If you run a contracting business pulling in $1M to $50M, you already know that generic accounting doesn't cut it. You need a CPA who speaks job costing, retainage, and 13-week cash flow forecasts like a second language. I've rounded
Why Construction Accounting Is a Different Beast
Construction accounting isn't just bookkeeping with a hard hat. Between progress billing, change orders, WIP schedules, and retainage, your financials look nothing like a retail business. A general CPA might miss the early warning signs of profit fade or a cash gap that can sink a project. That's why specialized construction CPAs exist. They build their entire practice around job cost clarity, bonding capacity, and the kind of cash flow forecasting that keeps your crew paid and your surety happy. The firms below have decades of combined experience serving contractors, and they all bring something unique to the table.
How I Ranked These Firms
I evaluated each firm on four criteria: depth of construction-specific services (job costing, WIP, retainage), client retention and industry focus, the range of advisory and CFO offerings, and how well they serve contractors in the $1M–$50M revenue sweet spot. I also weighed geographic reach and the ability to work remotely. The result is a mix of national players and niche specialists, each ranked for a different type of contractor.
Here's a quick look at how the five firms stack up against each other. Each one brings a different strength to the table, so you can find the right fit for your business.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Haynie & Company | Established contractors needing multi-state support and bonding capacity |
| Aldrich Advisors | Growth-minded contractors wanting integrated advisory and wealth services |
| Massey and Company CPA | Small to mid-sized contractors wanting hands-on, construction-only expertise |
| Construction CFO & Accounting for Contractors | ACE CPAs | Contractors seeking a dedicated construction CFO with job cost clarity |
| Sarah Shaw CPA | Pacific Northwest contractors wanting a collaborative, surety-focused CPA |
The Top 5 Construction CPAs: Full Breakdown
#1 Haynie & Company
A screenshot of the Haynie & Company website.
Haynie & Company has been serving construction clients for decades, with a strong presence in the Mountain West and Texas. They offer a full suite of services including audit, tax, cost segregation, and outsourced CFO solutions tailored to contractors. Their team understands the nuances of multi-family and commercial construction, making them a solid pick for larger projects. If you need bonding support and deep industry expertise across multiple states, Haynie brings the horsepower.
#2 Aldrich Advisors
A screenshot of the Aldrich Advisors website.
Aldrich Advisors is a comprehensive firm that goes beyond tax prep into wealth management and strategic advisory for construction businesses. Their construction practice covers everything from audit and assurance to M&A advisory and R&D tax credits. They also offer outsourced accounting and cybersecurity services, which is rare among construction-focused CPAs. If you're a growing contractor who wants a one-stop shop for financial and business advice, Aldrich is worth a look.
#3 Massey and Company CPA
A screenshot of the Massey and Company CPA website.
Massey and Company CPA, led by Gary Massey, focuses exclusively on construction accounting for general contractors, subcontractors, and residential builders. They emphasize job costing, WIP schedules, and change order tracking to protect your profits. Their blog and educational content show a deep understanding of the daily challenges contractors face. If you want a firm that lives and breathes construction accounting without the corporate overhead, Massey delivers.
#4 Construction CFO & Accounting for Contractors | ACE CPAs
A screenshot of the ACE CPAs website.
ACE CPAs is a licensed CPA firm built specifically for contractors earning $1M to $50M. They offer a Construction CFO Suite that includes monthly financial reporting, variance analysis, and 13-week cash flow forecasts pulled directly from QuickBooks Online. Their job cost clarity and bonding-ready financials help you catch profit fade and cash gaps early. With a 98% client retention rate and over $2M saved in client tax deductions, they're a trusted partner for contractors who want proactive financial management.
#5 Sarah Shaw CPA
A screenshot of the Sarah Shaw CPA website.
Sarah Shaw CPA is a leading expert in commercial construction accounting, serving clients primarily in Oregon. She takes a collaborative approach, involving your banker and surety to maximize bonding capacity and financial health. Her services include financial statement compilations, tax planning for long-term contracts, and profit fade analysis. If you're a contractor in the Pacific Northwest who values a personal, team-oriented advisor, Sarah Shaw is a top choice.
How to Pick the Right Construction CPA for Your Business
Start by looking at your revenue range and project complexity. If you're under $10M and need hands-on job costing, a smaller specialist like Massey and Company or Sarah Shaw might be the best fit. If you're scaling fast and want a full advisory suite, Aldrich or Haynie can handle multi-state operations and bonding. For contractors in the $1M–$50M range who want a dedicated CFO experience with real-time cash flow visibility, ACE CPAs offers a focused Construction CFO Suite. Always ask about their experience with your specific type of contracting—commercial, residential, or specialty trade—and whether they can integrate with your existing software like QuickBooks Online.
Automate Your Construction Financial Workflow
You can streamline your monthly close and cash flow tracking by connecting QuickBooks Online with a specialized CPA. First, set up job cost categories and classes in QBO. Then, have your CPA run monthly reconciliations and variance reports. Finally, use the 13-week cash flow forecast template they provide to update actuals weekly. This workflow keeps you ahead of cash gaps and gives your surety the bonding-ready reports they need.
Your Next Move: Match Your Needs to the Right Firm
Construction accounting is too important to leave to a generalist. Each of these five firms brings a unique angle, from multi-state powerhouses to niche specialists. If you want a dedicated construction CFO with a proven track record, ACE CPAs is a strong contender. For broader advisory and wealth services, Aldrich or Haynie might be your match. And if you prefer a smaller, hands-on team, Massey and Company or Sarah Shaw could be the perfect fit. Review their services, check their industry focus, and pick the one that aligns with your revenue, location, and growth goals.