A type of accounting used in construction or with large contracts. Phases break down the structure/contract into identifiable groups. This information or activity within this group is compared against an original estimated amount to complete this phase (step). Phase accounting is used to compare the estimated amount against the actual outcome.
Taking a small construction company to the next level of financial success requires implementation of cost accounting. This article is one in a series designed to illustrate how you implement cost accounting in a small construction business. The first step in this process is design a file structure.
Class accounting is a form of accounting whereby the revenues and direct costs are grouped into divisions within the company. It is a very effective form of accounting in construction. Learning how to use class accounting in construction is easy and works extremely well with phase accounting.
As a construction company owner, you need a profit and loss statement that conveys information in a format that will identify how much you are truly making as a profit. The best format is a construction profit and loss statement identifying contract revenues, direct costs, indirect costs and the overhead expenses. This format most closely matches the estimating style of most small construction companies.
At the end of the day, it is about the profit you make with your company. This format will point out where the problem is located and where the best performance occurs. When I look at a P&L, I want to quickly identify issues and concerns and get them addressed. If you use this format along with the project accounting reports I illustrate in other articles, not only will you quickly discover any problems, but you can actually pin point the underlying issues and get them resolved. This will add thousands of dollars to your bottom line. So as you read this article, remember you are trying to improve that bottom line, this format is absolutely the best tool to achieve that goal.
A construction draw schedule is a financial tool used by contractors in identifying percentage of completion points in the project for the bank to advance proceeds to the contractor. The construction draw schedule is instrumental in keeping the project moving along.
The most effective form of a financial feedback loop in residential construction is phase accounting. Phase accounting is a subset of cost accounting and generates accurate information in the world of new home and residential additions for small contractors building up to 20 houses per year.
Cost accounting is an effective internal accounting process to evaluate company performance at the product/project level.
