tracking job expenses
US QuickBooks Premier : 2012: Contractor
what is the difference between a sales order and an invoice? I am trying to track job expenses in contractor edition. what do i do?
what is the difference between a sales order and an invoice? I am trying to track job expenses in contractor edition. what do i do?

A sales order is a non-posting transaction as is an Estimate and Purchase Order. Basically a sales order is a detailed list of the Items your customer has agreed to purchase. An Invoice is the bill you send to the Customer to pay for these Items.
Job Costing is QB is complicated but it starts with proper setup of the Chart of Accounts, Items and Preferences. I would suggest starting with the Learning Center Tutorials under the Help Menu and then Hiring a Local QB Expert experienced with your type of Business.
Will