The growth guide for controllers, bookkeepers, and the construction companies that depend on them. Nine essential tools. One stronger business.
Each tool was built in the field — not in a classroom. They work because they were tested on real projects, with real money, under real pressure.
Structure your Chart of Accounts so every report tells the truth — not an illusion.
Know what labor actually costs. A $28/hr wage is really $36.61/hr. That gap destroys margins.
The single most important financial document. Know what you've earned vs. what you've billed — every month.
Manage the gaps between when costs hit and when payments arrive. Forecast 90 days out — always.
Calculate your break-even. Know which division carries the company — and which needs attention.
A missing WC certificate cost one company $2,220 at audit. Controls aren't bureaucracy — they're protection.
Turn numbers into three-to-five-point summaries that create action. No jargon. No confusion.
Build trust through clarity. Deliver the hard conversations early — with specifics and a next step.
Build a company that can be sold, survive a crisis, and scale without losing financial discipline.
I did not start with a finance degree, a CPA firm behind me, or a corporate accounting team. I started with responsibility. Responsibility to keep the doors open. To make payroll. To make sure the numbers were right — even when I didn't fully understand them yet.
I learned in real time. Not in a classroom. I learned what happens when job costs aren't tracked properly. I learned how quickly cash disappears when financial structure is weak. And I learned that most construction companies are not failing because they lack work — they're failing because they lack financial clarity.
This book is not written for the $50-million contractor with a CFO and a national CPA firm. It's written for the controller who learned by doing, the bookkeeper who wants to become more, and the owner who is excellent in the field but unsure in the financials.
"You cannot scale chaos.
You can scale clarity."
— Susan Marinaccio, The Construction Accountant's Toolbox
Reading about job costing builds understanding. Running the numbers yourself builds confidence. The complete system is almost ready — get on the list to be first in line.
Nine essential tools taught through real-world case examples. Written for the controller who learned by doing.
The book taught the why and the what. This workbook teaches the how. Every tool gets a worked example, a new scenario, and a blank template.
Use these Excel templates to do the actual monthly calculations. Every tab is ready to go — yours free.
Most financial education in construction is built for CPAs at big firms or owners at $50M+ companies. This isn't that. This is for you.
Who learned by doing and want to step into a strategic role.
Running $1M–$20M and need financial structure that matches growth.
Who grew faster than their systems and need to catch up — fast.
Excellent in the field but unsure in the financials. Ready to understand the numbers.
Eight pre-built calculation sheets — Labor Burden, Job Budget, WIP Schedule, 90-Day Cash Forecast, Break-Even Calculator, Retainage Tracker, Monthly Close Checklist, and Subcontractor Compliance Log.
Built for real construction companies. Ready to use at your next month-end close. Yours free.
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Ready for hands-on guidance? Susan works directly with construction companies and their financial teams to build lasting financial strength.
A comprehensive review of your Chart of Accounts, job costing structure, WIP process, and reporting systems. You get a written action plan with priorities.
Inquire →Ongoing monthly coaching for controllers and bookkeepers who want to grow into a strategic financial role. WIP reviews, reporting guidance, and owner communication.
Inquire →Hands-on setup of your financial systems — from Chart of Accounts restructuring to WIP schedule implementation to monthly close process design.
Inquire →"This is the book I wish I had when I started. Every chapter gives you something you can use on Monday morning — not theory, real tools."Construction Controller Commercial GC, Southeast US
"The WIP section alone was worth the price. I finally understand overbillings vs. underbillings and why my owner needs to see that report every month."Bookkeeper Residential Builder
"Susan writes like she's sitting across the table from you, explaining it in plain English. No fluff. No jargon. Just the tools you need."Owner / Operator Specialty Subcontractor
Whether you need a financial system audit, controller coaching, or just want to discuss how to strengthen your construction company's finances — reach out. The first conversation is always free.