5 Best Construction Accounting Software for Contractors (2026)

The construction industry isn’t easy. However, it’s a lot more difficult when you’re using standard accounting software that was designed for different sectors. Since accounting is the foundation of a successful business, you require accounting software that can assist you and your company’s specific business needs.

To help you select the best one for your needs, we’ve narrowed down the best construction accounting software.

Why You Need Construction Accounting Software

Construction isn’t like other sectors. Although we adhere to generally accepted accounting practices, many aspects make our business distinctive. From retainage and change orders to progress billings, there are simply too many details that common spreadsheets and accounting software cannot keep up with.

You shouldn’t be playing guessing games in the construction industry. If you want to go beyond guesswork and rely on your gut instinct to remain in the black, you need accounting software specifically designed for construction.

Top Construction Accounting Software Solutions

Key Features to Consider in Construction Accounting Software

Accounting software provides an extensive range of functions, but not all are useful for construction companies. Do not overcomplicate things, and only spend what you require by seeking these functions when you choose construction accounting software.

• Basic bookkeeping capabilities. Any accounting software should allow you to keep track of the amount of money and expenditures, send invoices, handle accounts payable and bills, and generate Profit and Loss reports.
• Reconciliation and bank integration. Connecting your bank account allows you to automate the tracking of the transactions you make as expenses or income. Reconciliation features can ensure that all transactions are correctly accounted for.
• Employee time tracking and billing. Contractors need to record employee hours and invoice customers for these hours. Numerous accounting software providers charge a fee to add this function, while some even require integration with third-party applications, which can incur an extra cost.
• Payroll management and processing. Some accounting software offers payroll processing. However, certain providers charge an additional fee or require integration. Moving payroll processing into one location with your bookkeeping makes accounting easier and can reduce your monthly costs.
• User access controls. Accounting software should permit different levels of users so that you can let the appropriate individuals in your business know the information they need know about your company’s financials. The levels of users could include full access to business owners and CFOs. Access may be limited to employees at lower levels and external accounting companies.

Also read: 5 Best Facility Management Software to Improve Your Workflow

5 Best Construction Accounting Software 2026

There are many options available on the market, but these are the most sought-after by construction companies.

1. CrewCost

While the majority of accounting software comes with a handful of helpful functions that are useful to contractors, the CrewCost platform is specifically designed for new construction firms. In addition to every bell and whistle one might expect from a standard accounting software, it’s project-centric. It offers an in-depth view into how your tasks are performing and your overall cash flow. Through the combination of Construction accounting job costing and time-tracking into one software, CrewCost brings everything you require to manage and monitor the financial performance of your construction company in one place.

Why Choose It: Along with construction-based work like change order management and retainage tracking, it includes tools for job costing, progress billing, and time tracking that all tie back to your accounting system.

Pros

• Built only for construction contractors
• Handles retainage, progress billing & job costing
• Cloud-based – access anywhere
• Construction-ready reports
• Time tracking + mobile app included

Cons

• No payroll (yet)
• More expensive than QuickBooks, but replaces multiple tools

2. Sage 300

Sage provides a variety of accounting solutions, but their most well-known construction project is Sage 300 CRE. It’s been the preferred accounting software for large construction companies for a long time, and it has earned a solid reputation in the industry. Although it’s an on-premise software, there are a few third-party options that permit users to store their information in the cloud.

Why Choose It: Sage’s accounting platform is the “first and only preferred financial management solution” that is endorsed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Pros

• Built specifically for construction accounting
• Supports retainage, progress billing & job costing
• Extensive third-party integrations
• Powerful features for large or multi-team operations

Cons

• Steep learning curve for new users
• Outdated user interface
• Limited data export options
• High total cost (purchase, setup, maintenance)
• On-premise only (VPN + Remote Desktop required)
• Many features require paid add-ons

3. Foundation

Foundation has been a middle-of-the-road ERP solution for contractors searching for assistance with cash, time, and material management. For businesses that want to add customization, Foundation allows users to develop a custom solution based on their individual requirements and goals.

If you’re looking to find something that you can plug in and play straight out of the box, it’s not the right choice for you. Before you get started, you’ll need to spend money on the program’s extensive onboarding.

Why Choose It: Foundation offers over a dozen integrations for business and construction that users can utilize to personalize their software.

Pros

• Built specifically for construction accounting
• Supports retainage, job costing & progressive invoicing
• Includes time tracking and service management
• Offers WIP & construction-specific reports
• Often cheaper than Sage or ComputerEase

Cons

• No native web app (requires a separate app)
• Outdated, clunky interface
• Long and complex implementation
• On-premise software with aging technology
• Slow feature updates

4. ComputerEase

Deltek’s ComputerEase construction accounting software offers many options for job costing and WIP reporting, managing payroll, and more. With your most crucial data all in one dashboard, you can quickly access all the information you require at a glance, rather than being a slave to multiple spreadsheets. But if you’re looking for a sleek and modern interface for users, you’ll be disappointed. Although ComputerEase has received many favorable reviews, the design is outdated and may be difficult to use on modern platforms.

Why Choose It: For a small fee, ComputerEase will create custom reports that you can then add to your program.

Pros

• Built specifically for construction accounting
• Supports retainage, job costing & progressive invoicing
• Includes time tracking and service management
• Offers WIP & construction-specific reports

Cons

• Lacks meaningful reporting and analytics.
• Requires training to understand how the software works.
• Doesn’t have a native web application.
• Outdated and complicated user interface.
• On-premise software.
• Slow to innovate.

Also read: 7 Free Nonprofit Accounting Software for Small Organizations

5. QuickBooks Online

The most popular small accounting software, QuickBooks offers an easy way to handle invoices, accept payments, and monitor cash flow. Although it’s not specifically for construction accounting software, many contractors who are less than 10 million utilize QuickBooks to manage their accounting processes.

NOTE: QuickBooks is currently in the process of eliminating QuickBooks Desktop from its offerings. Although QuickBooks Online has some limited construction capabilities, the desktop version was the one that contractors most appreciated.

Pros

• Very easy to use, even for non-accountants
• Affordable pricing for small contractors
• Strong core accounting features
• Integrates with tools like Procore (integration quality varies)

Cons

• Not construction-specific
• Limited support for retainage, progress billing & job costing
• Requires extra tools and spreadsheets to manage construction finances
• Added integrations can increase the total cost

Last Line

With the right construction accounting software, you can reduce your time and cost, and also make your life easier and turn your reactive budgeting decisions into proactive ones. And in construction, it’s a huge benefit.

FAQs: Construction Accounting Software