Creating an invoice for the entire project seems like it is the simplest way to track payments and have the current balance. The harsh reality is that if all of the work is NOT done, accounts receivable is reflecting a balance due that is NOT REAL. Without proper tracking and matching of income and expenses, most construction companies never know if they made a profit until the job is over.

However, due to your work’s nature, as construction contractors provide services on a per-job operation, issuing invoices make it all the more challenging and difficult than it has to be. The good news is that it doesn't have to stay that way. Consider the following invoicing errors contractors make and take actionable steps on how to avert them.

Common Issues With Accounts Payable

It is easy to put transactions in Accounts Payable (A/P) Aging Summary, and them forget about them. When writing a check from the checking QuickBooks does not automatically go look to see if you put something in Accounts Payable. Sometimes Accounts Payable will have transactions in Accounts Payable that do not belong there.

Challenges Of Keeping Accounts Receivable Simple And Up To Date

Creating an invoice for the entire project seems like it is the simple way to track payments and have the current balance. The harsh reality is that if all of the work is NOT done Accounts receivable is reflecting a balance due that is NOT REAL.

Construction Contractors know lots about the work they do. As an expert in their fields from finish carpentry, tile setter, masonry, roofer or landscaper the finished product looks beautiful. When a skilled craftsman does the work, it looks effortless. Others think I could have done that.

New Services For Contractors At Fast Easy Accounting

We are continually searching for more and better ways to remove time wasting paperwork chores so you can focus on what you do best, running your construction company.

Change occurs every day in our lives. (Hint: Only wet babies like change). Fast Easy Accounting must adapt to the needs of our Clients in a world that is mobile. Ten years ago, we only worked with clients in Washington State. Now our clients are all over the USA. With the addition of Fast Easy Accounting Store, we have helped Construction Contractors outside of the US. Contractors all over the world have common issues. QuickBooks and Xero Customized Setup, Chart of Accounts, Items Lists – We Can Help A Little or A Lot depending on your needs.

Construction Contractors Need Help From Knowledgeable Advisors

Everywhere there a Buzz Words and lots of people who say they are Experts in their field. Question is What the Expert knows is in a topic that is useful to you?

Everyone wants to be paperless. It is not so much about saving a Tree as saving Time. How can I get to My Bookkeeper, My Accountant, My Tax Accountant the information they need to develop the reports?

Most contractors tell me "Actually, I don’t want the reports I only want to know "scraps of information" so I can run My Business better. If there is an easy way to get the job done; I want to know it. There must be an App For That."

There are several apps and we have one just for Construction Contractors. It does a lot but no app does everything.

If you’re like most small construction business owners, you spend the majority of your time managing daily operations, keeping clients happy, and looking for new ways to grow. Spreadsheets, cash flow analysis, and financial projections are probably not your first passion.

However, measuring profitability, creating realistic budgets, and planning for the future is crucial to your professional success.

Choosing From Many Construction Accounting Solutions Available

Finding a solution that will do “All I Need It To Do” This is the challenge for Construction Contractors.

The year has almost come to an end. Just a handful of things left to do. The term “Burning The Midnight Oil” comes to mind. Some things need to be done and date stamped on or before December 31 of each year or it does not count for the current year.

Payroll – Did you take any personal payroll (S-Corp) If not, it may impact your personal deductions.
IRA – 401K Making those final payments before midnight on December 31. (Do not wait until 11:59 PM)
Some plans allow you to make payments until April 15th (double check the dates– do not assume)

It's the Holiday Season which means everyone is so busy thinking of everyone else.

Wrapping up the end of the year, getting one more thing done that makes sense. I want to be the person who says Merry Christmas! You have earned it. Many of Holiday movies are variations of “Scrooge” based on “This Is Good” and “That Is Bad.” Anyone who has not had any challenges in life has been either extremely lucky or in a very protected bubble. 

Congratulations To You Construction Contractor On Your Success!

Please send me all your extra four-leaf clovers. If your favorite Happy Leprechaun is not too busy, I will take a little extra Magic. I can never have too much Magic or Sunshine.