Construction Industry Advisor
CIA
Showing 1–16 of 262 results
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Contractors: Watch out for occupational fraud
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: Construction businesses can be afflicted by occupational fraud in various places, including in the office and on the jobsite. That’s why they need to be particularly diligent when it comes to looking for and reacting to schemes. This article looks at some data from the most recent report published by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to help contractors know where to look.
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Tired of HR hassles? Consider a PEO
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: Sometimes the most difficult part of running a business is dealing with payroll, benefits and other such matters. Enter the professional employer organization (PEO). PEOs are outsourcing providers that can relieve construction businesses, as well as other types of companies, from the hassles of human resources. This article examines the advantages and risks of partnering with one.
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Joint ventures offer both revenue and risk
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 655
Abstract: They’re hardly new to the industry, but joint ventures remain a tricky move for any construction business that’s largely unfamiliar with the process and experience. A carefully chosen and well-executed joint venture can indeed be profitable, but there are significant risks to consider. This article explores why contractors typically opt for a joint venture and discusses some of the common challenges involved.
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Cash flow strategies for construction companies
Fall 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 941
Abstract: Construction businesses play a dangerous game in having to invest heavily in the means to complete projects well before they get paid. The situation elevates cash flow management to a mission-critical activity. This article discusses some sound strategies for improving cash flow, such as preparing forecasts and staying on top of receivables. A sidebar notes that, under the right circumstances, switching tax accounting methods may boost cash flow.
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Contractors, keep an eye on where AI is headed
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 445
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting every major industry. Indeed, many construction businesses may already be using AI in some ways and many more functions are likely in the pipeline. This article points out five ways that this technology can improve a construction company’s performance … or soon will.
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Recent report champions women in construction
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 543
Abstract: Construction businesses have been struggling with a skilled labor shortage for many years. One way to ease the pain is to consider hiring from population groups that have been historically overlooked by the industry. Case in point: women. This article explores the results of a recent survey indicating that adding female workers in various roles can improve project outcomes.
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Upgrading financial statements to a classified balance sheet
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 638
Abstract: Having sound financial reporting practices can help a construction business win over investors, obtain outside financing and get the surety bonds required to work on certain types of projects. One often-overlooked way that contractors can enhance their financial statements is to use a classified balance sheet rather than a conventional one. This article explores some of the details of a classified balance sheet.
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Need an exit strategy? Consider an ESOP
Summer 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 954
Abstract: Just like any business, a construction company needs a succession plan, employee benefits and ways to attract and retain motivated workers. Believe it or not, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) can accomplish all these objectives in one fell swoop. This article explains how ESOPs work and what advantages they offer. It also notes the downsides to be aware of. A sidebar points out some specific things that construction business owners need to know about ESOPs before establishing one.
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Why contractors should care about ESG
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 453
Abstract: Every business owner is at least somewhat aware of today’s expectations regarding sustainability, employee wellness and running an ethically sound company. However, that pressure is intensifying. This article addresses the rising trend of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices; how ESG applies to construction businesses; and why it matters.
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Seizing control of insurance coverage with a CCIP
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 538
Abstract: Running a construction business and an insurance company might seem like two totally separate endeavors. But, under a contractor-controlled insurance program, a general contractor provides coverage for most parties to a construction project. This article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of this bold insurance strategy.
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How do federal infrastructure bids work?
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: Like a full bottle of ketchup, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been slow to dispense the many construction projects anticipated. However, confidence is high that more and more federally funded jobs are going to emerge in the coming year if they haven’t already. This article reviews the two most common bidding methods for public projects: sealed bidding and contracting by negotiation.
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Beware of tax surprises when selling equipment or vehicles
Spring 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 946
Abstract: Selling or trading in an unneeded vehicle or piece of equipment might seem like a good idea. But if you don’t carefully consider the details, the tax hit can make for quite an unpleasant surprise. This article discusses the details, providing three examples of the tax consequences of a transaction. For contractors thinking about selling their companies, a sidebar suggests an employee stock ownership plan as an effective way to do so.
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Prepare for stricter cybersecurity on DoD contracts
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: Winning a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contract can mean a substantial revenue boost for a construction company. But any entity that works on a DoD job will soon have to comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. This article outlines the program and discusses why contractors should consider a cybersecurity assessment regardless of whether they plan to bid on a DoD contract.
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The essentials of a subcontractor prequalification process
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: General contractors are masters of logistics and coordination. But the success of most projects depends on one or more reliable subcontractors to get certain tasks done and done right. This article describes some of the essentials of a formal process for thoroughly vetting subcontractors so general contractors can rest assured that their jobs will be in good hands when the time comes.
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Succession planning is a journey of many steps
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 678
Abstract: Many construction businesses feature an owner who’s generally well known and liked by employees, customers, vendors, investors and advisors. This is great, but what happens when this individual is ready to retire or is otherwise compelled to step down? That’s where a succession plan comes in. This article discusses some of the general concepts of succession planning.
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Business interest expense: How much can you deduct?
Winter 2023
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 886
Abstract: If there’s one thing that every construction company owner enjoys, it’s a healthy tax deduction. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set forth a limitation on deductions of business interest expense. This article explains how small businesses can qualify for an exemption, how the limitation is calculated and how some companies can opt out of the limitation altogether. A sidebar looks at how a construction company could end up defined as a “tax shelter.”