Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Time - Cloud-based time tracking software that seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks for accurate billing and payroll in CPA firms.
- 2#2: Karbon - All-in-one practice management platform for accounting firms with robust time tracking, workflow automation, and client billing.
- 3#3: Canopy - Comprehensive practice management tool for tax and accounting professionals featuring time tracking, billing, and tax resolution.
- 4#4: BigTime - Professional services automation software with advanced time tracking, expense management, and invoicing tailored for CPA firms.
- 5#5: Bill4Time - Time billing and practice management software designed for CPAs with invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks integration.
- 6#6: TimeSolv - Cloud-based time, billing, and trust accounting software for professional service firms including accountants.
- 7#7: LeanLaw - QuickBooks-integrated billing and practice management solution for small accounting and law firms.
- 8#8: Financial Cents - Workflow and practice management software for accounting firms with built-in time tracking and capacity planning.
- 9#9: Practice Ignition - Client proposal and automated billing software that streamlines recurring billing for CPA firms.
- 10#10: Jetpack Workflow - Workflow management platform for accounting firms with time tracking and team collaboration features.
We selected and ranked these tools by prioritizing robust core features (e.g., accurate time tracking, seamless invoicing, and QuickBooks compatibility), reliability, user-friendliness, and long-term value, ensuring each solution addresses the distinct demands of accounting practices.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top CPA firm time and billing software, including QuickBooks Time, Karbon, Canopy, BigTime, Bill4Time, and more, to highlight their unique features, strengths, and suitability for different firm needs. Readers will gain insights into each tool's usability, pricing, and key functionalities, enabling informed decisions to streamline time management and billing processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Time Cloud-based time tracking software that seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks for accurate billing and payroll in CPA firms. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Karbon All-in-one practice management platform for accounting firms with robust time tracking, workflow automation, and client billing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Canopy Comprehensive practice management tool for tax and accounting professionals featuring time tracking, billing, and tax resolution. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | BigTime Professional services automation software with advanced time tracking, expense management, and invoicing tailored for CPA firms. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Bill4Time Time billing and practice management software designed for CPAs with invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | TimeSolv Cloud-based time, billing, and trust accounting software for professional service firms including accountants. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | LeanLaw QuickBooks-integrated billing and practice management solution for small accounting and law firms. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Financial Cents Workflow and practice management software for accounting firms with built-in time tracking and capacity planning. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Practice Ignition Client proposal and automated billing software that streamlines recurring billing for CPA firms. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | Jetpack Workflow Workflow management platform for accounting firms with time tracking and team collaboration features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
Cloud-based time tracking software that seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks for accurate billing and payroll in CPA firms.
All-in-one practice management platform for accounting firms with robust time tracking, workflow automation, and client billing.
Comprehensive practice management tool for tax and accounting professionals featuring time tracking, billing, and tax resolution.
Professional services automation software with advanced time tracking, expense management, and invoicing tailored for CPA firms.
Time billing and practice management software designed for CPAs with invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks integration.
Cloud-based time, billing, and trust accounting software for professional service firms including accountants.
QuickBooks-integrated billing and practice management solution for small accounting and law firms.
Workflow and practice management software for accounting firms with built-in time tracking and capacity planning.
Client proposal and automated billing software that streamlines recurring billing for CPA firms.
Workflow management platform for accounting firms with time tracking and team collaboration features.
QuickBooks Time
specializedCloud-based time tracking software that seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks for accurate billing and payroll in CPA firms.
Automatic syncing of tracked time directly into QuickBooks invoices and payroll
QuickBooks Time is a robust time tracking and scheduling platform tailored for businesses needing accurate employee time management, with features like mobile GPS tracking, timesheets, and job costing. For CPA firms, it excels in capturing billable hours by client and project, generating detailed reports, and integrating directly with QuickBooks Online and Desktop for seamless invoicing and payroll processing. This eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and accelerates billing cycles.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for automatic time-to-invoice conversion
- GPS-enabled mobile tracking ensures accurate billable hours verification
- Comprehensive reporting and project costing for precise CPA billing
Cons
- Base subscription fee adds to costs for small teams
- Advanced customization requires the higher Elite plan
- Occasional mobile app glitches reported during peak usage
Best For
CPA firms using QuickBooks that require automated time tracking and billing integration for multiple clients and projects.
Pricing
Premium plan at $20 base + $8/user/month; Elite at $20 base + $10/user/month (billed annually; free trial available).
Karbon
specializedAll-in-one practice management platform for accounting firms with robust time tracking, workflow automation, and client billing.
Client-centric workflows that automatically convert emails and tasks into billable time entries
Karbon is a cloud-based practice management platform tailored for accounting and CPA firms, emphasizing workflow automation, team collaboration, and client communication with integrated time tracking. It allows users to log billable hours directly against tasks and projects, generate time reports, and sync data with popular accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks for invoicing. While not a standalone billing tool, it excels in capturing and managing time within firm operations to streamline profitability tracking.
Pros
- Seamless integration of time tracking into client workflows and tasks
- Powerful automation and templates for consistent time capture
- Robust reporting on time utilization and profitability by client/project
Cons
- No native invoicing or billing generation; relies on third-party integrations
- Pricing can be steep for smaller firms
- Advanced customization requires initial setup time
Best For
Mid-sized CPA firms seeking integrated time tracking within comprehensive practice management rather than standalone billing software.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (billed annually) for the Standard plan; higher tiers up to $99+/user/month with custom enterprise pricing.
Canopy
specializedComprehensive practice management tool for tax and accounting professionals featuring time tracking, billing, and tax resolution.
AI Copilot for automating routine tasks like client email responses and tax form prep suggestions
Canopy is an all-in-one practice management platform designed specifically for CPA firms and tax professionals, featuring robust time tracking and billing tools. It enables effortless time entry via desktop timers, mobile apps, and integrations, with automated invoicing, payment processing, and write-up suggestions. The software also includes client portals, workflow automation, and document management, making it a comprehensive solution for firm operations.
Pros
- Seamless time tracking with mobile access and QuickBooks/Xero integrations
- Automated billing workflows and AI-driven write-off recommendations
- Comprehensive reporting for profitability analysis
Cons
- Higher pricing may strain small firms
- Full feature set requires premium tiers
- Steeper learning curve for advanced workflows
Best For
Mid-sized CPA firms needing integrated time tracking, billing, and practice management in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Essentials), $69/user/month (Premium), $99+/user/month (Enterprise); annual discounts available.
BigTime
enterpriseProfessional services automation software with advanced time tracking, expense management, and invoicing tailored for CPA firms.
Skills-based resource scheduling that automatically matches team members to projects based on expertise and availability
BigTime is a cloud-based professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for CPA firms and similar professional services, providing comprehensive time tracking, expense management, invoicing, and project management capabilities. It excels in integrating with QuickBooks and other accounting tools, enabling seamless data sync for accurate billing and financial reporting. The software also offers resource planning, customizable workflows, and real-time dashboards to help firms manage client engagements efficiently.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero for effortless billing
- Robust time tracking with mobile app and GPS verification
- Advanced resource scheduling with skill-based matching
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Pricing can add up for larger teams
- Some advanced reporting requires custom setup
Best For
Mid-sized CPA firms needing integrated time tracking, project management, and billing with strong accounting software integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $12/user/month (Team plan), $28/user/month (Pro), $52/user/month (Elite), billed annually with a minimum of 5 users.
Bill4Time
specializedTime billing and practice management software designed for CPAs with invoicing, payments, and QuickBooks integration.
Two-way QuickBooks synchronization that automatically imports clients, matters, and time entries while exporting invoices and payments
Bill4Time is a cloud-based time tracking and billing software designed for professional services firms, including CPA firms, offering tools for capturing billable hours, expense tracking, invoicing, and client management. It streamlines workflows with features like one-click invoicing from time entries, customizable reports, and seamless integrations with accounting software such as QuickBooks Online and Desktop. The platform supports trust accounting and LEDES billing formats, making it suitable for firms handling client retainers and compliance needs.
Pros
- Seamless two-way sync with QuickBooks for effortless accounting reconciliation
- Robust mobile app for time tracking on the go
- Comprehensive reporting tools including profitability analysis by client or project
Cons
- Interface can feel somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Advanced trust accounting requires higher-tier plans
- Customer support response times vary, with some users reporting delays
Best For
Small to mid-sized CPA firms seeking reliable time tracking, billing, and QuickBooks integration without needing a full-fledged accounting suite.
Pricing
Starts at $19/user/month (Solo), $39/user/month (Pro), $59/user/month (Business); annual billing offers discounts, 30-day free trial available.
TimeSolv
specializedCloud-based time, billing, and trust accounting software for professional service firms including accountants.
Advanced trust accounting with IOLTA compliance support, ideal for managing client retainers and escrows
TimeSolv is a cloud-based practice management software designed for professional services firms, including CPA practices, focusing on time tracking, billing, and invoicing. It provides tools for expense tracking, online payments, trust accounting, and customizable reporting to help firms manage billable hours and client finances efficiently. The platform integrates with QuickBooks and offers a client portal for enhanced communication and payment processing.
Pros
- Robust billing options including progress billing and write-ups/write-downs
- Strong trust accounting for handling client funds securely
- Seamless QuickBooks integration and mobile time tracking app
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-legal users
- Limited native features for full accounting beyond time and billing
Best For
Small to mid-sized CPA firms requiring reliable time tracking, billing, and trust accounting with QuickBooks sync.
Pricing
Starts at $39.95/user/month for basic plan, with premium tiers up to $59.95/user/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
LeanLaw
specializedQuickBooks-integrated billing and practice management solution for small accounting and law firms.
Real-time, two-way QuickBooks Online synchronization that automatically syncs time entries, invoices, and payments
LeanLaw is a cloud-based practice management platform primarily designed for law firms, offering robust time tracking, billing, and accounting features with seamless QuickBooks Online integration. For CPA firms, it provides efficient time entry, automated invoicing, and financial reporting, though some legal-specific tools like IOLTA trust accounting are less relevant. It emphasizes simplicity and lean workflows to streamline operations for small professional services teams.
Pros
- Seamless two-way QuickBooks sync for easy accounting reconciliation
- Intuitive mobile and desktop time tracking
- Automated billing and customizable invoice templates
Cons
- Legal-focused features like IOLTA compliance irrelevant for CPAs
- Lacks deep integrations with tax software like CCH or Drake
- Reporting could be more tailored to accounting-specific metrics
Best For
Small CPA firms using QuickBooks that need simple, affordable time tracking and billing without advanced practice management bloat.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month for Solo plan; $59/user/month for Teams (up to 10 users); custom Enterprise pricing for larger firms.
Financial Cents
specializedWorkflow and practice management software for accounting firms with built-in time tracking and capacity planning.
Advanced profitability dashboard that tracks margins by client, project, and staff in real-time
Financial Cents is a cloud-based practice management software designed specifically for accounting and CPA firms, focusing on time tracking, billing, workflow automation, and profitability analysis. It allows users to log billable hours, create professional invoices, manage client projects, and gain insights into firm performance through customizable dashboards. The platform integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Google Workspace, making it easier for firms to streamline operations and boost efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Strong integrations with major accounting software
- Real-time profitability tracking and reporting
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options for large firms
- Reporting features could be more robust
- Pricing scales quickly for teams over 10 users
Best For
Small to mid-sized CPA firms seeking an user-friendly tool to optimize time tracking, billing, and practice profitability.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for the Pro plan, $79/user/month for Business, with custom Enterprise pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Practice Ignition
specializedClient proposal and automated billing software that streamlines recurring billing for CPA firms.
Seamless one-click proposal acceptance that auto-generates engagement letters and triggers recurring billing
Practice Ignition is a client engagement and automation platform tailored for accounting firms, focusing on streamlining proposals, engagement letters, onboarding, and billing workflows. It excels in automating the journey from proposal to recurring payments, integrating with tools like Xero and QuickBooks for seamless invoicing. While it supports subscription-based and fixed-fee billing ideal for advisory CPAs, native time tracking is limited, relying on integrations for detailed time logging.
Pros
- Automated proposal-to-payment workflows reduce admin time significantly
- Strong integrations with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks
- Supports subscription and fixed-fee billing models popular in modern CPA practices
Cons
- Limited native time tracking; depends on third-party integrations
- Pricing scales quickly with client volume, less ideal for solo practitioners
- Advanced automations require setup time and familiarity
Best For
Mid-sized CPA firms using value-based or subscription pricing that prioritize client onboarding efficiency over robust standalone time tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month (Starter, up to 20 active clients), $299/month (Professional, up to 100 clients), with custom Enterprise pricing for larger firms.
Jetpack Workflow
specializedWorkflow management platform for accounting firms with time tracking and team collaboration features.
Pre-built library of 100+ workflow templates for tax season, audits, and reviews
Jetpack Workflow is a practice management platform designed for accounting firms, focusing on workflow automation, task delegation, and time tracking to streamline CPA operations. It enables firms to create customizable workflows for tax, audit, and advisory engagements while capturing billable hours through integrated timers and reports. Although strong in time tracking and deadline management, it relies on integrations for advanced billing and invoicing features.
Pros
- Customizable workflow templates tailored for CPA tasks
- Seamless time tracking with mobile app support
- Strong deadline and capacity planning tools
Cons
- Limited native invoicing and billing capabilities
- Pricing scales per user, expensive for large teams
- Steep learning curve for advanced automations
Best For
Small to mid-sized CPA firms prioritizing workflow efficiency with integrated time tracking over standalone billing.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Essentials, annual billing); Pro at $49/user/month; Elite at $69/user/month; minimum 1 user.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools highlight the diversity of solutions available for CPA firms, but QuickBooks Time emerges as the top choice, excelling in cloud integration and billing accuracy. Karbon and Canopy also stand out as robust alternatives—Karbon for its all-in-one approach and Canopy for its comprehensive practice management features, each catering to unique firm needs.
Explore QuickBooks Time to streamline your time tracking, billing, and overall workflow, and experience the convenience of integrated solutions tailored for CPA success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison