How it runs for construction companies and contractors
Policies for change orders, lien waivers and subcontractor onboarding are documented and checked. Your controller works alongside your CPA, who still prepares tax returns and any reviewed or audited statements.
What are outsourced controller services?
Outsourced controller services provide the review layer that sits between bookkeeping and the owner: a senior accountant who checks the close, owns the accounting policies, tests the controls around cash and spending, and explains the financial statements. The controller does not do daily posting. They make sure what was posted is right and documented before anyone relies on it.
What we handle for construction companies and contractors
- Monthly close review and sign-off through Two-Tier Review
- Estimated cost-to-complete challenged with project managers each month
- Surety, lender and covenant reporting prepared on a fixed calendar
- Cash forecast tied to draw schedules and retainage releases
- Controls for change orders, waivers and subcontractor onboarding documented
The KPI that matters here
Close reviewed and surety package issued by business day 12 each month.
Construction compliance notes
Sales tax on materials
In most US states a contractor pays sales tax on materials at purchase and does not charge tax on the finished job. A few states, including Arizona and Washington, tax the contract itself, and many states have separate rules for repair work versus new construction. We set up tax codes per state and contract type and track exempt purchases with resale or project certificates on file.
Retainage
Retainage withheld by owners is recorded as retainage receivable, and retainage you withhold from subcontractors is recorded as retainage payable. Several states cap retainage on public work, commonly at 5%, and set release deadlines after completion. We track the release date per contract so closeout billing goes out on time.
Job costing and WIP
Bonding companies and lenders expect a work-in-progress schedule that ties to the general ledger, with contract value, costs to date, estimated cost to complete and billings to date. We maintain the schedule monthly and book over and under billing entries so the P&L reflects percentage of completion.
CIS in the UK
Under the Construction Industry Scheme, UK contractors deduct 20% from registered subcontractors and 30% from unregistered ones, and file a monthly CIS return with HMRC. We verify subcontractors, prepare the deduction statements and CIS return workings, and reconcile deductions suffered against your PAYE liability. Your accountant or the business submits the return.
Construction software we work in
- QuickBooks Online
- QuickBooks Desktop
- Xero
- Bill.com
- Gusto
- Sage 50
- Buildertrend
- Procore
- All 50 platforms
More for construction companies and contractors
Other services for construction
Controller services in other industries
Frequently asked questions
What does an outsourced controller do that a bookkeeper does not?
A bookkeeper records transactions; a controller reviews them, owns the close, questions estimates and produces reporting for outsiders. In construction that means challenging cost-to-complete, watching margin fade, preparing surety and lender packages and setting controls on change orders and waivers. The controller also coordinates with your CPA on year-end and tax matters.
Can the controller help with bonding capacity?
The controller prepares the financial package sureties rely on, including WIP, backlog, working capital and equity figures, and explains movements in each. Consistent, reconciled reporting supports the surety's view of your capacity. The controller does not negotiate with the surety or give guarantees; the surety's own underwriting decides the program.
How does the controller work with my CPA?
The controller delivers reconciled books, a WIP schedule and supporting schedules to your CPA for reviewed or audited statements and tax returns, and answers their questions during fieldwork. Tax work is preparation support; your firm reviews and signs. Where the CPA recommends adjustments, the controller books them and updates the reporting.
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