Best Construction Accounting Software of 2024

The construction business isn't always simple. Neither is accounting.

But the best construction accounting software suites make it much easier for builders to accurately track their inflows and outflows of cash, and keep their projects on time and on budget.

Here are NerdWallet's top picks for construction accounting software, in order of our editorial star ratings. You can read our methodology for these ratings at the bottom of this page.

1. QuickBooks Online (5 stars)

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.

But keep in mind: There is no schedule and time tracking feature with QuickBooks Online, something most of the other offerings on this list include.

2. Buildertrend (4.5 stars)

Why we like it: If you’re in the market for more than just a construction accounting product, Buildertrend will likely fill all your business needs within a single software solution — no need to purchase separate software products and try to integrate them. It can help you manage finances, projects, sales, materials and customers. Particularly noteworthy is Buildertrend’s highly rated mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, which keeps your entire team connected and working efficiently at all times of day and from all locations — even when internet connection and cell service are spotty.

But keep in mind: All of Buildertrend's functionality comes at a steeper monthly cost than most of the accounting-specific software offerings here.

3. QuickBooks Enterprise (4 stars)

Why we like it: If you’re outgrowing the small business category and need a more powerful software with robust reporting tools and can handle the price tag to go along with that, then QuickBooks Enterprise could be a solution worth exploring. Similar to QuickBooks Online for Contractors, QuickBooks markets an industry-specific edition of its Enterprise product, which contains many features relevant to construction and field service management.

But keep in mind: This is a more expensive suite of software relative to QuickBooks Online, and there's no mobile app to speak of, either.

4. Striven (3.5 stars)

Why we like it: Striven software includes not only a built-in accounting tool that has all the standard accounting functions such as reporting (including customizable reports), invoicing, audit trails and accountant access, but also offers features for project and inventory management, job costing, scheduling and more. Striven also has both customer and vendor portals for quicker and easier collaboration with clients and vendors. 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.

But keep in mind: Striven currently lacks a mobile app, which may be a make-or-break deciding factor for some construction businesses. The software is, however, responsive on mobile and other devices, so you can access your information on the go.

5. Sage 100 Contractor (3 stars)

Why we like it: Sage 100 Contractor is the construction accounting and project management product that falls within the large ecosystem of Sage Business Cloud software. It can help you manage all aspects of your construction business — from monitoring job progress completion and profitability to creating accurate estimates and managing change orders.

But keep in mind: Because Sage has an intricate network of software products, it’s not always clear which features are part of which product and therefore when add-ons and integrations are required. Be sure to get clarity on this when you contact Sage for a quote and more detailed product information. Heavy phone users will also want to note the lack of a mobile app.

Methodology

NerdWallet independently reviews 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 accounting software ratings favor products that are easy to use, reasonably priced, have a robust feature set and can grow with your business. The best accounting software received top marks when evaluated across 10 categories and more than 30 subcategories. Learn more about how we rate small-business accounting software.

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.

NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.

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