Construction and Trades Bookkeeping Services
Bookkeeping for People Who Build Things.
We help construction and trades business owners eliminate guesswork around job profitability, stay compliant with state tax requirements, and maintain clean, accurate books—so you can focus on building.
Sound Familiar?
You've got enough on your plate without worrying about the books.
Your numbers feel like guesswork
You're making decisions based on numbers you're not sure you can trust. Without accurate job costing, you can't tell which projects are profitable and which ones are bleeding money.
Learn about job costing →Your books are always behind
Estimates change. Jobs shift. But your books don't keep up—and by the time you see the numbers, they're already stale. You need bookkeeping that moves as fast as your business.
You don't know what you owe in taxes
Sales tax, B&O tax, quarterly filings—keeping track of what you owe shouldn't be this stressful. A missed deadline or wrong calculation can cost you thousands.
Compliance guidance →You're not sure if you need a bookkeeper or a CPA
Many contractors wonder: what's the difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA? A bookkeeper keeps your day-to-day finances organized; a CPA handles tax strategy. You likely need both.
Read our FAQ →Our Services
Accurate books. Clear profitability. Zero guesswork.
We provide specialized bookkeeping services tailored specifically for construction and trades businesses—so you can clearly understand where your money is going and plan for growth.
Monthly Bookkeeping
Ongoing bookkeeping that adapts as your jobs change. Clear financial reports, regular check-ins, and a partner who actually picks up the phone when you call.
See our construction finance guides →Payroll Processing
Multi-state compliance, certified payroll, and complex crew structures—construction payroll is different. We make sure your team gets paid right and your reporting stays clean.
Payroll compliance guidance →Job Costing / Project Accounting
Know exactly which jobs make money and which ones don't. We set up proper job costing so you can track profitability by project, make smarter bids, and stop guessing at your margins.
Learn about job costing →Accounts Payable / Receivable
Stay on top of what you owe and what's owed to you. We manage your AP/AR so cash flow stays healthy and nothing falls through the cracks.
Learn about AIA billing →Cleanup & Catch-up Bookkeeping
Behind on your books? No judgment. We'll clean up the mess, reconcile your accounts, and get you current—no matter how far behind you are.
Sales Tax & State Filing
Not sure how to file sales tax and B&O tax for your construction business? We handle it—accurately and on time—so you always know what you owe and never miss a deadline.
B&O tax explained →QuickBooks Setup & Support
We configure QuickBooks specifically for construction companies—chart of accounts, job costing, classes, and integrations—so your books actually reflect how your business works.
QuickBooks for construction →Who We Serve
Built for construction and trades businesses.
We work with construction companies across the United States—general contractors, subcontractors, and trade businesses that need accurate financial tracking and industry-specific accounting support.
General Contractors
Managing multiple jobs, crews, and subs? We keep your books organized at the project level so you always know where your margins stand.
GC bookkeeping guide →Subcontractors
From progress invoicing to retention tracking, we understand how subs get paid—and make sure your books reflect every dollar accurately.
Learn about progress billing →Trades & Home Services
HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing—whatever your trade, we handle the financial tracking so you can focus on the work.
HVAC/plumbing guide →Why Scaffold
Most bookkeepers treat construction like any other industry. We don't.
Whether you're wondering about the average cost of monthly bookkeeping for construction or looking for a bookkeeper who actually understands your trade—you're in the right place. Explore our Learning Center for in-depth construction finance guides.
Construction-Specific Expertise
We're not general bookkeepers figuring it out as we go. We know job costing, change orders, Xactimate, Drip Jobs, QuickBooks for construction, and the tools you actually use.
Adaptability to Change
Construction is chaos. Estimates shift, scopes change, insurance adjustments land. Your books should handle that—ours do.
Job-Level Visibility
Not just company-level reports. We give you project-level profitability data so you know exactly where your margins are on every job.
Respectful Partnership
You know your business. We never talk down to you or force you into our system. We adapt to your workflow—not the other way around.
High-Touch Communication
Text, email, phone—whatever works for you. We're available when you need us and never pushy when you don't.
About Us
Bookkeeping That Speaks Construction
Scaffold Bookkeeping was founded with one goal: give construction business owners the financial visibility they deserve. Too many contractors rely on gut feelings instead of real numbers — and that's where things go sideways. We exist to change that.
Industry Focus
We work exclusively with construction and trades businesses. That means we already understand your chart of accounts, your job costing needs, and your tax obligations — no learning curve.
Partnership, Not Paperwork
We're not here to just categorize transactions. We partner with you to deliver financial clarity so you can bid smarter, hire confidently, and grow on solid ground.
Built for Growth
Whether you're a one-truck operation or running multiple crews, our systems scale with you. Clean books today mean better decisions tomorrow.
Based in Washington State and serving construction companies nationwide, we deliver remote bookkeeping that's anything but distant. Your books are our craft — and we take the same pride in our work that you take in yours. Learn more about construction finance topics in our Glossary and Compliance Hub.
How It Works
Simple process. Real results.
We Have a Conversation
No pitch, no pressure. We learn about your business, your pain points, and what you actually need. If we're a good fit, we'll tell you. If not, we'll tell you that too.
We Build Your System
We set up job costing, integrate with your existing tools, and get your books organized. Clean, accurate, and built for construction.
We Keep It Running
Ongoing bookkeeping that adapts as your jobs change. Regular check-ins, clear reports, and a partner who actually picks up the phone.
You Make Better Decisions
With accurate numbers and real job profitability data, you stop guessing and start running your business with confidence.
Free Resources
Construction Finance Knowledge at Your Fingertips
Explore our library of guides, definitions, and compliance resources—built specifically for construction professionals.
Learning Center
In-depth articles on construction bookkeeping — job costing, WIP reporting, tax planning, and more.
FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about construction finance, sourced from US regulations.
Glossary
Plain-language definitions of construction bookkeeping and accounting terms every contractor should know.
Compliance Hub
Tax, payroll, lien waiver, and bonding compliance guidance for construction contractors.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by Contractors & Business Owners
"I can't say enough good things about Scaffold. They did an amazing job cleaning up my books — what had become a messy and time-consuming headache is now completely organized and accurate. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and communication throughout the process made everything seamless. After seeing the results, I decided to hire them for ongoing monthly bookkeeping services, and I couldn't be more confident in that decision."
Luke Schmale
LS General Contracting
"I've had an amazing experience working with Scaffold, and I can't recommend them highly enough. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and dedication to their clients truly set them apart. Michelle has been an absolute rockstar — knowledgeable, responsive, and always goes the extra mile. Her guidance has brought me real peace of mind when it comes to our finances."
Michael J.
Business Owner
"I just completed my 2nd year of business and I hadn't gotten my processes figured out yet, so my books were pretty scattered! Michelle and Sasha were very helpful and patient with me and did all the work to organize and reconcile my whole year of income and expenses. I now have a beautiful and accurate P&L to hand to my CPA. I'm so grateful for their help!"
Bridgid Berkano
Business Owner
"We had a great experience working with Scaffold. They answered all our questions and gave us answers to questions we didn't even know we needed to ask. Grateful for their attention to detail."
Jessica Myrick
Client
FAQ
Common Questions About Construction Bookkeeping
Quick answers to what contractors ask most.
Prime contractors performing 'retail construction' services for consumers are generally taxed under the Retailing B&O tax classification. This includes constructing, repairing, or improving real property for a consumer. (Source: Revised Code of Washington, RCW 82.04.050)
Any person furnishing labor, professional services, materials, or equipment for the improvement of real property shall have a lien upon the improvement for the contract price of labor, services, materials, or equipment furnished at the instance of the owner, or the agent or construction agent of the owner. (Source: Revised Code of Washington, RCW 60.04.021)
The AIA G702 serves as a summary document where the contractor certifies that the work described in the accompanying G703 is complete. It includes the original contract sum, net change orders, total completed and stored to date, retainage amounts, and the remaining balance to finish. (Source: AIA Document G702-1992, Instructions)
Direct costs are those specifically identifiable to a single project, such as field labor and materials, whereas indirect costs (job overhead) are necessary for project completion but cannot be tied to a specific task, such as superintendent salaries or temporary site utilities. Proper allocation is required to ensure accurate project profitability reporting and tax compliance. (Source: IRS Publication 538, Inventory and Capitalized Costs)
Labor burden includes the employer's portion of FICA (Social Security and Medicare), FUTA (Federal Unemployment), SUTA (State Unemployment), workers' compensation, and fringe benefits. These mandatory taxes and insurance costs are added to the base hourly wage to determine the true cost of labor for a project. (Source: 26 USC § 3111, Rate of Tax)
The Davis-Bacon Act requires that all contractors and subcontractors performing work on federal or District of Columbia contracts in excess of $2,000 pay their laborers and mechanics no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area. (Source: United States Code, 40 USC §3142)
Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized 'over time' if the contractor’s performance creates an asset that the customer controls or if the performance does not create an asset with an alternative use and there is an enforceable right to payment. This usually aligns with the Percentage-of-Completion method. (Source: FASB Accounting Standards Codification, ASC 606-10-25-27)
To be registered as a general contractor in Washington, you must file a surety bond with the Department of Labor and Industries in the amount of $12,000. This bond is primarily for the protection of persons who perform labor, provide materials, or have a breach of contract claim against the contractor. (Source: Revised Code of Washington, RCW 18.27.040(1))
Ready to Talk?
Stop guessing about your own business.
Let's have a straight conversation about your books. No pitch, no pressure—just an honest look at where you are and how we can help.
Schedule a FREE Consultation