Contractors Say Bookkeepers And Apprentices Have One Thing In Common
Neither One Understands Construction!
Before starting this contractor bookkeeping services company, I was raised in construction family and attended university to study accounting. A short while out of university I came back to construction, it gets deep inside you knowing you are a part of the greatest industry on earth. Having served an apprenticeship in plumbing is why I agree.
As a new apprentice, I did not understand the mechanics, hydraulics, heat transfer theory and load calculations and trigonometry of plumbing design and installation. In time I mastered the trade, built construction companies, dabbled in real estate investment and began using my accounting skills in our construction companies.
A funny thing happened when we transitioned from a $60,000 high end construction accounting software in the early 1990's that pretended to do everything to first version of QuickBooks that sold for $100 and only promised bookkeeping and did a great job right from the start.
All of the functionality of construction accounting in the high end software we were used to having at our fingertips was not in QuickBooks; however, QuickBooks was customizable and we found that after investing a few thousand hours we could make it perform better than the high end construction accounting software and we have used it ever since.
Contractors Bookkeeping Services
When we started offering contractors bookkeeping services and we would try to hire bookkeepers it became painfully evident that standard bookkeepers were not construction bookkeepers. The difference between construction accounting and standard accounting is the difference between a shovel and a backhoe. The backhoe takes a lot more skill.
Construction Bookkeepers Personalities
It may be helpful if you have an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Construction Accounting Team Members at Business Consulting And Accounting. After reading this, you will understand and appreciate why you get lots of attention from your Customer Service Manager and little or no attention from other staff members.
Our back office Construction Bookkeepers and Accountants are highly skilled professionals with the burning desire to be the best of the best in their field.
Due to the sensitive nature of our work and the need to safeguard your financial records the back office staff of Construction Bookkeepers and Accountants, interact with our contractor clients because we intentionally hire people who are serious, unfriendly and unsociable.
No contractor in their right mind would ever want a friendly sociable Construction Bookkeeper sharing client information with your competitors, employees and suppliers.
Our Construction Bookkeepers and Accountants have hands on experience working in construction which is part of why we all have a great deal of respect, empathy, and sincerely care about contractor’s success.
It is not just a slogan or a plaque on the wall; but a deep sense of responsibility that we MUST do everything possible to help all contractors, not just our clients, all contractors to achieve their definition of success including.
Everyone here knows of contractors who have given their lives to the industry and ended up with health issues and an unstable financial retirement. Contractors add value to people’s lives; they deserve to be wealthy.
Here are some insights about how we work and introduce you to some personality traits of our professional Construction Accounting Services Team Members starting with a diagram outlining the different departments.
Paperwork Intake
There are a number of ways to get paperwork to us in hard copy and soft copy. Whichever way works best for you. You can:
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Mail it to us 19909 64th Ave West, Suite 201- 2nd Floor, Lynnwood, WA 98036
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Bring it by during office hours or special office hours for contractors
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SnoKing Contractors Center Members have 24/7/365 access to meeting rooms and leave paperwork in the lockbox
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Put us on your vendor list to have bills and statements emailed directly to us
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Drag and Drop from your desktop or email. Click here to find out how
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Send it by taxi cab
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Fax it
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Email it
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FedEx it
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UPS it
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See Appendix I for more detail
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Use one of our recommended scanners and send paperwork with the push of a button!
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If you get this scanner, we have people who can set it up remotely and link it to your Paperless Document Vault. You simply load the documents; push one button and the documents are automatically scanned and uploaded to your company’s Paperless Document Vault Inbox. Our contractor bookkeepers retrieve the documents; input them into your QuickBooks file. Next, the documents are filed in a way that makes it fast and easy for you look any saved document, download it, print it or email it.
For more on how to get soft and hard copy paperwork to us Click Here
Paperwork Sorter
What paperwork do we want? The short answer is all of it and we will sort it out between what goes into QuickBooks for Contractors and what is not. You do not have to organize any of your paper before bringing it to us because we have a process for that.
Paper documents arrive in bags, boxes, envelopes, pouches, carts and other methods. Soft documents arrive in emails, paperless server Inbox, flash drives, hard drives and our secure client portal.
When we are finished with your paperwork, it returns to The Paper Sorting Department for reorganizing, packaging and storage until you retrieve it or we ship to you depending on your arrangement with your Customer Service Representative.
These friendly people sometimes work the reception desk because they have not yet been exposed to the trials and tribulations of contractor bookkeeping services. They are well paid and happy because they are doing the work they love in a clean well-lit comfortable environment.
The Paper Sorting Department has their own special operations manual with detailed instructions, which means they know exactly know what to do.
Role of the Paper Sorting Person
Having owned and operated several construction companies we are not soft, weak, timid bookkeepers that need pampering and are easily offended. In fact, quite the opposite, we require all staff members to have construction experience before seeking employment with us. They have to deal with all kinds of paper with coffee stains, dirt, mud and worse, wrinkled, crumpled and torn and have lots of patience.
Construction Data Entry
Construction Data Entry is like flying an airplane…95% boredom and 5% sheer terror! We have a process for keeping the data entry staff at the 95% boredom level and out of the 5% sheer terror part.
These are nice people. They are well paid and happy because they are doing the work the love in a clean well-lit comfortable environment.
Construction Data Entry Staff members have two large crisp clear computer monitors, snacks and beverages in an office with state of the art climate controlled system and all of the hardware and software tools they need to do their job.
We do not allow them to work with the 5% sheer terror complex construction accounting transactions. They have their own special operations manual with detailed instructions so they always know what is expected of them.
Role of the Construction Data Entry Person
Their duties include checks, receipts, credit card transactions, debit card transactions; simple bills reconciling bank statements, credit and debit card statements and vendor statements.
Construction Bookkeeper
Construction Bookkeeping is all about the other part of flying an airplane…the 5% sheer terror part! We have a process to help our construction bookkeepers work with high risk, high stress transactions.
These are not nice people. They are well paid and happy because they are doing the work the love in a clean well-lit comfortable environment.
Construction Bookkeepers have up to four large crisp clear computer monitors, snacks and beverages in an office with state of the art climate controlled system and all of the hardware and software tools they need to do their job.
We allow them to work primarily with the 5% sheer terror complex construction accounting transactions because they have deep knowledge and are highly skilled in construction bookkeeping. Their work is very stressful due to the complexity of the transactions they are assigned. They have their own special operations manual with detailed instructions so they always know what is expected of them.
Role of the Construction Bookkeeper
Their duties include non-recurring checks, bank transfers, wire transfers, sweep accounts, tracking retention due to you, tracking retention due to your subcontractors, setup and updating customer and vendor contact information, inputting time cards, simple General Journal entries, receipts, credit card transactions, debit card transactions, bills and employee advances and employee reimbursements.
Construction Payroll Specialist
Construction Payroll is one of the toughest jobs of all because there are deadlines that must be met no matter what happens. This is also part of flying an airplane…the 5% sheer terror part! We have a process to help our construction payroll staff work with and manage contractor’s payroll needs.
These people are un-bearable and we keep them away from the public whenever possible. They are well paid and happy because they are doing the work the love in a clean well-lit comfortable environment.
Construction Payroll Specialists have one or two large crisp clear computer monitors, snacks and beverages in an office with state of the art climate controlled system and all of the hardware and software tools they need to do their job.
They are highly skilled in construction payroll with nerves of steel and laser focus. They have their own special operations manual with detailed instructions so they always know what is expected of them.
Role of the Construction Payroll Specialist
Their duties include reviewing the time cards, preparing payroll, setup and updating employee records, employee advance repayments, W-2, W-3, 940 and 941 payroll reports, workers comp reports, unemployment reports, garnishment answers and payment tracking, child support and more. We do not prepare the checks or make any payments on behalf of your company. We do all the work behind scenes to make that step fast and easy for whomever is responsible at your company to make payments.
Construction Accountant
Construction Accounting is where the buck stops! No excuses and nobody to pass anything on too.
These people are like Dr. Spock on the television series Star Trek, all business and no sense of humor. They do their best to make certain everything in the entire construction accounting system running smoothly, everything is where it needs to be and everything balances properly.
We keep them away from the public whenever possible because if you ask what time it is they will tell you how to build a watch. They are well paid and happy because they are doing the work the love in a clean well-lit comfortable environment.
Construction Accountants have multiple computers with multiple crisp clear computer monitors, snacks and beverages in an office with state of the art climate controlled system and all of the hardware and software tools they need to do their job.
They are highly skilled at dealing with construction accounting issues. They have their own special operations manual with detailed instructions so they always know what is expected of them.
Role of the Construction Accountants
Their duties include Fixed Asset management, depreciation schedules, complex Payment Applications similar to G-702 & G703, HUD-1 Statements, Inventory, complex Invoices with multiple Job Deposits and Payments, complex General Journal Entries, Year-End Journal Entries from the annual tax preparer, setup and modifying Chart of Accounts, Items, Report Structures, Insurance Audits and more.
Project Manager
Project Managers at Business Consulting And Accounting are responsible for making certain that we are constantly improving, innovating and finding ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness in our system that will make your experience of doing business with us easy, predictable and pleasant.
Project Managers seek out new software, hardware and best practices from our competitors. When they find something worthwhile, they add it to our Business Process Management (BPM) Strategy.
These people are nice most of the time; however, their head is always in the clouds talking about finding ways to make everyone’s job easier with innovations and processes. They do not sit still very long.
Project Managers have two large crisp clear computer monitors, snacks and beverages in an office with state of the art climate controlled system and all of the hardware and software tools they need to do their job.
They are highly skilled in process development, innovation and highly organized. They have their own special operations manual with detailed instructions so they always know what is expected of them.
Role of the Project Manager
Their duties include Business Plans, Process Development, Process Improvement, Systems Engineering, Six Sigma, Deming Methodology, MR>MC, Breakeven Analysis, Earned Value Reporting, Cloud Computing, Cloud Based QuickBooks For Contractors, Paperless Document Vaults, Cloud Based Financial Reporting and more.
Contractor’s Business Mentor
Contractor’s Business Mentor is a great person to get to know and spend time with because their job is to help you achieve your definition of success. Helping you understand and use the financial reports one of the tools they use.
Contractor’s Business Mentor works in several locations, their primary office and in the conference room with seating for ten people, state of the art climate controlled system and all of the hardware and software tools they need to do their job.
In addition, they are mobile contractor’s business coaches who can visit your office or jobsite and perform a business assessment to determine if there are ways to get more production and increase profits. Everyone benefits from coaching, especially high performers.
They sometimes provide so much good information that contractors have reported that two hours with our Contractor’s Business Coach in person, over the phone or during a web cast is a real treat!
They have their own special operations manual with detailed instructions so they always know what is expected of them.
Role of the Contractor’s Business MentorTheir duties are similar to the Project Manager except their primary focus is helping your contracting company develop with Business Planning, Process Development, Process Improvement, Systems Engineering, Six Sigma, Deming Methodology, MR>MC, Breakeven Analysis. Contact Sharie at 206-361-3950 or email sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com for more information about setting at appointment for a session.
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Manager is your primary contact at Business Consulting And Accounting similar to a concierge in a Five Star Hotel who caters to your every need, except there is no tipping allowed.
They work have their own private office as well as several conference rooms and guest offices. They have their own special operations manual with detailed instructions so they always know what is expected of them.
Role of the Customer Service Manager
Their duties include being your single point of contact, which means you usually talk, email and communicate with the same person. This helps you develop a relationship with someone who listens and understands you and your company’s needs.
They act as liaison between you and the rest of the staff at Business Consulting And Accounting. Feel free to ask for anything and they will do their best to accommodate you.
They are always friendly, helpful and supportive. This person has extensive training and experience in construction office management, taxes, payroll, insurance audits and more.
No matter what happens in your company if you need help or a referral for an attorney, annual tax preparer, chief cook and bottle washer this is you go to person.
The head of the department is Sharie and she can be reached at 206-361-3950 or email sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com.
Construction Company Owner
You Are The Most Important Person In Your Company
As a construction company owner, you know which parts of your business only you can and should be doing and which parts to give to someone else.
Good accounting records combined with Business Process Management (BPM) can help provide answers for making informed decisions.
Every piece of paper has a story and your mind will replay that story repeatedly, which is why it is important to have someone else doing your contractor bookkeeping so you can focus on operating and growing your construction company sales and profits.
Role of the Construction Company Owner
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See the vision of what you want your Company to become in the future
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Communicate your Vision to your employees, staff, us and anyone directly affected
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Develop Strategy For your company to help make your Vision a reality
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Make decisions based on good solid reports
You Are a Contractor
You Bring Value to Other People’s Lives
You Deserve to Be Wealthy
Profitable Construction - Companies have known about the value of outsourced bookkeeping services for a long time and now you know about it too!
Business Process Management (BPM) For Contractors
Fill Out The Form And Get The Help You Need!
Profitable Construction - Companies have known about the value of outsourced bookkeeping services for a long time and now you know about it too!
Our Contractor Bookkeeping Services System Is A System
We Scan Your Receipts And Invoices link the appropriate transactions to QuickBooks or Xero Accounting Online depending on the construction accounting service you are using and provide ongoing Cloud Based Contractors Bookkeeping Services by accountants who understand construction.
Thinking About Outsourcing Your Contractors Bookkeeping Services?
Click On The Button Below To Download A Free Guide
Fill Out The Form And Get The Help You Need!
Need Help Now?
Call Sharie 206-361-3950
sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com
Xero Outsourced Construction Accounting Services
QuickBooks Outsourced Construction Bookkeeping Services
We Are QuickBooks Experts Specializing In Construction Bookkeeping Services
For Construction Company Owners who do not need the full power of QuickBooks for contractors and want 24/7 online access we offer Xero Accounting Online and we have custom setup for construction companies. Click Here For More.
About The Author:
Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA is the co-founder of Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood Washington. He is the leading expert in outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services for small construction companies across the USA. He is experienced as a Contractor, Project Management Professional, Construction Accountant, Intuit ProAdvisor, QuickBooks For Contractors Expert and Xero Accounting Specialist and Bill.Com Certified Guru. This combination of experience and skill sets provides a unique perspective which allows him to see the world through the eyes of a contractor, Project Manager, Accountant and construction accountant. This quadruple understanding is what sets him apart from other Intuit ProAdvisors and Xero accountants to the benefit of all of the construction contractors he serves across the USA. Visit http://www.fasteasyaccounting.com/randal-dehart/ to learn more.
Our Co-Founder Randal DeHart - Is a Certified PMP (Project Management Professional) with several years of construction project management experience. His expertise is construction accounting systems engineering and process development. His exhaustive study of several leading experts including the work of Dr. W. Edward Deming, Michael Gerber, Walter A. Shewhart, James Lewis and dozens of others was the foundation upon which our Construction Bookkeeping System is based and continues to evolve and improve. Follow Randal on Google+
