As the new year begins, it’s essential to get your construction company’s year-end accounting in tip-top shape to set the stage for a successful year ahead. Proper bookkeeping not only helps you monitor your company’s financial health but also ensures that you stay compliant with regulations and make informed decisions. Here is a year-end accounting checklist listing the steps you should take to keep your construction business on track for the coming year.
Review Your Financial Statements
End the year by reviewing your company’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. These accounting documents provide a snapshot of your company’s financial health and can help you identify areas that need improvement or attention. Compare your financials to industry benchmarks and your previous year’s performance to assess your company’s growth and profitability.
Set Financial Goals
Based on your financial review, set specific, measurable, and achievable financial goals for the year ahead. These goals may include increasing revenue, reducing expenses, improving cash flow, or paying off debt. Establishing clear objectives will help you focus your efforts throughout the year and track your progress toward these targets.
Update Your Budget
Your budget is a crucial financial planning tool that helps you allocate resources, manage cash flow, and control costs. Update your budget for the new year by considering your financial goals, expected income, and anticipated expenses. Be sure to account for any fluctuations in costs, such as materials or labor, and adjust your budget accordingly throughout the year to reflect actual expenses.
Reconcile Your Accounts
Reconciling your accounts ensures that your financial records are accurate and complete. At the beginning of the new year, make sure to reconcile your bank accounts, credit cards, and any loans or lines of credit. This account reconciliation process will help you identify any discrepancies, detect potential fraud, and address any issues promptly.
Review Your Tax Strategy
Construction businesses must comply with various tax regulations, including income tax, sales tax, and payroll tax. Work with a tax professional to review your tax strategy and ensure you’re taking advantage of any available deductions or credits. Make sure to stay informed about any changes in tax laws or regulations that may affect your construction business.
Evaluate Your Payroll System
Your employees are a vital part of your construction business, and an efficient payroll system is crucial for maintaining their satisfaction and loyalty. Review your payroll system to ensure it’s accurate, compliant with labor laws, and efficient. Consider outsourcing your payroll to a professional service if necessary to save time and reduce the risk of errors.
Organize Your Record-Keeping System
A well-organized record-keeping system is essential for efficient bookkeeping and financial management. Take the time to review your current system and make any necessary improvements. Ensure that you’re storing essential documents such as invoices, receipts, and contracts securely and can access them easily when needed. Consider implementing a digital record-keeping system to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of lost or damaged documents.
Consult with a Professional Bookkeeper
If you’re struggling with bookkeeping or want to ensure that your construction business’s finances are in the best possible shape, consider consulting a professional bookkeeper. They can provide expert guidance, identify potential issues, and help you implement best practices for financial management.
By taking these bookkeeping steps at the beginning of the new year, you’ll set your construction business on a solid financial foundation for the year ahead. Remember that effective bookkeeping is essential for the success of your company, and investing time and resources in this area will ultimately contribute to your business’s growth and profitability.
GET THE PROFESSIONAL BOOKKEEPING HELP YOU NEED
Apparatus Contractor Services, LLC provides affordable bookkeeping, payroll, and CFO services exclusively to construction-industry businesses. Let us give you the precision bookkeeping foundation you need to grow a remarkably profitable construction business. LEARN MORE
