Choosing the right accounting software is critical to managing job costs, tracking profitability, and maintaining compliance. While many general accounting systems exist, contractors require industry-specific features like job costing, AIA billing, retainage tracking, flexible work breakdown structures, and change management.

With so many options available, how do you determine the best fit for your construction business? We’ve ranked the top 9 contractor accounting software solutions, starting with those that offer basic functionality and working up to the most advanced construction-focused financial management system.

Ranking the Best Accounting Software for Contractors

#9 QuickBooks Online – Basic but Limited for Contractors

QuickBooks Online is an affordable and user-friendly accounting solution, but it lacks key features that contractors need for scalable job costing and project management. While it offers some job-costing functionality, many contractors find its capabilities too basic as they take on larger projects.

✔ Pros:

• Cost-effective and easy to set up.
• Includes basic invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation.

✖ Cons:

• Limited job costing features require manual workarounds.
• No built-in multi-entity support, making consolidations time-consuming.
• Does not support retainage tracking or AIA billing, which are essential for construction projects.

Best for: Sole proprietors and small contractors managing simple projects.

#8 Jonas Premier Construction Software – Cloud-Based with Good Job Costing

Jonas Premier offers solid construction accounting features with built-in job costing, making it a step up from QuickBooks. However, financial reporting and customization options are limited, making it less ideal for firms needing robust analytics.

✔ Pros:

• Cloud-based with strong job costing.
• Integrated project management tools.

✖ Cons:

• Limited financial reporting options.
• Not as scalable as other cloud-based solutions.

Best for: Small-to-mid-sized contractors who need basic job costing but don’t require advanced financial analytics.

#7 CMiC – Strong for Enterprise Contractors

CMiC is an enterprise-grade ERP designed for large construction firms with complex needs. It excels in project controls and compliance tracking, but its complexity and high implementation costs make it less accessible for mid-sized contractors.

✔ Pros:

• Strong financial controls and compliance tracking.
• Scalable for larger contractors.

✖ Cons:

• Expensive and requires extensive training.
• Not as user-friendly as other options.

Best for: Large construction firms that need a highly customizable enterprise solution.

#6 Foundation Software – Payroll and Compliance Strength

Foundation Software is built for contractors, with a strong focus on job costing and payroll compliance. However, its on-premise nature and aging interface make it less appealing for contractors seeking a modern, cloud-based experience.

✔ Pros:

• Certified payroll and union reporting.
• Good job costing tools.

✖ Cons:

• Dated user experience compared to cloud solutions.
• Lacks advanced real-time financial insights.

Best for: Contractors with heavy payroll compliance needs.

#5 NetSuite – A General ERP with Construction Add-Ons

NetSuite is a leading cloud ERP that offers strong financial management capabilities but isn’t built specifically for contractors. To make it work, firms often need to purchase third-party construction add-ons.

✔ Pros:

• Highly customizable, scalable ERP.
• Strong reporting and financial analytics.

✖ Cons:

• Requires additional construction-specific integrations.
• More expensive than dedicated construction accounting solutions.

Best for: Mid-to-large firms that already use NetSuite and want to integrate construction tools.

#4 Acumatica Construction Edition – Strong Cloud-Based ERP for Contractors

Acumatica’s Construction Edition is a powerful cloud-based ERP that delivers real-time job costing, financial insights, and mobile access.

✔ Pros:

• Fully cloud-based with excellent job costing.
• Strong integration with project management tools.

✖ Cons:

• Higher price point than some competitors.
• Requires training for full optimization.

Best for: Growing contractors looking for a modern, cloud-based accounting solution.

#3 Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE) – A Legacy Industry Leader

Formerly known as Timberline, Sage 300 CRE has been a go-to solution for contractors for decades. While its financial management tools are solid, it requires on-premise IT maintenance, making it less appealing than newer cloud-based systems.

✔ Pros:

• Industry-proven construction accounting tools.
• Strong job costing and financial reporting.

✖ Cons:

• On-premise system, requiring IT support.
• Not as modern as cloud-based alternatives.

Best for: Mid-to-large contractors comfortable with on-premise systems.

#2 Viewpoint Spectrum – Cloud-Based Construction Accounting Powerhouse

Viewpoint Spectrum is a modern, cloud-based solution that offers real-time job costing, project financials, and subcontractor management.

✔ Pros:

• Cloud-based with a strong user interface.
• Excellent subcontractor and compliance tracking.

✖ Cons:

• Can be complex and costly to implement and requires training.

Best for: Contractors looking for a cloud-based financial solution with deep project controls.

#1 Sage Intacct Construction – The Best Accounting Software for Contractors

Sage Intacct Construction stands out as the top accounting software for general contractors due to its best-in-class reporting, automation, and scalability. It’s built specifically for contractors needing job costing, retainage tracking, AIA billing, and multi-entity consolidations.

✔ Pros:

• Real-time financial insights and dashboards.
• Automated job costing, retainage tracking, and AIA billing.
• Multi-entity consolidation—ideal for contractors managing multiple projects across various entities.
• Seamless integration with project management tools like Procore.

✖ Cons:

• Premium pricing—but worth it for firms needing advanced financial management.

Best for: General contractors looking for a scalable, cloud-based financial solution that automates construction accounting tasks.

The right construction accounting software can transform your financial management, making it easier to track job costs, manage cash flow, and make data-driven decisions. While solutions like QuickBooks work for small contractors, growing firms need a system built for the industry.

Sage Intacct Construction leads the pack with its scalability, real-time insights, and contractor-focused financial management tools. If you’re looking for a cloud-based accounting solution designed for general contractors, Sage Intacct Construction is the best option to streamline financial operations and drive profitability.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to explore how Sage Intacct Construction can elevate your business.