Trades
Bookkeeping for general contractors and subcontractors
A contractor can have busy crews and open invoices without knowing what remains available for the next job. Tidwell helps organize project bookkeeping, payroll and supporting records around the work committed, billed and collected.
Last reviewed:
General information, not legal advice.
Put committed costs beside actual job spending
Track approved subcontract amounts and purchase commitments alongside posted invoices. Project cost reports become more useful when management can see both money already spent and costs that have not reached the ledger.
Explain progress billing and retained balances
Keep billing applications, approved changes and payment records connected to each project. Show amounts still awaiting collection separately from cash received. Your CPA can use the supporting schedules when reviewing work in progress.
Maintain a clear employee payroll handoff
Approved field time should identify projects and tasks while office payroll remains distinguishable. Bookkeeping for subcontractors also benefits from the same job references on invoices submitted to the prime contractor.
Gather subcontractor records without losing responsibility
Use an organized project file for subcontractor invoices and the payroll records requested for the job. Flag missing documents to the responsible manager rather than assuming payment proves the file is complete.
Coordinate certified payroll around the covered project
For California prevailing wage work, Tidwell can support certified payroll for subcontractors and general contractors using approved time and project instructions. Keep your own reporting responsibilities and requested subcontractor records clear when preparing the DIR submission workflow.
Sources: DIR: certified payroll reporting
Commitment, billing and subcontract-record questions
Can job reports include subcontract commitments not yet billed?
They can include a supporting commitments schedule when the approved agreements and changes are available. Keep that schedule distinct from invoices already posted.
How should retained amounts appear in the bookkeeping handoff?
Provide billing and payment detail that identifies the balance still held. This allows it to remain visible for collection and CPA review.
Can you replace the accountant for a general contractor?
Tidwell handles bookkeeping, payroll and financial reporting support. Your CPA remains responsible for specialized accounting judgments and return preparation.
Contractor reporting guidance
See the financial position of active projects
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