10 Best Time Tracking Software For Accountants Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
Tracking time efficiently can be a real challenge for accountants. With so many tasks to juggle, it’s easy to lose track of billable hours. Time tracking software can help you and your team manage this, ensuring every minute spent is accounted for.
I've independently tested and reviewed a range of time tracking tools tailored for accountants. In my experience, these tools not only improve accuracy but also save valuable time.
In this article, you’ll find my top picks for time tracking software. I’ll walk you through their features, benefits, and how they can fit into your workflow. Whether you're part of a small firm or a large accounting team, there’s something here for you.
Table of Contents
- Best Software Shortlist
- Why Trust Us
- Reviews
- Selection Criteria
- How to Choose
- What Is Time Tracking Software for Accountants?
- Features of Time Tracking Software for Accountants
- Benefits of Time Tracking Software for Accountants
- Costs and Pricing of Time Tracking Software for Accountants
- Time Tracking Software for Accountants FAQs
Why You Can Trust Us
Best Time Tracking Software For Accountants Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top time tracking software for accountants selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for precise billing & productivity insights | 7-day free trial available | From $6.40/seat/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for tracking billable hours | 14-day free trial | From $4.49/user/month + $19/month base fee | Website | |
| 3 | Best for detailed reporting & data analysis | 30-day free trial | From $6/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for automatic tracking | 14-day free trial | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for payroll integration | 30-day free trial | From $40/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for attendance tracking | Free plan + free demo available | From $2.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for flexible integrations | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for offline tracking | 14-day free trial | From $7/user/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for project management | Free plan & 14-day trial available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for unlimited users | Free plan + free demo available | From $5.49/seat/month (billed annually) | Website |
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Forecast
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Accelo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
monday.com
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Time Tracking Software For Accountants Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best time tracking software for accountants that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Insightful is a time tracking software built for accountants who need precise billing and productivity insights. It combines automated time mapping, real-time attendance tracking, and activity monitoring to help you manage billable hours, balance workloads, and optimize performance across teams.
Why I picked Insightful: I chose Insightful because its automatic time mapping can significantly reduce errors in time allocation—something critical when every billable minute counts. It also provides real-time attendance tracking, so you always know who’s working and when, which is particularly useful for accurate billing and payroll. The platform’s activity logs give you a clear picture of productivity trends, helping you make informed decisions about workload distribution and project pacing.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include employee monitoring for real-time visibility into team activities, productivity tracking to identify performance trends, and screen monitoring for added transparency when reviewing work.
Integrations are possible through the Insightful developer portal and Insightful API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to mark unproductive apps
- Light on system resources
- Works quietly in the background
Cons:
- More integration options needed
- Limited number of screenshots
Buddy Punch is a versatile employee time clock software designed to make time tracking, employee scheduling, and payroll management easier for businesses. It offers a variety of features that cater to the needs of teams looking to efficiently manage their time and attendance.
Why I Picked Buddy Punch: I picked Buddy Punch as a top time tracking tool for accountants because it enables real-time monitoring of employee hours and overtime from anywhere, helping you capture every billable hour. Its automated attendance and PTO tracking streamlines time-off management and ensures policy compliance. The platform also simplifies payroll with automated timesheets and fast approvals, letting you focus on accounting tasks rather than admin work.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include GPS tracking, which monitors employee locations for remote work, ensuring accountability and transparency. Geofencing is another noteworthy feature, allowing you to set specific locations where employees can clock in and out, providing an extra layer of security. Additionally, customizable reporting lets you tailor reports to meet your specific business needs, giving you valuable insights into your team's performance.
Integrations include QuickBooks, ADP Workforce Now, Gusto, Paychex, Paylocity, Paycor, iSolved, Justworks, SurePayroll, Rippling, Zapier, and TriNet Payroll.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time monitoring
- GPS tracking
- Customizable reports
Cons:
- Basic mobile app
- No offline mode
actiTIME is a versatile time tracking software designed to meet the needs of various industries, including accounting. With its focus on improving project cost-effectiveness, it offers a range of features that cater specifically to professionals like accountants who need precise time management.
Why I Picked actiTIME: I picked actiTIME for accountants because it offers comprehensive project management tools to track projects and monitor budgets effectively, ensuring financial control and profitability. Its detailed reporting and data analysis features provide insights into productivity and project performance, supporting informed decision-making. Additionally, actiTIME’s billing and invoicing automation helps save time and reduce errors, ensuring accurate client billing.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include insightful analytics that provide a clear view of your team's productivity and project profitability, helping you make data-driven decisions. The software also streamlines leave tracking, allowing you to manage time-off requests and ensure that your team is adequately staffed. Additionally, actiTIME supports efficient cost analysis, enabling you to monitor expenses and resource allocation effectively.
Integrations include QuickBooks and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple manual time entries
- Easy project setup
- Customizable billing rates
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Basic user interface
New Product Updates from actiTIME
actiTIME's Enhanced Custom Field Imports and Timesheet Settings
actiTIME enhances project setup and daily tracking with new custom fields import and refined timesheet & calendar settings. These updates help you keep all your task data in sync and view your workday the way you want. For more information, visit actiTIME's official site.
Timely is a time tracking software designed for professionals and teams who want to automate their time management. It helps users track work hours, manage projects, and optimize productivity without manual entry.
Why I picked Timely: Automatic tracking is the core of Timely's offering, making it a unique choice for those who want to reduce manual time entry. The software captures all activities across devices, providing a complete picture of your workday. It also offers memory tracking, which logs your time usage without needing to start or stop a timer. This helps ensure accuracy and saves time, making it ideal for busy professionals.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include memory tracking, which logs your activity without timers, project dashboards that provide a visual overview of tasks, and privacy-first design that ensures your data is secure and private.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Slack, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Outlook, Xero, GitHub, Monday.com, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed project dashboards
- Privacy-focused design
- Automatic time tracking
Cons:
- Requires consistent internet connection
- Limited customization options
QuickBooks Time is a time tracking software designed for businesses of all sizes, especially those needing payroll integration. It helps users track employee hours, manage schedules, and export data for payroll processing.
Why I picked QuickBooks Time: Payroll integration is key for many businesses, and QuickBooks Time excels in this area. It offers features like GPS tracking and mobile time entry, making it easy for your team to log hours from anywhere. The software allows seamless syncing with QuickBooks for payroll processing. This integration ensures that your payroll is accurate and efficient, saving you time and reducing errors.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include GPS tracking to monitor where your team is working, mobile time entry for logging hours on the go, and scheduling tools that help organize shifts and manage time-off requests.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Square, Gusto, Expensify, ADP, Deputy, Tsheets, Sage, and BambooHR.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed scheduling options
- GPS tracking available
- Strong mobile app functionality
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Occasional sync delays
TimeCamp is a time tracking software tailored for businesses seeking detailed insights into employee attendance and productivity. It serves companies of all sizes, helping them track work hours, manage projects, and improve efficiency.
Why I picked TimeCamp: Attendance tracking is a strong feature, providing tools to monitor employee presence accurately. TimeCamp offers automatic time tracking, capturing work hours without manual input. It also includes a feature for tracking billable and non-billable hours, making it easier to manage project budgets. The software's emphasis on attendance ensures you have precise data for payroll and performance assessments.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include graphical timesheets that provide a visual representation of work hours, idle time tracking to identify productivity gaps, and invoicing capabilities to bill clients directly from the app.
Integrations include Trello, Asana, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, Jira, Monday.com, Zapier, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Graphical timesheets
- Automatic time tracking
- Detailed attendance tracking
Cons:
- No phone support
- Limited customization options
Toggl Track is a versatile time tracking tool popular among freelancers and small to medium-sized businesses. It helps users track time, manage projects, and generate reports to improve productivity.
Why I picked Toggl Track: It stands out for its flexible integrations, allowing you to connect with over 100 different tools. This flexibility makes it easy to customize your workflow. Toggl Track also offers features like automated time tracking and customizable reports, aligning with its USP. The software's user-friendly interface makes it accessible for teams of all sizes.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include automated time tracking that records your activity in the background, customizable reporting tools to fit your business needs, and a calendar view for easy integration and management of time entries.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Asana, Trello, Salesforce, Google Calendar, Outlook, QuickBooks, Basecamp, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple currencies
- Automated time tracking
- Customizable reports
Cons:
- No phone support
- No invoicing features
DeskTime is a time tracking software aimed at businesses looking to monitor productivity and manage work hours effectively. It caters to teams who need detailed insights into time usage and productivity patterns.
Why I picked DeskTime: Offline tracking is a key feature, allowing you to capture work activity even without an internet connection. DeskTime automatically syncs data once you're back online, ensuring no work hours are lost. It provides detailed productivity reports, helping you identify patterns and improve efficiency. This makes it an excellent choice for teams that work in varying connectivity conditions.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include productivity analysis that categorizes apps and websites, automatic screenshots to monitor work progress, and a Pomodoro timer to help your team maintain focus and manage breaks effectively.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, Basecamp, GitHub, Outlook, Google Calendar, Zapier, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Pomodoro timer included
- Automatic screenshots
- Detailed productivity reports
Cons:
- Can be intrusive for some users
- Complexity in initial setup
My Hours is a time tracking and project management tool designed for teams and freelancers who need to manage tasks and track billable hours efficiently. It helps users organize projects, allocate resources, and monitor time spent on tasks.
Why I picked My Hours: It excels in project management, offering tools that help you organize and manage your tasks effectively. With My Hours, you can set project budgets and track time against them, ensuring you stay within limits. The software provides detailed reports, which are crucial for evaluating project performance. This makes it a great choice for teams looking to enhance their project management capabilities.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include task tracking that allows you to monitor progress in real-time, budget alerts to notify you when you're nearing project limits, and detailed reporting to analyze time and cost data effectively.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Zapier, Trello, Asana, Slack, Basecamp, Google Calendar, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Jira.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time task tracking
- Budget alerts for projects
- Effective project management tools
Cons:
- Limited mobile app features
- Limited customization options
Clockify is a time tracking tool ideal for teams of any size, offering unlimited users at no additional cost. It allows businesses to track work hours, manage projects, and generate reports efficiently.
Why I picked Clockify: The software's ability to accommodate unlimited users makes it a standout choice for growing teams. It provides features like time tracking, project management, and reporting at no extra cost per user. This flexibility ensures you can scale your team without worrying about additional expenses. With Clockify, managing multiple projects and tracking time becomes straightforward and cost-effective.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include detailed reporting that helps analyze time usage, a timeline view to visualize your team's workday, and a Pomodoro timer to boost productivity by breaking work into intervals.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Notion, Monday.com, GitHub, and Basecamp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for growing teams
- Pomodoro timer feature
- Unlimited user access
Cons:
- No invoicing capabilities
- Basic free plan features
Other Time Tracking Software for Accountants
Here are some additional time tracking software for accountants options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Time Doctor
For remote teams
- Harvest
For expense tracking
- Time Tracker
For invoicing
- Karbon
For accounting firms
- Deltek Replicon Time
For global compliance
Time Tracking Software for Accountants Selection Criteria
When selecting the best time tracking software for accountants to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like accurate time logging and integration with accounting tools. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Track billable hours
- Generate timesheets
- Provide project tracking
- Offer reporting and analytics
- Integrate with accounting software
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Automatic time capture
- GPS location tracking
- Customizable reporting
- Offline time tracking
- Expense tracking integration
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Quick access to support resources
- Customization options for dashboards
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Onboarding webinars
- Access to templates and guides
- Chatbot assistance for new users
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- 24/7 customer service
- Comprehensive help center
- Response time for inquiries
- Personalized onboarding support
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing plans
- Features offered in lower-priced tiers
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
- Free trial availability
- Cost versus feature set comparison
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall rating and satisfaction
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Feedback on customer support
- User-reported ease of use
- Frequency of feature updates
How to Choose Time Tracking Software for Accountants
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Consider if the software can grow with your team. Can it handle more users or projects without a hitch? Look for tools that offer scalable pricing plans that suit growing businesses. |
| Integrations | Check if the tool connects with your existing accounting software and other tools you use daily. Seamless integration can save time and reduce errors. Examine the list of available integrations and ensure they fit your current tech stack. |
| Customizability | Think about how adaptable the software is to your workflow. Can you tailor it to fit your specific processes and preferences? Customizable dashboards and reports can enhance usability. |
| Ease of use | Evaluate the user interface and navigation. Is it intuitive for your team members? A complex interface can slow down adoption and productivity, so prioritize user-friendly designs that require minimal training. |
| Implementation and onboarding | Consider the resources provided for onboarding. Are there tutorials, guides, and support to help your team get started? Quick and efficient onboarding can set the stage for successful implementation. |
| Cost | Review the pricing structure and ensure it aligns with your budget. Look for hidden fees or extra costs for additional features. Compare the value offered at different price points to find the best fit for your needs. |
| Security safeguards | Ensure the tool meets your security standards. Does it offer data encryption and secure authentication? Protecting sensitive financial data is crucial, so verify the software's security measures before committing. |
| Support availability | Determine the level of support offered. Is there 24/7 assistance available? Access to timely and effective support can be crucial in resolving issues quickly and maintaining productivity. |
What Is Time Tracking Software for Accountants?
Time tracking software for accountants is a tool that helps track billable hours, manage projects, and generate reports. These tools are generally used by accountants, financial professionals, and teams needing accurate time and expense tracking. Features like time logging, project tracking, and integration capabilities help with managing workflows and ensuring accurate billing. Overall, these tools enhance productivity and ensure efficient time management for accounting tasks.
Features of Time Tracking Software for Accountants
When selecting time tracking software for accountants, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Time logging: Accurately records billable and non-billable hours to ensure precise billing and project management.
- Project tracking: Monitors progress and budgets for various projects, helping teams stay on schedule and within financial limits.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with existing accounting software and other tools to streamline data flow and reduce manual entry.
- Expense tracking: Logs and categorizes expenses, providing a clear view of project costs and financial management.
- Customizable reports: Offers tailored reports that provide insights into time usage, productivity, and financial performance.
- Automated invoicing: Generates invoices directly from time and expense data, simplifying the billing process and ensuring timely payments.
- Real-time dashboards: Provides an overview of key metrics and project status, allowing for informed decision-making and resource allocation.
- Security safeguards: Ensures data protection with encryption and secure authentication, safeguarding sensitive financial information.
Benefits of Time Tracking Software for Accountants
Implementing time tracking software for accountants provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved accuracy: Tracks billable hours precisely, reducing errors in billing and ensuring clients are charged correctly.
- Enhanced productivity: Monitors time usage and identifies productivity gaps, helping teams optimize their workflows.
- Better financial oversight: Offers detailed reports on time and expenses, providing insights into project costs and financial health.
- Streamlined billing: Automates invoicing using tracked data, speeding up the billing process and ensuring timely payments.
- Increased transparency: Provides real-time dashboards and reports, allowing for better visibility into project progress and resource allocation.
- Secure data management: Protects sensitive financial information with security safeguards, ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
Costs and Pricing of Time Tracking Software for Accountants
Selecting time tracking software for accountants requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in time tracking software for accountants solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Time Tracking Software for Accountants
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic time tracking, limited projects, and simple reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$15/user/month | Time tracking, project management, integrations, and basic reporting. |
| Business Plan | $15-$30/user/month | Advanced reporting, invoicing, multiple users, and integrations with accounting tools. |
| Enterprise Plan | $30-$50/user/month | Customizable features, priority support, enhanced security, and comprehensive analytics. |
Time Tracking Software for Accountants FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about time tracking software for accountants:
How can time tracking software improve billing accuracy?
Time tracking software ensures that all billable hours are accurately recorded, reducing errors in client billing. By automating the tracking process, you can avoid manual entry mistakes and keep precise records. This leads to more accurate invoices and helps maintain trust with clients.
What integrations should I look for in time tracking software?
Look for software that integrates with your existing accounting and project management tools, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or Trello. Integrations help streamline your workflow by allowing data to flow seamlessly between systems, reducing manual input and potential errors.
How does time tracking software help with regulatory compliance?
Time tracking software can help ensure compliance by maintaining accurate and detailed records of work hours and billable time. This is crucial for audits and regulatory reporting, as it provides a clear and organized record of how time is spent across projects and clients.
Can time tracking software support remote teams?
Yes, many time tracking tools offer features specifically designed for remote teams, such as mobile access and real-time dashboards. These features help you monitor productivity and manage projects efficiently, no matter where your team is located.
What features should I prioritize for project management?
Prioritize features like project tracking, budget management, and team collaboration tools. These features help you manage resources effectively, keep projects on track, and ensure that your team is working efficiently towards project goals.
How does time tracking software enhance productivity?
By providing insights into how time is spent, time tracking software helps identify productivity gaps and optimize workflows. With accurate data, you can make informed decisions to improve efficiency and allocate resources more effectively.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching time tracking software for accountants, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
