Financial Management in Construction Contracting

Financial Management in Construction Contracting
Andrew Ross & Peter Williams

This authoritative text provides a detailed insight into how construction companies manage their finances at both corporate and project level. It guides students and practitioners through the complexities of the financial reporting of construction projects within the constraints of accepted accounting practice. The book is written for non-accountants and from a contractor's perspective and is equally relevant to subcontractors and main contractors.

The authors examine the relationship between the external annual accounts and the internal cost-value reconciliation process. CVR is covered in depth and the authors consider issues such as interim payments, subcontract accounts, contractual claims, final accounts, cash flow management and the reporting of the physical and financial progress of contracts.

A broad perspective of all the financial aspects of contracting is taken along with related legal issues and the authors explain how things operate in the 'real world'. They describe good practice in financial control while at the same time being honest about some of the more questionable practices that can - and do - happen. The approach taken is unique as the financial management of construction projects is considered from the perspective of the contractor's quantity surveyor. The book deals with the real issues that surveyors have to address when using their judgment to report turnover, profitability, cash flow, and work in progress on projects and the financial problems faced by subcontractors are frankly and pragmatically explored.

The payment and notice requirements of the Construction Act are explained in detail and relevant provisions of JCT2011, NEC3, ICC, DOM/1 and other standard contracts and subcontracts are also covered.

Financial Management in Construction Contracting addresses the wide variety of external factors that influence how construction companies operate, including government policy, banking covenants and the financial aspects of supply chain management. Cost reporting systems are described and real-life examples are used to illustrate cost reports, accrual systems and how computerised systems can be employed to provide the QS with information that can be audited.

This is the ideal core text for final year degree and post-graduate students and provides an invaluable reference source for all engaged in the financial management of construction projects.

This book's companion website is at www.wiley.com/go/rossfinancialmanagement and offers invaluable resources for both students and lecturers:

• PowerPoint slides for lectures on each chapter
• Excel worksheets to practice what you learn
• Sample valuations and cashflows