QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition

Software

Software:

Vendor:

Intuit

Website:

QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition

Technology Platform:

On-Premise & Hosted Cloud

Core Software Information

Year Started:

2002

Software Summary

QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition is a tailored version of QuickBooks Enterprise for construction companies, offering advanced job costing, project management, and specialized financial reporting. Ideal for small to mid-sized firms needing more robust features than QuickBooks Online or Desktop, it provides strong integration with Intuit products and scalability as businesses grow.

Monthly Cost Range:

QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition operates on an annual subscription model, with costs ranging from $1,340 to $7,200 per year, depending on the number of users and the level of support required. Additional fees may apply for payroll, advanced reporting, and third-party integrations.

Target Audience:

Small to mid-sized construction companies, general contractors, subcontractors, specialty contractors

Target Construction Segments:

General contractors, residential contractors, remodeling contractors, specialty trades

Target Company Revenues:

$2 million to $50 million

Modules:

Advanced Reporting, Job Costing, Project Management, Payroll, Inventory Management, Financial Management, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Time Tracking, Billing and Invoicing, Budgeting and Forecasting

Other Software Owned by Vendor:

QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Payroll, QuickBooks Time

Customization:

QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition offers limited customization capabilities, allowing users to tailor reports, invoices, and workflows to fit their specific business needs. Users can also customize job costing reports to better track the profitability of individual projects. While not as customizable as some high-end ERP systems, the software’s flexibility is sufficient for most small to mid-sized construction companies. Additionally, various third-party add-ons are available to extend the functionality of QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition.

Integrations

API Integrations: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition supports API integrations, enabling businesses to connect the software with other systems and third-party applications. Detailed API Documentation is available to guide developers in creating custom integrations.
Types of Integrations: QuickBooks Enterprise integrates with a wide range of third-party applications, including CRM systems, project management tools, and industry-specific software. Native integrations with other Intuit products, such as QuickBooks Payroll and QuickBooks Time, provide a seamless experience for users.
3rd Party Construction Applications: Notable third-party applications that integrate with QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition include ProEst, Buildertrend, and Knowify. These integrations enhance estimating, project management, and job costing capabilities, making QuickBooks Enterprise a more robust solution for construction firms.
Limitations: While QuickBooks Enterprise offers solid integration options, some advanced integrations may require additional technical expertise or the assistance of third-party consultants, which could add to the overall cost.

Key Features

Advanced Job Costing: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition offers detailed job costing capabilities, allowing users to track costs at every phase of a project, from materials and labor to overhead.
Customizable Reporting: The software includes advanced reporting tools that allow users to generate customized financial reports, job costing summaries, and profitability analysis.
Project Management Tools: The project management features help contractors manage schedules, assign tasks, and monitor project progress, ensuring that jobs are completed on time and within budget.
Payroll Integration: The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Payroll, simplifying payroll processing and ensuring accurate labor cost allocation.
Billing and Invoicing: The software simplifies the billing and invoicing process, allowing users to create and send invoices directly from the system and track payments efficiently.
Time Tracking: Integrated time tracking features enable contractors to track employee hours accurately, ensuring that labor costs are correctly allocated to each project.
Budgeting and Forecasting: The software’s budgeting and forecasting tools help contractors plan for future projects and manage cash flow more effectively.
Integration with Intuit Products: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition integrates seamlessly with other Intuit products, including QuickBooks Payroll, QuickBooks Time, and QuickBooks Payments, providing a cohesive financial management solution.
Scalable Platform: As a company grows, QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition can scale to accommodate more users and more complex financial operations, making it a flexible solution for growing businesses.

Software Pros

User-Friendly Interface: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible even to users with limited accounting experience.
Comprehensive Job Costing: The software’s advanced job costing features provide detailed insights into project profitability, helping contractors manage costs more effectively.
Strong Integration with Intuit Products: The seamless integration with other Intuit products enhances functionality and provides a unified experience for managing various aspects of the business.
Customizable Reports: The ability to generate customized financial and job costing reports allows contractors to gain deeper insights into their business performance.
Scalable Solution: The software’s scalability ensures that it can grow with a business, accommodating more users and more complex financial operations as needed.

Software Cons

Potential Phase-Out: As an on-premise or hosted solution, QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition is likely to be phased out in favor of Intuit’s cloud-based QuickBooks Online.
Outdated Technology: QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition may be considered antiquated as an on-premise or hosted solution, not a true cloud-based system, and Intuit is not investing in its development, focusing instead on modern cloud-based ERP solutions like QuickBooks Online.
Third-Party Integrations: Many third-party developers are increasingly investing in connecting their apps and programs to QuickBooks Online, enhancing its functionality and creating a more integrated ecosystem for users.
Limited Mobile Access: As an on-premise or hosted solution, QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition offers limited functionality on mobile devices compared to true cloud-based systems, restricting remote access and on-the-go management.

RedHammer's Take

QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor Edition has been a popular choice for small to mid-sized construction firms due to its ease of use, comprehensive job costing features, and strong integration with other Intuit products. However, with Intuit's increasing focus on QuickBooks Online and the growing demand for cloud-based solutions, QuickBooks Desktop, including the Enterprise Contractor Edition, is likely to be sunsetted in the next few years. As Intuit continues to invest in QuickBooks Online, enhancing its cloud functionality, API integrations, AI-driven features, project management, and reporting capabilities, construction firms should begin considering a transition to QuickBooks Online or other cloud-based ERP solutions to stay competitive and aligned with industry trends.