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Business types / FIELD NOTES 20

Accounting software for agencies and studios

Connect project work, contractor costs and client billing.

Illustrated field notes for Accounting software for agencies and studios

Choose a project margin definition

Agree which costs belong to a project: employee time, contractors, pass-through expenses or all three. Software reports can differ simply because the allocation rules differ. Write the definition before comparing dashboards.

Test retainers and scope changes

Create an initial retainer, an additional milestone and a credit. Check how the application represents unused balances and whether the client-facing invoice is understandable. Ask your accountant to review the treatment of deposits and revenue.

Keep approval clear

Separate preparing an invoice from approving it when team size allows. Review whether team members can see confidential rates and whether external collaborators need paid seats.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Put it into practice

  • Define project cost allocation
  • Test a retainer and credit
  • Review permissions
  • Compare project reports with source records

Sources & scope

This guide provides original workflow checklists and illustrative evaluation methods. For current product-specific prices, use our source-linked comparison. It does not establish tax, legal or accounting treatment.

We have not performed hands-on product benchmarks. Read our research method or report a correction.