Industries
Manufacturing bookkeeping from materials to finished goods
Manufacturing accounting connects what enters production with what ships to customers. Tidwell helps organize purchases, inventory summaries and manufacturing payroll so your financial reports reflect the operating records behind them.
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Distinguish stock from work still in production
Raw materials, unfinished production and finished goods describe different stages of the same cycle. Retain stock counts and production summaries that explain transfers between them. Ask your CPA to establish the costing method before making recurring adjustments.
Trace production labor and outside processing
Approved shop time can connect labor costs to departments or production jobs. Outside machining, packaging and freight need their own invoice trail so they do not disappear into a broad supplies category.
Explain the gap between purchasing and margin
Large material purchases do not necessarily mean the goods sold in that period cost more. Reconcile purchasing, inventory changes and sales before interpreting the margin. Document scrap, rework and count adjustments for review.
Keep equipment and maintenance spending distinct
Separate equipment purchases, financing activity and recurring maintenance in the records sent to your CPA. Tidwell can maintain the supporting bookkeeping and prepare financial statements without deciding specialized tax treatment.
Questions about production costs and inventory records
Can manufacturing payroll be reported by department?
Yes, when approved time records use consistent department or job codes. Reconcile those allocations to the total payroll before relying on department costs.
What inventory information does the bookkeeper need?
Provide counts, purchases, production movements and documented adjustments. A balance from the bank account does not establish inventory on hand.
Can you help explain a sudden change in gross margin?
We can review the underlying sales and cost records, check reconciliation gaps and organize questions for management or your CPA.
Connect production records to the monthly close
Bring your current records and the questions you want the books to answer. We work remotely across California, with meetings at our Atascadero office by arrangement to discuss a practical service scope.
Monthly bookkeeping starts at $500 a month. See pricing