Time Tracking for Accountants: Software Comparison (2026)
Time tracking is the foundation of billable-hour accountancy. Choose the wrong tool and you lose hours per week to double-entry, missed time, and reconciliation. This comparison covers the main options for UK and EU accounting firms.
The core decision: standalone vs integrated
There are two fundamental approaches to time tracking for accounting firms:
Standalone time tracking (Harvest, Toggl Track, Clockify, Time Doctor). Best-in-class time-tracking experience. Strong reporting. Cheap. The downside: time entries live in a separate system from your invoicing, client list, and engagement records. Every billable hour requires moving data manually to your invoicing tool.
Integrated time tracking (built into practice management platforms like FirmFlow, Karbon, TaxDome, Clio). Time tracking is part of the same platform as your client list, engagements, and invoices. Tracked hours auto-populate into invoices. The downside: time-tracking features may be less polished than dedicated tools.
For most accounting firms with 10+ clients, integrated wins. The hours saved on data movement outweigh the marginal benefit of better standalone reporting.
Standalone option 1: Harvest
Pricing: €11/user/month (annually).
Strengths: Clean UI, strong mobile app, excellent reporting, good integrations with accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks). Has built-in invoicing if you want to use it for both.
Weaknesses: Per-user pricing scales aggressively. Invoicing is basic compared to dedicated invoicing tools. No built-in client portal — clients can't view their time records or invoices.
Best for: Small consultancies and accounting firms (1-10 people) who only need time tracking and basic invoicing, and don't mind sending invoices via email.
Standalone option 2: Toggl Track
Pricing: Free for up to 5 users. Paid plans from €9/user/month.
Strengths: Best-in-class time-tracking UX. Pomodoro timers, idle detection, browser extensions. Generous free tier. Excellent for solo practitioners who want a great timer experience.
Weaknesses: No invoicing. No client portal. Reporting is good but data export to invoicing tools is manual. Best paired with a separate invoicing tool.
Best for: Solo accountants and consultants who want premium time-tracking UX and don't need integrated billing.
Integrated option 1: FirmFlow
Pricing: €29-89/month flat for entire team (entire firm, not per user).
Strengths: Time tracking built into the same platform as client list, engagements, e-signatures, documents, and invoicing. Tracked hours convert directly to invoices in one click. Multi-currency support for international clients. Client portal where clients can view their invoices and pay.
Weaknesses: Time-tracking UI is less feature-rich than Toggl or Harvest (no Pomodoro, no advanced idle detection). Built for billable-hours work, less ideal for project-budget tracking.
Best for: Solo and small accounting firms (1-5 people) who want time tracking + everything else in one platform with predictable pricing. See FirmFlow for accountants.
Integrated option 2: Karbon and TaxDome
Karbon: Time tracking is one of many features. Designed for mid-size accounting firms. €65-82/user/month. FirmFlow vs Karbon comparison.
TaxDome: Time tracking included in standard plans. ~€55/user/month with multi-year contract lock-in. Best for US tax-focused firms. FirmFlow vs TaxDome comparison.
Both work well technically but the per-user pricing means the cost adds up fast for growing firms.
Decision framework
Solo accountant on a budget: Toggl Track free + a separate invoicing tool (FreshBooks, etc.). Total cost €0-15/month.
Solo or 2-3 person firm wanting it all in one place: FirmFlow Starter at €29/month. One bill, one platform.
5+ person firm with custom workflows: Karbon if you need email-driven workflow automation, FirmFlow Pro if you want flat pricing.
US tax-focused firm (any size): TaxDome if you need tax-specific features, FirmFlow if not.
For more on the broader practice management decision, see our complete guide.