How to Choose the Best Accounting Services for Your Construction Business

Finances in the construction industry can get complicated. Partnering with a reliable tax and accounting firm to outsource most of this work is often the best way forward, but this leaves some questions. What companies provide the best accounting services, and how can you choose the right one for your construction business?

What Companies Offer the Best Accounting Services for Construction?

Which accounting service is best largely depends on your needs, but a few industry leaders stand above the rest. Here are the top five firms to consider.

1. Polston Tax

With nationwide availability and over 20 years of experience, Polston Tax is the best accounting service for construction overall. The company’s range of offerings is impressive and includes bookkeeping, tax planning, tax resolution, audit representation and more.

Key Selling Points:

● Focus on tax and accounting

● 20-plus years of experience

● Tailored approach depending on your specific needs

2. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

CLA is another reliable choice for financial outsourcing. It boasts one of the highest numbers of construction clients of any accounting firm, giving it a level of expertise in this sector that you may not find in many other partners

Key Selling Points:

● Extensive experience in the construction industry

● Digitization services

● More than 130 physical offices in the U.S.

3. CBIZ

Marcum LLP — now part of CBIZ — is also one of the best construction accounting firms. It offers several service packages tailored to various construction niches and employs many accountants with experience in the industry. Like CLA, it also offers technology and insurance services to complement its financial expertise.

Key Selling Points:

● Many construction-focused CPAs on staff

● Purpose-built solutions for specific construction niches

● Global tax and finance knowledge and experience

4. Baker Tilly

Global advisory, tax, and assurance firm Baker Tilly is a respectable alternative. In addition to a massive national and international presence, the company boasts a dedicated construction department. This focus makes it uniquely situated to offer sector-specific accounting and tax help.

Key Selling Points:

● Accountants with active construction industry involvement

● Collaborative approach to tax and financial planning

● Expertise in global regulations

5. James Moore

The certified public accountants at James Moore are another great choice for contractors needing help with their finances. The company’s services span tax, HR, advisory, accounting, assurance and technology workflows. More importantly, it has a strong history of driving tangible gains in the construction industry.

Key Selling Points:

● Wide range of accounting and advisory services

● Commitment to ongoing learning and optimization in construction

● Client-specific approach to budgeting and accounting

How to Choose an Accounting Service for Construction

Any of these five businesses will make a reliable financial partner. However, which construction accounting service is best depends on your unique situation. Consequently, you can choose the ideal firm by first outlining your goals and needs.

Narrow down your list by ruling out any companies without licensing or a presence in your state, as regional regulations may entail unique requirements. Next, identify your largest areas of need to determine what services are most valuable to your organization.

Do you face complex regulations or regulatory penalties? You will need a legal expert. Alternatively, digitalization partners may be more beneficial if slow, error-prone bookkeeping

and planning are holding you back. If you are unsure of what you need, look for a partner with a strong advisory track record.

Finally, consider the firm’s specialization. One with a larger range of industries and services may be helpful when you have similarly diverse needs, but a smaller focus can produce better results when you only need help in a specific area.

Find Your Ideal Construction Accounting Partner

These five companies offer the best accounting services for construction businesses. Once you know what you need in this area, review this list to identify which firm will be most beneficial to your operations. You can then drive efficiency, accuracy and assurance to avoid future pitfalls and focus on what you do best.