Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Enterprise - Advanced accounting software with robust job costing features for tracking labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead by project.
- 2#2: Foundation Software - Construction-specific accounting platform excelling in job costing, project budgeting, and real-time financial reporting.
- 3#3: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Comprehensive construction ERP with powerful job costing, cost-to-complete analysis, and multi-project financial management.
- 4#4: JobTread - Construction management tool integrating job costing, estimating, scheduling, and change order tracking.
- 5#5: Knowify - Cloud-based platform for contractors offering job costing, invoicing, and purchase order management tied to projects.
- 6#6: Procore - Construction project management software with integrated financials for job costing, budgeting, and forecasting.
- 7#7: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction software providing job costing, cost tracking, and variance reporting for builders.
- 8#8: CoConstruct - Custom builder tool with budgeting, job costing, and client-approved financial transparency features.
- 9#9: Xero - Online accounting app with project tracking for job costing time, expenses, and profitability analysis.
- 10#10: FreshBooks - Invoicing software with project-based costing to track time, expenses, and billable job costs.
Tools were selected based on their robust feature sets (including real-time reporting, integration capabilities, and multi-project management), user-friendly interfaces, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of businesses ranging from small contractors to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top job costing software tools, featuring QuickBooks Enterprise, Foundation Software, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, JobTread, Knowify, and more. It outlines key features, pricing models, and use cases to guide readers in selecting the right solution for their business, whether for small projects or large-scale operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Enterprise Advanced accounting software with robust job costing features for tracking labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead by project. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Foundation Software Construction-specific accounting platform excelling in job costing, project budgeting, and real-time financial reporting. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Comprehensive construction ERP with powerful job costing, cost-to-complete analysis, and multi-project financial management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | JobTread Construction management tool integrating job costing, estimating, scheduling, and change order tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Knowify Cloud-based platform for contractors offering job costing, invoicing, and purchase order management tied to projects. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Procore Construction project management software with integrated financials for job costing, budgeting, and forecasting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction software providing job costing, cost tracking, and variance reporting for builders. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | CoConstruct Custom builder tool with budgeting, job costing, and client-approved financial transparency features. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Xero Online accounting app with project tracking for job costing time, expenses, and profitability analysis. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | FreshBooks Invoicing software with project-based costing to track time, expenses, and billable job costs. | other | 6.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Advanced accounting software with robust job costing features for tracking labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead by project.
Construction-specific accounting platform excelling in job costing, project budgeting, and real-time financial reporting.
Comprehensive construction ERP with powerful job costing, cost-to-complete analysis, and multi-project financial management.
Construction management tool integrating job costing, estimating, scheduling, and change order tracking.
Cloud-based platform for contractors offering job costing, invoicing, and purchase order management tied to projects.
Construction project management software with integrated financials for job costing, budgeting, and forecasting.
All-in-one construction software providing job costing, cost tracking, and variance reporting for builders.
Custom builder tool with budgeting, job costing, and client-approved financial transparency features.
Online accounting app with project tracking for job costing time, expenses, and profitability analysis.
Invoicing software with project-based costing to track time, expenses, and billable job costs.
QuickBooks Enterprise
enterpriseAdvanced accounting software with robust job costing features for tracking labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead by project.
Real-time job profitability tracking with phase-by-phase cost allocation and forecasting
QuickBooks Enterprise is a robust accounting platform from Intuit, excelling in job costing for industries like construction, manufacturing, and professional services. It enables precise tracking of labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead costs per job or project, with real-time profitability insights and customizable reports. The software supports progress invoicing, time tracking, and inventory management, making it ideal for complex, project-based operations.
Pros
- Advanced job costing tracks all expenses and profitability per project in real-time
- Seamless integration with time tracking, payroll, and inventory for comprehensive oversight
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards for detailed financial analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-experts
- High pricing, especially for multi-user licenses
- Overkill for small businesses with simple job needs
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction, manufacturing, or service firms handling multiple complex projects requiring granular cost tracking and profitability analysis.
Pricing
Starts at $1,487/year for Silver (5 users), up to $4,668/year for Diamond (40 users); custom quotes available.
Foundation Software
specializedConstruction-specific accounting platform excelling in job costing, project budgeting, and real-time financial reporting.
Multi-level job cost coding system with real-time dashboards for granular tracking and instant profitability insights
Foundation Software is a robust construction accounting platform renowned for its advanced job costing capabilities, enabling contractors to track labor, materials, subcontractors, and equipment costs across jobs, phases, and cost codes in real-time. It integrates comprehensive accounting features like general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll tailored specifically for the construction industry. Designed for scalability, it supports complex projects with tools for forecasting, change orders, and profitability analysis to help contractors maintain financial control.
Pros
- Exceptional depth in job costing with multi-level cost codes and real-time WIP reporting
- Seamless integration of job costing with full construction accounting suite
- Powerful customization and forecasting tools for accurate project profitability
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training and setup time
- High implementation costs and pricing
- Limited native mobile functionality, relying more on desktop interface
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms handling complex, multi-phase projects that demand precise, detailed job cost tracking and integrated accounting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ for setup with monthly fees of $300-$600 per user, depending on modules and company size.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseComprehensive construction ERP with powerful job costing, cost-to-complete analysis, and multi-project financial management.
Advanced multi-tiered job costing structure with real-time variance tracking and automated profit recognition
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP platform tailored for mid-to-large construction and real estate firms, with powerful job costing tools to track direct and indirect costs across projects. It provides detailed budgeting, variance analysis, labor distribution, and subcontractor management, enabling real-time visibility into job profitability. The software integrates job costing with general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll for comprehensive financial control.
Pros
- Exceptional depth in job costing with multi-level cost codes, forecasting, and WIP reporting
- Seamless integration with accounting, payroll, and project management modules
- Highly customizable for complex, multi-phase construction projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dated, desktop-heavy interface
- High upfront and ongoing costs, including implementation fees
- Limited native mobile functionality compared to modern cloud competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms handling complex, multi-project operations that need integrated ERP-level job costing.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; on-premise perpetual licenses start at $20,000+, with annual maintenance ~20%; cloud subscriptions from $5,000+/month for enterprise setups.
JobTread
specializedConstruction management tool integrating job costing, estimating, scheduling, and change order tracking.
Dynamic Job Costing Dashboard offering instant profitability insights and cost-to-complete forecasts
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors, with a strong emphasis on job costing. It enables real-time tracking of project budgets, actual costs, labor, materials, and profitability through integrated estimating, scheduling, and invoicing tools. The platform also includes CRM, change order management, and purchase order features to streamline end-to-end operations for residential construction projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time job costing with budget variance tracking
- Integrated mobile app for on-site updates and photo documentation
- Robust reporting and profitability analysis dashboards
Cons
- Limited integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with many users
Best For
Small to mid-sized residential construction firms needing integrated job costing and project management without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Solo plan (1 user), $199/month for Team (up to 5 users), plus $35/additional user; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Knowify
specializedCloud-based platform for contractors offering job costing, invoicing, and purchase order management tied to projects.
Advanced job costing dashboard with real-time cost-to-complete projections and automatic QuickBooks job code syncing
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors, excelling in job costing by enabling real-time tracking of labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor expenses across projects. It provides detailed cost-to-complete forecasts, variance analysis, and profitability reporting to help businesses stay on budget. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks for seamless accounting and offers mobile apps for field updates.
Pros
- Robust real-time job costing with variance tracking and profitability insights
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automated financial syncing
- Mobile app for on-site time tracking and expense logging
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger teams
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors who rely on QuickBooks and need precise job costing for residential or commercial projects.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for up to 3 users (Basic plan), scaling to $399+/month for Pro/Enterprise with more users and advanced features; custom quotes available.
Procore
enterpriseConstruction project management software with integrated financials for job costing, budgeting, and forecasting.
Integrated Financials dashboard that combines job costing with change management and forecasting for proactive budget control
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust job costing features that enable real-time tracking of project budgets, expenses, commitments, and forecasts. It supports detailed cost code management, variance reporting, and integration with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage for seamless financial oversight. Designed for the construction industry, it ties job costing directly to project schedules, RFIs, and change orders for holistic financial control.
Pros
- Real-time cost tracking and forecasting with variance alerts
- Seamless integrations with ERP and accounting software
- Mobile accessibility for on-site expense logging and approvals
Cons
- High cost with custom quote-based pricing
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Overkill for small-scale or simple job costing needs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms handling complex, multi-phase projects that require integrated job costing with full project management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $375-$625 per month per project or user, with add-ons for advanced financial tools.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction software providing job costing, cost tracking, and variance reporting for builders.
Dynamic cost codes and automated variance alerts that proactively notify users of budget overruns via email and app notifications
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management software that provides robust job costing capabilities, enabling users to create detailed budgets, track actual expenses against estimates in real-time, and analyze variances for better profitability control. It integrates job costing with scheduling, subcontractor management, change orders, and financial reporting, offering a centralized platform for construction projects. The tool supports cost coding, labor tracking, and material management, making it suitable for contractors handling multiple jobs simultaneously.
Pros
- Real-time budget vs. actual cost tracking with variance reports
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and other accounting tools
- Mobile app for on-site cost updates and photo documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing scales quickly with active projects, expensive for small teams
- Limited advanced forecasting and scenario modeling
Best For
Mid-sized residential and commercial contractors seeking an all-in-one platform with strong job costing integrated into project management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Essentials plan (up to 3 projects), $299/month for Business (up to 15 projects), and custom enterprise pricing; billed annually with per-project scaling.
CoConstruct
specializedCustom builder tool with budgeting, job costing, and client-approved financial transparency features.
Dynamic change order management that automatically adjusts job costs and budgets with client approvals
CoConstruct is a comprehensive construction management software tailored for custom home builders and remodelers, with strong job costing capabilities that track budgets, actual expenses, variances, and change orders in real-time. It integrates job costing seamlessly with estimating, scheduling, selections, and client portals for a holistic project overview. Users can assign cost codes, monitor profitability, and generate detailed financial reports to ensure projects stay on budget.
Pros
- Robust real-time job costing with budget-to-actual variance tracking
- Seamless integration of costing with scheduling and client selections
- Mobile app for on-site cost updates and photo documentation
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may deter very small operations
- Limited native integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks
- Initial setup and customization can require training
Best For
Small to mid-sized custom builders and remodelers needing integrated job costing within full project management.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month (Entry), $399/month (Pro), $499/month (Premier); annual billing offers discounts, custom enterprise options available.
Xero
enterpriseOnline accounting app with project tracking for job costing time, expenses, and profitability analysis.
Real-time job profitability tracking that automatically pulls in expenses, time, and invoices from the core accounting system
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that offers job costing capabilities through its Projects feature, enabling users to track time, expenses, materials, and profitability for specific jobs or projects. It integrates seamlessly with invoicing, bank feeds, and financial reporting, providing real-time insights into job performance without needing additional tools. While suitable for service-based businesses, it focuses on basic tracking rather than advanced job management like scheduling or multi-phase costing.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full accounting suite for unified financial tracking
- Real-time profitability dashboards and reporting for jobs
- User-friendly interface with mobile time tracking app
Cons
- Limited advanced job costing tools like resource scheduling or change orders
- Projects feature requires higher-tier plans, increasing costs
- Less robust for complex industries like construction or manufacturing
Best For
Small to medium service-based businesses needing basic job profitability tracking integrated with everyday accounting.
Pricing
Projects feature available from Growing plan at $42/user/month (annual billing); higher plans up to $78/user/month.
FreshBooks
otherInvoicing software with project-based costing to track time, expenses, and billable job costs.
Project Profitability reports that automatically calculate billable vs. non-billable time and expenses per project
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software with project tracking features that support basic job costing for service-based businesses. It allows users to assign billable time, expenses, and costs to specific projects, monitor budgets, and generate profitability reports. While it excels in invoicing and time tracking integration, it lacks advanced capabilities for material inventory or complex cost allocation found in dedicated job costing tools.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for quick project setup and tracking
- Seamless integration of time tracking and expenses with invoicing
- Real-time profitability dashboards for projects
Cons
- No robust material or inventory cost tracking
- Limited advanced budgeting and forecasting tools
- Reporting lacks depth for complex job analysis
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based businesses needing simple time and expense tracking per project alongside easy invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, annual billing) up to $60/month (Premium); Select plan is custom pricing.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, QuickBooks Enterprise emerges as the top choice, offering advanced tracking of labor, materials, and overhead for projects. Foundation Software and Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate excel as strong alternatives, each tailored to specific needs like budgeting and real-time financial insights, ensuring there’s a solution for diverse workflows.
Take the first step toward smarter project management—explore QuickBooks Enterprise to unlock precise cost tracking, streamline operations, and elevate your project profitability.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison