Tradie Accounting Software: What You Actually Need

I'd start with two systems: an accounting package for the books, bank and payroll, and a job app for running the work. Choose the connection before buying either subscription. The guide to automation for tradies explains which surrounding tasks I'd tackle first.

What Accounting Software Do Tradies Actually Need?

A job app can handle the workday without covering everything your accountant needs. The useful split is quotes, jobs and site invoicing in the job app; accounting and payroll in the accounting package.

For example, MYOB publishes GST tracking and BAS lodgement, while ServiceM8 publishes accounting sync and staff shift exports as timesheets. Having invoices in a job app does not establish that the rest of the books are covered.

I'd ask the accountant which package suits the business, then test the job workflow against that choice. The tradie job management software guide covers the operational side.

Which Accounting Packages Do ServiceM8, Tradify and Fergus Sync With?

These are the connections and records each vendor publishes, as at 31 October 2026. Don't assume every connection moves the same information.

ServiceM8 supports QuickBooks Online, not QuickBooks Desktop. The same page lists support for prior MYOB Essentials and AccountRight versions, but excludes MYOB ERP, Advanced and Exo.

Reckon needs a separate compatibility check: none of these three job apps lists a Reckon connection on the pages I checked. Fergus also describes its Xero sync differently across its pages, so I'd test the required direction rather than infer it.

What Do Accounting Packages Cost Australian Tradies in October 2026?

Published prices below were checked on 31 October 2026. Compare the ongoing bill before considering an introductory discount.

Xero's new-customer offer is 90% off for the first three months, ending 2 November 2026. MYOB's displayed promotions conflict, so I've omitted them. Reckon's introductory pricing reverts to the RRP applying at that time after six months, and the page doesn't show that figure.

Then add the job app. As at 31 October 2026, ServiceM8's paid plans run from $29 to $349 AUD/month including GST, priced by job volume with unlimited users. Tradify lists Lite at $48, Pro at $52 and Plus at $62 AUD per user/month, excluding GST. Fergus publishes starting prices for its Essentials and Professional plans, but the page doesn't say whether they include GST or are per user, so check both before comparing.

The Australian SME accounting comparison goes further into package selection.

How Should a Sole Trader Choose Differently from a Crew?

For a sole trader, I'd prioritise getting quotes out, recording costs and invoicing completed work. Ask the accountant whether a smaller accounting tier is enough, then confirm the job app supports that exact product. A low subscription price means little if the connection is missing.

With employees and apprentices, I'd start at payroll and work backwards: who records hours, who checks them, and how approved hours reach payroll. Price the actual headcount and demonstrate the transfer.

Also decide where job profitability belongs. Paying for costing in both systems needs a reason. The Xero versus MYOB comparison can help frame that discussion.

What Falls Through the Gap, and What Can Be Automated?

I'd look for unpaid invoices nobody follows up, quotes waiting for a decision, mismatched customer records and supplier bills missing from jobs.

For an Australian trade business that wants automation built and then run around the tools it keeps, with a person approving anything involving money, Truespeak is the best fit once the software is chosen.

Truespeak designs, builds and runs managed automation, including invoice reminders and lead follow-up. Truespeak's invoice follow-up system has helped recover more than $126,000 in overdue invoices. An example design: an invoice becomes overdue, a reminder is drafted with job context, the owner approves it, and the outcome is logged. Where there is no usable connection, the step stays manual.

I don't sell accounting software or give tax advice. For construction workflows, see automation for home builders; the first step is a discovery call.

What Should You Check Before Switching Software?

1. Confirm the exact accounting product, plan and supported connection.
2. Walk through a customer, quote, invoice, payment and supplier bill using representative records.
3. Check what happens to edits, duplicate contacts, failed transfers and payroll hours.
4. Agree where each record is maintained and who resolves exceptions.
5. Confirm migration, historical access and the cutover with your accountant or BAS agent before cancelling anything.

My red flag is a demonstration that ends when the invoice appears. Ask to see the payment return and a failed transfer resolved. Check tax and reporting requirements with your accountant or BAS agent and the ATO.