Must-have consulting software: Top 15 tools reviewed (2025)
Consulting software helps firms manage billing and clients, but many platforms miss the mark. Discover 15 top tools that keep client projects organized in 2025.
After months of testing dozens of CRM, billing, and client portal platforms, I found the top 15 consulting software tools that help teams build stronger client relationships in 2025.
Expert take:
Assembly leads with a branded client portal that unites billing and communication for stronger post-sale relationships. Productive delivers strong financial oversight for project-based teams, while Zoho One fits firms that need full business operations in a single system.
15 Best business consulting software apps: At a glance
Consulting software now covers CRMs, billing systems, project tools, and client portals that simplify operations from onboarding to reporting. Here’s how the tools compare so you can pick the one that matches your workflow:
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price (Billed Annually) | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly | All-in-one client management | $39/month | Combines CRM, billing, messaging, and onboarding in one client portal |
| Productive | Project and financial oversight | $9/user/month (3-user minimum) | Connects budgeting, scheduling, and billing under one dashboard |
| Zoho One | Company-wide business suite | $37/user/month (must commit to all employees on payroll) | 40+ integrated apps for CRM, analytics, and project management |
| HubSpot CRM | Managing sales pipelines | $9/user/month | Unified CRM, marketing, and deal tracking |
| Pipedrive | Visual deal tracking | $14/user/month | Visual deal stages and automated follow-ups |
| QuickBooks | Accounting and bookkeeping | $37.50/month billed monthly | Simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and tax prep |
| FreshBooks | Solo accounting and billing | $170.10/year | Intuitive time tracking and easy recurring billing |
| Xero | Global accounting and payments | $25/month billed monthly | Built-in bank feeds and real-time reconciliation |
| Stripe Invoicing | Sending client invoices | 0.4% per paid invoice, plus 2.9% + 30¢ per card payment (US) | Fast invoicing with built-in global payment support |
| Asana | Task and project tracking | $10.99/user/month | Clean project tracking and automation for growing teams |
| ClickUp | Team productivity management | $7/user/month | Custom dashboards and built-in reporting |
| Harvest | Time and billing tracking | $11/user/month | Simple billable hour tracking and reporting |
| Calendly | Client scheduling automation | $10/user/month | Automated scheduling and integrated payment links |
| Proposify | Proposal and contract creation | $19/month | Branded proposal templates with e-signatures |
| Microsoft 365 | Document and communication tools | $6/user/month | Centralized email, document storage, and collaboration |
1. Assembly: Best for all-in-one client management

- What it does: Assembly is a client management platform and CRM that combines communication, billing, and reporting in one secure client portal.
- Who it’s for: Consulting firms and service teams that want a central hub to manage clients, automate admin work, and keep communication organized.
We built Assembly for consulting teams that need structure after the sale. Many firms rely on separate tools for billing, contracts, and client updates, which adds unnecessary admin and slows response times. Assembly replaces that patchwork with one branded portal where clients can sign contracts, pay invoices, upload files, and complete onboarding securely.
Inside Assembly, teams can automate reminders, track progress, and manage client records without juggling multiple systems. Built-in messaging replaces long email threads, while e-signatures and payment tracking simplify approvals and keep projects moving forward.
For consulting teams, Assembly also makes it easier to standardize services and onboarding. You can set clear workflows for new clients, from signed agreements to first deliverables, all managed inside the same workspace.
Assembly integrates with Airtable, ClickUp, and Calendly, and supports automations through Zapier or Make. It meets SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR standards, with strong encryption and role-based permissions that protect sensitive client data.
Key features
- Branded client portals: Clients can view invoices, updates, and files in one organized hub.
- Billing and payments: Built-in invoicing, e-signatures, and payment tracking.
- Assembly Assistant: Our AI assistant summarizes notes, messages, and activity so teams can prep faster and stay aligned before meetings.
- Automations: Handles reminders, form submissions, and approvals.
- Integrations: Connects with ClickUp, Airtable, and Calendly.
Pros
- Combines CRM, billing, and communication in one place
- Branded experience that improves client visibility
- Saves time with automation and built-in reporting
Cons
- Setup time increases with large client databases
- Less focused on sales prospecting and lead management
Pricing
Assembly starts at $39 per month, with higher tiers offering additional client seats, integrations, and white-label customization.
Bottom line
Assembly helps consulting teams manage post-sale work by unifying billing, communication, and client management in one secure portal. It saves time through automation and organized onboarding, but firms focused on project visibility or financial reporting may prefer Productive, ClickUp, or QuickBooks.
2. Productive: Best for project and financial oversight

- What it does: Productive is a project management and financial tracking platform that combines time tracking, budgeting, and invoicing in one workspace.
- Who it’s for: Consulting firms that need full visibility into project costs, team utilization, and profitability.
Productive stands out for how well it connects project work with financial performance. Everything from billable hours to margins updates in real time, giving consulting teams clear visibility into profitability as projects move forward.
I found its forecasting tools effective for balancing workloads and preventing overruns before they happen. The dashboards make it easy to see which clients or projects are most profitable, and the built-in time tracking ties directly to invoicing with no extra setup.
Productive also includes budget forecasting and utilization reports that show where resources are stretched or underused, making it easier to plan capacity and maintain healthy margins.
Key features
- Budget tracking: Monitor profitability across projects and clients.
- Time tracking: Log hours and approve timesheets in one dashboard.
- Invoicing: Convert tracked time and expenses into invoices automatically.
Pros
- Combines project and financial visibility
- Real-time profitability and utilization tracking
- Streamlined time-to-invoice workflow
Cons
- Interface can feel complex for new users
- Some advanced reports require setup time
Pricing
Productive starts at $9 per user per month with a three-user minimum.
Bottom line
Productive helps consulting teams stay profitable by connecting time, budgeting, and invoicing in one place. It gives firms the visibility they need to track performance in real time, but teams that want lighter project tools may prefer Asana, ClickUp, or Harvest.
3. Zoho One: Best company-wide business suite

- What it does: Zoho One is a unified business suite that combines CRM, analytics, projects, and finance into one connected platform.
- Who it’s for: Firms that want to manage sales, delivery, and reporting across multiple departments in one system.
Zoho One brings every part of a consulting business together in one connected system. The platform links CRM, projects, and billing through a shared database, giving teams consistent information across every department.
I like how the analytics reveal how sales and project performance tie into overall revenue without extra setup. The automation features also stood out to me, especially how they sync data between teams and reduce double entry across finance and operations.
Zoho Projects and Books also work together within the suite, making it easier to track hours, send invoices, and monitor budgets in one place.
Key features
- CRM and analytics: Connects sales, finance, and reporting across teams.
- Projects: Tracks progress, milestones, and resources in real time.
- Automation: Syncs data between 40+ integrated Zoho apps.
Pros
- Combines sales, projects, and finance in one system
- Strong analytics and reporting capabilities
- Good scalability for larger firms
Cons
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- Interface feels heavy for smaller teams
Pricing
Zoho One starts at $37 per user per month with a company-wide license requirement.
Bottom line
Zoho One gives firms a centralized system for managing sales, projects, and analytics. It’s powerful once configured, but smaller consulting teams may find Productive, HubSpot CRM, or Asana easier to adopt.
4. HubSpot CRM: Best for managing sales pipelines

- What it does: HubSpot CRM helps consulting firms manage contacts, deals, and client communication from one dashboard.
- Who it’s for: Teams that want to organize leads, track outreach, and automate follow-ups.
HubSpot CRM focuses on helping consulting teams organize leads, automate outreach, and close deals faster. I like how every contact record includes emails, meeting notes, and documents, so teams can pick up any conversation without digging through threads.
The automation tools are practical. They send follow-ups, assign leads, and update deal stages automatically. Reporting dashboards give a clear view of conversion rates and pipeline activity, helping managers spot where deals slow down.
It also connects easily with Gmail, Slack, and Google Sheets, which keeps information consistent across tools. HubSpot works best for firms that want a lightweight CRM to manage growth without building an overly complex sales system.
Key features
- Deal pipelines: Track sales progress from lead to close.
- Email automation: Schedule outreach and reminders automatically.
- Integrations: Sync with Gmail, Slack, and other daily tools.
Pros
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Strong automation and email tools
- Free tier for small teams
Cons
- Some features require premium upgrades
- Limited project management tools
Pricing
HubSpot CRM starts at $9 per user per month for paid plans, with a free version available.
Bottom line
HubSpot CRM helps consulting teams stay organized by automating outreach and tracking deals in one place. It’s great for managing sales conversations, but firms that need deeper project tracking may prefer Pipedrive, Productive, or Asana.
5. Pipedrive: Best for visual deal tracking

- What it does: Pipedrive is a visual CRM that helps consulting teams organize deals, monitor progress, and automate routine follow-ups.
- Who it’s for: Firms that want a clear sales pipeline without a complex setup.
Pipedrive simplifies deal tracking into a visual, organized workflow that makes managing sales straightforward. Each opportunity moves through drag-and-drop stages, giving teams a quick view of what’s close to closing and what needs attention.
I liked how easy it was to automate repetitive steps such as assigning tasks, sending reminders, and updating deal status. The Insights dashboard shows revenue forecasts and pipeline progress, helping managers focus on deals that matter.
Integrations with tools like Google Workspace and Trello keep data synced without manual work. For smaller consulting firms or those new to CRM software, Pipedrive provides enough structure to manage pipelines efficiently without unnecessary complexity.
Key features
- Sales pipelines: Drag-and-drop deals through visual stages.
- Automation: Set reminders and automate follow-ups.
- Integrations: Connects with Google Workspace and Asana.
Pros
- Visual and easy-to-use interface
- Quick to set up and customize
- Good pipeline reporting tools
Cons
- Limited marketing automation
- Fewer native analytics than HubSpot
Pricing
Pipedrive starts at $14 per user per month when billed annually.
Bottom line
Pipedrive gives consulting teams a simple, visual way to manage sales and forecast revenue. It’s ideal for straightforward pipelines, though firms seeking marketing automation may prefer HubSpot CRM, Zoho One, or ClickUp.
6. QuickBooks: Best for accounting and bookkeeping

- What it does: QuickBooks is accounting software that helps consultants track expenses, generate invoices, and manage taxes in one place.
- Who it’s for: Firms that handle their own bookkeeping and want reliable financial reporting tools.
QuickBooks has been a consistent choice in every consulting stack I’ve reviewed. It’s easy for small teams to use while offering the reporting depth larger firms need.
I like how it connects bank feeds, invoices, and receipts automatically, so transactions stay accurate without manual entry.
The dashboard gives a clear view of income, expenses, and outstanding invoices, making the month-end close faster. It also integrates with payment tools like Stripe and PayPal, which helps consultants manage cash flow directly from the same dashboard.
For firms building a sustainable consulting business model, QuickBooks brings structure and accuracy to financial management.
Key features
- Expense tracking: Syncs transactions from connected accounts.
- Invoicing: Create and send branded invoices with payment links.
- Reports: Generates profit and loss, balance sheet, and tax summaries.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting and tax tools
- Integrates with major payment systems
- Easy-to-use reports for consultants
Cons
- Subscription cost increases as features expand
- Occasional syncing delays with bank feeds
Pricing
QuickBooks starts at $37.50 per month, billed monthly.
Bottom line
QuickBooks helps consulting firms manage cash flow, expenses, and reporting from one system. It’s reliable for day-to-day accounting, but firms that want real-time project visibility may prefer Productive, Xero, or FreshBooks.
7. FreshBooks: Best for solo accounting and billing

- What it does: FreshBooks is billing and time-tracking software that helps consultants invoice clients, track expenses, and manage payments.
- Who it’s for: Independent consultants or small teams that want simple invoicing and time tracking.
FreshBooks stands out for how easy it is to use. In testing, I could create invoices, log hours, and categorize expenses without touching a spreadsheet. The mobile app is also helpful for tracking mileage and receipts while traveling between client meetings.
I like the built-in reporting because it summarizes revenue, expenses, and taxes without setup. While not as comprehensive as full accounting platforms, it’s ideal for consultants who prioritize quick invoicing and clean recordkeeping over complex workflows.
It’s straightforward enough for freelancers, but still powerful enough to support businesses like AI consulting firms that bill clients hourly.
Key features
- Invoicing: Create and send professional invoices in minutes.
- Time tracking: Log and bill hours directly from the dashboard.
- Expenses: Snap receipts and categorize automatically.
Pros
- User-friendly and mobile-ready
- Great for freelancers or small teams
- Fast setup for invoicing and tracking
Cons
- Limited financial reporting
- Fewer integrations than QuickBooks
Pricing
FreshBooks starts at $170.10 per year for the basic plan.
Bottom line
FreshBooks is built for small consulting teams that want easy billing and expense tracking. It keeps financial management simple, but firms with larger accounting needs may prefer QuickBooks, Xero, or Productive.
8. Xero: Best for global accounting and payments

- What it does: Xero is cloud-based accounting software designed for firms that manage international clients and multi-currency transactions.
- Who it’s for: Consulting teams with cross-border clients or remote operations.
Xero offers more global flexibility than most accounting tools I’ve tested. It automatically converts currencies, tracks tax rates, and syncs transactions from multiple accounts in real time. I like how invoices can be sent in different currencies while still feeding into one financial dashboard.
The platform’s reporting tools give a unified view of profitability across locations, which is valuable for international consultants. It integrates easily with platforms like PayPal for payments, reducing the manual work that comes with foreign transactions.
For consulting teams managing clients in multiple regions, Xero helps to keep accounting consistent and compliant.
Key features
- Multi-currency support: Converts and tracks global transactions.
- Financial reports: View consolidated income and expenses.
- Integrations: Connects to banking and payment platforms.
Pros
- Strong global accounting tools
- Clean interface with real-time updates
- Reliable for tax and compliance reporting
Cons
- Customer support can be slow
- Slight learning curve for first-time users
Pricing
Xero usually starts at $25 per month, billed monthly.
Bottom line
Xero helps consultants handle global payments and reporting from one place. It’s ideal for international firms, but local teams or smaller agencies might prefer FreshBooks or QuickBooks for simpler billing.
9. Stripe Invoicing: Best for sending client invoices

- What it does: Stripe Invoicing helps consultants create, send, and manage invoices while accepting payments worldwide.
- Who it’s for: Firms that collect payments online or work with international clients.
Stripe Invoicing brings the payment experience into a structured system. It creates a direct path from invoice to payment, supporting cards, ACH, and wire transfers without extra setup.
I like how recurring billing runs in the background once configured, which makes it reliable for firms with retainers or ongoing service contracts. The tracking and reminder tools also make payment management feel proactive rather than reactive.
For teams already using Stripe, adding invoicing keeps everything in one platform and makes it easier to manage payments alongside client work. It’s a practical choice for firms that want organized billing without the complexity of full accounting software.
Key features
- Invoices: Create and send global invoices in minutes.
- Recurring billing: Automate subscription or retainer payments.
- Payment tracking: Monitor status and reminders in one dashboard.
Pros
- Fast to set up and easy to manage
- Works globally with built-in currency support
- Integrates with major accounting platforms
Cons
- Transaction fees add up over time
- Lacks deep accounting features
Pricing
Stripe Invoicing charges 0.4% per paid invoice on the Starter plan, plus standard processing fees of 2.9% + 30¢ per card payment in the US.
Bottom line
Stripe Invoicing gives consultants a simple way to send invoices and accept payments from anywhere. It’s efficient for online billing, but firms needing full accounting or reporting features may prefer QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks.
10. Asana: Best for task and project tracking

- What it does: Asana is project management software that helps teams organize tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress in one place.
- Who it’s for: Consulting teams that manage multiple clients and want better project visibility.
Asana keeps consulting projects organized from kickoff to delivery. I have used it myself, and I like how tasks can be grouped by client, project, or phase, giving everyone a clear view of what’s in progress and what’s next.
Automations handle repetitive jobs like updating task status or sending reminders, which keeps workflows consistent. The timeline and workload views help balance team capacity, so no one is overloaded.
I find Asana to be effective for firms that need project tracking but don’t require full professional services automation software. It strikes a balance between structure and simplicity, making it easy to scale without overwhelming new users.
Key features
- Task management: Create and assign tasks by project or client.
- Automation: Automate reminders and status updates.
- Timeline view: Visualize project deadlines and dependencies.
Pros
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Flexible for different team sizes
- Good balance between structure and ease of use
Cons
- Limited budgeting or billing tools
- Fewer reporting options than ClickUp
Pricing
Asana starts at $10.99 per user per month.
Bottom line
Asana helps consulting teams stay organized and manage deliverables efficiently. It’s ideal for firms that want simple project tracking, though teams that need financial or resource reporting may prefer ClickUp, Productive, or Zoho One.
11. ClickUp: Best for team productivity management

- What it does: ClickUp is a flexible project management tool that helps consulting teams plan, assign, and track work across multiple clients.
- Who it’s for: Firms that want a customizable workspace for project tracking and collaboration.
ClickUp adapts to almost any consulting workflow, which makes it appealing for teams with complex project structures. I’ve used it before too, and I like how you can switch between list, board, and timeline views depending on how you plan work.
Custom fields let teams track client data, deliverables, and budgets in one place. The built-in automation is also helpful for recurring jobs like task handoffs or status updates. Reporting dashboards bring together project progress, time tracking, and workload, giving leaders a clear overview of team capacity.
For firms that want a single hub for operations, ClickUp combines flexibility with control without feeling heavy to use.
Key features
- Custom workflows: Tailor project templates to match client processes.
- Dashboards: Visualize progress, time, and workload in one view.
- Automations: Handle recurring jobs like task updates or reminders.
Pros
- Highly customizable layouts
- Strong visibility into active projects
- Great balance between power and usability
Cons
- Can feel crowded for new users
- Some advanced reports require setup
Pricing
ClickUp starts at $7 per user per month when billed annually.
Bottom line
ClickUp gives consulting teams control over how they organize work, budgets, and deliverables. It’s a solid choice for collaboration and reporting, but firms focused on financial management may prefer Productive, Zoho One, or Asana.
12. Harvest: Best for time and billing tracking

- What it does: Harvest helps consulting teams track time, billable hours, and expenses while connecting them directly to invoices.
- Who it’s for: Firms that need accurate time tracking tied to client billing.
Harvest keeps time tracking simple while still offering the level of detail consulting teams need for billing and reporting.
I liked how each tracked hour connects automatically to a project or client, which keeps invoices accurate without manual edits. The reporting tools highlight which clients and projects generate the most profit and where time is being lost, giving firms clearer data to refine pricing or workload.
I also found the integrations strong, connecting with QuickBooks, Xero, and Asana to link time tracking with accounting and project workflows. For consultants who bill hourly or manage multi-phase projects, Harvest provides structure without the complexity of larger platforms.
Key features
- Time tracking: Log hours by client or project.
- Invoicing: Turn approved hours into client invoices.
- Reports: Analyze project profitability and team workload.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Accurate tracking linked to billing
- Easy to connect with accounting tools
Cons
- Limited project management depth
- Few options for fixed-fee projects
Pricing
Harvest starts at $11 per user per month.
Bottom line
Harvest helps consultants stay on top of hours and billing without a complex setup. It’s reliable for time-based work, though firms with deeper accounting needs might prefer QuickBooks, Xero, or Productive.
13. Calendly: Best for client scheduling automation

- What it does: Calendly simplifies meeting scheduling by letting clients book time based on your real availability.
- Who it’s for: Consulting teams that spend too much time coordinating meetings.
Calendly simplifies scheduling for consultants by automating how clients book meetings based on real-time availability. In my testing, I found it reliable across both Google and Outlook calendars, keeping availability accurate without manual updates.
Setting up meeting types, durations, and buffers is intuitive, which helps firms structure different service calls or consultations. The built-in payment option is a useful addition for teams that charge for short sessions or workshops.
I also like how consistent scheduling becomes across the team once rules are set, which helps avoid confusion and double booking. For consulting firms that value predictable client coordination, Calendly fits easily into existing tools and processes.
Key features
- Calendar sync: Integrates with Google and Outlook for real-time booking.
- Custom meeting types: Set different durations and buffer times.
- Payments: Accept payments for billable sessions through integrations.
Pros
- Eliminates manual scheduling
- Simple and clean interface
- Supports payments for sessions
Cons
- Limited customization on lower plans
- No built-in analytics or reporting
Pricing
Calendly starts at $10 per user per month.
Bottom line
Calendly helps consultants manage bookings efficiently and stay organized. It’s great for scheduling client calls, though firms needing full project or billing management may prefer Assembly, ClickUp, or Productive.
14. Proposify: Best for proposals and contracts

- What it does: Proposify helps consulting teams create, send, and track client proposals with built-in e-signatures.
- Who it’s for: Firms that manage recurring proposals, contracts, and approvals.
Proposify turns proposal management into a clear, measurable process. One thing I liked in testing was how templates can be customized with pricing tables, service descriptions, and branding to reflect each client relationship.
The platform tracks when prospects open proposals and how long they view each section, which helps consultants follow up strategically. Built-in signatures make approvals quick and remove the need for third-party tools.
For teams that send frequent proposals or renewals, Proposify saves time while helping standardize how firms present services and pricing. It’s especially useful for agencies refining their consulting proposal process at scale.
Key features
- Templates: Create branded proposals with dynamic pricing tables.
- Tracking: See when clients open or view sections.
- E-signatures: Get instant approvals inside each proposal.
Pros
- Speeds up proposal creation
- Strong visibility into client engagement
- Includes built-in signatures
Cons
- Editing can feel rigid at times
- Reporting is basic on the lower tiers
Pricing
Proposify starts at $19 per user per month.
Bottom line
Proposify helps consulting teams send and track proposals faster with built-in signatures and analytics. It’s effective for firms managing high proposal volume, but smaller teams may prefer simpler tools like Assembly or Zoho One for contracts.
15. Microsoft 365: Best for document and communication tools

- What it does: Microsoft 365 brings email, documents, and collaboration tools together in one workspace.
- Who it’s for: Consulting firms standardizing communication and file management across teams.
Microsoft 365 continues to be a core platform for consulting firms that need organized communication and document management. I’ve used it in the past and found that its strength lies in how Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive connect to keep messages, files, and meeting notes aligned.
The platform makes it simple to manage permissions, which supports compliance and client confidentiality. Shared calendars and co-editing features also help teams stay coordinated across departments or locations.
For firms scaling operations or managing several clients at once, Microsoft 365 provides a reliable foundation for collaboration without requiring additional software.
Key features
- Collaboration: Co-edit documents and share files in real time.
- Email and calendars: Manage scheduling and communication in one system.
- Security: Role-based permissions and encrypted storage for client data.
Pros
- Widely adopted and reliable
- Strong data security features
- Integrates well with external tools
Cons
- Occasional syncing issues with Teams
- Interface can feel dated for new users
Pricing
Microsoft 365 starts at $6 per user per month.
Bottom line
Microsoft 365 gives consulting teams dependable communication and collaboration tools in one suite. It’s ideal for standardizing internal operations, though teams needing more advanced project tracking may prefer ClickUp, Zoho One, or Asana.
How I tested these consulting tools
I spent a couple of months using and comparing the consulting platforms featured here across real projects, from onboarding to invoicing. My goal was to see how each product supports daily consulting work, not just how it looks on paper.
Here’s what I evaluated during testing:
- Setup and learning curve: How long it took to move from signup to managing an active client project.
- Collaboration and workflow: Whether teams could share updates, files, and communication without relying on separate tools.
- Financial clarity: How well the platform connected time tracking, invoicing, and reporting for accurate profitability.
- Client experience: How intuitive it was for clients to view deliverables, approve contracts, and make payments.
- Integrations and scalability: Which tools connected cleanly with others commonly found in consulting stacks and whether they could grow with larger client loads.
Testing them side by side revealed how quickly each platform helped teams organize client work, collaborate effectively, and save time on routine admin jobs.
Which consulting software should you choose?
Every consulting team works differently, so the right platform depends on how your firm manages projects, clients, and financial reporting. Choose:
- Assembly if you want one branded client hub that connects invoicing, communication, and onboarding in a single space.
- Productive if you need visibility into project budgets, utilization, and profitability.
- Zoho One if you want an all-in-one suite that covers CRM, analytics, and project management.
- HubSpot CRM if your focus is on building and tracking a sales pipeline for new consulting clients.
- Pipedrive if you prefer a visual deal tracker that keeps sales progress clear and simple.
- QuickBooks if you want reliable accounting tools for managing expenses and reporting.
- FreshBooks if you need lightweight invoicing and time tracking built for freelancers or small teams.
- Xero if your firm works with international clients and needs multi-currency accounting.
- Stripe Invoicing if you want an easy way to send invoices and collect payments online.
- Asana if you’re focused on task management and keeping projects on schedule.
- ClickUp if you want full control over how your team tracks work and reports progress.
- Harvest if time tracking and billing accuracy are your top priorities.
- Calendly if your team books frequent meetings and wants automated client scheduling.
- Proposify if you send recurring proposals or need built-in signatures and tracking.
- Microsoft 365 if you want to standardize communication and document sharing across your firm.
My final verdict
After testing each platform, I found that Productive and Zoho One give firms strong control over projects and finances, while QuickBooks and Xero handle accounting smoothly. Asana and ClickUp keep teams organized, and Proposify makes proposals easier to manage at scale. Each platform adds something valuable to the consulting workflow.
From my experience, Assembly brings those strengths together better than any other tool I’ve used. It combines communication, payments, and onboarding in a branded workspace where clients can view updates, sign agreements, and track progress.
If your client delivery still feels scattered, I’d recommend starting with Assembly. It’s the simplest way I’ve found to manage post-sale work with less admin.
Want to bring your tools into one platform? Try Assembly
Choosing between project, billing, or client management tools only solves part of the problem. Many platforms still leave gaps between onboarding, invoicing, and communication, forcing your team to juggle multiple systems.
The right consulting software bridges those gaps and keeps everything connected. Assembly does exactly that with a built-in CRM built for post-sale client management.
Here’s what you can do with Assembly:
- See the full client record: Notes, files, payments, and communication history stay linked in one place. You never have to flip between systems or lose context when switching from sales to service.
- Prep faster for meetings: The Assistant pulls past interactions into a clear summary so you can walk into any call knowing exactly what’s been discussed and what’s next.
- Stay ahead of clients: Highlight patterns that may show churn risk or upsell potential, making outreach more timely and relevant.
- Cut down on admin: Automate repetitive jobs like reminders, status updates, or follow-up drafts that used to take hours. The Assistant handles the busywork so your team can focus on clients.
Ready to simplify how your firm manages client work? Start your free Assembly trial today.
Frequently asked questions
What features should you look for in consulting software?
Secure client portals, built-in billing, automation for admin work, and clear project tracking are features you should look for in your consulting software. Strong reporting and collaboration tools make it easier to manage deliverables and deadlines while improving visibility across your team.
How can small consulting firms use software to manage pricing effectively?
Small firms get the most value from software that supports a hybrid consulting pricing model combining hourly tracking and project-based billing. This approach ties time logs and deliverables directly to invoices, helping teams bill accurately and maintain client trust. It also makes financial reporting and forecasting easier as the business grows.
How does consulting software help improve client retention?
Consulting tools help you retain clients by improving communication and visibility. Centralized updates and automated reminders keep projects moving smoothly. Clients stay engaged when progress, payments, and deliverables are easy to access in one place.