Approval workflows with external client sign-off
Configure single or multi-level approval chains. Invite external clients to approve timesheets without a paid seat — and without exposing billing rates. A capability most competitors simply don't offer.
Why are timesheet approvals so painful?
Email-based approvals create bottlenecks. Clients can't easily review timesheets without expensive seats. Rejected timesheets disappear into inboxes with no audit trail. Managers lose hours per week to approval admin instead of billable work.
TimeSubmit replaces this with structured, real-time approval workflows where everyone — including external clients — has exactly the access they need.
How does the approval workflow work?
Four steps from submission to invoice-ready — with full transparency at every stage.
Consultant Submits
Consultants complete their timesheet and submit for approval. The submission is timestamped and locked from further edits.
Approver Reviews
The designated approver — internal manager or external client — reviews hours, descriptions, and project allocations.
Approve or Reject
One click to approve, or reject with comments. Rejected timesheets return to the consultant with feedback for correction.
Ready for Invoicing
Approved timesheets flow directly into the invoicing pipeline. Generate accurate invoices in one click.
What makes TimeSubmit approvals different?
External client approvers, mandatory audit trails, and zero email-based workarounds.
Single & Multi-Level Approvals
Configure one-step approval for simple projects or sequential multi-level chains where timesheets move through multiple approvers in order.
External Client Approvers
Invite clients to review and approve timesheets — completely free. They see hours and descriptions but never billing rates, costs, or financial data.
Reject with Comments
Approvers can reject timesheets with specific feedback. Consultants receive the comments, make corrections, and resubmit. The full history is preserved.
Admin Override with Reason
Consultancy admins can force-approve or force-reject any timesheet when needed. A mandatory reason is recorded in the audit trail for accountability.
Instant Notifications
Approvers receive real-time notifications when timesheets arrive. Consultants are notified immediately on approval, rejection, or request for changes.
Full Audit Trail
Every submission, approval, rejection, and override is timestamped with user attribution. Professional plan includes a searchable audit log.
Who benefits from TimeSubmit approval workflows?
Client Project Manager
Review and approve timesheets without a paid seat. See hours worked and descriptions, but never billing rates or internal financial data.
Consultancy Admin
Configure approval chains per project. Override approvals when needed with a mandatory reason that is recorded in the audit trail.
Timesheet Approver (Internal)
Dedicated approval queue with instant notifications. Approve or reject timesheets in seconds, not days.
External approvers never see financial data
This is a key TimeSubmit differentiator. When you invite a client to approve timesheets, they see hours logged and descriptions — nothing more. Billing rates, consultant costs, and invoice amounts remain confidential. Most competitors either require a paid seat or expose financial data to external users.
Approval Workflow FAQ
Do external client approvers need a paid seat?+
Can I set up multi-level approval chains?+
What happens when a timesheet is rejected?+
Can an admin override an approval decision?+
Streamline approvals for your consultancy
Start free with no credit card required. Add client approvers from day one.