worksheet for detailed cost forecasting and variance analysis across job phases

Foundation Software (foundationsoft.com) is a robust, desktop-based accounting platform designed specifically for construction contractors, emphasizing job costing, payroll, and project financial management. It enables precise tracking of costs across job phases, handles union and certified payroll requirements, and provides customizable reporting for profitability analysis. With strong integration for accounts payable/receivable and general ledger functions, it supports mid-to-large contractors in maintaining accurate bookkeeping amid complex project workflows.

Pros

  • Exceptional job costing with multi-phase tracking and real-time updates
  • Comprehensive payroll module supporting certified and union requirements
  • Highly customizable reports and strong audit trails for compliance

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and dated Windows desktop interface
  • High upfront costs with perpetual licensing model
  • Limited cloud/mobile accessibility compared to modern competitors

Best For

Mid-sized construction firms managing multiple complex projects that require detailed job costing and regulatory compliance.

Pricing

Quote-based perpetual licenses starting at $15,000-$50,000+ depending on modules, plus 15-20% annual maintenance fees.

Visit Foundationfoundationsoft.com
6
CoConstruct logo

CoConstruct

specialized

Custom builder software with budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and client-facing financial portals.

Overall Rating7.2/10
Features
6.8/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.0/10
Standout Feature

Dynamic job costing that automatically updates budgets with change orders and client selections

CoConstruct is a comprehensive construction management platform with integrated bookkeeping features tailored for custom builders and remodelers, including job costing, invoicing, payments, and change order tracking. It connects financial data directly to project schedules and client communications, allowing contractors to manage budgets in real-time alongside timelines. While not a standalone accounting solution, it excels in construction-specific financial workflows and integrates with QuickBooks for deeper bookkeeping needs.

Pros

  • Seamless integration of job costing with project management
  • Client portal simplifies invoicing and payments
  • Real-time budgeting and change order financial tracking

Cons

  • Limited advanced accounting features like payroll or full GL
  • Higher cost for smaller operations
  • Requires QuickBooks integration for complete bookkeeping

Best For

Mid-sized custom home builders and remodelers needing integrated project and basic bookkeeping tools.

Pricing

Custom pricing starts at around $199/month for basic plans, scaling to $499+/month for advanced features; demo required.

Visit CoConstructcoconstruct.com
7
Jobber logo

Jobber

specialized

Field service software with integrated invoicing, payments, scheduling, and basic bookkeeping for contractors.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
7.4/10
Ease of Use
9.1/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Automated job-to-invoice workflow that directly feeds financial data into QuickBooks

Jobber is a field service management platform tailored for contractors, offering tools for scheduling, invoicing, payments, and basic expense tracking to streamline contractor operations. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for deeper bookkeeping needs, handling job costing, time tracking, and financial reporting. While not a full-fledged accounting software, it provides essential bookkeeping functionalities within an all-in-one business management solution.

Pros

  • Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go invoicing and time tracking
  • Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated bookkeeping sync
  • Robust reporting on job profitability and cash flow

Cons

  • Lacks advanced accounting features like payroll or inventory management
  • Higher-tier plans required for full financial capabilities
  • Relies on integrations for complex bookkeeping tasks

Best For

Small to mid-sized contractors needing integrated job management with basic bookkeeping tied to operations.

Pricing

Starts at $49/month (billed annually) for Core plan; scales to $269/month for Grow plan with advanced features.

Visit Jobbergetjobber.com
8
Sage 100 Contractor logo

Sage 100 Contractor

enterprise

Construction accounting system for job costing, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and project financials.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
6.2/10
Value
7.1/10
Standout Feature

Advanced job cost accounting with real-time WIP reports and change order management

Sage 100 Contractor is a comprehensive ERP solution designed specifically for construction and contracting businesses, providing robust job costing, project accounting, payroll, and financial management tools. It supports end-to-end operations from bidding and estimating to accounts payable/receivable, inventory tracking, and service dispatch. The software excels in handling complex, multi-phase projects with detailed reporting and compliance features tailored to the industry.

Pros

  • Powerful job costing and project profitability tracking
  • Strong integration with estimating tools and field management
  • Customizable reporting and compliance for construction regulations

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
  • Outdated desktop interface feels clunky compared to modern cloud apps
  • High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees

Best For

Mid-sized construction contractors managing multiple complex projects who need detailed job-level financial tracking.

Pricing

Modular perpetual licensing starting at $4,000-$10,000+ per module depending on size, plus annual maintenance fees of 20-25% of license cost.

9
Housecall Pro logo

Housecall Pro

specialized

Home service management tool featuring dispatching, invoicing, payments, and expense tracking for contractors.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.3/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Automated two-way QuickBooks sync that pushes job data, invoices, payments, and expenses in real-time

Housecall Pro is an all-in-one platform for home service contractors, providing scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payment processing with integrated bookkeeping tools like job costing and expense tracking. It syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks Online and Desktop to automate financial data transfer, including invoices, payments, and time tracking. The software offers customizable reports for profitability analysis, making it suitable for contractors managing operations alongside basic accounting needs.

Pros

  • Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated syncing of invoices and payments
  • Real-time job costing and profitability tracking
  • Mobile app enables on-site invoicing and expense logging

Cons

  • Limited advanced accounting features like payroll or multi-entity support
  • Pricing escalates quickly with additional users and features
  • Occasional reported sync delays with QuickBooks

Best For

Small to mid-sized contractors needing integrated field service management with straightforward QuickBooks-synced bookkeeping.

Pricing

Starts at $65/month (Essentials plan) up to $229/month (Pro plan), billed annually; additional users $25-65/month each.

Visit Housecall Prohousecallpro.com
10
Procore logo

Procore

enterprise

Construction project management platform with financial tracking, budgeting, forecasting, and subcontractor payments.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
6.5/10
Standout Feature

Project Financials with automated cost forecasting linked to field data and change events

Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with integrated financial tools designed for contractors, focusing on job costing, invoicing, payments, and budget management. It connects project data directly to bookkeeping processes, enabling real-time tracking of costs, change orders, and commitments. While it excels in construction-specific financial workflows, it often requires integrations with dedicated accounting software like QuickBooks for full general ledger functionality.

Pros

  • Real-time job costing tied to project activities and documents
  • Robust invoicing and payment management with draw scheduling
  • Extensive integrations with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks and Sage

Cons

  • High cost prohibitive for small contractors
  • Steep learning curve for full financial module utilization
  • Lacks depth in general bookkeeping like payroll and tax compliance without add-ons

Best For

Mid-to-large construction contractors seeking integrated project management and job-specific bookkeeping.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $500+/month per project or user, with annual contracts and add-ons for financials.

Visit Procoreprocore.com

Conclusion

The top 10 tools reviewed offer specialized solutions for contractor bookkeeping, with QuickBooks Online emerging as the clear winner due to its all-in-one cloud features, including contractor-specific job costing and payroll. Buildertrend follows as a robust choice for comprehensive construction management, while Xero stands out for its tailored integrations and small-contractor focus. Each tool excels in distinct areas, but the top three lead the pack with their ability to streamline workflows and manage finances effectively.

QuickBooks Online logo
Our Top Pick
QuickBooks Online

To experience the convenience of a fully integrated tool designed for contractors, start with QuickBooks Online—its versatile features will help keep your financials organized and your business running smoothly.