How can a CFO help my construction company beyond bookkeeping?

A CFO provides job costing insights, cash flow forecasting, and project-based financial analysis. Unlike bookkeeping, which records the past, CFO services help you plan and control costs to ensure every project meets profitability targets.

What’s the best way to track job costs in construction?

The key is using a job costing system inside QuickBooks (or similar software) with proper coding for labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead. This ensures you see the true cost per project and can adjust bids or processes quickly.

Should small construction companies worry about cash flow forecasting?

Yes — construction businesses live and die by cash flow. Delays in receivables, retention, and project expenses can strain your finances. A rolling 13-week cash flow forecast gives you visibility and avoids surprise shortfalls.

Do I need separate books for each project or just one company file?

You don’t need a separate company file for each job, but you must use job costing and class tracking. This lets you produce P&L reports by project while keeping the company financials intact.

What’s the difference between markup and margin — and why does it matter?

Markup is how much you add to your costs to set the price. Margin is what’s left after expenses. Many contractors underbid because they confuse the two. Tracking both ensures you’re not working hard for slim profits.

Can a CFO help me with bonding and bank financing?

Absolutely. Strong financial statements and cash flow projections improve your ability to secure bonding and negotiate with banks. We help present your numbers in the format lenders and sureties expect.