FOUNDATION Software (FOUNDATION for Windows and the cloud-hosted FOUNDATION CLOUD) is a fully integrated construction accounting system built on Microsoft SQL Server and in continuous development since 1985. Its base system covers job costing, payroll, GL, AP, AR, purchase orders/subcontracts, and CPA audit/review, with optional modules for service management, scheduling, executive dashboards, document imaging, project management, and mobile field data collection.
For mechanical and HVAC contractors, FOUNDATION's strengths are its payroll engine (certified, multi-state, union-fringe, prevailing wage), deep job-cost structure with committed-cost and cost-to-complete reporting, and WIP/over-under billing reports that match how bank and bonding relationships analyze construction companies. Its 'Genie' series of custom report and import/export designers lets controllers build shop-specific dashboards without custom code.
FOUNDATION is used by 43,000+ construction professionals and is one of the established mid-market options for firms that have outgrown QuickBooks Contractor but don't need a full Sage 300 CRE or Viewpoint Vista. Pricing is modular and quoted by the vendor; industry estimates put 10-user systems in the $15K/year range, with first-year totals often $10K+ depending on modules and implementation. Headquartered in Strongsville, Ohio, FOUNDATION has a CPA-led heritage that shows in its reporting depth and bookkeeping-services arm.