Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor - Comprehensive accounting software with contractor-specific job costing, progress billing, time tracking, and inventory management.
- 2#2: Sage 100 Contractor - Robust job cost accounting solution for construction firms including project management, payroll, and compliance reporting.
- 3#3: Foundation - Tailored construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and multi-company support for contractors.
- 4#4: Knowify - Cloud-based platform combining construction accounting, estimating, invoicing, and payments for subcontractors.
- 5#5: Viewpoint Vista - Enterprise ERP system with integrated accounting, job costing, and financials for mid-to-large construction companies.
- 6#6: Procore - Construction management platform with financial tools for budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and accounting integrations.
- 7#7: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction software featuring estimating, scheduling, time cards, and basic accounting for contractors.
- 8#8: CMiC - Unified enterprise platform providing construction accounting, project controls, and ERP functionalities.
- 9#9: CoConstruct - Custom home building software with budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and financial tracking for residential contractors.
- 10#10: Premier Construction Software - Integrated accounting system focused on job costing, profitability analysis, and overhead allocation for construction businesses.
We evaluated these platforms based on contractor-specific features (e.g., job costing, progress billing), usability, integration capabilities, and overall value, ensuring a curated list that balances functionality and accessibility for businesses of all sizes and specialties.
Comparison Table
Contractor accounting software is critical for managing construction-specific finances, and selecting the right solution demands understanding of features, pricing, and usability. This comparison table examines key tools like QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor, Sage 100 Contractor, Foundation, Knowify, Viewpoint Vista, and more, equipping readers to identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Comprehensive accounting software with contractor-specific job costing, progress billing, time tracking, and inventory management. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 2 | Sage 100 Contractor Robust job cost accounting solution for construction firms including project management, payroll, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Foundation Tailored construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and multi-company support for contractors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Knowify Cloud-based platform combining construction accounting, estimating, invoicing, and payments for subcontractors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Viewpoint Vista Enterprise ERP system with integrated accounting, job costing, and financials for mid-to-large construction companies. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Procore Construction management platform with financial tools for budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and accounting integrations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction software featuring estimating, scheduling, time cards, and basic accounting for contractors. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | CMiC Unified enterprise platform providing construction accounting, project controls, and ERP functionalities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | CoConstruct Custom home building software with budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and financial tracking for residential contractors. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 10 | Premier Construction Software Integrated accounting system focused on job costing, profitability analysis, and overhead allocation for construction businesses. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive accounting software with contractor-specific job costing, progress billing, time tracking, and inventory management.
Robust job cost accounting solution for construction firms including project management, payroll, and compliance reporting.
Tailored construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and multi-company support for contractors.
Cloud-based platform combining construction accounting, estimating, invoicing, and payments for subcontractors.
Enterprise ERP system with integrated accounting, job costing, and financials for mid-to-large construction companies.
Construction management platform with financial tools for budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and accounting integrations.
All-in-one construction software featuring estimating, scheduling, time cards, and basic accounting for contractors.
Unified enterprise platform providing construction accounting, project controls, and ERP functionalities.
Custom home building software with budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and financial tracking for residential contractors.
Integrated accounting system focused on job costing, profitability analysis, and overhead allocation for construction businesses.
QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor
enterpriseComprehensive accounting software with contractor-specific job costing, progress billing, time tracking, and inventory management.
Real-time Job Costing with WIP reports and cost code-level profitability analysis
QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor is a powerful desktop-based accounting software tailored for construction and contracting businesses, offering industry-specific tools like advanced job costing, progress invoicing, change orders, and certified payroll. It provides comprehensive financial management, including inventory tracking, payroll processing, and customizable reporting for project profitability analysis. Designed for scalability, it supports multi-user environments and integrates with field management apps for real-time data syncing.
Pros
- Advanced job costing with detailed phase and cost code tracking for precise project profitability
- Certified payroll and compliance tools ideal for government contracts
- Scalable multi-user support and robust integrations with construction-specific apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for full utilization
- High cost, especially for multiple users and advanced editions
- Desktop-focused with limited native mobile capabilities compared to cloud competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large contractors handling complex, multi-phase projects that demand detailed job costing, compliance reporting, and scalable financial management.
Pricing
Annual licensing starts at ~$1,499 for Silver (1 user), up to $3,279+ for Diamond edition, scaling with users and features (billed yearly).
Sage 100 Contractor
enterpriseRobust job cost accounting solution for construction firms including project management, payroll, and compliance reporting.
Advanced Job Costing with automated change order processing and variance analysis
Sage 100 Contractor is a robust, industry-specific ERP software tailored for construction and contracting businesses, providing comprehensive accounting, job costing, project management, payroll, and inventory control. It excels in tracking costs across multiple jobs, managing change orders, and ensuring compliance with construction regulations. The solution supports both residential and commercial contractors with customizable dashboards and detailed reporting for informed decision-making.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing and project tracking with real-time WIP reporting
- Integrated payroll and subcontractor management for streamlined compliance
- Scalable for mid-to-large firms with multi-company support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- Primarily on-premise deployment requiring IT resources
- High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms requiring deep job costing, project management, and financial integration.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licensing starting at $5,000-$15,000 initial setup plus 15-25% annual maintenance; custom quotes based on users and modules.
Foundation
specializedTailored construction accounting software offering advanced job costing, WIP reports, and multi-company support for contractors.
Unlimited job costing levels for precise, multi-tier expense tracking on construction projects
Foundation is a robust, industry-specific accounting software designed for construction contractors, providing comprehensive job costing, payroll processing, and financial management tools. It excels in handling complex construction financials like retainage billing, change orders, certified payroll, and multi-company consolidations. With strong integration capabilities for project management and compliance reporting, it's built to streamline operations for specialty contractors and general builders.
Pros
- Exceptional job costing with unlimited levels and WIP reporting
- Construction-specific features like AIA billing and certified payroll
- Powerful reporting and multi-entity support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud mobility
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies needing advanced job costing and compliance tools for complex projects.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $10,000 annually, scaling with users, modules, and company size.
Knowify
specializedCloud-based platform combining construction accounting, estimating, invoicing, and payments for subcontractors.
Seamless two-way QuickBooks sync that automatically posts job costs, expenses, and invoices for precise construction accounting.
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management and accounting software designed specifically for contractors and subcontractors. It excels in job costing, estimating, time tracking, invoicing, and purchase order management, with seamless two-way integration with QuickBooks Online for accurate financial syncing. The platform supports end-to-end project workflows from bid to closeout, including mobile access for field teams.
Pros
- Deep QuickBooks integration for real-time job costing and accounting sync
- Robust mobile app for time tracking and field updates
- Comprehensive tools for estimating, change orders, and subcontractor management
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can be high for small teams with per-user costs
- Limited advanced reporting without custom setups
Best For
Small to mid-sized contractors and subcontractors relying on QuickBooks who need construction-specific job costing and project accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (Essentials), $149/user/month (Pro), $249/user/month (Premier), billed annually; custom Enterprise plans available.
Viewpoint Vista
enterpriseEnterprise ERP system with integrated accounting, job costing, and financials for mid-to-large construction companies.
Advanced multi-level job costing with real-time WIP reporting and progress billing
Viewpoint Vista is a powerful ERP platform designed specifically for construction contractors, providing end-to-end accounting, job costing, project management, payroll, and service operations. It excels in handling complex construction workflows, from pre-construction estimating and bidding to project closeout and financial reporting. With robust integrations for field mobility and third-party tools, Vista supports scalable operations for growing firms.
Pros
- Highly customizable for complex construction accounting and job costing
- Strong scalability for mid-to-large contractors with multi-company support
- Excellent reporting and real-time financial visibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring extensive training
- High implementation costs and long onboarding time
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms managing multiple complex projects that require deep job costing and integrated ERP functionality.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $200-$500 per user/month plus implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Procore
enterpriseConstruction management platform with financial tools for budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and accounting integrations.
Financials module with automatic variance tracking between committed costs, actuals, and project progress
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with integrated financial tools designed specifically for contractors, including job costing, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, and change order management. It connects financial data directly to project progress, daily logs, and subcontractor commitments for real-time visibility into costs and profitability. While not a standalone accounting software like QuickBooks, its construction-focused accounting features make it a strong choice for managing contractor finances within the full project lifecycle.
Pros
- Deep integration of financials with project management for accurate job costing and forecasting
- Real-time dashboards and reporting tailored to construction workflows
- Robust mobile app for on-site invoice approvals and expense tracking
Cons
- High cost with custom enterprise-level pricing
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Limited general ledger functionality compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing seamless integration of project management and contractor-specific accounting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $500–$1,500+ per month depending on users, projects, and modules selected.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction software featuring estimating, scheduling, time cards, and basic accounting for contractors.
Real-time job cost dashboards that link financials directly to project schedules and change orders
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with integrated accounting features designed specifically for contractors and builders. It provides tools for job costing, invoicing, expense tracking, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting, all tied to project management workflows. While not a standalone accounting solution, its contractor-focused financial modules help streamline budgeting and profitability tracking alongside scheduling and client portals.
Pros
- Strong job costing and budgeting tied to project phases
- Seamless invoicing with progress billing and payment processing
- QuickBooks integration for advanced accounting needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can be expensive for small teams
- Lacks depth in general ledger and complex tax features compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms needing accounting integrated with project management rather than pure bookkeeping tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $99/month for solo users, typically $300-$600/month for teams based on projects and users.
CMiC
enterpriseUnified enterprise platform providing construction accounting, project controls, and ERP functionalities.
Single integrated database unifying accounting, project management, and procurement for seamless real-time data flow
CMiC is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform tailored for construction and engineering firms, providing end-to-end solutions for accounting, project management, financials, HR, and field operations. It excels in job costing, revenue recognition, and compliance with construction-specific accounting standards like percentage-of-completion. Designed for enterprise-scale contractors, it offers real-time visibility and integration across the project lifecycle to optimize financial control and profitability.
Pros
- Deep integration of accounting with project controls and field management
- Robust job costing and multi-entity financial reporting for complex projects
- Scalable for large enterprises with strong compliance and audit trail features
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for non-enterprise users
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized contractors
- Customization requires significant professional services
Best For
Large construction firms managing multimillion-dollar projects that need fully integrated ERP for financials, projects, and operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; enterprise subscriptions typically start at $100,000+ annually, plus implementation fees.
CoConstruct
specializedCustom home building software with budgeting, invoicing, change orders, and financial tracking for residential contractors.
Visual budgeting and job costing tied directly to interactive project timelines and client selections for precise financial oversight.
CoConstruct is a construction management platform with integrated accounting tools designed for custom home builders and remodelers, emphasizing job costing, budgeting, invoicing, and financial tracking tied to project workflows. It enables contractors to monitor expenses, handle change orders, and generate client-approved selections with financial implications in real-time. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for advanced accounting needs but serves primarily as a project-centric financial management solution rather than a full ERP accounting system.
Pros
- Robust job costing and budgeting integrated with project scheduling
- Seamless QuickBooks Online integration for AR/AP and payroll
- Real-time financial dashboards and mobile access for on-site tracking
Cons
- Lacks standalone general ledger, payroll, or advanced tax features
- High pricing not justified for accounting-only users
- Limited customizable reporting compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Small to mid-sized custom builders and remodelers needing project management with basic job costing and invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month (Essentials) up to $499/month (Pro), billed annually with a 14-day free trial; custom enterprise pricing available.
Premier Construction Software
specializedIntegrated accounting system focused on job costing, profitability analysis, and overhead allocation for construction businesses.
Advanced certified payroll and union fringe management with automated compliance reporting
Premier Construction Software is a desktop-based accounting solution tailored for construction contractors, providing comprehensive job costing, payroll processing, and financial reporting tools. It excels in tracking project profitability, managing certified payroll, and handling union fringes with precision. The software integrates accounts payable, receivable, inventory, and equipment management to streamline operations for mid-sized firms.
Pros
- Robust job costing for detailed project profitability
- Specialized payroll features including certified and union reporting
- Customizable reporting and multi-company support
Cons
- Outdated desktop interface with steep learning curve
- Limited cloud or mobile accessibility
- High upfront licensing costs
Best For
Mid-sized construction contractors needing in-depth job costing and compliance-heavy payroll without cloud dependency.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $5,000-$10,000 per user/company plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20%; custom quotes required.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide robust options for contractors, with the top 3 setting the standard for performance and relevance. QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor leads as the top choice, boasting comprehensive features, while Sage 100 Contractor stands out for its robust job cost accounting and Foundation offers tailored support for diverse needs. Each provides unique value, ensuring there’s an ideal fit for various operational priorities.
Begin your journey to more efficient accounting by trying the top-ranked QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor—its comprehensive tools are designed to streamline your contracting operations and drive profitability.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison