The Best Accounting Software for Electricians: QuickBooks, Jobber, and Zoho Compared

Choosing the right accounting software can make a huge difference for electricians-whether you’re a solo contractor or running a small crew. The right tools help you track payments, manage jobs, and stay on top of your finances without getting bogged down in paperwork. Here’s a breakdown of four top options: QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Jobber, and Zoho-and how each can help your electrical business run smoother.

QuickBooks Online: Simple, Powerful, and Mobile-Friendly

QuickBooks Online (Simple Start) is a favorite for electricians who want to manage their business from anywhere. Its cloud-based platform means you can send invoices, track accounts receivable (A/R), and accept client payments right from your phone or laptop.
Key features include:

• Easy A/R management: Send professional invoices and track who owes you money.

• Client payments: Accept credit cards and ACH payments, speeding up cash flow.

• Bank syncing: Automatically import and categorize transactions from your business bank account, saving hours of manual entry.

• Mobile access: Manage your books from the field or office.

For North Carolina electricians on the go, QuickBooks Online is a practical choice for keeping your finances organized and your cash flow healthy.

QuickBooks Desktop: Robust Features for Growing Electrical Businesses

If you need more advanced features and don’t mind working from a desktop, QuickBooks Desktop (all versions) is a powerhouse.
Why electricians love it:

• Comprehensive accounting: Handles both accounts receivable (A/R) and accounts payable (A/P) with ease.

• Sales tax and payroll: Built-in tools for calculating sales tax and managing payroll, ideal if you have employees or subcontractors.

• Bank syncing: Like the online version, it can sync with your business bank accounts.

• Detailed reporting: Track profitability by job, monitor expenses, and generate custom financial reports.

QuickBooks Desktop is especially popular with established electrical businesses that want deep reporting and full control over their books.

Jobber: Job Management Meets Accounting

Jobber is designed specifically for service businesses like electricians. It combines job tracking with accounting and payment tools, making it a great all-in-one solution.
What sets Jobber apart:

• Job tracking: Schedule, dispatch, and track jobs from start to finish.

• A/R and payment processing: Create and send invoices, accept online payments, and follow up automatically on overdue bills.

• Reporting: Generate reports on sales, outstanding invoices, and job profitability.

• QuickBooks integration: Syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks Online, so your accounting stays up to date without double entry.

Jobber is perfect for electricians who want to streamline both their field operations and their finances in one place.

Zoho: Free and Flexible for Invoicing and A/R

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Zoho Invoice offers a robust free plan that covers the basics for solo electricians:

• Invoicing: Create and send unlimited invoices to clients.

• A/R tracking: Stay on top of who owes you and send automated payment reminders.

• Sales tax tracking: Easily track and report sales tax-important for North Carolina electricians.

• Customer balances: Monitor outstanding balances and get a clear picture of your cash flow.

Zoho is ideal for electricians just starting out or those who want a simple, no-cost solution for invoicing and tracking payments.

Final Thoughts

The best accounting software for electricians depends on your business size, workflow, and budget. QuickBooks Online is great for mobility, QuickBooks Desktop for in-depth accounting, Jobber for all-in-one job and financial management, and Zoho for free, easy invoicing.
No matter which you choose, using the right software will help you save time, get paid faster, and keep your North Carolina electrical business running smoothly.

Hunter T. Bracy, CPA specializes in helping solo electricians and single-owner electrical contracting businesses across North Carolina take control of their finances. From choosing the right accounting software to maximizing your tax deductions, we understand the unique challenges you face in the electrical trade. If you’re looking for a CPA who speaks your language and can help your business grow, we’re currently seeking new electrician clients just like you.

Ready to simplify your bookkeeping and tax prep? Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help your electrical business succeed!