The Best Client Management Software for HR Consultants

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of managing multiple HR clients, you’re not alone. Between juggling compliance projects, employee handbooks, onboarding processes, and strategic HR planning, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in admin work. As an HR consultant with over 10 years of experience, I’ve been there, and let me tell you: the right client management software can make a world of difference.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best client management software for HR consultants and share tips on how to choose the perfect tool for your business. But here’s the catch—most client management software isn’t built specifically for HR consultants. However, with the right insights, you can find a system that fits your needs and streamlines your operations.

Why Client Management Software is Essential for HR Consultants

When I first started my consulting business, I relied on a mix of emails, spreadsheets, and even handwritten notes to keep track of clients, projects, and deadlines. It didn’t take long for this system to become a logistical nightmare. I’d lose track of client communications, forget to follow up on tasks, and spend hours sorting through documents. Not exactly an efficient way to run a business.

HR consultants face unique challenges that make client management software a must-have:

• Multiple clients with different needs: You might be working on compliance for one client, payroll for another, and employee handbooks for a third—all at the same time.
• Ongoing communication: Clients rely on you for regular updates, and keeping all that communication organized can be a nightmare without the right tools.
• Billing and invoicing: Tracking your billable hours and ensuring clients pay on time is crucial for your business’s cash flow.

Using client management software helped me streamline these processes, so I could focus on delivering value to my clients instead of getting lost in admin tasks.

Key Features to Look for in Client Management Software

Not all client management software is built for HR consultants. Many CRMs and project management tools cater to broader industries, so you need to ensure the platform you choose has features that align with your business. Here’s what to prioritize:

1. Client Communication Tools

You need a way to communicate with clients quickly and easily. Look for software that has built-in messaging tools, video call integrations, or even client portals where you can share updates and documents. This keeps all your communication in one place, so you never have to dig through emails to find an old conversation.

2. Task and Project Management

Managing multiple projects and deadlines can be overwhelming. Good client management software will have a task management feature that allows you to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. I’ve found that this feature alone can save hours of back-and-forth emails, especially when your clients are involved in approving documents or providing feedback.

3. Billing and Invoicing

Keeping track of billable hours and sending invoices manually can eat up a lot of your time. Many client management tools include built-in billing and invoicing, making it easy to send invoices, track payments, and even automate reminders for late payments.

4. Document Storage and Sharing

Clients expect you to handle sensitive information with care. A good software solution will allow you to securely store and share important documents, like employee records, compliance reports, and contracts, with your clients.

5. Onboarding and Compliance Tracking

If you’re managing HR compliance, you need to stay on top of onboarding new employees, tracking certifications, and ensuring your clients are following labor laws. Some client management tools even offer built-in compliance tracking, so you don’t have to worry about missing a deadline or forgetting to update a policy.

6. Integration with HR Tools

Look for software that integrates with other HR tools you’re already using, like payroll systems, HRIS (Human Resources Information System) platforms, or time-tracking tools. This ensures that your client management software works seamlessly with the rest of your tech stack, saving you time and reducing errors.

Top Client Management Software Solutions for HR Consultants

Now that you know what to look for, let’s break down the best client management software that HR consultants can use. While most platforms aren’t built specifically for HR consulting, these tools provide the functionality you need.

1. Shrlock 

Shrlock is the only software on this list that’s built specifically for HR consultants. If you’re looking for an all-in-one system designed for our industry, this is your best bet.

• Best Features: Client profiles, time-tracking, centralized scheduling, and automated invoices.
• Pros: User-friendly interface, HR consulting-specific tools, and custom branding tools. 
• Cons: It’s better suited for solo consultants than larger consulting firms. 

One of the biggest benefits of Shrlock is its all-in-one approach. Instead of juggling multiple platforms for client management, communication, scheduling, and compliance – you’ll have everything in one streamlined dashboard.

2. HoneyBook

HoneyBook is a fantastic all-in-one platform that combines client management, project tracking, and invoicing.

• Best Features: Task management, contract creation, invoicing, and client communication tools.
• Pros: User-friendly interface, integrates with calendar apps, and automates a lot of your client management tasks.
• Cons: It’s better suited for small to mid-sized consultancies, so larger firms may outgrow it quickly.

HoneyBook worked really well for me when I was handling a smaller client base. The platform made invoicing and following up on payments a breeze, which was a game changer when I was still doing everything myself.

3. Dubsado

Dubsado is highly customizable and offers great workflow automation. This tool helps streamline your business processes and automates repetitive tasks, which is ideal if you’re managing a lot of clients at once.

• Best Features: Workflow automation, customizable templates, time tracking, and client portals.
• Pros: Excellent for automating client workflows, which can save you hours of manual work.
• Cons: It can take a while to set up, especially if you’re not tech-savvy.

A fellow consultant I know swears by Dubsado for automating her onboarding process. She has everything set up so that when a client signs a contract, they automatically receive the next steps via email, saving her tons of back-and-forth communication.

4. Accelo

Accelo is a more advanced tool that’s built for consultants managing larger projects and multiple clients. It offers robust project management and integrates with accounting tools to make billing seamless.

• Best Features: Project tracking, time tracking, client communication, and billing integration.
• Pros: Perfect for growing HR consultancies that need more advanced project and client management features.
• Cons: It’s a bit pricier and has a steeper learning curve.

When I started expanding my consultancy and hiring a small team, I moved to Accelo to better manage project workflows. The ability to assign tasks and monitor progress was a huge relief.

5. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM offers a free version that’s surprisingly powerful for client management. While it’s not specifically designed for HR consultants, it has all the basic features you need to manage your clients and tasks effectively.

• Best Features: Contact management, email tracking, task automation, and reporting.
• Pros: Free for most basic features, easy to set up, and integrates with marketing tools if needed.
• Cons: Lacks some advanced HR-specific features like compliance tracking.

For consultants who are just getting started, HubSpot is a solid option. It gives you a taste of what a CRM can do without the hefty price tag, and it’s a great way to get organized. I recommend taking advantage of their analytics features to start making data driven decisions on how you manage clients.

6. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is another highly customizable tool, offering a wide range of features for managing client relationships and automating workflows. It’s affordable and integrates well with other business tools, making it a versatile option.

• Best Features: Client management, workflow automation, email automation, and customization.
• Pros: Very affordable and customizable.
• Cons: The interface can be overwhelming for beginners.

Zoho CRM has been a lifesaver for consultants looking for a budget-friendly, scalable solution.

How to Choose the Right Client Management Software for Your Business

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to client management software. The best tool for you depends on your business size, budget, and specific needs.

Consider these factors:

• Size of your consultancy: If you’re managing a handful of clients, a simple, user-friendly tool might be enough. But if you’re handling larger projects, you’ll want a more robust system.
• Budget: Some tools offer free or low-cost options, while others can get expensive as you scale.
• Integration with existing tools: Make sure your chosen software integrates with any payroll, HRIS, or accounting systems you’re already using.

For me, choosing the right client management software was about finding a tool that would grow with my business. I recommend that you start simple, and scale as your needs evolve.

Conclusion

The right client management software isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about making your business run more efficiently. Investing in the right tool will save you time, reduce stress, and improve client satisfaction.

Take the time to explore your options, test a few platforms, and choose the one that best supports your HR consulting business. Once you have the right system in place, you’ll spend less time on admin tasks and more time growing your business.