Running the back office of a construction business is a challenging job. While your team in the field is getting work done on the jobsite, you need people to keep their finger on the company’s financial pulse to turn a profit and maintain healthy cash flow. Construction accounting is unique to the building industry — in addition to general business accounting, you need to track job costs, overhead, retainage, mobilization costs, and more. This means construction accounting software requirements are unique as well.
Construction Accounting: Everything Contractors Need to Know
It can seem overwhelming without the right tools. Below are 7 of the best construction accounting software platforms for contractors to manage their budgets and stay on track.
What to consider when looking for accounting software
Determine your business needs before you go out shopping for accounting software. The type you purchase may depend on the size of the organization or the number of users.
Some of the key considerations when looking for accounting software include:
- Ease-of-use
- Ability to integrate with other third-party software
- Data security
- Level of customer support
- Pricing: Most options will offer custom pricing depending on your needs
- Industry-specific functionality (important for those in the construction business)
- Multiple and multi-currency functionalities
- Cloud and desktop accessibility
- Scalability — so that you don’t have to keep changing it the more your organization grows
Best accounting software for construction businesses
Accounting apps bring convenience and efficiency to managing your financials. With proper bookkeeping, your records will be up-to-date and, most importantly, accurate.
With repetitive, time-consuming tasks, human error is a common problem — but one with serious consequences. Finding the best accounting software is a critical component of your business.
Here are seven accounting software options we consider to be some of the best on the market, with likes and dislikes about each platform highlighted.
Jonas Premier – A trusted brand
What we like
- Easy to use
- Multiple functionalities
- Cloud and on-premise options
- No hidden fees
- Implementation cost covers training, dedicated account manager, storage for your documents, and a certification program.
- 30 years backing in the construction industry
What we don’t like
- If you are migrating from QuickBooks, the process can be time-consuming.
About Jonas Premier
Jonas Premier is cloud-based accounting software. You can use it for revenue allocation and expense management. The dashboard is customizable, making it suitable for a variety of construction jobs, including electrical, HVAC, home builders, land developers, and plumbing.
You can manage tasks such as multi-division accounting, workflow automation, scheduling, and dispatch. Other capabilities include inventory management, job costing, and real-time tracking of receivables and payables.
Other task options include payroll, remittances, audit trails, and year-end financial reporting.
Pricing
The setup fee is $20,000 with a monthly fee of $199 per user. If you’re able to commit to a year contract, the fee goes down to $189 per user. There are no additional charges.
QuickBooks – Most affordable
What we like
- Easy-to-use platform
- Multiple functionalities
- Very affordable, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
- Integrates with a number of other construction software platforms, including Levelset
What we don’t like
- There is a limit to the number of users — this can restrict its use in larger businesses.
- It is a basic app (which may not allow for scalability).
About QuickBooks
QuickBooks provides excellent accounting software for small to medium-sized construction businesses. You get functionalities such as invoicing, income management, expense tracking, and tax preparation. Easily manage your clients, vendors, and employees with this app by automating your processes.
Invest in QuickBooks training to take advantage of the on-premise or cloud-based applications. Access QuickBooks from any smart device and integrate with other third-party applications.
Pricing
The online pricing comes at different subscription levels depending on what you need. Please note, the higher the subscription level, the more features you get.
- The Basic Plan is $14 per month for only one user + your accountant.
- The Essential Plan is $21 per month and gives access to three users + your accountant.
- Plus Plan is $29 per month for up to five users + your accountant.
The plan comes with a 30-day trial period. It gives you enough time to decide whether it works for your business.
Buildertrend – Beginner-friendly
What we like
- Very beginner-friendly
- Allows for third-party integration with other applications
- No contractual obligations
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No limitations on users and jobs when you opt for tiered pricing
- Mobile-accessible on Android and iOS platforms
- On-site and online training and excellent customer support
What we don’t like
- It may lack some accounting features. You can, however, take advantage of the flexibility in third-party integrations to access the functionalities.
- Monthly fee is a bit pricey
About Buildertrend
The cloud-based Buildertrend software is very flexible. It allows for integration with Dropbox, Facebook, QuickBooks, and Excel. It works well for corporations, as well as small and medium-sized businesses.
It is excellent for customer and project management, pre-sale, and other accounting processes. Efficiently handle tasks such as invoicing, processing liens, and accepting online payments. You can also estimate comparisons, time clocks, and purchase orders. It also has a lead management functionality that you can utilize to convert hot leads into projects.
Pricing
There are three subscription levels:
- Core is $99 per month for the first three months, after which you will pay $299.
- Pro is $299 per month for the first three months, then $499 per month.
- Premium is customizable, depending on what you need.
You have 30 days within which to decide whether the package works for you.
Sage 100 Contractor – Best for growing businesses
What we like
- Easy to use
- Automatic job cost summaries
- Easy to customize
- Cloud-based and accessible on mobile
- Network of dedicated provider making the tool more robust
What we don’t like
- Report customization can be a bit challenging.
- No free trial period
About Sage 100 Contractor
Sage 100 Contractor was formerly Sage Master Builder. It is ideal for construction companies that have outgrown basic accounting software. The business management and accounting system work well for small and midsize businesses. It helps with invoicing, purchase orders, and cash and payroll management.
Other tasks include job costing, preparing estimates and quotes, forecasting, budgeting, and receivables. You get access to a broad network of experts for industry-specific tasks, including electrical work, and even plumbing.
Pricing
The basic plan comes in at $99 per month per user. For more users, you will need to contact the company for customized pricing.
Foundation Software – Best for multiple third-party integrations
What we like
- Training opportunities are available when you sign up. You can access them online, at webinars, in the documentation, or in person.
- Easy-to-use and intuitive platform
- You get tons of functionalities that will help with your accounting processes.
- Mobile-friendly, allowing you to sync the office and field workers
- Customer reviews indicate excellent customer service.
- The platform is cloud-based, so you can access your data anywhere.
What we do not like
- The more advanced features may be difficult to use
- It would help if the company would share pricing upfront
- No free trial period
About Foundation Software
Foundation Software is a fantastic tool for those in the construction sector. The company has been around since 1985. It has a strong reputation as a reliable brand within the construction industry.
The platform uses Microsoft SQL technology. It is flexible and offers integrated accounting solutions. Your team can work in various jurisdictions or states with a one-time card. You’ll find that you can easily simplify financial processes using the automation.
Some of the functionalities include payroll, tax, payables and retainage. Simplify the process of job costing and project management with the foundation software. You get to save time and money and can easily manage your team with the automated payroll system.
You can use it on various platforms including Android, iOS, desktop, and web browser. You can also integrate it with other third-party applications giving you more flexibility and functionalities.
Pricing
The company does not provide any pricing information. You will need to contact them directly for a quote. You do not get a trial period, but you can access a live demo.
Vista by Viewpoint – Most customizable accounting software
What we like
- Integrating Vista with third-party software is easier due to the SQL platform.
- Flexible and allows for customization
- You get real-time reporting for a clearer picture of how your business is doing.
- Once you learn to use the program, it is very easy to navigate.
- The company pays a lot of attention to the continual improvement of its products.
- The community of users is a fantastic resource to learn and share.
What we do not like
- You may miss some key features on mobile.
- Exporting data to Excel can be a bit difficult.
- The program may be a bit challenging for beginners.
- Not very mobile-friendly
- You can only get pricing on request.
About Vista
Vista provides comprehensive operations and accounting solutions. You can customize the software depending on what you need. It is reliable, allows for scalability, and is easy to configure. Data synchronization across the entire organization is easier with the software.
Vista cuts across the whole organization and has solutions for all the different departments in your business, including project management, human resources, service management, and accounting.
Those in the construction industry can better manage their revenue and expenditure. It also has a robust system for managing payroll and recruitment. You can deploy the software on Mac, web-based applications, Windows, and iPad or iPhone.
Pricing
For pricing, you will need to contact the vendor directly. You get a free demo and training support, whether face-to-face or online.
Deltek + Computer Ease – Best reporting software for construction accounting
What we like
- The product comes with training. You can access it via documentation, in person, or live online.
- The software is very specific to the construction industry.
- Flexible and reliable platform
- Tracking work and workers is easy.
- The company is prompt with issuing updates.
- You get inventory management, and CRM capabilities as well.
- Good reputation within the construction industry
- Responsive customer support
What we don’t like
- You can only get pricing directly from the vendor.
- Some of the features may be difficult to understand and navigate — however, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it easier to use.
- The process of update installation can be cumbersome — all the users need to log out first.
About Deltek + ComputerEase
Deltek + ComputerEase centralizes all your data on its intuitive dashboard. With a simple glance, you will have all the information you need to make a decision.
It provides all the accounting information you need, giving you better control. You can apply it on web-based platforms, SaaS and cloud as well as Windows.
You can utilize it for tasks such as billing, invoicing, order changes, and tracking. Other tasks include budgeting, forecasting, estimating, and work order management.
You get tons of features, but they may initially require some getting used to. However, once you do, you will enjoy its flexibility, versatility, and many functionalities. You can also take advantage of the training opportunities that come as part of the package.
It works on Android, Windows mobile, web browser, and iPad or iPhone. It works well for small to large businesses.
Pricing
You will need to contact the vendor directly for price and details. You, however, get a free demo to get more information on the software.
Accounting software helps contractors spot cash problems
Good construction accounting software has built-in tools that helps contractors identify red flags before they impact the bottom line. These programs can generate real-time financial reports that help you compare and analyze jobs for cost overruns, cash flow, and overall profitability.
If a particular customer or type of job consistently causes financial problems, you may need to update your company’s credit policy or put a better prequalification process in place. Choosing the right customers and the right projects is an important part of building a profitable contractor business.
These construction accounting platforms are seven of the best available to help contractors prepare, manage, and track their budgets. Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so do your research well to fully understand what each has to offer.