As government contractors expand their operations and take on larger projects, their accounting and financial management needs to become more complex. While QuickBooks has long been a popular choice for small businesses, it may not adequately address the unique requirements and challenges faced by government contractors as they scale up. In this blog post, we will explore how NetSuite, a comprehensive cloud-based ERP solution, outshines QuickBooks when it comes to meeting the growing needs of government contractors.

Advanced Functionality for Project Accounting:

Government contractors need to track labor costs and expenses not just between different billable customers, but also differentiate between direct and internal resources and expenditures. They also need to track the allowability of those costs and separate out those unallowable expenses. Utilizing Project-Based accounting provides that additional dimension to combine with your chart of accounts in keeping track of all the different types of expenses. NetSuite offers robust project accounting features that allow contractors to efficiently manage multiple projects, allocate resources, track budgets, and generate comprehensive reports. QuickBooks, on the other hand, lacks the advanced project accounting capabilities required for complex government contracts.

Compliance and Reporting:

Government contracts come with strict compliance and reporting requirements. NetSuite’s built-in compliance features help government contractors adhere to regulatory standards such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) regulations. It offers capabilities like timekeeping, cost allocation, indirect cost rate calculations, and automated audit trails. QuickBooks, while suitable for basic compliance needs, falls short when it comes to meeting the rigorous demands of government contracts.

Scalability and Flexibility:

As government contractors grow, they need a system that can scale with their expanding operations. NetSuite, being an enterprise-level solution, provides the scalability and flexibility required to accommodate a growing business. It supports increased transaction volumes, additional users, and complex reporting needs. In contrast, QuickBooks may struggle to handle the increasing demands and may require additional plugins or workarounds to accommodate expansion.

Integrated Business Management:

NetSuite goes beyond accounting and offers an integrated suite of applications that encompass financial management, project management, procurement, inventory, CRM, and more. This unified approach allows government contractors to streamline their operations, eliminate data silos, and gain real-time visibility into their entire business. QuickBooks, on the other hand, primarily focuses on accounting and may require additional software integration to achieve similar levels of operational efficiency.

Automation and Workflow:

NetSuite automates various financial processes, such as billing, revenue recognition, and expense management. These automation capabilities help government contractors reduce manual errors, improve efficiency, and free up valuable resources. QuickBooks offers limited automation options, which can hinder productivity and create bottlenecks as contractors scale up their operations.

Actual Cost vs Opportunity Cost: 

NetSuite may come with a higher price tag, but it is essential to consider the substantial labor hours that employees spend trying to navigate QuickBooks, struggling to generate accurate reports or even ensuring the system functions smoothly. In contrast, NetSuite offers a robust suite of functionalities and advanced reporting capabilities that can prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run. By opting for NetSuite, the system’s efficacy and reporting prowess can offset its cost, allowing your employees to redirect their efforts towards core business activities rather than grappling with accounting tasks. Simply evaluating the price without acknowledging the extensive effort required to maintain QuickBooks, often with makeshift solutions, fails to grasp the true opportunity cost at hand.

The Bottomline: 

When it comes to meeting the growing needs of government contractors, NetSuite emerges as the superior choice compared to QuickBooks. Its advanced project accounting functionality, compliance features, scalability, integrated business management, and automation capabilities make it a comprehensive solution that caters specifically to the evolving requirements of government contractors. By transitioning to NetSuite, contractors can streamline their operations, ensure compliance, and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

About Daston 

As a government contractor or vendor, navigating the complexities of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and meeting Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) requirements can be overwhelming. That’s why Daston, NetSuite’s GovCon Alliance Partner of Choice is here to help. With over 10 years of proven implementation success and expertise in ERP solutions specifically designed for Government Contractors, Daston is your trusted partner in streamlining your operations and ensuring compliance with government regulations.

 As the only solution provider of NetSuite’s GovCon Essentials and DCAA-on-Demand SuiteApp technology, we offer a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to the unique needs of government contractors. Our team of certified NetSuite Software Developments (BFN) Partner and subject matter experts (SMEs) in FAR, CAS, and DCAA requirements are equipped with the knowledge and experience to guide you through every step of the process. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by industry leaders, as we have been selected as Google Partner of the Year (2022) Public Sector and listed on Inc. Fast 5000 list of top companies (2022). When it comes to ERP solutions for government contractors, Daston is your go-to partner for unparalleled expertise, proven success, and cutting-edge technology. Partner with us and experience the difference of having a trusted ally in your corner. Contact our team today to learn more.