Start with the same job reference
Use a consistent reference for customer billing, purchases and subcontractor costs. Agree how labour and shared costs are captured. Without that structure, comparing jobs becomes a manual exercise every time.
Look beyond invoices received
Materials may have been ordered and work completed before the invoice reaches finance. Bring known commitments and estimated remaining costs into the discussion, clearly labelled. Avoid counting the same cost as both an invoice and a commitment.
Keep changes visible
Track variations and changes separately until their status is clear. A hoped-for recovery is different from an agreed amount. The commercial and delivery teams need to explain what has been approved, disputed or still needs evidence.
Review cash alongside the job result
Expected profit does not pay this week’s suppliers. Review receipt dates, retentions, disputed amounts and the next payment run together. Use the customer payment terms and the actual status of the work.
Agree who handles CIS
CIS has specific obligations for businesses within the scheme. Establish who handles verification, deductions, records and returns where applicable. Do not assume these tasks are included simply because bookkeeping is included.
Where to start
Bring the budget, recorded costs, known commitments, remaining-work estimate and expected receipt dates to the same review. The value comes from resolving the differences between them.
Further reading: HMRC: Construction Industry Scheme guidance.