Overview

This article outlines the key differences between how each software handles job setup, budgeting, and reporting.

Job Setup and Structure

QuickBooks Desktop:

• In QuickBooks, jobs are created as sub-records under customers (i.e., Customer:Job format).
• Each job is essentially treated as a separate customer entry.
• Managing multiple jobs for a single customer can become cumbersome and inefficient.
• Workarounds (such as creating a “master job” with sub-jobs beneath it) are often used but introduce limitations:
  • The master job remains perpetually open.
  • It continues to appear in “open jobs” reports, even if all associated sub-jobs are completed.

AccountEdge:

• Jobs are treated as standalone entities, not tied directly to customer records, although a Linked customer can be added for easier entry and reporting.
• Jobs can be assigned to multiple customers or duplicated as needed for similar projects.
• Jobs can have sub-jobs.  
• This structure allows for more versatile job management without compromising the integrity of customer data.

Budgeting and Job Cost Analysis

QuickBooks Desktop:

• Budgeting and analyzing jobs can be complex, especially when sub-jobs or project phases are involved.
• The customer-job relationship can make it difficult to view consolidated or comparative data across all jobs for a single customer.
• Reporting is limited by the job-as-customer model, which restricts flexibility.

AccountEdge:

• Each job is managed independently, allowing for clear budgeting, cost tracking, and reporting.
• Jobs can be closed cleanly, ensuring reports reflect only active or open jobs.
• Supports accurate tracking of income, expenses, and profitability at the job level, without being restricted by customer relationships.

Key Advantages of AccountEdge Jobs:

• True job costing: Designed specifically for project tracking.
• Independent job entities: Jobs are not tied to customer records.
• Flexible assignment: Jobs can be reused or duplicated across customers.
• Cleaner reporting: No “workaround” structures needed for open/closed job visibility.
• Streamlined budgeting: Each job supports its own budget and reporting metrics.

Conclusion

For businesses that require detailed project tracking, multiple jobs per customer, or comprehensive job reporting, AccountEdge offers a powerful and efficient system. Its design promotes accuracy, scalability, and ease of use in managing complex job scenarios.