Contractor
Showing 209–224 of 390 results
-
Construction Success Story – HR software helps track contractor’s growing workforce
January / February 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: Labor costs can make or break a project. This issue’s “Construction Success Story” profiles the owner of a midsize commercial construction company who was venturing into new territory with large, ambitious projects, but also finding HR challenges he wasn’t accustomed to. His financial advisor recommended carefully choosing and implementing an HR management system that would allow him to truly understand every facet of his company’s labor costs at any given time.
-
Could a shareholder loan satisfy your surety?
January / February 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 684
Abstract: For ambitious contractors, sureties can be difficult to please. But one strategy that may help is to execute a shareholder loan. Although a move like this has its risks, doing so may enhance a contractor’s capital standing expediently without pushing it into the complexity of outside financing. This article explains some of the nuts and bolts of shareholder loans, including the tax implications.
-
Industry forecast: Blue skies ahead
January / February 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 534
Abstract: The clouds are finally starting to lift on the U.S. construction industry. Or so say economists from three large U.S. construction and building trade associations during a joint meeting this past August. This article reveals their findings, which foresee a vibrant environment for nonresidential construction spending and more moderate growth for the residential market.
-
Construction accounting update – Prepare now for potential revenue recognition changes
January / February 2015
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: FASB has recently issued a new Accounting Standards Update that addresses revenue recognition under U.S. GAAP. The new rules contained therein are an attempt to standardize and simplify the revenue recognition process for customer contracts across different industries and geographic locations. The standard provides a road map for businesses to more clearly recognize contractual revenue on their financial statements via a five-step approach. But the article notes that there are still uncertainties, and explains how contractors must account for change orders under the standard. A sidebar explains that the new rules will likely require contractors to disclose more information than was typical in the past.
-
Construction Success Story – Automated marketing optimizes business development
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: This issue’s “Construction Success Story” features the owner of a growing electrical contracting company who was feeling increasingly frustrated by the lags between marketing his company’s services, identifying leads and turning those leads into sales. His financial advisor recommended looking into a marketing automation system that would help track, qualify and score leads. This article describes how the two went about working with a marketing consultant and setting a budget to select the right solution.
-
Reviewing new EPA rules for heavy equipment
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 548
Abstract: Starting Jan. 1, new EPA rules go into effect that regulate the amount of pollution that can be emitted from large diesel engines used in a variety of construction-site equipment, including large mobile generators and backhoes. These “Non-road Tier 4 Emission Standards” are forcing heavy equipment makers to develop new fuel-saving and low-emission engines that may not work exactly like previous models. This article describes how things are changing “under the hood” and what the impact may be on aftermarket sales.
-
Could a PEO prune your employment-related hassles?
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: For contractors, employment-related tasks can sprout like weeds and quickly grow out of control. Construction companies that find themselves constantly entangled in a thicket of HR and payroll problems may wish to engage a professional employment organization (PEO) to prune away many of these hassles. This article explains the services offered by PEOs, the potential legal protections they may provide, and some recommended due diligence to pursue when looking for one.
-
Light the way – Boosting profitability through your financial statements
November / December 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 876
Abstract: When it comes to making sense of dollars and cents, contractors may often feel like they’re fumbling around in the dark. Fortunately, the information available in their financial statements can light the way beyond just getting by into the happy land of greater profitability. This article discusses the basics of financial statements and some key ratios that can provide enlightening insights. A sidebar looks at a few general categories of key performance indicators that may help construction company owners catch and improve misaligned and underperforming aspects of their businesses.
-
Construction Success Story – Stunned contractor battles business identity theft
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 439
Abstract: Identity theft doesn’t affect only individuals; it can also strike businesses — including those in the construction industry. This issue’s “Construction Success Story” offers an example in which a construction company receives bills for debts it hadn’t incurred. Their accountant traces the evidence back to a former manager who had stolen company information to file a fake tax return and obtain credit cards in the business’s name. She recommends that they review the Small Business Administration’s five best practices for preventing small-business identity theft.
-
Simplifying the financial reporting of leasing arrangements
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 524
Abstract: Many construction companies create separate, but related, business entities to buy vehicles, equipment or facilities and then lease these assets back to the parent company. They may now be able to avail themselves of a simpler way to handle the financial reporting of these arrangements. New Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance allows private companies following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to, in some circumstances, elect not to consolidate the financial reporting from such entities that lease property to them. This article offers examples of how it works and who may qualify.
-
Joint ventures: Look before you leap
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 677
Abstract: Joint ventures are a leap of faith. One never quite knows how they’ll turn out until a job is well underway. But they can still pay off, providing that one looks carefully before taking the leap. This article explains the benefits a joint venture offers, different ways of structuring one, and what to include in a joint venture agreement.
-
Could you fall over the edge? Reviewing your workforce in a post-ACA world
September / October 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 862
Abstract: There was a time when contractors could generally maintain relatively streamlined workforces and then expand them as necessary when work picked up. But, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), “large employers” are at risk for penalties if they don’t offer “minimum essential” health care coverage or coverage that isn’t “affordable” or of “minimum value” as defined by the ACA. This article describes what constitutes a “large employer” and the penalties they face, along with IRS final regulations that delay penalties for smaller “large employers.” A sidebar adds that the final regulations for the ACA’s “play or pay” provisions also affect independent contractors and staffing agencies.
-
Construction Success Story – Applying the latest technology to mobile project management
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: In this issue’s “Construction Success Story,” a midsize telecommunications contractor has learned that the right mobile project management tools mean a lot more than increased convenience. The construction business bought tablets that used apps to replace multiple pieces of equipment such as laptops, clipboards and training manuals. It then used a connectivity app to install project management software companywide. These initiatives dramatically increased morale, along with growth. And, by working with its financial advisor to execute a careful purchase process, the company was able to preserve its cash flow and claim valuable tax breaks for the tablets.
-
New government programs promote veteran hiring
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 513
Abstract: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the construction industry will add more than 1.6 million jobs in the decade leading up to 2022. This article looks at the U.S. Department of Labor’s centralized online resource specifically designed for business owners, including contractors, looking to hire veterans. It not only allows companies to post job openings, but also provides human resources managers with tools designed for veteran recruitment. The article also discusses tax credits for companies that hire veterans.
-
Small tools, big deal: Accountable reimbursement plans
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: Contractors typically consider creating an “accountable” plan for reimbursing employees for their small tools purchases. Although the dollar amounts of these items may be relatively miniscule, getting an accountable plan right is a big deal come tax time. This article discusses the criteria for establishing an accountable plan, along with recent IRS guidance.
-
Care to take a drive down M&A Avenue? 4 ways to avoid trouble
July / August 2014
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are an ambitious way to gain traction in today’s competitive construction marketplace. With so many baby boomers approaching retirement age, market analysts expect that there will be plenty of bargains for small to midsize businesses in the coming years. But M&As can be fraught with peril. Deals go bad, new co-workers don’t get along, goodwill evaporates and profits suffer. This article offers four ways to steer clear of trouble, while a sidebar describes a variety of resources to consult when considering an M&A.