Competitive accounting landscape, accurate time management is the cornerstone of productivity, profitability, and client trust. As firms handle multiple clients, projects, and compliance workloads, tracking billable hours efficiently becomes a critical business function. Manually recording hours is prone to mistakes—this is where Time Tracking Software for Accounting Firms revolutionises operations.
Modern solutions automate the entire process, providing error-free timesheets, productivity insights, and simplified billing. In this article, we’ll explore the best software options accountants rely on in 2025, review features and pricing, and include expert recommendations like Time Champ, which stands out for its precision and reliability.
Why Accountants Need Time Tracking Software
For accounting firms, time equals revenue. Each minute spent on client tasks, audits, or consultations influences the bottom line. Without reliable software, inefficiencies, missed billables, and compliance gaps can go unnoticed.
Here’s why the best firms have moved to automated tracking:
Accurate billing for every project and client.
Streamlined payroll and invoicing with reduced administrative effort.
Smart productivity tracking for both remote and office staff.
Detailed insights for compliance and audit readiness.
Modern solutions also enable better forecasting and workload distribution, helping firms make informed business decisions.
Essential Features Every Accounting Firm Should Consider
Automatic Time Capture: Prevent unrecorded hours with background tracking across devices.
Project and Client-Based Logs: Assign billable time to projects for transparent reporting.
Invoice and Payroll Integration: Convert logged time directly into invoices or payroll entries.
Customisable Dashboards: View team performance, billable ratios, and profitability in real time.
Mobile and Cloud Access: Track and approve hours anywhere, ensuring flexibility for hybrid teams.
Data Security & Compliance: Ensure the platform is GDPR and SOC2 compliant to protect sensitive client information.
Detailed Analytics and Reports: Generate performance, billing, and compliance reports effortlessly.
Best Time Tracking Software for Accounting Firms in 2025
1. Time Champ
Best Overall for Accounting Firms
Time Champ earns its place at the top thanks to its performance analytics, built-in automation, and real-time insights. Designed for professional teams, it combines time tracking with employee performance measurement and detailed reporting.
Top Features:
Real-time tracking and task-level breakdowns.
Smart idle time and productivity detection.
Integration with popular accounting tools.
Comprehensive visual reports and performance metrics.
Pricing: Custom pricing available depending on firm size and requirements.
Ideal For: Accounting firms wanting actionable insights alongside accurate tracking.
2. QuickBooks Time (formerly TSheets)
Perfect for Firms Using QuickBooks
QuickBooks Time integrates directly with the QuickBooks ecosystem, creating a seamless workflow from time logging to payroll and billing.
Highlights:
GPS and geofencing tools for remote team visibility.
Mobile app for on-the-go time capture.
Automated timesheet approvals and job costing.
Audit-ready reports and project dashboards.
Pricing:
Starts at $8/user/month with a 30-day free trial.
Best For: Accounting firms already using QuickBooks for financial management.
3. Clockify
Best Free Plan for Small Firms
Clockify’s free time tracking software offers robust functionality for startups and small accounting practices.
Key Features:
Unlimited users even on the free plan.
Project and client-level time tracking.
Visual reports and custom timesheets.
Integrations with QuickBooks, Asana, and Trello.
Pricing:
Free plan available; paid tiers start at $3.99/user/month.
Best For: Firms needing affordable, scalable time tracking options.
4. My Hours
Strong Choice for Invoicing and Project Insights
My Hours helps accounting firms track work, manage tasks, and convert time logs into client invoices smoothly.
Top Features:
Custom time log descriptions.
Budget tracking and profit margin analysis.
File attachment options for audits.
Expense tracking with associated invoices.
Pricing:
Free for up to 5 users; Pro plan at $8/user/month.
Best For: Firms seeking detailed time reporting with robust invoicing tools.
5. TimeCamp
For Accountants Needing Automation
TimeCamp simplifies tracking by automating time recording and generating instant performance reports.
Key Features:
Automatic app and task-level tracking.
Custom billing and profitability reports.
Integrations with QuickBooks and Xero.
Pricing:
Plans start at $7/user/month.
Best For: Firms wanting effortless time automation with productivity analytics.
6. FreshBooks
Best All-in-One Accounting and Time Tracking
FreshBooks combines accounting, billing, and time tracking in a single solution. Accountants can manage expenses, generate reports, and send invoices all within one platform.
Key Features:
Time logs linked to invoices.
Profitability and expense management.
Cloud-based accessibility for all staff.
Pricing:
Starts at $15/user/month.
Ideal For: Firms wanting an integrated accounting and tracking ecosystem.
7. Hubstaff
Ideal for Field and Remote Teams
Hubstaff integrates detailed time tracking with workforce monitoring, GPS location data, and team scheduling.
Top Features:
Screenshots and activity tracking (optional).
Expense and invoice generation.
GPS-based tracking for off-site accountants or auditors.
Pricing:
Starts at $7/user/month.
Ideal For: Firms managing hybrid workforces needing visibility across work locations.
8. TrackingTime
Custom Reporting Pick for Growing Firms
TrackingTime offers time tracking, analytics, and project oversight for accounting professionals. It’s especially good for smaller firms working with freelancers.
Highlights:
Online timesheets and performance dashboards.
CSV, PDF, and Excel export options.
Integrates with QuickBooks and Zapier.
Pricing:
Free up to 3 users; Pro at $5.75/user/month.
Performance Improvement: Visual data identifies inefficiencies quickly.
Most significantly, these tools allow accountants to spend more time analysing figures rather than tracking them manually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why should accounting firms use time tracking software?
It eliminates billing errors, improves profitability tracking, and ensures every hour is accounted for with transparency.
2. What software integrates best with QuickBooks?
QuickBooks Time and Time Champ both integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks, making them excellent for accountants.
3. Which tool is best for small accounting firms?
Clockify and My Hours are perfect for smaller teams with free and affordable plans.
4. Are data protection and compliance features important?
Absolutely. Firms must choose solutions that support GDPR, SOC2, and encrypted data management for compliance and security.
5. How does time tracking improve profitability?
By identifying unproductive hours and improving billing accuracy, firms can boost utilisation and revenue over time.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Time Tracking Software for Accounting Firms is no longer optional—it’s essential for delivering accuracy and maintaining client trust. Tools like Time Champ go beyond simple tracking, offering intelligent analytics that optimise workflow and profitability. Whether you manage a boutique firm or a nationwide enterprise, the right solution will help align your time, billing, and productivity like never before.
Your firm’s time is valuable—make sure every second counts.
