Best Accounting Software for Construction Companies in Malaysia (2025)

Construction businesses in Malaysia face unique financial challenges that generic accounting software often fails to address. From progress billing and retention sums to project costing and sub-contractor management, the construction industry requires specialized tools to maintain profitability and cash flow.

This guide explores the essential features construction companies need and reviews the top software options available in Malaysia for 2025.

Why Construction Accounting is Different

Unlike retail or service businesses, construction projects often span months or years. This long-term nature introduces specific accounting requirements:

1. Project Costing & Profitability

You need to track material, labor, and overhead costs per project, not just for the whole company. Without real-time project costing, you might not know a project is losing money until it's too late.

2. Progress Billing

Construction contracts typically involve billing based on percentage of completion. Your software must handle:

• Progress Claims: Issuing claims for work done.
• Certificates of Payment: Recording certified amounts.
• Retention Sums: Tracking amounts held back by clients (usually 5%) and knowing when they are due for release.

3. Sub-contractor Management

Managing payments to sub-contractors, including their own retention sums and progress claims, is a major administrative burden that requires dedicated features.

Top Accounting Software for Malaysian Construction Companies

1. QNE AI Cloud Accounting

Best for: Small to Medium Construction Firms requiring AI-driven insights.

QNE AI Cloud Accounting has emerged as a strong contender for construction businesses moving to the cloud. Its Project Accounting module allows you to:

• Create unlimited projects and sub-projects.
• Track expenses and revenue by project in real-time.
• Generate project profit and loss statements instantly.

One standout feature is its AI-powered analytics, which can help predict cash flow gaps—a critical advantage in an industry notorious for payment delays. QNE also fully supports Malaysia's new e-Invoice mandate, ensuring your progress billings are LHDN compliant.

2. AutoCount Accounting (Construction Edition)

Best for: Traditional firms preferring desktop solutions.

AutoCount is a staple in the Malaysian market. Its specialized plugin for construction handles progress billing and retention sums effectively. However, it is primarily a desktop-based solution, which may limit access for project managers on-site compared to cloud-native options like QNE.

3. SQL Account

Best for: General contractors needing robust reporting.

SQL Account offers strong project reporting capabilities. While it doesn't have a dedicated "construction edition" like AutoCount, its project module is flexible enough to handle most SME construction needs. It excels in handling large volumes of transaction data.

Key Features to Look For

When evaluating software for your construction business, ensure it ticks these boxes:

The Verdict

For modern construction firms in Malaysia looking to modernize their operations, QNE AI Cloud Accounting offers the best balance of cloud accessibility, project-specific features, and AI-driven financial intelligence. Its ability to handle e-invoicing while providing real-time project visibility makes it a future-proof choice for 2025.

Traditional firms with complex, heavy-duty requirements might still prefer AutoCount's specialized desktop plugins, but the industry is undeniably shifting towards the cloud for better collaboration between site and office.

Last Updated: December 2025