Best Construction Accounting Software of 2024

In depth: Our top construction accounting software picks

Why we like it: Foundation, which has been around since 1985, is one of the few products that checks all of the boxes in terms of features and is made exclusively for the construction industry. It’s an exhaustive all-in-one solution with more than 20 different modules for capabilities like job costing, subcontracting, accounts payable and receivable, mobile time tracking, scheduling, inventory and project management.

It also has additional capabilities for tracking equipment and fixed asset depreciation and for storing digital documents. This robust feature set — as well as training on how to use it — makes Foundation a good fit for a wide range of construction companies.

Why we like it: If you’re looking for a no-frills, dependable construction accounting software solution at a reasonable price point, you're unlikely to go wrong with QuickBooks Online. The capabilities built into its Plus and Advanced plans, specifically, are well-suited to construction accounting and project management.

These features include invoicing, customizable reporting and job costing, as well as direct integrations with industry-specific software such as Buildertrend and Housecall Pro. However, you’ll have to integrate with QuickBooks Time, a separate product that comes with its own costs, to track employees’ hours.

Why we like it: Already have a solution for managing your construction company’s books? Integrating with Buildertrend can help you take construction management to the next level, thanks to its additional budgeting tools, mobile time tracking and industry-specific project management features, like the ability to handle change orders. All plan levels integrate with both QuickBooks and Xero. However, keep in mind that using two products — instead of one — may involve extra costs.

Why we like it: Unlike the cloud-based solutions listed here, QuickBooks Enterprise is primarily a desktop-based product that gets locally installed to your office’s computer. In most cases, cloud-based programs are a better alternative, since they let you access your books from anywhere. The problem is that they’re only as reliable as your internet. So, if your business experiences internet outages on the regular, a desktop-based solution, like QuickBooks Enterprise, might be the way to go. Plus, QuickBooks Enterprise’s industry-specific edition has niche features, like change order functionality.

» MORE: The best QuickBooks alternatives

Why we like it: Some software options include client portals, but stop there. Striven, on the other hand, includes both customer and vendor portals to facilitate easier collaboration for purchases and sales alike. Each portal is included in your software package free of charge for up to 100 customers and 100 vendors; for more than 100, there is an additional monthly fee.

Striven has features for project and inventory management, job costing, scheduling and more. Those are in addition to built-in standard accounting functions such as reporting (including customizable reports), invoicing, audit trails and accountant access.

Why we like it: Sage 100 Contractor, part of the larger Sage Business Cloud software ecosystem, has a dash dedicated to bid management, which is useful for construction companies juggling multiple projects at a time. You can view how many leads your company has, which bids have been won and lost, and which have been submitted (so that you can follow up accordingly). The software also helps you put together drawings and other documents for each bid application. 

Why we like it: Whereas many of its competitors focus on construction companies specifically, Viewpoint opens the playing field to businesses in adjacent industries, like electrical work, plumbing and HVAC. Plus, you can request custom demos for your specific subfield to make sure that version of the product is right for you. Businesses are also assigned a dedicated customer success manager they can consult with questions their first year.

Why we like it: Many of the solutions listed here cater to small construction businesses. Jonas Enterprise, on the other hand, is meant for medium and large businesses (but could also be a good fit for aggressively growing small construction companies). For example, it has solutions for business owners with multiple companies and offers fully integrated payroll software, which is useful for businesses with lots of employees. It also has tools for tracking your equipment’s value and how each asset is being used in the field, which can help you determine billable costs.

How to choose construction accounting software

When choosing construction accounting software, start by making a list of your must-have features. For example, very small construction companies with just a handful of employees might prioritize job costing over a robust scheduling module. Similarly, not all companies will require a highly functional mobile app.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, the next consideration should be cost. Monthly subscriptions for industry-specific accounting software — like solutions made specifically for construction companies — often vary more than pricing for generalized accounting software, with some mid-tier plans costing hundreds of dollars.

Unfortunately, lots of construction-specific accounting products are quote-based. That means you should plan time, if possible, to chat with multiple companies to receive and compare quotes.

Methodology

NerdWallet independently reviews construction accounting software products before determining our top picks. We collect the data for our software ratings from products’ public-facing websites and from company representatives. Information is gathered on a regular basis and reviewed by our editorial team for consistency and accuracy.

NerdWallet’s construction accounting software roundup favors products that have industry-specific features or integrations and prioritize job costing tools. Job costing, in particular, is one of the main factors that sets construction companies apart from other types of businesses. Their books revolve around service-based projects as opposed to the sale of particular items. For more information about our star ratings process, see how we rate small-business accounting software in general.

These ratings are meant to provide clarity in the decision-making process, but what’s best for your business will depend on its size, growth trajectory and which features you need most. We encourage you to research and compare multiple accounting software products before choosing one.