Bullhorn vs QuickBooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
QuickBooks is our recommended pick for most teams — small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Try QuickBooks →Read our full QuickBooks review →Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the world's leading accounting software for small and mid-size businesses. Built by Intuit, it handles bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting in one platform. QuickBooks is used by over 7 million businesses worldwide and is the de facto standard for small business accounting in the US.
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
Pros
- ✓Industry standard — most accountants and bookkeepers are familiar with QuickBooks
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering all accounting needs
- ✓Strong ecosystem of integrations with 750+ apps
- ✓Excellent tax preparation and filing tools
Cons
- ✗Can be expensive as you add features and users
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
- ✗Customer support quality has declined according to many users
- ✗Price increases frequently frustrate long-term customers
Bullhorn vs QuickBooks: Side by Side
| Factor | Bullhorn | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $30/mo |
| Best For | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform | Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
QuickBooks Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓payroll
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓inventory management
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks
PaidStarts at $30/mo
Simple Start: $30/mo · Essentials: $60/mo · Plus: $90/mo · Advanced: $200/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
QuickBooks
- →Small businesses managing invoicing and expenses
- →Self-employed professionals tracking income and taxes
- →Companies wanting accounting software with payroll add-on
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
QuickBooks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing multi-entity accounting
- ✗Companies requiring advanced inventory management
- ✗Businesses outside North America
Integrations
QuickBooks
Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, TSheets, HubSpot, Salesforce, Expensify
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bullhorn if...
- →Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Choose QuickBooks if...
- →Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
- →Small businesses managing invoicing and expenses
- →Self-employed professionals tracking income and taxes
Our Take
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
Also Consider
If neither Bullhorn nor QuickBooks is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bullhorn and QuickBooks?
Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. QuickBooks is best for small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Which is better, Bullhorn or QuickBooks?
Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks starts at $30/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Who should use QuickBooks?
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software