Where construction records get complicated
A job can involve deposits, staged payments, materials and subcontractors before the final invoice is settled. If those transactions are hard to connect, it becomes difficult to see whether the job and the wider business are performing as expected.
Keeping job and business figures clear
Keep a consistent reference for each job and retain the invoices behind both income and costs. Separate the question of job performance from the timing of payments. Money received on account does not by itself explain the margin on the completed work.
bookkeepingAccounts, tax and CIS touchpoints
Construction accounts, tax and CIS work can draw on the same records but answer different questions. Clear subcontractor information and payment records help keep those tasks connected. The CIS pages explain verification and return questions in more detail.
What to bring to a consultation
For an initial discussion, describe how you price work, bill customers and pay others. Bring examples of job records, subcontractor invoices and your current bookkeeping reports. We can identify where the information needs to become clearer.
Your questions, answered.
How should I track costs by job?
Use consistent job references for invoices and costs. The best reporting setup depends on the number and duration of your projects.
Is CIS part of my annual accounts?
CIS reporting is a separate task. The payment records should still reconcile with the business bookkeeping and accounts.
Can you review records kept in existing software?
Tell us which system you use and how jobs are recorded. Existing reports can provide a useful starting point.