The Best Contractor Management Software Solutions
After careful consideration, here’s my shortlist of the best contractor management software I’ve covered in this article, plus detailed summaries below:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Many companies rely heavily on contract workers or subcontractors to complete projects on time and on budget. But the use of this type of labor introduces many complexities which need to be managed effectively. From safety issues to legal matters and beyond, there are a host of complications to consider. Thankfully, contractor management software can reduce the burden and help manage even the largest teams of contract workers.
In this article, I’ll review the top contractor management software solutions on the market to help you choose the right platform for your specific needs.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Contractor Management Solutions
Here’s a brief description of each contractor management software to showcase each system’s best use case and noteworthy features. I’ve also included screenshots to give a snapshot of their user interface too.
Deel
Best for fast onboarding and flexible payment + withdrawal options
Deel helps you hire and onboard contractors worldwide while ensuring compliance with local rules and regulations. The platform automatically collects, verifies, and stores the required tax, permit, and compliance documents. You can also generate W-9s, file 1099s, and file taxes.
The software is designed to get you from offer letter to onboarded employee within minutes. You can create a custom contract on the fly, send notifications for signing and get the new employee working immediately. Deel also creates airtight localized contracts and data processing agreements.
The platform provides a polished and consistent payments experience for both clients and contractors. They use major payment providers like Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, and Revolut to offer withdrawals in the currency of the contractor’s choice. The company also offers cryptocurrency withdrawals through Coinbase, which Deel reports have been especially popular with contractors in Latin America.
Deel also offers three major payment solutions for contractors: Deel Advance, Deel Card, and Instant Card Transfer. The offerings reduce cross-border transaction costs and processing times, giving contractors flexible withdrawal and spending options.
Deel is one of the largest international payroll solutions reviewed here, with the company reporting over 100,000 active worker contracts. At the time of writing, Deel has 1,200 reviews on Trustpilot with an overall score of 4.8.
Papaya Global
Best for managing global contractors and local regulations in 160 countries
Managing global contractors can be risky and time-consuming, but Papaya Global’s automated contractor management service makes it simple. Using their end-to-end global contractor management solution, you can manage invoices, process payments, and master local regulations in 160 countries. Papaya experts handle all the legal paperwork, so you don’t have to, and make sure all contractors are locally compliant.
Their software is also well-suited to dealing with the challenges of managing contractors and outsourced workers. These include misclassifying workers, managing large numbers of invoices, and staying compliant with local laws and regulations everywhere.
You can collect invoices from all your specialty contractors and validate their accuracy, then make payments with the click of a button. In addition to Papaya Global’s comprehensive contractor management, they can also assist with only invoice approvals and cross-border payments, depending on what you need.
Integrations are available with BambooHR, Expensify, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Namely, NetSuite, Priority Software, QuickBooks, SAP Business One, SAP Concur, and SAP SuccessFactors.
Worksuite
Best for managing global freelancers at the enterprise level
Worksuite (formerly Shortlist.co) is a cloud-based platform that helps you source, onboard, manage, rate, and pay your freelance teams. Companies use the software for managing creative resources, editorial content, and live events. Features include performance tracking, document management, project assignments, contract management, and metric tracking.
You can automate, customize and optimize the onboarding process, as well as track freelancers and prospective hires. Worksuite modules allow you to manage resources in real-time according to worker availability and skills. Additional features include invoice management, forecasting, reporting, and tax filing.
Integrations are available with Asana, Basecamp, Google Sheets, Mavenlink, Salesforce, Slack, Teamwork, QuickBooks, and Xero.
monday.com
Best for flexible tracking and time-saving automations
monday.com’s flexible Work OS system makes it easy for users to track any process through customized data dashboards, with built-in data visualization tools. With 200+ templates and 30 column types to choose from, it’s a straightforward and low-cost way to streamline your data and reduce manual processes by making use of their built-in automation for repeatable tasks, like flagging items for payment.
To support contractor management from start to finish, their “Forms” feature can collect basic information directly from contractors, which feeds results directly into monday’s dashboards in real-time. You can also use monday to track all other elements of working with contractors, such as their work status, insurance compliance, project timelines, project budgets, and payment status.
Their automation tool is also a great time-saver. For example, it’s simple enough to embed automation that flags items for payment as soon as a key task is marked as complete.
Integrations are available with other project management tools, including Slack, Dropbox, Google Drive, Zoho CRM, Adobe Creative Cloud, and others.
ExakTime Time & Attendance
Best for contractors working in the field
ExakTime Time & Attendance is a cloud-based software solution that helps businesses manage their workforce. It has tools for scheduling, time tracking, and expense and time off management. It's particularly well suited to companies managing contractors that do field-based work.
The time tracking feature allows you to track time by job or by individual, which is helpful when you're dealing with a large number of contractors. Meanwhile, the scheduling tool allows you to schedule jobs and assign contractors with just a few clicks. You can create payroll-ready reports based on the hours logged by your personnel in their timecards.
Speaking of timecards, contractors can clock in and out easily either via the mobile app or using a sturdy and weatherproof device that the company provides. For construction workers and other rugged environments, it's super handy to have a reliable and robust piece of hardware. GPS tracking is also included, helping you track where and when people log in and out of their work.
The software integrates with Sage, QuickBook, Viewpoint, Foundation Software, ADP, Acumatica, ConstructionPayroll.com, MYOB, Paychex, and Workday, among others.
Plans start from $9 per employee per month, with an additional base fee of $50 per month.
TimeClock Plus
Best for its multiple payroll vendor integrations
TimeClock Plus is a time and attendance software that's designed to help businesses manage their contractors more efficiently. It's a pretty handy tool for scheduling and paying contractors, and it's got a bunch of features that make it a standout.
I picked TimeClock Plus because of how much control you can have over contractor work. There are features that support you in tracking hours, a mobile platform that gives everyone an easy way to access the information, and a bunch of scheduling features. These features let you set up recurring schedules, use templates to get started in a short time, and track anomalies against the schedule so you have no unexpected surprises.
Additionally, control over contractual work increases when you see the reporting and analytics available in the tool. You can quickly see trends related to overtime which let you reduce labor costs, track KPIs through automated reports so you don't spend extra time in administrative tasks and reduce errors, and make use of that data to inform decisions.
When it's time to pay for the work done, the platform has over a hundred payroll integrations, including ADP, BAI, Ascentis, Accra, Casamba, Cayenne, Ceridian, and Epicure. Also Quickbooks, Paychex, or even payroll modules from ERP systems like SAP, Sage, and NetSuite.
QuickBooks Online
Best for paying contractor expenses and invoices globally
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software designed to help small businesses manage their finances. It offers a wide range of features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll management. But what really caught my attention is its functionality as a contractor management software for scheduling and paying contractors. As a user, I found it to be a great tool for managing my business's contractor relationships.
There are several features that make QuickBooks Online stand out as a contractor management software. First, it allows me to easily add and manage contractors, including their contact information, payment terms, and tax details. This helps me keep everything organized and ensures I have all the necessary information at my fingertips.
Another standout feature is the ability to create and send custom invoices to contractors. I can include my business logo, add a personalized message, and even set up automatic reminders for overdue payments. This not only saves me time but also helps me maintain a professional image with my contractors. QuickBooks Online also offers a simple way to track contractor payments and expenses. I can easily see how much I've paid each contractor, as well as any outstanding balances. This helps me stay on top of my finances and ensures I'm paying my contractors on time.
Integrations include over 400 business apps like Rewind Backups, Knowifiy for Customers, Plooto, Expensify, Fathom, BigCommerce, Verify, Insightly CRM, Mailchimp, and others.
Remote
Best for international compliance
Remote is a platform for managing payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance. Features include self-serve onboarding and management tools for both employees and contractors. The software also facilitates one-click payments, enabling you to pay contractors in over 100 currencies.
Remote includes Contractor Management capabilities designed to reduce manual work and simplify the process of paying contractors in a compliant manner. The software offers customizable contracts localized in accordance with labor laws in each country. It also includes legal guides which explain local laws in simple language.
Pricing starts at $29/contractor/month. A free plan with limited features is also available.
Hopscotch
Best for small businesses & freelancers
Hopscotch is a free invoicing software and payment processor that specializes in B2B transactions and vendor/client relationships. With Hopscotch, you can pay bills, create or receive invoices, and manage cash flow. This all-in-one functionality is ideal for agencies managing tons of clients/vendors on a regular basis. Rather than jumping back and forth between different platforms for invoicing and bill pay, consolidate those workflows into one platform and get accurate at-a-glance visibility on accounts payable and accounts receivable.
When it comes to invoicing, you can add as much detail as you want (dates, payment terms, items, pricing, tax data) and even drop in branding details like logo, colors, and icons. Then share the payment screen & invoice in any digital channel with a link or email notification. Hopscotch's bill payment solution is also simple to set up and use. Vendors, contractors, and suppliers don’t need to create an account to get paid.
Hopscotch Flow might be the most useful and unique service they offer. With Flow, you can leverage outstanding revenue as needed and then 'borrow' that money in advance. Unlike traditional businesses loans, this won’t ding your credit and there are no strings attached. You can unlock qualifying invoices before your client pays you to access the funds right when you need them. This can be especially helpful to small businesses and freelancers who may not have a huge capital pool and prefer not to wait net-30 or net-60 to get paid.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Gmail, Outlook, AOL, and 1000+ banks.
Lusha
Best contract management system for B2B companies
Lusha is a contact management platform you can use to find B2B contact information quickly. Lusha has a prospecting platform you can use for list-building using information from LinkedIn, Gmail, and any other website. It is also easy to use because all you need to do is add Lusha’s contact finder as an extension to your Chrome browser, and it will automatically obtain the contact information you need. Subscribers receive five free leads every month to help them grow their database.
Unlike other consumer sales companies, B2B organizations cannot just pull up contact information from just anywhere because they need to reach CEOs and decision-makers to conduct business. Lusha can help B2B organizations with its prospecting platform to filter contact information according to seniority level to eliminate non-decision makers. You can use Lusha to directly integrate qualified prospects to your CRM and sales software to save you time since you don’t need to input contact information manually.
Integrations are available with Gmail, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Outlook, Outreach, Pipedrive, Salesforce, Zoho, and Zapier.
Need Expert Help Selecting The Right Contractor Management Software?
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The 10 Best Contractor Management Solutions: Quick Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top contractor management software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Deel Best for fast onboarding and flexible payment + withdrawal options | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Visit Website |
2 | Papaya Global Best for managing global contractors and local regulations in 160 countries | Free trial available | EOR from $650/employee/month or $2/contractor/month; Global payroll from $3 to $12/employee/month | Visit Website |
3 | Worksuite Best for managing global freelancers at the enterprise level | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
4 | monday.com Best for flexible tracking and time-saving automations | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $8/user/month (billed annually, min 3 seats) | Visit Website |
5 | ExakTime Time & Attendance Best for contractors working in the field | Free demo available | From $9/employee/month + $50/month base fee | Visit Website |
6 | TimeClock Plus Best for its multiple payroll vendor integrations | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
7 | QuickBooks Online Best for paying contractor expenses and invoices globally | 30-day free trial | From $30/month | Visit Website |
8 | Remote Best for international compliance | 30-day free trial + free plan available | EOR from $599/employee/month or $29/contractor/month | Visit Website |
9 | Hopscotch Best for small businesses & freelancers | Free plan available | Zero fee payment options | Visit Website |
10 | Lusha Best contract management system for B2B companies | Free plan available | From $29/month/user | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best contractor management software shortlist:
- TalentDesk.io
Best all-in-one solution for freelancer management and faster work allocation
- Atlas
Best for consolidating your global contractor data
- ADP Workmarket
Best contractor management platform for an advanced mobile app
- Velocity Global
Best cloud-based contractor management software for compliance assessments
- Lano
Best contractor management system for creating smart contracts
- Donesafe
Best contractor management system with advanced safety management features
- Rippling
Best for project-specific time-tracking, integrated into payroll
- Pipedrive CRM
Best user-friendly CRM system that enables small and medium-sized businesses to track their contacts with ease
- Oyster HR
Best for fast, simple contractor payments
- Contractor Compliance
Best for collecting, tracking, and managing third-party contractor and vendor compliance requirements
Selection Criteria For Contractor Management Software
Wondering how I selected the best contractor management platforms for this list? Here’s a summary of the evaluation and selection criteria I used:
Key Features
A good contractor management platform will typically offer:
- Easy onboarding: a simple process to gather basic information such as certifications, insurance, and tax information.
- On-site contractor tracking: using mobile devices with GPS tracking to track general contractors and match time worked to invoices.
- Compliance checks: matching contractors’ active compliance with work orders to ensure that qualifications and insurances are up to date.
- Contractor induction: ensuring that all workers are fully aware of site hazards, emergency contacts, job site policies, and contacts.
- Deployment management: dispatching the right contractor for each job, according to ranking, location, skills, and capacity.
- Mobile-first setup: on-site managers should be able to issue tasks, work orders, inductions, and compliance notices using tablets or phones.
- Accounting & Financials: built-in payment processing plus the gathering of data required for insurance, taxes, etc.
- End-user satisfaction: a design that makes it easy for all users to get the data they need quickly and easily.
Additional Criteria
I also always dig into the following details, no matter what type of software I'm reviewing:
- User Interface (UI): I looked for contractor management systems that have a clean and uncluttered user interface (UI), with key features within easy reach. I also gave preferential treatment to systems to those that had a user-friendly design on mobile devices, to make it easier to use when working on-site.
- Usability: Even though usability does relate heavily to a system's UI, I prefer to evaluate it separately. To assess a system's usability, it needs to be easy to learn and master for non-technical users, so good self-service knowledge portals and additional customer support are key.
- Software Integrations: Your contractor information shouldn't live in a silo. That's why software integrations are important, since they can connect this data to other systems you're already using, to improve your productivity. For contractor management software, key integrations to note include project management software, document management systems, timesheet or time-tracking software, and payroll systems. You'll also want to make sure you can easily export your data into spreadsheets or CSV files as needed too.
- Value for Price: I sought out tools that are cost-effective even for small businesses that only hire one or two contractors. These systems are available on SaaS (software-as-a-service) agreements, meaning you can expect to pay a monthly fee based on the number of admin users you have accessing the software.
People Also Ask
Still wondering about contract management software and how it can help your organization? These answers to frequently asked questions should get you all sorted out:
What is contractor management software?
Why do I need contractor management software?
What are the benefits of using contractor management software?
Who typically uses contractor management software?
Other Types of Resourcing Software
Looking for other types of software to ease your administrative load? Take a look at these other specialty lists for some other solutions that may help:
- Workforce Management Software
- Safety Management Software
- Employee Scheduling Software
- Workforce Planning Software
- Integrated Risk Management Software
- Online Project Management Tools
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software
- ERP Systems for Small Businesses
- Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) Software
- Best Employer of Record (EOR) Services
Next Steps
If you found this list helpful, you might also like to check out our article on the 10 best employee scheduling software tools. And to stay up to date with the latest developments in employee management, sign up for our free newsletter.
For even more help on choosing the best HR software, check this out: Best HR Software Companies
Related Read: PEO or EOR: Which Is Right For You?