Resources for Subcontractors
Learn frameworks that actually move your numbers.
This page is a curated library of your best content on:
• cash flow clarity
• job profitability visibility
• billing & retention discipline
• forecasting before payroll risk
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• 3/14/2613-Week Cash Flow Forecast for Contractors (Step-by-Step Spreadsheet Walkthrough)
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net Not sure what's wrong?
Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
--------- In this video, Josh — The Construction CFO — walks through the exact cash flow forecasting system used with contractors in 2026. This is the same 13-week cash flow forecast template used every month with SPM clients, and it has been implemented by thousands of contractors ranging from small operators to companies doing $30M+ in revenue. This isn’t theory or “thought leadership.” It’s the actual spreadsheet system used to run construction businesses and prevent cash flow surprises. The process starts by calculating true overhead, then moves into a 13-week rolling cash flow forecast that shows exactly: • When money will come in • When expenses will hit • Which projects must pay to avoid a cash shortage • When loans, credit cards, and equipment payments hit • How to plan payroll, vendors, and growth safely Most contractors run into problems because they track revenue and profit on a P&L, but they don’t track timing of cash. This forecast solves that. What This Video Covers 1. Calculating True Overhead The system begins with a full breakdown of monthly operating expenses, including: • Office rent and utilities • Software subscriptions • Insurance (general liability, workers comp, vehicle) • Payroll services and accounting • Fuel and equipment maintenance • Fleet tracking and vehicle costs • Administrative salaries For the example contractor in this walkthrough, the business has about $891,000 in annual overhead. That means if the company wants overhead to equal 10% of revenue, they need to produce roughly $8.9M in revenue. This is why many contractors unknowingly break even — they bid jobs using generic markup (like 10% overhead + 5% profit) without knowing their real overhead percentage. 2. Why Contractors Run Out of Cash A contractor may look profitable on paper but still run out of cash because: • Payment terms delay collections • Retention slows cash inflow • Payroll and vendors must be paid weekly • Large material purchases hit before payment arrives That timing gap is what the 13-week forecast solves. 3. The 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast The forecast starts with the current bank balance and then tracks weekly activity for the next three months. Each week includes: Cash In • Expected project payments • Based on actual collection timing (not just invoices) Cash Out • Overhead expenses • Payroll • Materials and vendors • Subcontractors • Equipment rental Debt & Financing • Credit cards • Equipment loans • SBA loans • Owner draws • Line of credit usage 4. Tracking Cash by Project Instead of guessing when revenue arrives, the forecast tracks cash collections by project. This allows contractors to see: • Which jobs must pay this week • Which invoices to follow up on • Which project managers need to push paperwork Most companies discover they must actively manage collections weekly to avoid a cash crunch. 5. Planning Around Cash Shortages The forecast also allows contractors to simulate real-world scenarios: • A delayed payment • A large vendor bill • A subcontractor lien notice • Unexpected expenses When cash runs short, the spreadsheet shows exactly when a line of credit must be used and when it will be paid back. This removes the guesswork and prevents payroll crises. 6. Why This Forecast Must Be Updated Monthly The first setup takes about 60–90 minutes, but once built it can be updated in about an hour each month. Most contractors use it to: • Identify the next 3 weeks of critical collections • Plan vendor payments • Avoid surprise cash shortages • Safely grow revenue without running out of money Without this system, many contractors grow revenue but destroy their cash flow, which is why growth can become the biggest risk in construction businesses. Who This Is For This system is designed for: • Construction company owners • Civil and subcontracting companies • Contractors between $3M – $20M revenue • Businesses that want predictable cash flow Download the Template The spreadsheet used in this video is linked below so you can build your own 13-week cash flow forecast and start managing cash the way professional contractors do. If you want help implementing this system in your company, reach out to SPM – The Construction CFO. --------- Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips! #construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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3/3/26Estimating to Job Cost Alignment: The System Subcontractors Miss
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
--------- In this video, Josh with SPM – The Construction CFO walks through how to align your estimating process with your job cost code structure so you can measure performance in real time. This breakdown shows how civil contractors can connect quantities, labor production rates, material budgets, equipment costs, subcontractors, and direct job expenses directly to the cost codes established in the previous video. Using a practical civil contractor example (earthwork, utilities, concrete, asphalt, erosion control, milling, and trucking), Josh demonstrates how to build an estimate that mirrors your job cost architecture. The focus is on production-based estimating — tracking units per hour, hours per unit, labor efficiency, equipment utilization, and subcontractor management — so you can compare estimated versus actual performance and identify margin erosion early. This video also covers: Aligning estimate line items to cost code buckets Tracking labor by production rates Calculating equipment cost properly (owned vs rented) Managing subcontractor markups and coordination costs Structuring direct job expenses (foreman, PM, safety, mobilization) Accounting for financing costs and cash flow timing Understanding overhead, gross margin, and change order risk If you are a civil contractor doing unit price or lump sum work and want a job costing system that provides real feedback — not just historical reporting — this walkthrough explains how to build that connection between estimating and job cost structure. Next video in the series: How to Determine the True Cost of Owned Equipment. --------- Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips! #construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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2/24/26How to Build Cost Codes for Subcontractors (Step-by-Step)
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
In this video, Josh with The Construction CFO breaks down how to build job cost codes for construction companies, including civil contractors, using a practical bucket-based structure that prioritizes clarity over unnecessary granularity. Instead of creating thousands of overly detailed cost codes that add administrative burden without improving decision-making, this approach organizes job cost into core sections such as material, subcontractors, equipment (owned and rented), small tools, labor, direct job expenses (DJE), and general conditions. The system explains how to structure codes in tiers, how to separate production labor from supervision and overhead, how to track equipment in usable monthly buckets, and how to align cost codes directly with your estimating process so you can measure performance in real time and catch margin erosion early. --------- Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips! #construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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2/10/26How 1% in Overhead Changes Your Pay by $250,000
SPM Construction Profit Diagnostic GPT - https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69881416a8708191b18665ebe0b247a4-spm-construction-profit-diagnostic
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
--------- Cash flow problems don’t come from a lack of revenue. They come from poor billing structure, weak enforcement, underpriced backlog, and no forecasting discipline. In this video, Josh Luebker The Construction CFO breaks down the four systems we implement every month with construction companies to eliminate cash flow stress within 60 days. If you're a first-time contractor, civil subcontractor, or growing construction business owner struggling with inconsistent cash flow, delayed payments, or growth outpacing capital, this is for you. What You’ll Learn: 1. How to Use a Schedule of Values Properly Why your estimate is not your billing structure — and how front-loading mobilization, general conditions, materials, and procurement protects your working capital and retention exposure. 2. How to Enforce Payment (Without Being “Difficult”) Why billing on time isn’t enough. How to follow contract terms precisely. When to send a Notice of Non-Payment and Intent to Lien. How to stop letting “next Friday” delay your cash cycle. 3. Why You Must Raise Prices When Backlog Increases How higher gross margin reduces risk. Why 40% gross margin with the same team beats 10% margin with more overhead. How pricing power stabilizes cash flow and funds controlled growth. 4. How to Build a Monthly Cash Flow Forecast Why revenue does not equal liquidity. How to map inflows vs. outflows monthly. How to prevent growth from outpacing working capital. Why forecasting is the difference between surviving and collapsing. Bonus: Creating Scarcity in Your Schedule How to leverage open manpower gaps to accelerate contract execution. How to create urgency ethically — and only when it’s real. Who This Is For: Civil subcontractors ($1M–$20M revenue) First-time construction business owners Contractors scaling revenue but lacking financial clarity Builders experiencing payment delays or tight working capital Core Takeaway: You can invoice $5 million on day one and still go broke. Cash flow stability comes from structure, enforcement, margin discipline, and forecasting, not hope. If you implement these five principles consistently, cash flow becomes predictable instead of stressful. construction cash flow contractor cash flow management schedule of values explained construction billing process intent to lien construction cash flow forecast construction company construction working capital how to fix contractor cash flow problems gross margin construction construction backlog management --------- Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips! #construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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2/10/26You Can’t Fix Cash Flow If This Is Missing
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
Most construction business owners don’t have a revenue problem. They have a cash flow, gross profit, or overhead problem — and they don’t know which one is breaking their business. In this video, I break down the four financial pillars every construction company depends on: Revenue Gross Profit Net Profit Cash Flow And more importantly, what it actually feels like when one of them is missing. If you’re: busy with strong backlog struggling to make payroll constantly chasing AR and retention borrowing money “until we get paid” unsure which jobs are actually profitable unsure whether your business is even viable This video will help you identify where the real breakdown is. I walk through: why revenue alone doesn’t mean your business is healthy how gross profit problems hide until it’s too late how overhead confusion destroys net profit why cash flow issues are what actually lead to bankruptcy This is not accounting theory. This is how these problems show up inside real construction businesses. If you run a commercial subcontracting business and want: predictable payroll visible job profitability cash under control fewer financial decisions bottlenecking on you This video will give you clarity.
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• 1/11/26Inside a $7M Subcontractor’s Numbers
SPM Construction Profit Diagnostic GPT - https://chatgpt.com/g/g-69881416a8708191b18665ebe0b247a4-spm-construction-profit-diagnostic
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
In this video, construction CFO Josh Luebker breaks down how business finances really work for subcontractors and contractors. We walk through a real example: $5M in revenue $3.5M in cost of goods sold 30% gross margin $1.4M in overhead Only $100K left in profit 2% net margin Then we show how changing overhead by just 1% can swing owner take-home pay by $50,000 to $400,000 per year. You will learn: • How gross margin actually works in construction • What overhead percentage means • Why cash feels tight even when revenue is high • How small improvements change owner income • What numbers move the needle fastest • Why most subcontractors never see this math This is for construction business owners doing $3M to $15M per year who feel busy but unsure where the money is going. Keywords: construction finance, construction CFO, job costing, overhead percentage, construction profit margins, subcontractor finance, contractor accounting, cash flow in construction, construction business numbers, gross margin construction. Shoutout to @Sy-Con for the introduction to this company!
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• 1/11/26A Simple Walkthrough of Construction Money
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
A Simple Walkthrough of Construction Money
This video is a high-level walkthrough of how money moves through a construction business.
It is not a real client case and it is not detailed accounting.
It is a simple example designed to help construction owners understand where to look before reviewing real numbers.
In this walkthrough, you’ll learn:
How construction money flows from jobs to the bank account
Why profit on a P&L does not equal cash
Where cash gets stuck on the balance sheet
How receivables, retainage, and payables affect cash timing
What “good” and “bad” balance sheet signals look like at a high level
This video is meant to build foundational understanding so that real job and company examples actually make sense when you see them.
If you own or run a construction company and want to understand how construction money works at a big-picture level, this walkthrough gives you the mental model most owners never get.
Topics covered:
Construction money explained simply
Construction balance sheet walkthrough
Cash vs profit in construction
How construction businesses actually make or lose money
This video is part of a construction finance series focused on owner clarity, not accounting theory.
Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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• 1/11/26How Construction Money Actually Works
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
How Construction Money Actually Works | Balance Sheet Explained
Most construction business owners look at their P&L and still don’t know where the money went.
This video explains how construction money actually works by walking through the balance sheet, not accounting theory, not buzzwords, and not generic finance advice.
You’ll learn:
Where your cash really lives in a construction business
Why profit on paper doesn’t mean money in the bank
How accounts receivable, retainage, and work in progress affect cash
What liabilities are quietly draining your business
How to read a balance sheet like an owner, not an accountant
This is not bookkeeping training.
This is construction finance for owners who want to understand:
Why they feel busy but broke
Why growth often makes cash tighter, not easier
Where to actually look to see if the business is healthy
If you own or run a construction company and want to understand where the money is, this video breaks it down in plain English using real construction logic.
Topics covered:
Construction balance sheet explained
Cash vs profit in construction
Where construction companies lose money
How money flows from jobs to the bank account
This video is part of a foundational series for construction owners who want real financial clarity, not reports they don’t trust.
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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• 12/11/25HOW TO JOB COST IN CONSTRUCTION (THE RIGHT WAY)
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
@Sy-Con recently did a collab where we simulated an estimating upgrade into a brand new job costing system. This is how we set it up. We use @ControlQore for job costing software.
Work with us - ConstructionCFO.net
This video script provides an in-depth explanation of job costing in the construction industry, emphasizing its importance for tracking expenses and ensuring profitability. The speaker outlines a comprehensive framework and a customizable template for job costing. Examples from real-life projects, such as a runway project at Langley Air Force Base, are used to illustrate how job costing can identify issues early, allowing necessary adjustments to avoid substantial losses. The script also discusses the integration with estimating, proper setup of cost codes, and the need for real-time tracking. Practical advice, such as avoiding overly granular tracking and leveraging job costing software, is shared to help smaller companies achieve the efficiency and profitability of larger ones.
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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• 10/28/25Why Subcontractors Can’t Pay Themselves (or Make Payroll)
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
Many construction subcontractors can’t make payroll or don’t pay themselves consistently — not because they’re bad at business, but because their pricing and financial systems were never built to include the owner’s paycheck. In this video, Josh Luebker, The Construction CFO, breaks down why most subs live job-to-job, how to structure your pricing so you can pay yourself every month, and what it takes to stop relying on leftover cash. If you’re a trade contractor tired of surviving instead of scaling, this is the clarity you’ve been missing.
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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• 9/30/257 Steps to Fix Construction Cash Flow for Subcontractors
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
Struggling with cash flow in your construction business? In this video, Josh Luebker, The Construction CFO, breaks down a proven 7-step process to fix construction cash flow problems and build long-term financial stability for subcontractors.
You’ll learn how to:
✔ Build trade-specific cost codes (materials, labor, subs, equipment, tools, job expenses, and general conditions)
✔ Align cost codes directly into bidding and budgets
✔ Calculate equipment and vehicle cost basis for accurate job costs
✔ Review project financials monthly with budgets, actuals, committed costs, and variances
✔ Track the six numbers that matter: revenue, gross profit, gross margin, net profit, net margin, and cash flow
✔ Forecast 13 weeks and 24 months ahead to avoid payroll crunches
✔ Continuously improve your systems to protect profitability
This 7-step method is built specifically for construction subcontractors who want real cash flow clarity, accurate job costing, and better financial control.
📌 Subscribe for weekly videos on construction cash flow, forecasting, and job costing.
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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• 9/30/25Construction Cash Flow Forecast – Master Cash‑Flow Forecasting in Projects
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Learn how to build a construction cash‑flow forecast. In this video, we explain what a cash‑flow forecast is an estimate of expected income and expenses over a project timeline and show you how to set the forecasting period, identify cash inflows and outflows, and calculate net cash flow.
We discuss why cash‑flow management is challenging in construction revenue is unpredictable, costs are fixed and how accurate bidding, proactive invoicing and maintaining reserves can keep you solvent.
Whether you’re a contractor or subcontractor, mastering construction cash‑flow forecasting helps you make better decisions, mitigate risk and stay profitable. Download our cash‑flow forecast template and start planning today.
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting #CashFlowForecasting #ConstructionFinance #CashFlowTemplate
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9/26/25Understanding Your P&L for Construction Subs
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
What’s the difference between a Profit & Loss Statement, a Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow and why do construction subcontractors keep getting burned by not knowing?
In this video, I break it down specifically for subcontractors in the trades: electricians, concrete, plumbing, sitework, and anyone running a crew. You’ll see exactly how these financial reports tie into job costing, forecasting, and cash flow — and why most subs think they’re making money on paper but keep running out of cash.
If you’ve ever looked at your P&L and still had no idea why the bank account is empty, this is for you. I’ll show you:
What each report really means in construction
How GCs and lenders look at your numbers
Where subcontractors lose profit because they read the wrong report
The simple link between job costs and financial clarity
This isn’t generic accounting talk. It’s built for construction owners who are tired of guessing and want clarity.
👉 Learn more at https://constructioncfo.net
👉 Free subcontractor tools (job costing, cash flow, SOV templates): https://constructioncfo.net/free-templates
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting
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9/26/25Bookkeeper vs Controller vs CFO vs CPA
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
What’s the difference between a Profit & Loss Statement, a Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow and why do construction subcontractors keep getting burned by not knowing?
In this video, I break it down specifically for subcontractors in the trades: electricians, concrete, plumbing, sitework, and anyone running a crew. You’ll see exactly how these financial reports tie into job costing, forecasting, and cash flow — and why most subs think they’re making money on paper but keep running out of cash.
If you’ve ever looked at your P&L and still had no idea why the bank account is empty, this is for you. I’ll show you:
What each report really means in construction
How GCs and lenders look at your numbers
Where subcontractors lose profit because they read the wrong report
The simple link between job costs and financial clarity
This isn’t generic accounting talk. It’s built for construction owners who are tired of guessing and want clarity.
👉 Learn more at https://constructioncfo.net
👉 Free subcontractor tools (job costing, cash flow, SOV templates): https://constructioncfo.net/free-templates
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting
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9/22/25Contractor Job Costing: From Estimate to Actuals
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
Job costing is where profit is made or lost. In this video, I break down how to take your estimate and turn it into a real job cost budget you can track. I’ll walk you through a civil contractor example in Excel, showing how to align labor, materials, equipment, and subs so nothing slips through the cracks.
Whether you’re a GC or subcontractor, you’ll see why QuickBooks alone won’t cut it and how a proper job cost system protects your margin, keeps lenders confident, and stops profit from disappearing.
If you’ve ever looked at a job that showed 40% gross profit on paper but only delivered 2% net in reality, this is why.
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting
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9/19/25Stop Guessing Cash Flow, Use Your P&L Like This!
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
Most construction business owners read their Profit & Loss (P&L) statement… but never see why it doesn’t match their cash flow.
In this video, Josh from The Construction CFO breaks down how to actually read your P&L, why it never lines up with your bank balance, and how to turn it into a clear month-over-month cash flow report.
If you’re a subcontractor or general contractor trying to figure out where the money is going, this is the video that finally makes sense of it.
What you’ll learn:
✅ How to read a Profit & Loss statement
✅ Why P&L and cash flow don’t match
✅ How to calculate real month-over-month cash flow
✅ How CFOs use P&Ls to spot financial trends
Perfect for:
• Construction subcontractors
• General contractors
• Construction business owners ready to get control of their numbers
📌 Subscribe for more construction finance tips: job costing, WIP reporting, cash flow forecasting, and everything you need to run a profitable construction business.
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting
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9/16/25How Contractors Get Approved for Loans and Bonds
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
WIP Reporting: https://youtu.be/NKo81bIc3zc
Job Costing: https://youtu.be/SaabJhnmq5A
Want better loan rates, higher bonding capacity, and stronger relationships with lenders?
In this video, I break down exactly what banks and bonding companies look for before they trust a contractor with their money.
We’ll cover:
• How to qualify for construction loans
• What bonding companies review before increasing your limits
• The financial statements and job cost reports lenders expect
• Why cash flow, working capital, and equity matter more than revenue
• How to prove your company is bankable and low risk
If you want to grow your construction business, you have to earn lender trust — not just ask for money.
Watch this video to learn how to build the financial foundation that gets you approved.
#constructionfinance #contractorloans #bondingcapacity #constructionbusiness #constructioncfo
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting
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9/12/25Beginner Construction WIP Report Explained (Non GAAP)
Fix Your Cash Flow in 60 Days - https://constructioncfo.net
Not sure what's wrong? Let's figure it out. - https://calendly.com/the-construction-cfo/youtube
Get your copy of the cash flow forecast: https://constructioncfo.net/tools/p/cash-flow-forecast-template-guide
Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo
Learn how to build a WIP (Work in Progress) report the right way as a construction subcontractor.
I’ll walk you through exactly what banks, bonding agents, and lenders want to see — from tracking job costs and change orders to showing billed vs actual costs.
Whether you use construction accounting software or Excel, this step-by-step guide will help you:
✅ Understand what a WIP report is and why it matters
✅ Track job costs accurately (not just labor and materials)
✅ Build lender-ready reports to improve your cash flow and secure funding
📌 For subcontractors who want financial clarity, predictable cash flow, and confident growth.
#ConstructionAccounting #WIPReport #JobCosting #Subcontractor #ConstructionFinance #ConstructionCFO
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Struggling with cash flow? On this channel, I give advice for subcontractors to fix cash flow through construction finances and operations. Subscribe for free actionable tips!
#construction #subcontractor #cashflow #constructionaccounting
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6/18/25Cash Flow vs Profit (Explained Simply)
Why is your construction company profitable on paper but broke in real life? In this episode of The Owner’s Financial Crash Course, we break down one of the most painful truths in the industry: profit isn’t cash. Whether you're a construction subcontractor, general contractor, or growing trades business, this 6-minute video will help you understand: ✅ The difference between profit vs. cash flow ✅ Why your P&L (profit and loss statement) doesn’t tell the whole story ✅ How poor construction cash flow management puts good jobs underwater ✅ What happens when you bill too late and pay too early ✅ Why construction businesses go broke with a full backlog You’ll see a real-world job timeline that shows how subcontractors end up floating costs for months before getting paid and why construction cash flow forecasting is critical if you want to grow without running out of money.
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4/18/25How to Keep Profit: Construction Subcontractor
Stop Signing Bad Contracts: How Subcontractors Protect Themselves from Backcharges & Lawsuits
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4/18/25How to Fund Projects: Construction Subcontractor
Subcontractor Cash Flow Problems? How to Get Paid Faster & Survive Payroll Struggling with cash flow issues in your construction business? You're not alone.
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• 3/31/25How to Increase Profit: Construction Subcontractor
Download Your Free Document Control Log to Keep Up With Project Needs: https://constructioncfo.net/subcontractor-performing-the-work In this video, Josh Luebker shares essential insights he's gained from working with over 20 subcontractors with 30+ years of experience. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that can bankrupt your company, understand the importance of sticking to contractual obligations, and discover the impact of standardized operating procedures (SOPs). Josh illustrates how SOPs can improve project handoffs and ensure consistent, high-quality installations. Additionally, understand the significance of weekly PM-Superintendent meetings for preemptive problem-solving and get practical tips to start working on your business, not just in it. Implement these four game-changing secrets to improve cash flow and project outcomes in your construction business.
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• 3/31/25How to Win More Work: Construction Subcontractor
https://constructioncfo.net/subcontractor-winning-the-work Are you tired of losing project after project? In this video, I share four strategies to boost your win rate from 1 in 11 to 1 in 4. Drawing from my experience with over 50 subcontractors, I'll guide you through improving confidence in your estimates, vetting general contractors, refining your bidding process, and ensuring you're paying yourself adequately. Avoid common pitfalls, learn the importance of reading project details carefully, and discover how to target the right clients to enhance your construction business's cash flow and profitability. If you're struggling to win consistent and profitable work, this video is for you!
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• 3/26/25Where to Find Work as a Construction Subcontractor
Track projects with a free bid board so you can see trends and find your niche - https://constructioncfo.net/subcontractor-finding-the-work
With an average of 12 bids per subcontractor for any project on BuildingConnected, should you really be focusing on a platform that encourages a race to the bottom? In this video, Josh Luebker shares four impactful takeaways from working with over 50 subcontractors to boost their bid hit rate. Discover the importance of targeting projects that align with your niche, leveraging referrals, using targeted outreach, and creating a replicable process to secure more consistent and profitable work. Learn how defining and embracing your specialty can dramatically increase your profit margins while reducing competition.
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• 3/25/25Building A Construction Company Is Hard Enough, Here’s How to Do It Successfully
If your business isn't growing, it's dying. In this video, Josh Luebker, a fractional CFO and COO for construction subcontractors, shares crucial insights on how to prepare your business for growth. Learn the importance of financial ratios, strategic bidding, a healthy financial culture, and employee retention. Discover how to avoid the race to the bottom and ensure your company's long-term success. Don't miss out on these expert tips to thrive in the subcontracting industry. Like, subscribe, and get ready to scale your business!
BILLD Whitepaper: https://billd.com/pdf/Building%20a%20Working%20Capital%20Toolkit.pdf
Procore Article: https://www.procore.com/library/carrying-cost-slow-payment-construction
BILLD: https://billd.com/
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• 3/24/25Why is Your Construction Company Losing Money?
Josh Luebker, the Construction CFO, discusses the harsh realities and challenges of starting a trade subcontractor business. From dealing with bidding frustration and unpaid invoices to handling extensive paperwork, this video outlines why 73.6% of construction companies fail within ten years. Josh shares his decade-long experience managing large contracts and introduces the five pillars of a profitable subcontractor to help you stabilize your business and improve cash flow.
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• 3/11/25Construction Business Tips: Costs to Fund Projects
Download the Calculator Here: https://billd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Livestream-Cost-of-Capital-Spreadsheet-Billd.xlsx
Download BILLD's Toolkit Whitepaper Here: https://billd.com/pdf/Building%20a%20Working%20Capital%20Toolkit.pdf
BILLD: Championing Subcontractors: https://billd.com
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to calculate the cost of working capital for your next project and a process to evaluate the best working capital solutions for your business. This video is designed for subcontracting executives and construction CFOs at any level, whether you’re ready to dive into accounting for the cost of capital now or are looking to refine your approach.
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• 3/4/25Construction Business Tips: Estimating Cost Per GC
Download the Calculator Here: https://billd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Livestream-Cost-of-Capital-Spreadsheet-Billd.xlsx
Download BILLD's Toolkit Whitepaper Here: https://billd.com/pdf/Building%20a%20Working%20Capital%20Toolkit.pdf
BILLD: Championing Subcontractors: https://billd.com
A step-by-step walkthrough on how to calculate the cost of working capital for your next project and a process to evaluate the best working capital solutions for your business. This video is designed for subcontracting executives and construction CFOs at any level, whether you’re ready to dive into accounting for the cost of capital now or are looking to refine your approach.
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