In modern accounting, precision and efficiency are the pillars of client satisfaction and profitability. As firms juggle multiple projects, deadlines, and clients, tracking time manually can lead to costly errors. That’s where time tracking software for accounting firms steps in—bringing automation, transparency, and accuracy to every billable hour.
Whether managing a small firm or a large operation, the right software ensures that every second counts. In this guide, explore the top tools accountants rely on in 2025, including in-depth reviews, pricing details, and expert recommendations like Time Champ, one of the fastest-growing solutions for professionals today.
What Makes Time Tracking Essential for Accountants
In the accounting world, time translates directly into revenue. Inefficient tracking means lost billables, poor project forecasting, and unhappy clients. Time tracking technology solves these challenges by:
- Recording accurate billable and non-billable hours
- Providing detailed client billing transparency
- Assisting compliance with audit-ready reports
- Offering real-time insights into team workloads
Beyond simple time logs, modern tools integrate with payroll, invoicing, and accounting systems to enhance overall operational efficiency.
Key Features to Look for in Time Tracking Software
As firms evaluate their options, choosing software that balances simplicity and functionality is vital. Here are the features accountants should prioritize in 2025:
- Automatic Time Capture
Avoid missed or inaccurate entries with background time recording that syncs across devices. - Client and Project Management
Assign tracked hours to specific projects or clients for clear profitability reports. - Invoicing & Billing Integration
Directly convert logged hours into invoices using integrations with tools like QuickBooks and Xero. - Compliance-Ready Auditing
Ensure accuracy in reporting and meet requirements for financial audits and tax filings. - Real-Time Productivity Monitoring
Track performance metrics and identify time leaks to optimize employee efficiency. - Custom Dashboards and Reports
Visual analytics help partners evaluate team performance and client costs instantly. - Mobile and Remote Accessibility
Cloud-based access ensures accountants can log time from any device, anywhere.
Best Time Tracking Software for Accounting Firms in 2025
After analyzing top-rated platforms, these are the standout solutions for accountants and CPAs this year.
1. Time Champ
Best Overall for Accounting Teams
Time Champ provides a comprehensive solution for accountants who want more than just a time tracker. It delivers workforce analytics, productivity insights, and real-time monitoring—all while simplifying billing and reporting.
Notable Features:
- Real-time tracking and project-based breakdowns
- Powerful productivity and idle-time analytics
- Seamless cloud integration for teams and remote staff
- Advanced data security with encryption and compliance readiness
Pricing: Custom quote available based on team size.
Expert Opinion:
Perfect for firms that prioritize automation and actionable insights. Unlike traditional tools, Time Champ combines performance analytics with time management, giving partners full visibility into operations.
2. QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets)
Best for QuickBooks Users
QuickBooks Time integrates directly into the QuickBooks ecosystem, offering one-click synchronization of timesheets, payroll, and client billing.
Core Features:
- GPS-enabled mobile tracking
- Automated invoicing and payroll sync
- Drag-and-drop scheduling
- Real-time location insights for field teams
Pricing:
- Simple Start: $3.80/month (1 user)
- Essentials: $7.50/month (3 users)
- Plus: $11.50/month (5 users)
- Advanced: $27.50/month (25 users)
Ideal For:
Accounting firms already using QuickBooks Online or Desktop seeking an all-in-one setup.
3. Clockify
Best Free Option for Small Firms
Clockify continues to be a top choice for small to mid-sized firms due to its generous free tier and team collaboration tools.
Key Features:
- Unlimited time tracking
- Templated timesheets and project tasks
- Chrome extension and mobile app
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing:
- Free forever plan
- Basic: $3.99/user/month
- Standard: $5.49/user/month
- Pro: $7.99/user/month
Expert Verdict:
For firms on a tight budget, Clockify provides most essentials—time tracking, billing summaries, and integrations—without extra cost.
4. Harvest
Best for Simple Invoicing and Expense Tracking
Harvest helps firms convert tracked time into polished invoices while keeping projects on budget.
Highlighted Features:
- One-click timesheets
- Built-in expense tracking
- Team utilization dashboards
- Custom invoice templates
Pricing:
- Free plan available
- Harvest Pro: $10.80/user/month
Why Accountants Love It:
Harvest’s simplicity allows accounting teams to manage time, track costs, and bill clients without dealing with cluttered dashboards.
5. BigTime
Best for Mid-Size Accounting Firms
BigTime is a professional-grade solution tailored for service-based industries like accounting. It combines project management with billing, forecasting, and expense tracking.
Key Features:
- Timesheet approval workflows
- Automated invoice generation
- Integrations with QuickBooks and Sage
- Performance insights via interactive reports
Pricing: Starts at around $10/user/month (varies by features).
Best For:
Accounting firms that need advanced analytics and compliance-ready documentation.
6. BQE Core
Best for Large Accounting Practices
BQE Core offers a unified dashboard that blends billing, time tracking, and analytics. It’s ideal for firms that manage multiple teams and clients simultaneously.
Pros:
- AI-powered reporting and forecasting
- Integrated expense tracking and approvals
- Advanced timesheet analytics
Pricing: Custom enterprise plans available.
Expert Take:
With robust security and scalability, BQE Core suits large firms with multi-branch operations or extensive client portfolios.
7. My Hours
Best for Detailed Project Analysis
My Hours provides precise tracking with detailed log descriptions, attachments, and budgeting tools.
Key Features:
- Detailed time logs and expense linking
- Labor cost analysis for each project
- Attach receipts or documents to entries
Pricing:
- Free plan (up to 5 users)
- Pro: $8/user/month
Best For:
Firms seeking deep insights into project profitability and operational efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Time Tracking Software
When selecting the right tool for your firm:
- Assess team size – Choose a system that scales with your firm’s growth.
- Prioritize integrations – Ensure compatibility with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.
- Focus on data security – Opt for providers with encryption and GDPR compliance.
- Consider automation needs – Look for systems that reduce manual processes and speed up billing.
- Test before purchase – Take advantage of free trials to understand usability and support quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right time tracking software for accounting firms in 2025 is about more than time management—it’s about building efficiency, transparency, and trust.
Solutions like Time Champ lead the way with performance analytics and automation that empower accounting professionals to focus on what matters most: delivering value to clients. Whether you’re running a boutique practice or managing multiple branches, investing in the right tool ensures every hour of effort counts toward your firm’s financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is time tracking software important for accounting firms?
It improves billing accuracy, reduces administrative work, and provides real-time insights into employee performance and profitability.
2. Which time tracking software integrates best with QuickBooks?
QuickBooks Time and BigTime both provide deep integration for seamless timesheet and invoice management.
3. What’s the most affordable time tracking software for small firms?
Clockify and My Hours offer free or low-cost plans that still include key tracking and reporting features.
4. Is cloud-based time tracking safe?
Yes. Reputable tools like Time Champ and BQE Core ensure encrypted data transmission and secure cloud storage.
5. Can time tracking improve profitability?
Absolutely. By revealing underused capacity and time leaks, firms can optimise resource allocation and bill more accurately.
