From large corporations to small boutique brands, one universal factor for home builders is that their finances can be quite complex. Most employ accountants or accounting firms but some may not understand how crucial these are in the construction industry. If you are curious why home builders need accountancy services, read on for Liu & Associates guide to this complicated issue.
Real Estate & Construction Accounting
Selling real property and constructing or renovating a property are viewed as distinct industries when it comes to finance. Though they share many fundamentals with general accounting, each makes use of different types of reports and strategies.
Contractors & Temporary Employees
The widespread use of contractors and temporary employees in construction makes its accountancy contrast with other fields. When building or renovating a property, a variety of skilled labourers will likely add to the final project– though very few, if any, will be on-site for the entirety. Construction accounting must accommodate and keep track of each worker and their contribution.
Mobile Industry
Construction involves vehicles, equipment, materials, temporary staff and many other dynamic variables. This can be difficult to manage financially without a reliable construction-focused accountant or accounting firm. With this many moving parts, traditional bookkeeping tends to fall short of the comprehensive understanding provided by construction accounting.
Percentage of Completion
As stated above, construction projects require input and effort from many different employees or contractors. The value each contributes must be determined against the final estimate– also known as “percentage of completion.” A good construction accountant can avoid expensive missteps and costly errors when determining this essential element.
GST & Home Construction
Most Canadians know that Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applied to all transactions and construction is no exception! There are intricate rules that determine whether or not you are responsible for the GST. Building, renovating, buying, selling– the definitions and GST responsibility vary between each of these situations. Construction accountants can help decode these complexities and avoid harsh fines or penalties.
As you can see, there are many areas where an accountant specialized in construction can help a home builder navigate the financial waters. Ignoring or forgetting these factors can be extremely expensive, so contact or visit Liu & Associates today! Our firm has years of professional expertise that can aid you, no matter your goals or industry.