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Understanding invoicing

An overview of invoicing in Commusoft — invoice types explained and links to articles for creating invoices, payments, credit notes, statements, and more.

This article gives you an overview of how invoicing works in Commusoft, covering the different invoice types available and links to task guides for each part of the invoicing process.


Invoice types

Commusoft offers several invoice types depending on your workflow. After clicking Add new invoice, you'll choose from the list of available invoice types. Some of these types can be customised in your system settings. The customised name will appear on the PDF for the customer, but the internal system name will remain unchanged.

Deposit

Created as part of an Estimate or Proposal. Once accepted and turned into a job, this invoice is generated automatically and its value is deducted from the final invoice.

Interim

Used during the job lifecycle and deducted from the final invoice. You can raise multiple interim invoices, and their combined value is subtracted from the final invoice. Interim invoices are only available on the web and cannot be added via the mobile app.

Grant

Similar to an interim invoice. When a grant-linked proposal is accepted, the system creates this invoice automatically. It forms the basis for the final invoice and is deducted from its total. Grant invoices are only available on the web and cannot be added via the mobile app.

Additional

Can be raised during a job but is not deducted from the final invoice. Use this for ad hoc charges.

Retention

Linked to Estimates only. Created when the estimate is accepted and turned into a job. Includes a delay for payment (e.g., 12 months + credit days) based on the invoice schedule set in the estimate. Value is deducted from the final invoice.

Pre-final

A version of the Final Invoice created at the beginning of a job. It reflects expected costs and is automatically converted into a Final Invoice when the job is completed. Payment can be taken prior to the works being carried out for pre-payment.

Draft

A preliminary version of the invoice for internal use and review. Not visible to the customer until finalised. Draft invoices do not send to your accounting package.

Contract

Used when invoicing according to a service contract. These invoices are linked to contract schedules and terms, and may include recurring or pre-scheduled charges based on the agreed contract terms.

Final

The last invoice for a job. It closes the job and pulls pricing from the estimate if applicable. Any Deposit, Interim, Retention, or Grant invoices are deducted from the total. If you're using the CIS feature, CIS deductions only need to be applied to Final Invoices when using Interim or Deposit invoices.

Transitioning with Interim and Deposit invoices

When handling interim and deposit invoices, Commusoft ensures a seamless transition to the final invoice by automatically deducting issued amounts. For example, if a job's total is £5,000 and a £2,500 deposit or interim invoice has been issued, the system automatically calculates the remaining £2,500 as due on the final invoice. This eliminates errors and simplifies financial reconciliation.

Consolidated

Consolidated invoices are only available on the web and cannot be added via the mobile app.


How to customise invoice types

Learn how to change the invoice PDF name by customising the invoice type. This is useful for matching your company's branding or workflows.

Related article: Customise invoice types


Invoicing guides

Step-by-step guides for each part of the invoicing process:

  • Creating an invoice

  • Adding a payment

  • Raising a credit note

  • Send a customer statement

  • Creating consolidated invoices

  • Syncing an invoice to your accounting package

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