Trades & Construction · Brisbane
Accountants for Builders
Progress claims, retentions, work in progress and QBCC reporting — construction accounting has its own rhythm, and generic bookkeeping breaks on it.
What makes construction accounting different?
Revenue recognition. Progress claims, retentions held for months, variations and defects liability mean the cash in your account rarely equals the profit on the job. Add subcontractor reporting (TPAR), GST timing on progress invoices, and the QBCC minimum financial requirements that tie your licence to net tangible assets and a maximum revenue category, and the accounting has real consequences beyond the return.
- Specialist support for builders and construction businesses
- Fixed monthly packages from $220
- BAS, payroll and year-end handled together
- Benchmarked against ATO industry figures
What we watch
What matters most for builders and construction businesses.
Job-level margin
Costs tracked per job so you know which builds made money — not just the annual total that hides the loss-maker.
QBCC financial requirements
Net tangible asset and revenue category reporting prepared to the standard QBCC expects, on time.
TPAR and contractor status
Annual taxable payments reporting, plus checking whether a subbie is genuinely a contractor before super and PAYG become your problem.
WIP and retentions
Work in progress and retentions recognised correctly so profit lands in the right year and the bank sees a real balance sheet.
Deductions
Builders — what you can claim.
A working checklist we go through with every client in this sector. Substantiation requirements differ by item — we'll tell you which need records and which don't.
- Tools, plant and equipment (with write-off rules applied)
- Vehicle and ute running costs with a log book
- Site sheds, temporary fencing and amenities hire
- Subcontractor payments and labour hire
- Protective clothing, boots, high-vis and laundry
- QBCC licence fees, insurance and bonds
- Site travel between jobs and interstate work
- Training, tickets and white card renewals
- Home office for quoting and admin at the 70c fixed rate
How we help
Services builders and construction businesses use most.
Tax Returns
Individual and business returns prepared accurately, lodged fast, with every deduction claimed.
Learn more →Tax Planning
Year-round planning that lowers your tax bill before 30 June — not after it.
Learn more →Business Accounting
Bookkeeping, BAS, payroll and management reporting handled end to end.
Learn more →Self-Managed Super (SMSF)
SMSF setup, administration, compliance and audit coordination in one place.
Learn more →Business Advisory
Structuring, cash-flow forecasting, growth strategy and succession planning.
Learn more →Financial Reporting
Clear statutory and management accounts you can actually make decisions from.
Learn more →FAQ
Builders — questions we're asked most.
How do I meet QBCC minimum financial requirements?
Your licence category sets a maximum revenue and a required level of net tangible assets, supported by financial information lodged annually — with a higher level of assurance as revenue grows. Problems usually arise from director loans, related-party balances and assets that don't qualify as tangible. We prepare the reports and flag issues before they threaten the licence.
Are my subcontractors actually contractors?
Not automatically. The tests look at control, ability to delegate, provision of tools, commercial risk and whether they're paid for a result. If a "subbie" is really an employee, you owe PAYG withholding and superannuation retrospectively, plus penalties. Even genuine contractors can attract super where the contract is principally for their labour.
When should I recognise a progress claim?
Generally when the work is done and the claim is issued, not when it's paid — which means GST and income tax can fall due before the money arrives. That timing gap is the main reason profitable builders run out of cash, and it's exactly what cash-flow forecasting is for.
Can I claim a new ute outright?
It depends on the year's instant asset write-off rules, the vehicle's cost, whether it's a commercial vehicle, and your business use percentage. Passenger vehicles are subject to a car limit cap for depreciation and GST. If the vehicle is owned by a company or trust and used privately, FBT enters the picture. Ask before you buy, not after.
Related
Related pages.
Accountants for Tradies
Specialist tax and accounting support for Brisbane tradies.
Learn more →Accountants for Contractors
Specialist tax and accounting support for Brisbane contractors.
Learn more →Business Accounting
Bookkeeping, BAS, payroll and management reporting handled end to end.
Learn more →Small Business Accountant Brisbane
Sole traders to companies
Learn more →Local coverage across Brisbane
We work in person from our Wakerley office and by secure video across 200 suburbs. Start with your region:
- Accountants Brisbane CPA accountants for the wider Brisbane metro area.
- Accountants South Brisbane South Brisbane, West End, Annerley and Sunnybank.
- Accountants Brisbane Northside Chermside, Stafford, Aspley and the northern corridor.
- Accountants Brisbane Bayside Wynnum, Manly, Wakerley and Tingalpa.
- Accountants Redland City Cleveland, Capalaba, Victoria Point and the bay islands.
- Accountants Logan City Springwood, Beenleigh, Browns Plains and 50 Logan suburbs.
- Accountants Ipswich Ipswich CBD and the western Brisbane corridor.
Ready when you are
Accountants for builders — let's talk.
Free 15-minute consultation, fixed monthly fee, and an accountant who already knows your sector.