What is Leverage?

Double-entry accounting is a system used extensively in the construction industry, where every financial transaction has equal and opposite effects in at least two different accounts. The objective is to ensure the sum of all debits always equals the sum of all credits, thereby maintaining balance in the books. For example, if a construction company purchases building materials, it records the transaction as a debit in the inventory account but a credit in the cash account. This system allows for easier financial analysis, error tracing, and fair representation of a company’s financial position. This method also manages the complexity of financial transactions in the construction industry, increasing financial reliability and providing valuable insights on company performance.

In construction accounting, work in progress (WIP) refers to the value of construction projects that have started but are not yet completed at a specific point in time. It represents the costs incurred and revenue earned on ongoing projects. Key aspects of WIP include everything from cost tracking, revenue recognition, billing cycles, and financial reporting to schedule monitoring, change order management, retainage tracking, and tax planning. 

As mentioned in our WIP Accounting Principles blog post, understanding WIP is a critical component of running a profitable business. This is because it offers several key benefits:

1. Financial Health Tracking: WIP reports help to identify potential issues before they spiral to keep projects on track. For example, it can help spot gross margin slippage early on and alert project managers that they need to course correct. 
2. Cost Management: Comparing work completed to the budget spent will alert subcontractors if project expenses are running too high. For instance, if only 25% of the work is complete, but 40% of the project labor budget has been used, it indicates the need to reel in costs.
3. Compliance: WIP reports help ensure that invoices align with work completed, reducing the risk of pay app rejections
4. Profitability: WIP reports systematically account for project-related costs and revenue. This gives subcontractors a clear picture of which projects are most profitable and spot trends to help determine the best project types for the business.

Effective WIP management is crucial for subcontractors' financial health. Modern billing and cash flow forecasting software, like Siteline, enhances WIP accounting by centralizing data to increase financial visibility, improve informed decision-making, and optimize cash flow. To see how Siteline can help improve your business’s WIP management, book a demo today.

A G702 is a document form used in the construction industry known as the Application and Certificate for Payment. It is issued by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is used by contractors to apply for payment for the work completed and materials supplied on a project. It details the contractor's progress on the project, summarizing the total project to date, change orders, previous payments, and the current payment due. The form needs to be signed by the contractor, the architect, and the owner, certifying that the work has been completed and payment is deserved.