Best Accounting Software for Construction Contractors: Track Project Expenses

For construction contractors, effective financial management is essential to ensure project profitability and success. Accounting software specifically designed for construction contractors can streamline expense tracking, project cost management, and job costing. In this article, we will explore the importance of accounting software for construction contractors and introduce some of the best options available in the market.

Importance of Accounting Software for Construction Contractors

Efficient Expense Tracking

Construction projects involve numerous expenses, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs. Accounting software helps construction contractors track and categorize these expenses accurately. By recording expenses in real-time and linking them to specific projects, contractors can gain insights into project costs, identify areas of overspending, and make informed decisions to control expenses.

Project Cost Management

Construction contractors need to closely monitor project costs to ensure profitability. Accounting software provides tools for budgeting, forecasting, and tracking project costs. Contractors can set project budgets, monitor actual expenses against the budget, and generate reports to analyze cost variances. This enables contractors to manage project costs effectively, make adjustments as necessary, and maintain profitability.

Accurate Job Costing

Job costing is crucial for construction contractors to determine the profitability of individual projects. Accounting software allows contractors to allocate expenses to specific projects, track revenue, and calculate project profitability. Accurate job costing helps contractors identify the most profitable projects, assess the financial performance of completed projects, and make data-driven decisions for future projects.

Top Accounting Software for Construction Contractors

Several accounting software options cater specifically to the needs of construction contractors. Here are some of the top choices:

QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop offers a robust accounting solution with features tailored for construction contractors. It provides tools for job costing, estimating, progress invoicing, and financial reporting. QuickBooks Desktop’s construction-specific features make it a popular choice for contractors of all sizes.

Sage 100 Contractor

Sage 100 Contractor is a comprehensive construction accounting software that integrates accounting, project management, and estimating. It offers features such as job costing, billing, change order management, and subcontractor management. Sage 100 Contractor is suitable for small to medium-sized construction companies.

Procore

Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform that includes accounting functionality. It provides tools for project cost tracking, budgeting, change order management, and reporting. Procore’s integration with project management features makes it a valuable solution for construction contractors.

Viewpoint

Viewpoint offers a suite of construction-specific software solutions, including accounting software. It provides features for job costing, project management, document management, and financial reporting. Viewpoint’s robust functionality caters to the needs of larger construction companies.

CMiC

CMiC is an integrated construction management software that includes accounting capabilities. It offers features for project financials, job costing, change order management, and reporting. CMiC’s comprehensive solution is suitable for construction contractors looking for end-to-end project management.

Key Features for Construction Contractors

When evaluating accounting software for construction contractors, consider the following key features:

Job Costing and Estimating

Look for software that provides robust job costing and estimating capabilities. These features allow contractors to create accurate project budgets, track expenses, compare actual costs against estimates, and analyze project profitability.

Change Order Management

Change orders are common in construction projects and can impact project costs and revenue. Choose software that facilitates efficient change order management, including tracking change orders, documenting changes, and automatically updating project budgets and financials.

Subcontractor Management

Construction contractors often work with subcontractors, and managing their contracts and payments is crucial. Select software that enables easy subcontractor management, including tracking subcontractor expenses, generating subcontractor invoices, and managing subcontractor contracts.

Progress Billing

Progress billing is a common practice in construction projects where payments are based on project milestones or completion percentages. Look for software that simplifies progress billing by automatically generating invoices based on project progress, tracking billings, and providing transparency to clients and stakeholders.

Document Management

Construction projects involve a significant amount of documentation, including contracts, drawings, permits, and invoices. Choose software that offers document management features, allowing you to store, organize, and retrieve project-related documents easily.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Accounting Software

When selecting accounting software for construction contractors, consider the following factors:

Industry-specific Features

Ensure that the software provides industry-specific features for construction accounting, such as job costing, change order management, and progress billing. These features are essential for effective financial management in the construction industry.

Scalability and Integration

Consider your company’s growth potential and choose software that can scale with your business. Additionally, check if the software integrates with other construction management tools you use, such as project management software or estimating software.

User-Friendliness

Opt for software with a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation. Construction contractors and their teams should be able to easily navigate the software and perform tasks without extensive training.

Cost

Consider the cost of the software, including upfront fees, licensing, and ongoing subscription costs. Compare the features and benefits offered by different software options to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

Customer Support

Good customer support is crucial when dealing with accounting software. Ensure that the software provider offers responsive customer support channels, such as phone or email support, to address any technical issues or inquiries.

Conclusion

Choosing the right accounting software is essential for construction contractors to track project expenses, manage costs, and ensure profitability. QuickBooks Desktop, Sage 100 Contractor, Procore, Viewpoint, and CMiC are among the top accounting software options available for construction contractors. Consider features like job costing, change order management, subcontractor management, progress billing, and document management when evaluating software options. Additionally, factors such as industry-specific functionality, scalability, user-friendliness, cost, and customer support should be considered to make an informed decision. With the right accounting software, construction contractors can effectively track project expenses and streamline financial management for successful projects.

FAQs

1. Can I use general accounting software for construction accounting?

General accounting software may not have the industry-specific features necessary for effective construction accounting. It’s recommended to use accounting software specifically designed for construction contractors to ensure accurate job costing, project management, and expense tracking.

2. Can construction accounting software integrate with project management software?

Yes, many construction accounting software options offer integration with project management software. This integration allows for seamless data flow between the two systems, streamlining project financials and overall project management.

3. Is cloud-based accounting software suitable for construction contractors?

Cloud-based accounting software offers the advantage of accessibility and real-time data updates. It can be a suitable option for construction contractors, especially those who work in remote locations or require multiple users to access the software simultaneously.

4. Can construction accounting software handle complex cost structures?

Yes, construction accounting software is designed to handle complex cost structures typically found in construction projects. It allows for detailed job costing, including tracking labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs.

5. Can I generate financial reports using construction accounting software?

Yes, construction accounting software provides financial reporting capabilities. You can generate reports such as income statements, balance sheets, job cost reports, and cash flow statements to gain insights into your financial performance and make informed business decisions.