Top QuickBooks Tools & Features for Contractors 2025
- Harry james
- Jul 24
- 4 min read

Streamline Construction Accounting with the Latest QuickBooks Features
Managing finances in the construction industry requires accuracy, efficiency, and tools that can handle the complexities of project-based accounting. In 2025, QuickBooks for Contractors has evolved into a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. From job costing to progress invoicing, the latest tools and features in QuickBooks are designed to simplify workflows and boost profitability.
In this article, we’ll explore the top QuickBooks tools and features for contractors and builders in 2025 that make this software an indispensable asset for your construction business.
Why Contractors Need Specialized Accounting Tools
Construction accounting differs significantly from general business accounting. Contractors and builders need to:
Track costs per job or project
Manage subcontractors and payroll
Handle change orders and retainage
Forecast cash flow accurately
Comply with industry regulations and tax codes
This is where QuickBooks for contractors stands out. Whether you're a solo builder or managing a multi-crew operation, QuickBooks provides purpose-built tools that help manage finances with precision.
1. Advanced Job Costing
QuickBooks for builders now includes enhanced job costing features that allow you to track every dollar spent on materials, labor, and overhead for each job.
Key Capabilities:
Real-time project profitability tracking
Break down costs by phase or task
Compare estimated vs. actual costs
Seamless integration with vendor bills and time tracking
With advanced job costing, contractors can identify cost overruns early and make data-driven decisions to stay within budget.
2. Project Profitability Dashboard
The Project Profitability Dashboard is a game-changer in QuickBooks Desktop and Online for Contractors 2025. It offers a bird’s-eye view of each project's financial health.
Highlights:
Visual display of margins, costs, and revenue
Track gross profit by job or client
Drill-down functionality for detailed analysis
This feature is especially useful for contractors who manage multiple projects simultaneously and need instant insights into financial performance.
3. Progress Invoicing & Retainage Tracking
Cash flow management is critical in construction. The Progress Invoicing tool allows you to invoice clients incrementally based on project milestones or completion percentages.
Benefits:
Bill customers in phases to match work progress
Automatically apply retainage amounts
Reduce disputes with detailed billing history
Additionally, retainage tracking ensures you correctly record withheld amounts until final project acceptance, improving financial transparency and cash flow forecasting.
4. Time Tracking and Payroll for Job Costing
Labor is one of the largest expenses in construction. With QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets) integration, builders can:
Track employee hours by job, task, or location
Approve and sync time entries directly into payroll
Allocate labor costs accurately to each job
Payroll features are tailored for contractors, supporting overtime, union rates, certified payroll reports, and job-specific payroll summaries.
5. Change Order Management
Unexpected scope changes are common in construction. QuickBooks for contractors includes an intuitive Change Order Management feature that allows you to:
Create and document change orders within estimates
Link them directly to the original project
Keep clients informed and billing accurate
This helps contractors avoid disputes, maintain detailed documentation, and ensure that all work is compensated appropriately.
6. Vendor & Subcontractor Management
Contractors often work with multiple vendors and subcontractors. QuickBooks 2025 makes it easier than ever to:
Track vendor bills and payments by project
Generate 1099s for subcontractors
Set up workflows for approvals and documentation
Assign expenses to jobs automatically
These features help maintain compliance while also providing visibility into who is contributing to which part of the project.
7. Mobile App with On-the-Go Features
QuickBooks' mobile capabilities are tailored for field professionals who need access on the job site. The mobile app offers:
Invoice creation and payments on-site
Upload receipts and expenses directly from the field
GPS-based time tracking for field crews
Real-time project updates and document sharing
This makes QuickBooks for builders ideal for crews always on the move, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
8. Document Management & Attachments
Keeping track of contracts, receipts, and permits is easier than ever with document management tools. You can:
Attach documents to transactions, projects, or vendor files
Search documents by keywords or tags
Maintain digital records for audits and compliance
This reduces reliance on paper files and ensures that important project documents are always at your fingertips.
9. Custom Reporting Tools
Every construction business is different. QuickBooks 2025 offers custom report builders so you can create reports that match your business needs.
Popular contractor-focused reports include:
Job Cost Detail Report
Unbilled Time and Expenses
Estimates vs. Actuals
Job Profitability Summary
With customizable filters and layouts, you can get exactly the insights you need to run your business more efficiently.
10. Multi-User & Role-Based Access
As your construction company grows, so do your software needs. QuickBooks now supports multi-user environments with role-based access, so you can:
Assign permissions by job function (e.g., estimator, foreman, accountant)
Limit access to financial data while allowing field updates
Work collaboratively in real time without compromising data security
This creates a controlled and productive environment, especially in larger construction firms.
Bonus: QuickBooks Integrations for Contractors
QuickBooks integrates with many third-party apps specifically designed for construction, including:
Buildertrend – Project management, scheduling, and client communication
Knowify – Estimating, contracts, and field management
Jobber – Service scheduling and team dispatching
Procore – Construction management and collaboration tools
These integrations make QuickBooks for contractors a hub for all your operational tools, providing a seamless workflow from field to office.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, QuickBooks for contractors and builders is not just accounting software—it’s a comprehensive business management platform tailored to the unique demands of the construction industry. Whether you’re tracking job costs, managing change orders, handling payroll, or invoicing clients, QuickBooks gives you the tools you need to succeed.
By leveraging the latest features—like advanced job costing, real-time profitability dashboards, mobile functionality, and integrated payroll—contractors can run leaner, more profitable operations with full control and visibility.
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