Time-Tracking Software for Accounting Professionals

Between more complex regulations, evolving client expectations, and a steady rise in workload, 2025 is proving to be an increasingly demanding year for accounting professionals—especially for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who must navigate strict compliance requirements and more extensive client engagements. As a result, time-tracking software for accountants and CPAs is becoming a must-have to keep firms competitive.

In this article, we’ll explore the best time-tracking software for accounting professionals by highlighting key features and benefits to show how each solution can enhance both general accounting practices and CPA-specific workflows.

What is Accounting Time Tracking Software?

Time-tracking software for accountants includes specialized tools and features that help record billable hours, manage projects, and streamline invoicing. Unlike generic time management applications, this software often integrates directly with financial and billing systems—ensuring accurate reporting and easier compliance with industry regulations.

These platforms also allow you to log tasks, automate timesheets, and generate invoices, making them an essential component of a modern accounting firm tech stack.

When it comes to managing client work, meeting deadlines, and adhering to strict compliance standards, accountants and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have unique needs. Time management software for accountants is designed with these professions specifically in mind and helps address their challenges by centralizing timesheets, flagging potential inefficiencies, and providing transparency into how resources are allocated.

Why do Accounting Professionals Need Time-Tracking Software?

While all accounting professionals benefit from accurate time-tracking, CPA and non-CPA accountants often have distinct needs when it comes to managing their billable hours, compliance obligations, and client engagements.

• For CPAs: Time-tracking software is beneficial for managing billable hours across audit, tax, and advisory services—where precision and compliance with regulatory standards like Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are critical. Additionally, automated time-tracking ensures accurate documentation for regulatory audits and SEC compliance.

• For accountants: While CPAs handle more regulated and specialized tasks, accountants who focus on bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting also rely on time-tracking software to ensure efficiency, optimize workflow, and provide clients with transparent billing. Features like automatic time capture, invoicing integration, and productivity insights help accountants manage their workload effectively.

By addressing both the compliance-driven demands of CPAs and the efficiency needs of general accountants, the right time-tracking software can enhance overall firm productivity, improve profitability, and reduce administrative burdens.

Benefits of Accounting Time-Tracking Software

Accurate Billing

Manual timekeeping can lead to underreported hours or inconsistent billing. Automating time logs minimizes human error, helping to ensure every minute spent on client work is accounted for.

Enhanced Productivity

Monitoring how staff allocate their time reveals inefficiencies, allowing you to quickly address bottlenecks. This approach helps teams focus on the tasks that matter most while enhancing overall productivity.

Streamlined Invoicing

Many solutions integrate with billing systems, automatically generating invoices based on your team’s logged hours. This not only reduces admin work but also ensures you get paid faster.

Improved Resource Management

Detailed time insights help firm leaders distribute workloads more effectively across the team. This reduces the risk of burnout and places the focus back on clients

Regulatory Compliance

In today’s regulatory landscape, maintaining detailed time logs is crucial—especially for CPAs. Time-tracking software ensures you can quickly produce detailed records, if audited, safeguarding both your practice and clients.

The Best Time-Tracking Software for Accounting Firms

We’ve compiled some of the best time-tracking software for accountants to consider below. Each of these platforms offers different strengths and focuses, so choosing the right solution will depend on your firm’s specific needs.

1. TaxDome

TaxDome is known for its all-in-one functionality, combining CRM (Customer Relationship Management), document management, and time tracking in a single platform. It includes a robust client portal, automated workflows, and CRM features that streamline both time-tracking and billing processes. However, new users may find that it comes with a learning curve, and its integration options are more limited when compared to established competitors. Additionally, advanced automation features are only available in higher-priced tiers, which could strain the budgets of smaller firms.

2. Bill4Time

Bill4Time focuses on professional services billing and offers a suite of features geared toward CPAs. Its invoicing module simplifies billing cycles, and its reporting tools provide in-depth insights into firm performance. The mobile app also lets you track time wherever you are, ensuring every billable minute is recorded. On the downside, the user interface can feel a bit dated, and configuring the software to fit your firm’s specific needs can take some time.

3. QuickBooks Time

Previously known as TSheets, QuickBooks Time integrates directly with the QuickBooks accounting suite, creating a streamlined invoicing workflow for firms already using QuickBooks. It features a user-friendly mobile app, making it easy to log hours from anywhere. The GPS tracking function is also particularly useful for remote or offsite teams. Yet, its best benefits come from full QuickBooks integration, so firms not using QuickBooks may see limited value. Additionally, subscription costs can climb quickly for growing teams, and more advanced reporting often requires additional QuickBooks modules.

4. BQE Core

BQE Core merges accounting, project management, and time tracking into one cohesive system. It provides detailed insights into finances by incorporating expense tracking, budgeting, and AI-driven analytics that identify inefficiencies. The platform’s extensive customization can also help larger firms tailor reports to their specific needs. However, smaller practices that only require basic time tracking may find it overly complex. Additionally, it may require training to unlock its full range of features, and higher-tier pricing may be too costly for budget-conscious firms.

5. TPS Software

TPS Software delivers straightforward timetracking and billing features designed with accountants in mind. Its easy-to-use interface makes it a budget-friendly option for smaller practices or those looking to prioritize simplicity. On the other hand,customization options are limited. Cloud-based features are also not as robust as those offered by some of its competitors, making it better suited to firms with more modest workflow demands.

How CPACharge Complements Software for Accountants

While choosing the right time-tracking software for accounting firms is an important first step, pairing it with an industry-leading payment solution can significantly enhance your workflow. CPACharge seamlessly integrates with many of the platforms listed above, delivering smooth payment processing and invoicing.

• Payment Processing: Offer clients secure and convenient credit, debit, and eCheck payment options.
• Invoicing Integration: Combine your accounting time-tracking software with CPACharge to link billable hours to invoices and reduce manual data entry.
• Boosting Efficiency: Ensure faster, more accurate reconciliations with consolidated financial data.

Ready to streamline your time tracking and payments? Book a demo today to see how CPACharge can transform your accounting practice.