Job costing and project control built for general contractors
Running multiple projects simultaneously demands real-time job cost visibility, tight progress claim management, and the ability to see your whole portfolio in one view. Xero and MYOB weren't built for this.
Why general contractors outgrow Xero and MYOB
Running 5+ projects at once means entry-level accounting tools can't keep up. By the time you spot a margin problem, it's too late.
No real-time job cost visibility
Without job-level P&L in real time, cost blowouts only become visible when it's too late to act. You're flying blind across multiple active projects.
Progress claims are slow and error-prone
Manually calculating claim amounts, reconciling against contract schedules, and chasing subcontractor claims creates delays, and mistakes that cost you money.
Subcontractor management is fragmented
Tracking subcontractor claims, retentions, SWMS compliance, and payment schedules across multiple subs on multiple projects is impossible without the right system.
Cash flow is hard to forecast
Without visibility into milestone dates, claim schedules, and committed costs across every project, accurate cash flow forecasting becomes guesswork.
No consolidated portfolio view
Xero gives you a company-level view but no project-level P&L. Getting a combined view of profitability across your portfolio requires hours of manual data extraction.
WHS and retention compliance gaps
Tracking security of payment obligations, TPAR reporting for subbies, and WHS documentation compliance manually creates risk, particularly as project scale increases.
The financial tools general contractors need
Sage Intacct delivers project accounting, cash flow management, and compliance automation designed for construction, not retrofitted from a general ledger.
Real-time job costing
Track labour, materials, plant, and subcontractor costs against your project budget in real time. Set variance thresholds and get automatic alerts before a job goes over budget.
Progress claim management
Generate progress claims automatically from milestone completions. Reconcile head-contract claims with subcontractor claims and manage variations in one workflow.
Subcontractor & retention management
Track subcontractor claims, retentions held, and release schedules across all projects. Automate TPAR reporting and manage security of payment obligations with confidence.
Portfolio P&L and reporting
See every project's profitability in a single dashboard. Drill from portfolio-level margin to individual cost lines in seconds, and generate client-ready project reports automatically.
Cash flow forecasting
Model cash inflows and outflows across your project schedule. Factor in claim dates, milestone payments, committed costs, and subcontractor payment obligations for an accurate 13-week forecast.
| Cost Category | Budget | Actual | Variance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour | $2.8M | $2.6M | +$0.2M |
| Subcontractors | $5.2M | $3.9M | +$1.3M |
| Materials | $1.8M | $2.1M | -$0.3M |
| Plant & Equipment | $0.6M | $0.4M | +$0.2M |
| Preliminaries | $0.5M | $0.5M | - |
| Milestone | % Complete | Claim Value |
|---|---|---|
| Structure, Level 5 | 100% | $380K |
| Façade, Zones 1-3 | 75% | $290K |
| Mechanical, Rough-in | 60% | $215K |
| Electrical, Rough-in | 55% | $195K |
| Variations (approved) | - | $160K |
| Subcontractor | Contract | Retention | TPAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Plumbing | $1.2M | $60K | Done |
| Elite Electrical | $980K | $49K | Done |
| Steel Fix Co | $760K | $38K | Done |
| Crane Masters | $540K | $27K | Pending |
| Week | Inflows | Outflows | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | $820K | $640K | +$180K |
| Week 2 | $340K | $520K | -$180K |
| Week 3 | $1.1M | $780K | +$320K |
| Week 4 | $280K | $490K | -$210K |
Built for general contracting at every scale
Whether you're delivering residential builds, large commercial projects, or mixed-use developments, Sage Intacct adapts to how you run your business.
Residential & Multi-Res
Manage house-and-land packages, townhouse developments, or apartment builds with stage-by-stage cost tracking, progress claim management, and defect rectification cost allocation.
Commercial Construction
Office towers, retail centres, industrial facilities, manage large commercial projects with complex contract structures, multiple subcontracts, and milestone-based billing.
Mixed-Use Development
Handle the financial complexity of residential, commercial, and retail components within a single development. Track costs, revenues, and margins at the component level.
Fit-Out & Refurbishment
Manage high-turnover fit-out and refurbishment projects with rapid job creation, quick cost allocation, and fast invoice generation to maximise cash flow on short-duration contracts.
Other construction & real estate industries
General contractors who build and maintain
Many general contractors operate beyond the build phase - running ongoing maintenance contracts, facility management, or field service programs alongside their construction work. Sage Intacct handles both sides.
Build it, maintain it. Know the true cost of doing both.
Service contracts, field technician billing and maintenance project WIP - all in one system, alongside your capital works.
Stop managing projects blind. Get real-time financial control.
Book a free 30-minute system review. We'll assess your current setup and show you exactly what Sage Intacct would change for your business.