alt: a man sitting in front of two computer monitors
title: Job Costing Software

Meta Description: Discover how BrightSuite’s construction accounting software delivers powerful job costing software features, streamlined payroll and real-time insights for UK contractors.

Why Accurate Job Costing Software Matters

Every penny counts on a building site. Yet many contractors juggle spreadsheets, paper timesheets and disparate tools. The result?
– Cost overruns
– Billing delays
– Hidden inefficiencies

The good news? A dedicated job costing software brings everything under one roof. You can:
– Track every hour, material and subcontract cost
– Forecast cash flow in real time
– Avoid nasty surprises at project close

Head-to-Head: FOUNDATION vs BrightSuite

We’ve all heard of FOUNDATION®, America’s #1 construction accounting software. It’s built by contractors, for contractors—decades of focus on job costing, payroll, time tracking and CPA tools. But is it the perfect match for UK and Irish firms? Let’s compare.

Feature	FOUNDATION®	BrightSuite
Job Costing Software
• Customized cost codes
• Automated WIP reports
• Alerts on overruns
• Integrated cost tracking via BrightBooks and BrightExpenses
• Real-time dashboards for each project
• Custom job-level analytics powered by AI
Payroll Processing
• Multi-rate, multi-locality payroll
• Mobile time-card entry
• Certified payroll reports
• BrightPay cloud payroll—fully compliant with HMRC
• Automated tax filings and RTI submissions
• On-the-go timesheet approvals
Reporting & Analytics
• Job profit and loss statements
• Cash flow forecasting
• CPA Audit/Review module
• Custom reports via BrightAccountsProduction
• AI-driven insights highlight cost trends
• ESG reporting features in development
Integration & Mobility
• Integrates with third-party project tools
• Field-to-office time sync
• Desktop-based core
• 100% cloud-native—work from site or office
• Seamless connections to Xero, QuickBooks, payment gateways
• Mobile-optimised dashboards
Support & Training
• Construction-savvy in-house team
• Six months of implementation training
• National webinars for CPAs
• UK-Ireland-focused support desk
• Onboarding specialists for SMEs and accountants
• Regular updates aligned with local regulations

Digging into the Details

Job Costing Made Simple

The cornerstone of any construction accounting software is precise job costing. FOUNDATION has led the way with detailed cost codes and real-time alerts. But BrightSuite’s approach goes further:
– Unified platform. No jumping between modules—your costs, invoices and payroll live together.
– AI suggestions. Spot overspending risks before they spiral.
– Bespoke dashboards. Tailor views to your site managers, accountants or owners.

Payroll That Keeps You Compliant

Processing payroll across different trades and union rules can be a headache. FOUNDATION handles complex rates and localities well. Yet BrightSuite’s BrightPay automatically updates for UK tax changes and sends RTI submissions directly to HMRC. You save time—and avoid penalties.

Reports You’ll Actually Use

Both platforms offer robust reporting. FOUNDATION’s CPA Audit module is a boon for specialist firms. BrightSuite matches that with BrightAccountsProduction, letting you:
– Generate financial statements in minutes
– Drill down into job-level profitability
– Export data for auditors or investors

Integrations & Flexibility

FOUNDATION connects to select project management tools. BrightSuite broadens the horizon:
– Plug-and-play apps for timesheets, expenses and proposals
– Native links to leading accounting platforms (Xero, QuickBooks)
– A fully cloud-hosted design so you’re never tethered to one PC

Dedicated Local Support

With FOUNDATION, you get US-based construction experts. BrightSuite goes one step further:
– Teams trained in UK & Irish tax law
– Onboarding packages for small and medium enterprises
– Regular webinars on local compliance and best practice

Which Job Costing Software Should You Choose?

FOUNDATION® excels if you operate in the US construction market and need decades-tested workflows. But if you’re in the UK or Ireland, balancing modern cloud features, local compliance and AI-driven insights, BrightSuite is built for you.

Here’s the bottom line:
– You want a single source of truth for costs, payroll and reporting.
– You need real-time visibility on every project.
– You demand local support and automated tax compliance.

BrightSuite delivers all three. No clunky desktop installs. No fragmented tools. Just clear, accurate numbers—right at your fingertips.

“We switched to BrightSuite and cut our month-end close by two days. The clarity on job costs? Priceless.”
— Emma S., Project Accountant

Take Control of Your Contractor Finances

Ready to leave spreadsheets behind? Discover how BrightSuite’s job costing software, BrightPay payroll and BrightAccountsProduction reporting can transform your contracting business.

Start today: https://brightsg.com