Every trade has its own bookkeeping quirks. Here's how I approach yours, and why a specialist beats a generalist every time.
Every trades business has different bookkeeping needs. The examples below show common recordkeeping issues; the actual engagement is limited to the services selected in writing.
Electricians often run lean operations with a mix of residential service calls, new construction work, and commercial maintenance contracts. You're dealing with material markup, ESA permit costs, and potentially apprentice wages on top of your own draws. Cash flow can be uneven when commercial jobs take 30-60 days to pay.
Basic job or project coding may be separately scoped when the client records support it. Detailed job-profitability, WIP, labour-burden, overhead-allocation, cost-to-complete, and advisory reporting are not included in standard Core or Plus.
Full electrician bookkeeping page →Asset purchases are identified and organized for the external accountant. CCA classification, deduction timing, and other income-tax treatment remain with the client and tax adviser.
Asset purchases are identified and organized for the external accountant. CCA classification, deduction timing, and other income-tax treatment remain with the client and tax adviser.
Full plumber bookkeeping page →HVAC businesses have seasonal revenue patterns, recurring maintenance contracts, and high-ticket equipment installs alongside smaller service calls. You may carry inventory, deal with warranty claims, and run a small team of service techs on top of your own work.
Plus can include bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll for up to five employees, CRA remittance administration, T4s, Records of Employment, and selected WSIB or EHT reporting.
Full HVAC bookkeeping page →A defined invoicing or A/R workflow may be available under Plus. Progress billing, draw administration, holdback treatment, and approval controls must be expressly described in the written scope.
I record workers according to the client-approved setup and flag inconsistent records. Legal worker classification remains with the client, CRA, WSIB, legal counsel, or another qualified adviser.
Full GC bookkeeping page →Landscaping businesses face extreme seasonality. Most revenue comes in spring through fall, but expenses (equipment, insurance, fleet) run year-round. Many landscapers also manage recurring maintenance contracts alongside one-time installs, and run seasonal crews that bring payroll and WSIB complexity.
Basic job or project coding may be separately scoped when the client records support it. Detailed job-profitability, WIP, labour-burden, overhead-allocation, cost-to-complete, and advisory reporting are not included in standard Core or Plus.
Framers and finish carpenters often work as subcontractors to GCs and deal with holdbacks, square-footage billing, material cost tracking, and payment schedules tied to milestones. The cash flow gap between completing work and receiving payment is often the biggest stress in the business.
I record workers according to the client-approved setup and flag inconsistent records. Legal worker classification remains with the client, CRA, WSIB, legal counsel, or another qualified adviser.
Roofing businesses often scale up quickly with crews, run high material costs (shingles, membranes, flashing), and deal with insurance restoration jobs alongside standard installs. Warranty work needs to be tracked carefully so it doesn't skew your monthly numbers.
Basic job or project coding may be separately scoped when the client records support it. Detailed job-profitability, WIP, labour-burden, overhead-allocation, cost-to-complete, and advisory reporting are not included in standard Core or Plus.
Painting businesses tend to have lower material costs relative to labour, which means your profitability hinges on how efficiently you quote and schedule. Many painters use subcontractors for larger commercial jobs and need T5018s filed. Cash collection on residential jobs can also be challenging.
I track labour efficiency and job margins so you can see where you're losing money on poorly-quoted jobs. I handle T5018s for your subs, manage your HST, and set up clean invoicing workflows in QuickBooks or Xero so you get paid faster.
If you're a trades, construction, or contracting business in Barrie or Simcoe County, reach out. I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right fit. I'm not trying to be everything to everyone, but chances are I've seen your books before.
Book a Free Fit CallBasic job or project coding may be separately scoped when the client records support it. Detailed job-profitability, WIP, labour-burden, overhead-allocation, cost-to-complete, and advisory reporting are not included in standard Core or Plus.
I work with electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, general contractors, framers, carpenters, roofers, painters, landscapers, and most other trades and construction businesses in Ontario. If your work involves job sites, subcontractors, or project billing, I likely serve your trade.
I prepare and file HST returns at the selected frequency based on complete records and client approval. Quick Method eligibility, elections, revocations, and tax-planning decisions remain with the client and tax adviser.
Basic job or project coding may be separately scoped when the client records support it. Detailed job-profitability, WIP, labour-burden, overhead-allocation, cost-to-complete, and advisory reporting are not included in standard Core or Plus.
Get in touch and let's talk through what your books actually need.