8 best janitorial accounting software apps

Janitorial businesses often employ large workforces and handle many contracts, each with their own terms, billing cycles, and pricing structures. Managing contracts and payroll can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially if a business uses manual processes. 

Generic accounting software programs lack key features that janitorial businesses need for crew management, job costing, scheduling, etc. If you are a janitorial business owner looking to streamline accounting, some of the best software options are: 

• Aspire
• Jobber
• Janitorial Manager
• Swept
• QuickBooks
• FreshBooks
• ZipBooks
• Xero

In this guide, you will find a complete comparison between these apps, including use case, pricing, and downsides.

Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of August  2023.

Best janitorial accounting software: Comparison table (with ratings & pricing)

When searching for the best accounting software for a commercial cleaning service company, compare features, price, and ratings. The following table shows a comparison of top janitorial accounting options.

Best janitorial software for accounting by use case

A cleaning company requires specific cleaning business software features based on its financial management needs and growth aspirations. The following list ranks janitorial software apps based on use case.

• Aspire — Best overall
• Jobber — Best for home service businesses
• Janitorial Manager — Best for specialty work
• Swept — Best for ease of use
• QuickBooks — Best for startups
• FreshBooks — Best for accountants
• ZipBooks — Best for affordability
• Xero — Best for support offered to small businesses

Keep reading for an in-depth comparison of these accounting software features and pricing.

Platform #1: Aspire

Aspire, a ServiceTitan company, provides a best-in-class cloud-based business management platform for janitorial companies.

Image Source: Aspire

Aspire streamlines and automates commercial cleaning operations, empowering businesses to work more efficiently and profitably. Aspire’s comprehensive platform simplifies the following:

• Scheduling
• Estimating
• Job costing
• Customer management
• Invoicing
• Accounting
• Reporting

Trusted by over 800 clients managing over $6.4 billion in client revenue, Aspire Software has been repeatedly listed as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. by Inc. 5000.

Top features

• Intuitive invoicing assistant: Search, filter, and track invoices for seamless management capabilities.
• Automated invoicing: Customize invoice templates and automate email sends of individual or batch invoices.
• Customer payment portal: Customers can view and pay invoices online with a credit card or ACH bank transfer for increased convenience and improved cash flow.
• Integration options: Aspire syncs with accounting solutions like QuickBooks, Acumatica, or open API integration options.
• Real-time reporting: Accurate, timely data enables janitorial companies to make informed business decisions to increase performance and profit.

Downsides to consider

Because Aspire is an all-in-one software, users may experience a learning curve during onboarding and implementation. 

Pricing

Aspire stands out from competitors because its pricing plans include the same robust functionality for unlimited users.

• Corporate: For commercial cleaning businesses with a minimum annual revenue of $5 million
• Enterprise: For commercial businesses with annual revenue above $15 million

For smaller cleaning companies, Aspire offers:

• Crew Control: $30 per month per crew
• Crew Control Plus: $50 per month per crew

Platform #2: Jobber

Jobber is a web-based software program for home service companies in several field service industries.

Image Source: Jobber

The industries Jobber serves include cleaning, landscaping, and pest control. Its field service management software helps business owners streamline day-to-day operations by simplifying scheduling, crew management, invoicing, and payment processing.

Top features

• Invoice generation and reminders: Use templates to create personalized invoices and receive notifications to send invoices at the right time.
• Automated follow-ups: Automatically email or text payment reminders to customers.
• Payment processing: A client hub allows customers to pay online with a credit card.
• Financial reports: Access real-time financial data of projected income, taxation, payment, and invoice details.

Downsides to consider

Creating complex invoices or communicating unique invoicing details, such as applying customer credit, is challenging. While Jobber integrates with QuickBooks, it doesn’t offer advanced payroll processing features.

Pricing

Jobber offers four plans:

• Lite: $9/mo. for one user
• Core: $49/mo. for one user; additional users $29/mo. each
• Connect: $129/mo. for up to five users; additional users, $29/mo. each
• Grow: $249/mo. for up to 15 users; additional users $29/mo. each

Comparing Jobber and Aspire

When compared to Jobber, Aspire offers:

• Purchasing management to ensure supplies are purchased at set prices to maintain workflow and profitability
• Real-time job costing
• In-platform visibility into aging invoices with customizable dashboards and data visualizations
• Customizable reporting for real-time business insights

For more details on these differences, check out a complete Aspire vs. Jobber comparison guide.

Platform #3: Janitorial Manager

Janitorial Manager is a cloud-based software designed to help cleaning companies manage operations better.

Image Source: Janitorial Manager

Janitorial Manager simplifies work order management and offers messaging, time tracking, employee performance tracking, and supply tracking, among other features. Commercial cleaning companies can improve quality control and customer service with custom inspections, QR codes, checklists, and instructions.

Top features

• Invoicing integrations: Accounting integrations streamline billing and invoicing.
• Client portal: Customers can order supplies, submit work orders or other requests, and communicate with the cleaning team.
• Payroll integrations: Export partners include payroll software solutions such as ADP, Paychex, and Paylocity.
• Time tracking: Providing multiple ways for employees to clock in and out reduces errors and makes payroll go smoother.

Downsides to consider

While Janitorial Manager provides integrations for billing and invoicing, the software does not offer invoicing features. It also does not provide payroll management features.

Pricing

Janitorial Manager does not list pricing on its website. Those interested in pricing must complete a form to receive a personalized proposal.

Comparing Janitorial Manager and Aspire

When compared to Janitorial Manager, Aspire offers:

• Overall ease of use and intuitive functionality
• Flexible invoicing options to invoice customers based on their billing preferences and payment schedules
• Time tracking and payroll management capabilities
• Customizable reporting for real-time business insights

See how Aspire stacks up against top commercial cleaning and janitorial service software solutions on this comparison hub.

Platform #4: Swept

Swept is an all-in-one operational software for growth-seeking commercial cleaning, office cleaning, and janitorial businesses. 

Image Source: Swept

With its specialized features and tools, Swept aims to assist cleaning companies in managing their operations more efficiently, enhancing communication, and ensuring quality service delivery.

Top features

• Payroll reporting: Cleaning companies approve hours, export a PDF or CSV file, then upload it to their payroll system.
• Accounting integration: Swept offers a seamless, automatic sync with QuickBooks Online.
• Time tracking: Providing multiple ways for employees to clock in and out reduces errors and makes payroll go smoother.
• Time theft prevention: Geofencing puts virtual boundaries around work locations, then tracks if clock-ins and clock-outs happen inside or outside the job site. 

Downsides to consider

Swept offers integrations only with Route, a bidding and job proposal software, and QuickBooks, making it hard to connect with existing processes. In addition, some customer reviews cite frequent platform outages.

Pricing

Swept pricing varies based on the size of your business and specific needs. For pricing details, interested consumers must request a quote online. 

Comparing Swept and Aspire

When compared to Swept, Aspire offers:

• Real-time job costing 
• CRM that provides complete pipeline visibility and keeps historical data for estimate and bid requests, site audits, contract renewals, budgets, and profitability reporting
• Customizable estimating templates and product kits
• A robust list of integration partners for accounting and payroll, including QuickBooks, Acumatica, Great Plains, IPS, and Sage

See how Aspire stacks up against top commercial cleaning and janitorial software solutions on this comparison hub.

Platform #5: QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a widely used accounting software that caters to businesses of all sizes, providing financial management, bookkeeping, invoicing, and reporting tools.

Image Source: QuickBooks

QuickBooks serves businesses in diverse sectors, including home service companies, retail, and professional services. Its features assist business owners in efficiently managing their financial processes, tracking income and expenses, and generating reports for more informed decision-making.

Top features

• Invoicing and billing: Simplifies creating invoices and billing statements, helping businesses generate professional-looking documents for their clients.
• Expense tracking: Allows users to track and categorize expenses, making it easier to monitor costs and allocate resources effectively.
• Financial reporting: Offers various financial reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, providing insights into a company’s financial health.
• Bank reconciliation: Supports bank reconciliation, ensuring that financial records accurately reflect the business's financial transactions. 

Downsides to consider

While QuickBooks provides comprehensive accounting features, it lacks industry-specific tools offered by end-to-end software designed exclusively for the janitorial industry. 

In addition, some advanced financial management features, such as extensive project costing or specialized inventory management, might require add-ons or more advanced software versions.

Pricing

QuickBooks offers four plans:

• Simple Start: $30/mo. for one user
• Essentials: $60/mo. for up to three users
• Plus: $90/mo. for up to five users.
• Advanced: $200/mo. for up to 25 users.

Payroll features are nested under an optional add-on for an additional fee. 

Comparing QuickBooks and Aspire

When compared to QuickBooks, Aspire offers:

• Scalability with complete features and no per-user fees
• A comprehensive platform built to simplify every aspect of janitorial operations—from estimating to invoicing—not just accounting
• A mobile app to improve time tracking for field crews, streamline cleaning checklists, and standardize inspections
• Centralized supply and inventory tracking to improve job management and budgets

See how Aspire stacks up against top commercial cleaning software solutions on this comparison hub.

Platform #6: FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software solution for small businesses, freelancers, and service professionals to manage their finances, invoicing, and expense tracking.

Image Source: FreshBooks

FreshBooks serves diverse businesses, including service-based industries, consultants, and freelancers. Its features are tailored to streamline financial operations, client billing, and expense management.

Top features

• Invoicing and billing: Simplifies the process of creating professional invoices and billing statements, making it easier for businesses to get paid by clients.
• Expense tracking: Offers tools to track business expenses, categorize them, and record costs for accurate financial reporting.
• Time tracking: Capabilities that allow cleaners to start timers in the field and help businesses accurately bill clients based on hours worked.
• Financial reporting: Generates financial reports such as profit and loss statements, expense reports, and tax summaries, providing insights into the business's financial health.

Downsides to consider

FreshBooks primarily focuses on accounting and financial management and lacks industry-specific features offered by software designed specifically for cleaning and janitorial businesses.

Pricing

FreshBooks offers four plans:

• Lite: $17/mo. with the ability to invoice up to five clients
• Plus: $30/mo. with the ability to invoice up to 50 clients
• Premium: $50/mo. with unlimited invoicing capabilities 
• Select: Customize a plan to meet your needs by contacting FreshBooks

Comparing FreshBooks and Aspire

When compared to FreshBooks, Aspire offers:

• CRM that provides full sales-pipeline visibility and keeps historical data for estimate and bid requests, site audits, contract renewals, budgets, and profitability reporting
• Flexible invoicing options with no client cap
• A mobile app to streamline cleaning checklists and inspections
• Centralized supply and inventory tracking to improve job management and budgets

See how Aspire stacks up against top commercial cleaning and janitorial software solutions on this comparison hub.

Platform #7: ZipBooks

ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software solution for small businesses and freelancers to manage their finances, invoicing, and reporting.

Image Source: ZipBooks

ZipBooks focuses on providing user-friendly tools for efficient financial management and is suitable for various industries.

Top features

• Invoicing and billing: Offers tools for creating and sending professional invoices and billing statements, streamlining the process of getting paid.
• Expense tracking: Allows users to track and categorize expenses, facilitating accurate record-keeping and financial reporting.
• Time tracking: Tracks time spent on jobs for individuals or teams for accurate billing.
• Financial reporting: Data-driven intelligence provides actionable insights that can produce results through small and simple improvements.

Downsides to consider

ZipBooks primarily focuses on accounting and financial management and lacks industry-specific features offered by software designed specifically for the cleaning industry. Migrating existing data into the system requires the accountant level of the software, which comes with custom pricing. 

Pricing

ZipBooks offers four plans:

• Starter: Free for one user
• Smarter: $15/mo. for up to five users
• Sophisticated: $35/mo. with unlimited users
• Accountant: Customize a plan to meet your needs by contacting ZipBooks

Comparing ZipBooks and Aspire

When compared to ZipBooks, Aspire offers:

• CRM that provides complete sales-pipeline visibility and keeps historical data for estimate and bid requests, site audits, contract renewals, budgets, and profitability reporting
• Scalability with complete features and no per-user fees
• Mobile, geo-tagged time tracking for field crews, standardized lists for cleaning inspections and checklists, and inventory tracking to improve performance and profit of cleaning jobs
• Personalized onboarding, ongoing customer support, and continuing education and training resources

See how Aspire stacks up against top commercial cleaning and janitorial software solutions on this comparison hub.

Platform #8: Xero

Xero specializes in accounting software for small businesses. 

Image Source: Xero

Xero connects with over 1,000 third-party apps for an integrated, streamlined business solution. In addition, they publish small business insights and guides on their website to empower growing companies.

Top features

• Bill pay: Track and pay bills on time and get a clear overview of accounts payable and cash flow.
• Online invoicing: Create and send custom invoices directly from the app.
• Payments: Accept online payments by credit card, debit card, or direct debit straight from your Xero invoice. Let customers pay how they want and reduce the time spent chasing payments.
• Track projects: Keep track of costs and profitability with project and job tracker software.

Downsides to consider

Xero primarily focuses on accounting and financial management and lacks industry-specific features offered by software designed specifically for cleaning and janitorial businesses. The software is also tailored to small businesses, so it doesn't grow with you.

Pricing

Xero offers three plans:

• Early: $13/mo. with the ability to send up to 20 invoices
• Growing: $37/mo. with no invoice cap
• Established: $70/mo. with no invoice cap

Note: Payroll management is an optional add-on with an additional fee.

Comparing Xero and Aspire

When compared to Xero, Aspire offers:

• Ability to export time tracking to preferred payroll provider or a direct sync with Inova for seamless payroll management
• Scalability with complete features and no per-user fees
• A mobile app to streamline cleaning checklists and inspections
• Personalized onboarding, ongoing customer support, and continuing education and training resources

See how Aspire stacks up against top commercial cleaning and janitorial software solutions on this comparison hub.

Looking for janitorial accounting software? 

Growing a commercial cleaning business requires more than just gaining new cleaning jobs. Successful business growth involves:

• Implementing efficient processes to simplify tasks
• Improving accuracy in operations
• Increasing cash flow 

Aspire janitorial business software with accounting features and integrations standardizes processes and protects the integrity of a commercial cleaning company’s financials. 

With centralized data and real-time reporting, you know exactly where your business stands and where to improve. 

Ready to streamline your company’s accounting and financial management with an all-in-one business management software built for the janitorial industry? Schedule a demo today.